life doesn't stop and wait like it did with the first...

[MamaRue]

Hi all,
Just having the realization that life is not going to stop and wait for this baby to be born! With my first it was like time stood still and all we needed to think about was preparing for the baby and making the space for the labor/birth, etc. Now, with a 4 year old and a busy household, I am realizing that things are oh so different!

We have all been sick with a bad cold/flu on and off for the last few weeks...there is a lot to do around the house, our son is very spirited little guy who requires a ton of time/energy, etc. My "guess" date was Sunday and yesterday I was having some pretty strong cramping/contractions and thought it was most certainly the beginning of something that probably wouldn't let up until the baby arrived! But sure enough...around midnight our son was up sick with a bad cough/asthma needing Mama snuggles and everything kind of stopped on the labor front and this morning I feel all normal again (well anyway...10 months pregnant and waddling around "normal"!).

I am a birth doula and I have always told my clients "when you are ready, the baby will know, and when the baby is ready, you will know" blah blah blah. I guess I am now hoping that was all a load of hogwash!!!!! Because life is just not gonna stand still for this little one...it is going to have to just join the ride when he/she is ready!

In the meantime...the house is messy, but ready. All the birth supplies are together in a pile and the tub is ready to go. I have worked through my anxieties/fears the best that I can, my husband and son are excited, etc. So internally I think we are as ready as we ever will be to welcome the baby...it is just those tricky life logistics that are darn interesting the second time around!

Does anyone else working on their second, third, etc baby know what I mean?

Thanks for hearing me out!!! In the meantime it is fun to hear all the birth announcements that are trickling in. I am sure I will be among them soon enough!

Hope everyone is well,
Sarah

[MamatoPeach]

Yes, I had my house in mint condition. Clean, picked up, organized. Not so much this time. Its impossible. I totally get what you are saying.

[kawa kamuri]

a new baby is always precious but as far as i can tell births and deaths happen and life moves along.

it's been a long time since i was a first time mom, almost fifteen years ago, so it's difficult for me to even remember what it was like to go from none to one. in my life laundry needs to be done, floors mopped, stories read and one day the new baby is born and laundry needs to be done, floors mopped, stories read.

[Contrariety]

Last time my job was to sit and watch TV until DS was born. I took off from my full time job a month early and just hung out for weeks.

This time I have DS to contend with, who is a mess making tornado not to mention almost three year old with an attitude to suit. I also WAH, and pretty much have to work until babe comes (and only get three-ish weeks off after...). DH is in school full time and works full time and can only be so helpful when he isn't exhausted himself. It is a bummer.

[StephM76]

Yes! When expecting my first, it was like the world stood still for the 2 weeks before my due date. Everything and everyone just focused on the baby coming. Now, its just do laundry, cook, clean, take the kids to school, and time isn't stopping. It just feels like ok have the baby one day, then back to the routine