Hey, Happy New Year, right?!
I
haven't written in a while and it's a fact that the longer you go
without writing, the harder it is to start writing again. It gets too
overwhelming, you know?
Where do you even start?
We
have finally settled into that happy and very boring stage of life, the
stage after the last major transition and before the next...the next
being the arrival of Baby Girl #2 in June, which we are ridiculously
excited about.
Pregnancy
#2 has thus far been characterized as "more" of everything. More
excitement, more hormonal tears, more morning sickness (so much more),
more whining (less wine-ing, which is just as disappointing as round 1),
more aches and pains, more eager anticipation, more dreaming about what
she'll be like and who she'll look like (Zach. Always Zach) and what
life will be like when she arrives, and way, way more Chex mix. If you
knew how many batches of Chex mix I've made since Christmas...you would
be mortified. Or I would be mortified. Either way, I'm sure my sodium
level is fine. And just think of all of those fortified vitamins and
minerals courtesy of General Mills this little baby is getting.
Also,
I drive a minivan now. I am equal parts embarrassed and thrilled about
this recent life event; the transition to minivan mom. Embarrassed
because oh my gosh, it's a minivan. There's just no getting around that.
There is no cool factor, there is no denial. It screams "mom". I am one
step away from bumper stickers and stick-family decals (but no, never.
Never ever.) But thrilled because it is SO FUNCTIONAL. I no longer have
to contort my body to get Zoe in and out of her car seat (or worry about
hitting her/my head in the process. So many head injuries...). I no
longer have to worry about space because we can cram so much in there
that it's downright exhilarating. Do we need to bring Zoe's wagon for an
overnight trip to Atlanta? No way. BUT IT FITS! Stick it in there. And
maybe a few other things just because we can. Zach, go grab the rocking
chair. It's just nice to have in case we decide we want to sit in a
chair and rock. Also, the doors on the van. They are automatic. The
trunk is automatic. I just push buttons and things happen. This is
basically all I want out of life...to push a button and things will
happen. This is everything.
But
anyways, between the kids (whoa, plural) and our giant dog, the van
just makes sense. I will drive it until I'm old and grey. So, for like,
what? 5 years?
Wait,
I just need to say one more thing about pregnancy #2. Everyone will
tell you that your belly pops out sooner, that you grow faster, that
you're obviously pregnant earlier with each subsequent pregnancy after
the first. It's like your body goes "Oh yeah, I did this before. WATCH
ME DO IT BETTER, FASTER, BIGGER THIS TIME." I heard all of this and
acknowledged it as universal truth, but I did not fully grasp it until
here I am at 19 weeks and I'm all "Ok, I'm maxed out, right? We are
definitely reaching capacity here", whereas last time at 19 weeks I had
people acting shocked when I told them that we were having a baby. Every
time I'm at the gym (send me all the awards) or the grocery store I am
secretly hoping no one decides to talk to me about how far along I am or
when the baby is due because I cannot bear to see the look of shock in
their eyes when I tell them that I'm not even halfway there. This is
another reason why it's important to just never ask a pregnant-looking
(and hopefully actually pregnant) woman how far along they are if they
are not an actual personal friend, ok? Everyone will feel better if this
question is avoided in casual interactions.
So anyways, there's the baby-expecting and van-driving thing.
And
the new year. The new year with it's new goals and new challenges and
new experiences. Zoe will turn two. A new baby will join the family. Z
will finish his first year of grad school and begin his second. I will
turn 30. All of these things are exciting to think about and look
forward to, but I'm also actively working on continuing to be present in
the here and now (she says as she ignores her child's cries for help to
put the socks on that SHE JUST TOOK OFF. Obviously nailing it.) I want
to look forward to the future while soaking in the present, because time
really is moving too fast, even when the days seem impossibly long.
Remind me I said this when I'm dealing with a toddler meltdown after a
night of newborn screaming? Thanks. But this, I think, will be one of
the biggest foreseeable challenges of this new year...embracing the
moment, enjoying the moment, being in the moment, even when the moment
is not pretty or happy or perfect or calm or what I would prefer it to
be. Especially the moments I find myself wishing away...the pregnancy
sickness and pains, the toddler meltdowns, the
toys-falling-out-of-the-van-when-the-doors-open, the impending sleepless
nights with a new baby, etc. etc. etc... But now, more than ever, I'm
aware of how fast it all goes and how sudden it all feels when it's
finally behind us. So that's the goal for this year. One of them at
least.
I
have other goals, but this one seems like a good one to focus on for
now. One thing at a time. Otherwise I'll get overwhelmed and suddenly
find myself elbow-deep in a box of Thin Mints watching Netflix at 1am
(just kidding, that would be ridiculous. I never stay up past 9pm. The
Thin Mints part is serious though.)
So we'll start here. Welcome, 2016.
You really must post more often.. I love reading your posts! And adding baby #2 (especially a little sister for your big sister!) is the most exhausting and exhilarating thing in the world!! There really is nothing more amazing than growing up with a sister! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashton! I'm excited that you started writing too. Looking forward to following along with you. I am SO excited for Zoe and this little girl to have each other!! I can't wait to watch their relationship form
DeleteCongratulations! How wonderful for Zoe to have a sister! <3 Oh, and a minivan to boot! Who knows when you'll need a wagon ... they're awfully helpful.
ReplyDeleteI recommended your blog to a friend who'll be headed to Germany (we're off to WA soon), and was so glad I stopped by and saw your post. It seems like your new year is off to a great start. :)
P.S. Chex Mix for the win!
Thank you!! And thanks for passing the blog along :) I hope the move to WA is a smooth one. Also, I made another batch of Chex mix yesterday (so ashamed).
Delete