Babies are being born just about every other week around here and it’s been going on for the last two months. It reminds me of when everyone around me was getting engaged or married; just a weird stage to be residing. I say that, and yet I’m due in two weeks! Ha! You catch my drift though, right? It’s just interesting when you realize it. If you’re sick of hearing about babies, then maybe you should just wait until tomorrow’s post “Today is BABY day!”
I have to say, I have been pretty fortunate as my pregnancies thus far have been very easy compared to some. The most “morning sickness” I get is a bit of nausea, but no puking (praise the Lord!). My biggest complaint is the heart burn from not eating, eating too much, eating spicy or carb-loaded foods, etc. Yes, I have had back pain this time around, but I have also gained more weight than I did with my first. At first, I couldn’t see how since this time around I am getting better sleep (not working night shift at the hospital and flipping back and forth between night and day) and I am eating better, but then I realized yesterday how when I was working, I wasn’t snacking all day long. These days if there is food on the counter, I will most likely eat it. It might not be at 10am when I first think about it, but by the time 3pm comes around I just have to have it. Ah well, I’ll be fine, yes? I hate to think that way, but it’s not like I am about to go start a diet while pregnant. Next pregnancy, I will just have to watch what I eat a little more closely (and keep sweets and baked goods off the kitchen counters).
One big change this time around is that I have a very active two year old who I have the privilege of chasing around no matter how I’m feeling. Up until probably last week, I was able to keep up pretty easily, but exhaustion has begun to set in. The belly is big, and mommy is starting to feel the strain. I am really hoping this baby doesn’t hold out to make his/her appearance until 41 weeks like baby #1 did. Being pregnant with baby number two definitely has made me aware of how important my time is with baby number one. Soon I will have my attention split between two kids and will be sleep deprived all over again so baby number one will most likely not see a very patient mommy for a few months. We have been trying to prepare her for the new arrival by calling the baby “our” baby, instead of “mommy’s baby” etc. She has gone to every checkup with me and helps the midwife check baby’s heartbeat. I tell her that it’s time to listen to baby, that baby is talking to us through the monitor and she absolutely loves it. Everyone has a baby in their tummy these days, according to Miss Lyla. But most of all we have tried to show her extra love and to cherish the little time we have left with just her. Life changed when we got married, when we had Lyla, and will change again with another baby, but I just want to make sure that she doesn’t feel over looked. She is our precious little Lyla, who opened our eyes to a whole new world of watching a tiny person grow into a talking little girl. It’s crazy how time flies, yes?
For those second time mommies-to-be out there, hang in there! You can do it! Listen to those who say “sleep when the baby sleeps” as the first and third trimesters really wipe you out. Learn to accept help, no matter what form it comes it (I am so awful about this!). Remember to take time for your significant other; he still needs some adult attention even though you are stuck in major baby brain now. He’s been through this before and knows that life will soon be crazy with little sleep and probably a grouchy momma, but he’s still here.
Make sure that no matter how you’re feeling, you are still sweet to your man. Remember to eat well for both your health and your baby’s. Exercise too! (I feel like I’m on a soap box…I think I will step down now…). I have found that prenatal yoga and walking in the lazy river at our aquatic center has really helped my back. Not only does it stretch/relax my muscles, but it also helps keep blood flowing. And if you still have back pain, consider getting a belly/back brace. I got once last week and love it! It fastens via velcro and is adjustable for how tight I need it to be. I don’t feel it in my back so much, but when I take it off, my belly feels so much heavier.
All in all, when you are pregnant with another kid (or two) running around, it definitely makes things a little harder. Just remember that this stage only lasts so long and in the end you will have another precious bundle to love on. Good luck with baby number two…or three….or four…which ever you’re on (my cousin over at The Marathon Mom just had her ninth!) and I’ll make sure and keep you updated on our little arrival.
Have any tips for the expectant momma’s out there? We love to hear ways to make life more comfortable especially as the bump grows!