Although it's exhausting for parents to raise infants close in age (and particularly "single" parents), there are actually many benefits. The children are often as close as twins and develop very strong bonds. They make great playmates. In the early months, however, both will need all the care that babies require - it's important NOT to promote the older one to the status of "big girl/boy." You'll have two babies on your hands, so treat them as two babies (lots of pampering, cuddling, pacifiers or whatever). Think of the way you would have to handle twins. It will be similar, but easier, since the older one can learn to wait a bit. If your wife can hire a nanny for an extra pair of hands, that will be most helpful because the work of two babies is physically intensive - lots of holding, diaper changing, chasing and all that. The first few months after the new baby is born will be particularly important. But keep in mind that the little one won't be crawling around for several months and not walking for almost a year - so the older one will be closer to 3 before the fun really starts. There will be many months to get used to the two of them existing and your family will naturally "grow" into the expanded size. Don't worry - millions and billions have done this before you guys and everyone seems to survive it. More love comes along with each child and there will always be enough to go around. Don't try to give your older one "individual time" since that sets up a deprivation mentality. You don't have to have one-on-one time in order to experience love. Being in a love bubble altogether is even better!   Sarah Chana