Momma says...

<p>Today my mom told me, "Don't waste your time in guilt. Its a trick of the Devil." </p>
<p>She was telling me that because I was feeling guilt for how much Langston has been sick over the past several months. I tend to compare myself to other mothers, which is another trick of Satan. What I have to realize is that kids get sick for all sorts of reasons, mainly because they are kids and they are slowly or quickly exposed to germs, and most germs are brand new to them!

I say all that to say, I come from a line of strong, wise women. My Granny B and GG have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are so willing to share and most of the time it comes from out of nowhere. And I have aunts that show such love and kindness with their children and grandchildren.

Included in that line is the woman who has had the most influence on me, and now I call my best friend. My mother. Wise, tactful, kind, loving. Yes, I know she had to go through all these lessons too, but when you're the child, you don't know the mother is just figuring it all out. I always say this, but it's because I really believe it to be true, she has all the answers. The answers may not be what I want to hear, but she has them. She reads the Bible faithfully and her answers are founded in the Scripture. Her life experiences and striving for more education give her that much more!

I want to be like her when I grow up. I want to know what to say to my kids when they ask questions or feel guilty or want to know how to treat others or deal with a certain situation.

Its appropriate that her birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year because I may be more thankful for her and all that momma says than ever!

Nearing the end...

As you all know, I am expecting Baby Smith #2 (aka Lakyn Blythe) the first week of January.  That means I cannot see my feet anymore, but I can see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

I am currently at 31 weeks, 2 days and fully into my third tri-mester.  Here are some thoughts on being pregnant a second time and nearing the end....

 

1. My second pregnancy has flown by!  I've even lost count a few times on what week I'm at.  I remember sitting and holding the test with the words "PREGNANT" glaring at me like it was yesterday. The most obvious reason it has seemed so quick is how busy our little family is.  From June till the end of October my focus has been on keeping up with a toddler and coaching high school volleyball (oh yeah, and working and keeping up with the household duties as best I could). 
2. I am not as well prepared for this little girl's arrival.  We don't have a crib yet (mainly because we are still trying to decide if she will use Langston's and he will move to a toddler bed, or not). Also, I know she will be fine in a bassinet for the first 3-4 months.  We haven't moved Langston into his new room, which means we haven't set up his current room as the nursery for her.  I don't have a stocked pile of diapers and wipes.  I don't have a lot of things. Thankfully, many wonderful friends and family members have handed down their girls' clothes, so we have PLENTY of those for at least the first 6 months of her life!

   
3. Physically, being pregnant a 2nd time hasn't been extremely different for me.  I got bigger earlier but have gained about the same amount of weight.  I was sick just like last time.  I failed my first glucose test and passed the 3 hour just like last time.  The really big difference is having to rush to the bathroom a lot more!  I don't know if it's because those muscles are weaker from the first pregnancy or where Baby Girl is sitting/hitting/kicking, but going to the bathroom 3-4 times a night is not fun!
4. Having a baby is ALWAYS a blessing!  However, I will say, our timing kinda stunk with this one!  Holidays being right before, during, or right after your due date is not "convenient."  Your families and friends are busier. Money is tighter. And when you're a teacher, you're maternity leave does not fall right before an extended break (like summer did with Langston). And, I keep thinking how she will have Christmas and her birthday back to back, and I don't know how much fun that is for a little kid.

   
5. Going through a first pregnancy is definitely a learning curve, which helps you in your second pregnacy because not EVERYTHING is unknown.  But, something that still is unknown (in a way) is how your delivery will go.  I still find myself getting nervous or anxious about labor and delivery.  I still think about the pain and discomfort.  I think about how the healing process will go.  I pray that our little baby will be delivered safely and will be just as healthy as we expect her to be. With Langston, the delivery was such a positive, life-changing experience, and I want the same with this one as well.

 

 

So, our little family is growing by the day!  I know I am looking forward to seeing how the dynamic changes with our new addition.  I know Jeremy will be wrapped around Lakyn's finger from minute 1.  I am certain Langston will fill his role as an older brother as well as any little boy can!  I grew up with all sisters, so I'm excited to see the brother/sister dynamic play itself out.  All the worries I could have about a new schedule, managing two instead of one, etc, etc, I know will subside as soon as she's here.  I think you just figure it out!