Pregnancy The Second Time Around

Being pregnant the second time around is much less exciting. With Jack I knew exactly how many weeks and days I was into the pregnancy. I wrote down my blood pressure, current weight, pregnancy weight gain, belly measurement, and Jack's heart rate after every doctor's appointment. And I could have probably told you how many times I felt him move around throughout the day. My first pregnancy felt like it was never going to end, like Jack was never going to get here, but with good reason because he was a week late. The nine months were full of anticipation, excitement and plenty of nerves.

Everything seems to be quite the opposite this time around. I can't keep track of what week I'm on, I don't remember many, if any, of the stats from my last doctor appointment, and it seems like I just found out I was pregnant, not about to start my third trimester. The last 5 months have been a whirlwind for me and before I know it I'm going to have two little munchkins!

That thought, however, does provoke very similar feelings I had during my first pregnancy. I do get excited and wonder- Is he going to look like his big brother? What are we going to name him? Are he and Jack going to be best buds? What's his personality going to be like? I have been excited for this little guy to come, but there's lots of nerves this time around as well- How am I going to handle TWO?? Two under the age of two?!! What if this little guy has as much energy as Jack?! Will the recovery be as rough with this one?

Everyone says its much easier with two. But even if they are wrong, I know its possible. Its possible because of love. When I get tired of feeling the aches and pains of pregnancy and the frustrations and exhaustions of motherhood, Jack reminds me why its worth it. One glimpse of him finding the cat on each page of his favorite book and saying "meow" or doing his signature dance move when he hears music he likes, then I know I can do it. I can handle the sleepless nights, the meltdowns, the ligament and hip pains, the blow outs, the stretch marks, the picky eating, the labor and delivery, the protests, and the postpartum recovery. Its possible and its worth it because of love. I know I'm going to love this little guy just as much as I love Jack. He'll bring with him his own set of special skills to torment and frustrate me, but also an abundance of moments that melt my heart and fill me with indescribable joy.

For the record, and to help me remember...

I am 24 weeks and 3 days

Approx. 15 weeks and 4 days left.

Watching Jack Grow

Just the other night I came into the kitchen to find 13 month old Jack pushing his high chair (it has wheels on the legs) back and forth, along the our hardwood floors. When I watched him closer I realized he had become an expert high chair scooter-riding man! Jack would push it for a couple of steps and then put one of his feet on the horizontal bar that connects the back legs, then give himself a few more pushes with his other foot and then coast! I kept watching just to see if it was a coincidence, but I'm positive it wasn't. He did it 3 more times. This kid continues to impress me.

I'm sure its partly because I'm his mom and am in love with the kid, but Jack does seem to be really coordinated for his age. The distance he can throw a ball, right or left handed, nearly exceeds what I can do. The crazy bug loves to walk around the house kicking a ball too. And I'm definitely happy with his attempts to blow bubbles, kick his legs, and float on his back at the pool. We've got an athlete on our hands. Of course it thrills both of us and causes arguments about whether he's going to play baseball in the spring or run track or play soccer. Maybe he'll fool us both and play the tuba.

I have a feeling the Captain is going to be like his mamma. At least thats clear with his recent shoe fetish. He carries our shoes around the house all the time. He seems to have good taste because he always goes for our Nikes. I find shoes it places I would never expect. One early morning before leaving for work, Heath couldn't find his favorite shoes to wear. Later that morning I found them in Jack's dirty clothes basket covered with clothes. He has also become very proud of his own shoes and finally keeps them on his feet!

Shoe is one of 12 words Jack says with his own slight variation. Dad, Mom, ball, throw, cow, dog, mooo, meow, hot, no, and don't are the rest. I wish he didn't use the last two as much as he does. Our little bug is also very interested in pens and paper. If he can get a hold of one, he tries to hold it with the tips of his fingers and write with it. Soon I'll be saying good bye to my newly painted walls. Jack knows where other people's nose, eyes, lips, and ears are too. We're working on finding his own nose, but he really seems to like to grab everyone else's nose and bite Heath's for some reason.

I love watching my buddy grow and learn! He is full of curiosity, energy, and laughter. I picture him teaching his little bro all the ropes. If only he would eat potatoes, pasta, rice, chicken, hamburger, eggs, vegetables, beans....he would be just about perfect.