Melissa Ben-Ishay, the creative force behind the delightful dessert brand Baked by Melissa, is eagerly anticipating the arrival of her second child this summer. Having turned her passion into a successful business after being let go from her advertising job in 2008, she’s now navigating the exciting yet daunting journey of expanding her family.
While the second pregnancy often comes with a sense of familiarity, Melissa finds herself grappling with new uncertainties, especially regarding her 2-year-old daughter, Mia. How will Mia react to the arrival of her baby sister? To prepare her for this big transition, Melissa and her husband have been engaging Mia in conversations about the baby in mommy’s belly since she was 12 weeks along. They’ve pointed at Melissa’s belly and celebrated the fact that Mia will soon be a big sister. It’s heartwarming to note that Mia has even astonished her daycare teacher by excitedly declaring “Mommy! Baby! Belly!” while showing off her own tummy.
To help Mia understand her new role, they’ve encouraged her to take care of her toy baby, aptly named “Baby.” She enjoys pushing Baby in her toy stroller and putting her down for naps, which Melissa hopes will translate to her caring for her real sister. The family is cherishing their last few weeks as a trio before welcoming the new addition, knowing that change, while challenging, can be wonderful.
In addition to nurturing Mia’s excitement, they’re taking practical steps to make the transition smoother. They’ve been using the stroller less, as Mia has taken to her scooter with confidence. Melissa is also optimistic about Mia being potty trained by the time the baby arrives—one less diaper to change! They’ve discussed moving Mia to a big girl bed, which are two major milestones they’re looking forward to.
At bedtime, Mia has a sweet ritual of kissing the baby goodnight and placing her hand on Melissa’s belly to feel the baby moving. While Melissa makes an effort to talk about the baby without letting it dominate their time together, she knows there’s plenty of time to bond as a family of four.
If you’re interested in learning more about preparing for a new sibling, check out this post on Modern Family Blog. And for anyone looking into at-home insemination options, don’t forget to check out Make a Mom, the leading provider of at-home insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re considering the journey of artificial insemination, this resource is a fantastic guide to what you can expect during the process.
In summary, Melissa Ben-Ishay is making thoughtful preparations for her second child while supporting her daughter Mia in embracing her new role as a big sister. They are balancing excitement with practical steps to ensure a smooth transition as their family grows.
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