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!