I am 34+ weeks and going through a slight bout of shock that this is all happening fairly soon. I keep thinking that we have all the time in the world to get things together, then I look at the calendar and realize that I can start stressing out now.
It’s funny how we were so over prepared for Shmoo’s arrival months in advance. We are now weeks away from Shmoo’s baby brother gracing us with his presence and we have done pretty much nothing.
To be fair, Lo was on bedrest with Shmoo, so we had this thing hanging over our head that he could arrive any day. We had the room painted, crib set up, clothes ready, bassinet ready, car seat installed, etc. probably 2 months before he arrived. Now, we are potentially 5 weeks away and we have done…well….nothing.
That’s not totally true. This weekend, we did take a bag of clothes out of the attic with some newborn and 0-3 stuff. I want to move a bookshelf in Shmoo’s room, bring down the changing table and the bassinet and get the car seat from our friend that borrowed it. I am determined to do that this upcoming weekend. We’ll see.
It doesn’t mean that we’re not as excited for this child, right? We’re just slightly preoccupied?
I go through a daily ritual at work lately where I sit down and look at all of the files in my office, fully aware of the fact that I need to draft summaries of everything for whatever unfortunate soul in the firm will get my chaos when I go into labor. Then, I feel overwhelmed and find something else to work on, avoiding the inevitable. The next 2-3 weeks at work are going to be harried. Oh well.
I’m trying to keep my stress levels low but work is stretching the limits of my patience. Then, we have other issues going on:
1. Kaden’s surgery will be coming up in 2 weeks
2. We’re trying to refinance to help ourselves out financially and are currently anxiously awaiting the appraisal results to find out if our last option is really even an option
3. My parents are going through some financial stress that has put my brother and I in gear to try to help them sort things out, including moving some bodies around to make things work (long story)
4. My mother and I have switched cars back (a product of their financial pressure) leaving us with a car payment again that we haven’t had in over 18 months
5. We’ve given up all hope of getting Lo’s parents to come around and speak to her brother (and his family, including grandchildren) again. It’s becoming bad.
6. My mother and Lo’s sister-in-law are throwing a small baby shower (sprinkle) for us (even though we really don’t need anything) and Lo’s mother won’t attend since she has issues with at least one or two people who are invited. (At least Lo’s extended family will get to attend this one unlike the Shmoo’s shower which was another family issue made possible by, yet again, my mother-in-law)
The good news is that if the refi goes through and I cancel my XM radio (along with eliminating another monthly expense), Lo is letting me get an i.Phone for being such a good baby cooker. We’re both currently using cell phones that are both so antiquated and on their way out that I can only seem to charge mine in the car (and it doesn’t have Bluetooth or a camera in it) and Lo only can charge hers at home. Both phones lose battery power after about 3 calls and we’ve been too cheap to buy new batteries knowing that we’d replace them soon.
Phew.
That’s what’s new with us. Is it enough?
I will update on the Shmoo as soon as possible.
And because I made you all sit through reading all of that crap, here’s the ever important belly shot…
Me at 34 weeks!
Stacey said,
October 20, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I can’t believe you’re so close! I’m very excited to see the little guy.
Good luck with the refinancing. Having kids is financially demanding/draining. But worth it.
Sorry about the family drama and family financial crisis.
CJ said,
October 20, 2009 at 4:49 pm
They say with the first one, you drop the pacifier and boil it before giving it back to the baby. With the second? You stick it in your mouth to “clean” it. The third? Just have the dog bring it back!
It’s not about being less excited, just more experience!
Great picture!
meg said,
October 20, 2009 at 6:00 pm
oh my you are getting so very close. i can’t wait to see that little guy. Thank you for the sweet comments on my blog about Austin. Oh how I would love to get him and Shmoo together for a playdate!
Shannon said,
October 20, 2009 at 6:14 pm
We were the same before Ian’s arrival… totally unprepared until the end. And I also remember being kind of in denial about the whole thing, because when you already have a toddler, you don’t have nearly as much time to obsess with those happy pregnancy thoughts like you did with the first. It was more like, every few days, I’d get excited and go, “We’re having a baby!” And then I’d forget again. LOL.
Can’t wait to see your new little guy. Have you decided on a name yet?
KJ and the Kids said,
October 20, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Look at that belly…and those boobs. Great job !
I hope you enjoy your sprinkle and be happy that it will be one person free of drama that night !
merr said,
October 20, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Getting so close now!! I can’t wait to meet the schmibling!!
amy said,
October 20, 2009 at 11:34 pm
how in the world did time fly by so quickly? i can’t believe you guys are so close!!
welcome2ourworld said,
October 21, 2009 at 11:41 am
Wow, there are a lot of things going on right now. I wouldn’t worry about having everything ready for baby boy # 2. This baby only needs one thing: a loving family. And that he already has
Sarah said,
October 21, 2009 at 3:39 pm
You….. look…….. Marvelous!! You really do!!!
Your life sounds pretty crazy right now, but I suppose that will help baby boy just slide into your lives with ease, right? Is Schmoo getting excited about the baby?
Sending good wishes from IL.
denise said,
October 22, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Hey great belly pic. Thanx! I bguess I will have to create another blog damnitt since i can’t access either of mine. Double damn!
What are you gonna name the little guy?
BTW>>>> I finally have internet and cable for the first time in months, and I will do an update on me very soon.
Denise
Jess said,
October 22, 2009 at 9:23 pm
We had the same problem with Layne. We were totally unprepared despite plenty of warning from our OB that she could come at anytime once Mere went on bedrest. We did manage to have a crib and bassinet ready for her before delivery but that was about it. Poor 2nd baby. Good thing she is so stinking cute and sweet!!!!
ELLIE said,
October 22, 2009 at 9:44 pm
you sound busy and anxious and very preoccupied and happy – all things will come together – do not worry – take a day out for yourselves just to chill and relax before the baby comes – you all need it – love the pics – take care of you!!!
joanie said,
October 24, 2009 at 1:37 pm
congrats, babycooker!
glad you are feeling well. make sure to take some time for yourself. things can reqally get ahead of you, and before you know it, you’re totally exhausted and completely done.
take care, mama.
joanie
ajs4ever said,
October 25, 2009 at 2:21 pm
You look great! I can’t wait to see pics of the new addition! Hang in there:)