... And Baby Makes 4!

That's right, on or around July 26, Leah will be a big sister!

I think I've already told most of the people that read this blog, so I hope it's not a surprise to anyone! (We have not yet told people at our church, so if you happen to go with us, keep it on the down-low-- that's mine & Brett's job, and they don't need to know yet.) We are so excited about our growing family! This baby is much anticipated and well-planned-for. We found out November 23rd, the Monday before Thanksgiving. I took a test without Brett's knowledge, completely not expecting it to be positive. I even put it away in the cupboard for awhile before I went back & decided to look at it. I was completely shocked, just like the 1st time around!

I know, though, that everything will be different this time. Already, the pregnancy seems much less important than the actual baby himself. (I don't know that it's a boy, it's just better than saying "it.") I don't have as much time to focus on myself as the 1st time, because now there's a toddler in the picture. I won't have as much time to rest. I know I won't have time to document every step of the journey-- that's why I'm grateful to at least have this blog. I know much more what to expect this time around, too.

I haven't really been sick much-- just a constant underlying feeling like I'm hungry, yet nothing sounds good to eat. I get nauseous every once in awhile, but its not really bad at all. And, just like with Leah, I'm craving fried and starchy foods. I want peanut butter toast every night. Or a biscuit. Since we're still keeping it a secret in most circles, sometimes its a little hard to feel that this is all real. Of course, that blinking dot on the ultrasound last Friday helped a lot!

My biggest concerns now are mostly adjusting to a new newborn in the house. I'm not at all sure how Leah will handle it. We've been practicing holding her baby dolls and being sweet to them and feeding them bottles. I haven't really been talking to her about it much yet, because 9 months is a long time for her to wait, and she'll understand better in a few months. She's grown so acccustomed to having all our attention; now she will have to get used to someone else in the picture. We'll have to create a schedule where I can get some sort of sleeping into my day. Then there's the whole breastfeeding issue to deal with again. I fully intend to give it a try all over again, hopefully even longer this time. Even if it means I don't leave the house for the first 4 weeks after he/she comes home. I'm dedicated to succeeding this time. Leaving the house with 2 kids is a little intimidating to think about, anyway. There will be 2 car seats, 2 sizes of diapers, 2 times the stuff. I intend to make the baby sling or backpack carrier my best friend for the new baby. I know I have plenty more time to prepare for these things, and I'm looking forward to the adventure!