32 weeks!

Wow- I have now reached 32 weeks. On Monday February 22, it was just two months until the due date! I am hearing many comments regarding my growing tummy. A few weeks ago this upset me but currently I am basking in the glow of my tummy! He really likes to move, seems to love grape Jolly Ranchers, and is all about the rolling motions instead of the kicks. His most awake moments seem to be about 11am and 9pm. Andy has said that a few times he will be moving when I am fast asleep- but so far it has not disturbed my slumber. Every night as I fall asleep, I am thankful that there is a good chance I will sleep through the night (barring my darling daughter or any trips to the BR). I know these nights are numbered and soon I will forget what it feels like to sleep for more than 3-4 hours consecutively. Every Saturday morning I lay in bed, thankful that my daughter sleeps until 6:30-7, and once she does wake up, she can entertain herself until about 8 if I choose to stay in bed that long. My Saturday mornings are counting down! While pregnant with A., I was naively unprepared for those sleepless nights. I was amazed how my body just awoke and in the beginning I would literally pop out of bed to run to my child.

With A., I was not ready for the emotions that would come with bringing a child home- there was no button to push for a nurse to come running to help with any questions I had. I remember vividly my last moments at the hospital with A. Andy had gone to pick up the car and I was holding A. in my arms, waiting in my room. I looked down at her- noticing how fragile and innocent she was. It was then I realized a little more fully all the influence and responsibility I had. As parents, we were the ones who would mold her to become the young lady she would one day become. We were the ones who would care for her physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. It was quite overwhelming. I remember someone telling me that as parents, we probably make the most mistakes when they are babies- and thankfully at that age they are unaware of our errors. I know the teenage years are far in the future- but they do worry me. I guess I will enjoy the years and not stress about too far ahead.

I have so many unanswered questions about what it will be like to bring our son home. Will I become overwhelmed so easily this time? Will it be easier the second time, or will the challenge of already having one at home make transitioning the same or more difficult? I know in two months I will be holding our son in my arms and gazing at every detail on his tiny face- his nose, his eyelashes, his mouth... I am sure I will again be struck with the realization that God has trusted Andy and I to raise this son- to teach our boy about Him, about how to care for others, and how to make it through all the obstacles that he will experience throughout life. It is a scary yet awesome task- and I am thankful for the opportunity.

This picture was actually supposed to have more than just her eyes and nose- but I loved the crinkle look and expression on her face.

Mommy and A. letting Brother know we love him.