I don’t think there is a sure way to prepare a two year old for the birth of a sibling. We’ve certainly been talking up baby NiNi (as k refers to him) more these past couple of weeks so it is not a complete shock when we come home with a newborn. k has become obssessed with playing with her “baby Abby” that we bought her for Christmas. She is also very interested in the crib, playpen, and bouncer seat that we have for baby N. Trying to explain that she is too big for these things is difficult since they appear to be so fun to her. k also likes to pretend that she is a baby. She does not seem to be convinced that it is more fun to be a “big girl”.
One positive development is that k is pretty much potty-trained during her waking hours now. I was hoping this would happen before the baby came so we weren’t constantly changing diapers. However, between k’s trips to the bathroom, and mine, these last few weeks of pregnancy, we’re spending a LOT of time there.
I am also happy to report that I have made significant progress in cleaning out our bedroom. It is amazing how a decluttered space can have such a positive effect on your psyche.