Preparations

Well, I think we're about as prepared for this baby as can be. We have all the "gear" from last time. Half of it we didn't use with Kian and I don't believe we'll use this time either, but I could be wrong. We used the swing exactly 4 times with Kian and the exersaucer about the same. He was just as content to sit with us or to play on the floor, and slept just fine in his bassinet or crib so we didn't employ many devices to assist us. But, this baby may have the complete opposite personality than Kian- "like cheese and chalk" my Irish client told me. That made me giggle, and I loved hearing his accent saying it.

Our pack-n-play was recalled from Kian so we returned the pieces of it and bought a new one. This one is slightly smaller, but is easier to push around from room to room and fits through doorways, which is a plus. The clothes are washed and in the dresser. The diapers are stocked. The bags are packed. The bedding is all prepared, on the bed and in the bassinet. Lists are made and checked off.

I need to install the carseat in the van and make sure it fits next to Kian's properly. That's about the only thing I can think of to physically do before he arrives. Everything else is purely emotional and mental preparation. We've tried to get Kian as prepared as he can be. He is in love with 'baby brother' in my belly: reads to him, tries to feed him, gives him his animals, etc. Tells me what baby brother likes and doesn't like, talks and sings to him; yesterday he finally fell asleep for a nap after I laid down with him and he had to have his arm around baby brother and sleep with him he told me. He cups his hands under my belly and tells me he's "holding my baby brother". TOO cute!

But, as for having a "real" crying, needy baby in the house? We'll see. Not to dampen his enthusiasm but for every thing he says about baby brother I tell him that he will cry, will need mommy to hold him, change his diaper, etc. We'll see how much of it sinks in! But, he has been practicing holding Rocky "like hold baby brother". The cat puts up with is, which is great.

Kevin's getting that anxious, nervous, freak out period again, just like right before Kian was born. He's short tempered, irritable. You know, the male version of PMS. I think the thought of 2 is throwing him and he's afraid we'll never have a single second of peace and quiet, or alone time again. Which we know isn't true, and I tried to tell him that. He'll get over it as soon as the baby is born, just like last time. And he's just so thrilled that we're having another boy, I think he'll be over the moon. I tell him to shush as he is not the one who has to do all the work to get this baby out anyway!

But, I'd better go check my list just one more time...