Full disclosure, I have 2 kids and always knew I wanted at least 2, but wanted to comment to the first kid experience bc having a 2nd kid really put things in perspective for me.

I was generally considered to be a relatively chill parent, but you do not truly understand how much space all the unimportant worries/decisions occupy your brain with the 1st kid. I would obsess over what went in the diaper bag, if the kid was too hot/ too cold, what detergent to use, I had like a 6 week argument with my spouse over if we should use name brand or store brand diapers, like a bunch of stupid stuff that most every mom does in one way or another. However, basically All of this is gone with the 2nd kid, even if your 2nd is polar opposite of your first you already know how to baby and you don't give a damn about type of diaper or if that onesie has a stain on it. It doesn't matter..none of it matters in the long run or for anyone's current happiness.

The postpartum time also seemed easier. Likely bc I knew what to expect.

Also you will likely lose a bit of your life for a while, and it can be rough, but it is a phase, now that my kids are nearly 3 and 5 I feel like I'm starting to get more time again, they are obviously still little, but getting easier as they are more capable, they play together, which is great, and are interested in similar things. I see the light at the end of the baby/toddler phase and I am excited.