Running a Baby Farm

There is a big difference when preparing for baby #3 compared to baby #1. With baby #1, you need everything. Even all of those fancy new gadgets, you need it all. Everything catches your eye when you go shopping, you comparison shop everything and read and research everything you can. The nursery is complete and ready for baby by the time you hit 21 weeks- a week after you find out gender of baby. Baby #2, you read those magazines at the doctors office, you drag out your old stuff thinking you need some new. You go out and buy stuff without researching every bit about the stuff, and are happy with your decisions. You do not buy all the fancy gadgets, but maybe one thing, maybe upgrade a few of your items, and are happy with what you have. You get the nursery set up for the most part- not really worrying about it a week before you have baby. Baby #3, you make a list of what you need to replace and that list is not very long at all because you still have most of the baby stuff left from #1 & #2. You don't plan on the baby's nursery even being done up because they will spend the first two months with you in your room, so what's the point of getting it ready to sit. The changing table stays in your #2's room, since he is still in diapers, just rearrange the diaper basket organizer and you're set.

It is soo funny how excited and anxious I was when I was pregnant with Hayleigh to now. I pretty much know what is coming now, compared to my first time of reading about the changes in pregnancy and celebrating every mile marker. I am ready to get to where we feel kicks, and hiccups, but I know once those start, they will be over soon after and I will start being uncomfortable- especially while trying to sleep.

I'm not really worried about how the kids will adjust this time around- since yes, there will be two other kids at home to bring the baby home to. I'm not expecting them to be excited, or really know what is going on, but I know Hayleigh will have a better grasp this time around. I kind of dread taking both of them to the doctors office this time- Hayleigh was kind of hard when I was pregnant with Reid, but I'm pretty used to it now. I was talking to Allen about this last night, should we take the kids with us to our first baby appointment, or not. We decided to go ahead and take them with us. Even though they probably will not pay attention to what is going on, we will be videoing the appointment, and I want our whole family to be there. This is now the way our lives are- chaotic at times but full of life. Five years ago, all I wanted was this- having a house full of noise, laughter, and to just be a mom most of all. Here we are now with a house that looks like a tornado hits it every day- I clean it up at least three times through the day, there is usually screaming, crying, but most of all laughter coming from two little kids that are having so much fun playing together. There are also lots of snuggles on the couch, and requests to hug me tighter with I love yous. Even though it does get quite crazy and loud here, I really would not trade it for anything and I know it will get even louder in less than nine months now.

The only thing different this pregnancy so far is my hormones.... OMG! It feels like you could flip a switch and I can change moods like that. I don't remember being this emotional or moody with either Hayleigh or Reid, but I'm sure I was to a degree. So I try to do things that help lighten that mood up whenever I can. For example, I sit here now, elbow deep in baby clothes from both Hayleigh and Reid, sorting through newborn stuff, organizing it all. I dug out Hayleigh's white knit baby sweater that had some stains pop up, and I have it treating now. Luckily for me, I couldn't bare to part with my maternity clothes, so out they came last night, and got a good washing. Going through those things makes me giddy and happy. The pregnancy books and DVDs also made their way back out as well, welcomed back like an old friend. They are nice to watch and read to more of reminisce and make my mood lighter, rather than  to learn anything new. The only other thing I have managed to get out of the garage is my Grandma's bassinet. That bassinet was the same one I borrowed from my Grandma when Hayleigh was born. It was a tradition among the grand-daughters to use it for their new babies. Grandma passed before Reid was born, so the bassinet was put into her estate sale after he was born so I didn't get to use it for him. I managed to make sure I was there when they were auctioning off the bassinet and got not only a great deal on something so precious to a lot of my family, but a heirloom I was hoping to pass onto Hayleigh and Reid to use someday. Now, I'm lucky enough to get to use it one more time, and I cannot tell you just how happy that makes me to know a part of my Grandma will be here with us for this baby as well. With that bassinet I can see Grandma beaming about another baby on the way- Grandma loved babies so much and they loved her. Babies were always calm and happy when my Grandma held them- myself included that would NOT let anyone hold them unless they were my Mom or my Grandma.  So, I guess I get a sense of calm when I see that bassinet because of Grandma even though she is no longer with us, a part of her is here with me- all the way out here with us.