I am on the 36th week of this pregnancy. I am carrying this baby so low that hardly anyone believes me when I tell them I still have 4 weeks to go (at least until my estimated due date). But here we are, believing that at least I will stay pregnant until Saturday that my mom comes home (coincidentally, Mom L. will be back that weekend too). Based on my previous pregnancies, I am not expecting to go before my due date, but it wouldn't hurt to be prepared just in case this would be an early arrival.
So in getting ready I have tons of things in my mind. Lists of things I'd like to accomplish before the baby comes, how I want to approach Holiday shopping when I have no budget for it right now (our budget was cleaned out by an unexpected car repair), how I want to foresee entertainment for the girls while we're in the hospital (they will at least visit one day and it will probably be for a few hours, so the better prepared we are the better), etc. All of this while being as absent minded as ever! I keep forgetting what I went into rooms for, leaving food that I intended to reheat (and eat) in the microwave until the next day, and as soon as I am full of energy and feel as though I will conquer the world, I realize how unrealistic that attempt was or a nerve on my leg will get pinched and I won't be able to move for the next while.
Then there is the overall preparation to receive this next little person and make the necessary adjustments as our family grows and hosts another little family at the same time.
I've heard people say that the hardest transition is from one to two babies, others claim that it is from two to three because at this point there are more children than adults in the clan. Going from one to two proved to be quite challenging for us, so I wonder... how do we handle this one? Any advice, seasoned Moms out there?
So in getting ready I have tons of things in my mind. Lists of things I'd like to accomplish before the baby comes, how I want to approach Holiday shopping when I have no budget for it right now (our budget was cleaned out by an unexpected car repair), how I want to foresee entertainment for the girls while we're in the hospital (they will at least visit one day and it will probably be for a few hours, so the better prepared we are the better), etc. All of this while being as absent minded as ever! I keep forgetting what I went into rooms for, leaving food that I intended to reheat (and eat) in the microwave until the next day, and as soon as I am full of energy and feel as though I will conquer the world, I realize how unrealistic that attempt was or a nerve on my leg will get pinched and I won't be able to move for the next while.
Then there is the overall preparation to receive this next little person and make the necessary adjustments as our family grows and hosts another little family at the same time.
I've heard people say that the hardest transition is from one to two babies, others claim that it is from two to three because at this point there are more children than adults in the clan. Going from one to two proved to be quite challenging for us, so I wonder... how do we handle this one? Any advice, seasoned Moms out there?
6 comments:
Hi Aunt Keila! I just wanted tosay that I would be happy to entertain the girls while you are... busy... I just will have to be back from Mexico otherwise I won't be of much help will I? (giggle)
Well Love you!
I have found that each time I have a baby I see my other children as much bigger, much older, much more capable than I thought them to be before the baby. It's perspective, I believe...compared to such a helpless little one, the older ones seem so..helpful. Elena and Adriana will be your little helpers,and will feel such pride in that. Allowing yourself a season to slow down will also help in the transition. Let life swirl around you and the little ones for a while so you can acclimate. Before you know it 3 will seem doable and you'll be ready for #4! :>) And I'll be glad to have Elena and Adriana over to play here and there to give you some time to rest! xo
I think one thing that I really have had to implement more and more with the birth of each child is the idea of living a home-centered life. There is such a pull to be out and about a lot-- so many good things and activities to contribute to and participate in-- but the cost of such a lifestyle increases as you add little ones. My days and weeks have become much simpler as I realize how many more hours per week I have to be home in order to stay on top of the house, the clothes, the food, the children's emotional needs, etc. I think this lesson was especially hard for me because I'd been so accustomed to being at every church function, being the first to volunteer whenever there was a need for workers, etc. and it still is challenging at times to remember that I'm not just saying "no" to those other things but that I'm saying "yes" to my husband, children, and the people who come into our home and are provided with a peaceful and orderly atmosphere.
God will give you and Ben all the wisdom you need to navigate this next season! Don't be afraid to ask Him what He is requiring of YOU-- don't compare your ability to juggle or manage things with anyone else, but simply come before Him and ask Him to help you know what He wants.
P.S. The transition from 2-3 was much simpler than 1-2 for me. I know this is opposite of what many say, but I just thought I'd mention it to give you hope that this transition may not be quite as major as the last one! Love you!
Transitions are handled differently by everyone, which means your little family is unique and will respond uniquely. I think it depends on what God is working on when, if you know what I mean;)
For me hitting four was a major change and once I had put into place the essential disciplines to handle that many, it didn't seem to matter how many I had! So if it was 1 to 2, you may have learned what you needed. If it is 2 to 3, that may be what you needed. I think I was a slow learner, otherwise known as hard-headed and strong-willed. That's why it took me a little longer! And I think Bri's advice about being home-centered is pretty true. Not to the total exclusion of other things, of course, but it may feel imbalanced at first.
Love you -- can't wait to hear the good news!
laugh...a lot!
I love you and will be praying for your transition! Whatever I can do, let me know.
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