I’ve always been big into countdowns. When I was younger, I used to decorate my planner with countdowns for everything—prom, midterms, holidays, vacations. If there was an exciting event in the not-so-distant future, I could tell you how many months, weeks and days were left until the big day.
I still find myself counting down these days. We took a big vacation this summer—let’s call it a baby moon plus one—and every morning when my daughter woke up, I’d say, “[Insert number] days left until we’re going to fly on an airplane!” But while that countdown was fueled by lots of excitement, there’s another big, life-changing countdown happening right now, and the anticipation is being overshadowed by a whole lot of anxiety. Six weeks left until baby #2.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s not that I’m not excited to meet this little guy who’s been practicing his dance moves in my belly nonstop for the past month. It’s just that it feels like the stakes are so much higher this time around. There are more things to accomplish and less time to finish them. There are major changes happening in our house, and they’re a little bit panic-inducing for someone who doesn’t always like change. Above all, there’s an awfully sweet two-year-old girl along for the ride who demands—and deserves—all the hugs and kisses and love I have to give. And I fully intend to soak up these precious moments with my girl while we’re still just that—me and my girl.
I tend to be overly dramatic when I’m feeling overwhelmed, and when I gave the Project Nursery team a bump update, I think my exact words were, “I’m totally freaking out!” It’s a good thing that my audience for that Oscar-worthy performance was full of inspiring mamas who have all been in my eight-months-pregnant shoes because I got some pretty amazing words of comfort and wisdom. “I can tell you that it will all be great. Your heart stretches, and you won’t be able to believe that baby #2 wasn’t always part of your family.” Sometimes we’re lucky enough to hear exactly the right words at exactly the right time.
Any other soon-to-be mamas-of-two out there? How are you handling the countdown to baby #2?
Comments
Beth_PN
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Danimal
I’m right there with you waiting for #2. Have 4 weeks left to go and feeling completely overwhelmed and behind in everything and in control of nothing! To top of it off, my husband and I have decided to do crazy things like schedule hardwood floors to be put in our upstairs the week before my scheduled csection. And here I am on PN trying to find paint for a baby boy room. So you’re in good (crazy?) company. ;)
Bonnie H.
I’m only half way there to meeting my 2nd baby girl and I’ve already had numerous break downs. Mostly about how is my darling 2 year old going to handle all this change?! Maybe it’s really me that isn’t ready for all this change. I feel very overwhelmed already. Glad to know it’s not just me….I was starting to thing I was a horrible mommy for having these concerns and breakdowns.
Courtney
@Danimal, sounds like you’re a girl after my own heart! Project after project after project with no end in sight, yet a very big, important deadline looming. My husband is currently drywalling a bathroom and building a deck… not only are we expecting in less than a month (how about a nursery?), but we live in Upstate NY where it sometimes snows in September! Perfect timing, right?! It’s a relief to know that I’m not alone in my craziness! Best of luck with your new baby boy and the transition to a family of four!
Courtney
@Bonnie H., I know exactly how you feel. I have moments of excitement about baby #2, but more often than not, I’m consumed by thoughts of how my sweet daughter will handle the transition. I think you were spot on when you said, “Maybe it’s really me that isn’t ready…” I just keep reminding myself that it may be rough at first, but giving my daughter a sibling is the greatest gift of all. She is going to be a wonderful big sister, and I’m sure your daughter will be too. Good luck, mama!