Baby Boy Horner

So we are having a baby boy! We orginially planned on not finding out until the baby was actually born, but changed our minds about a week before our 20 week ultrasound. We were getting tired of calling the baby “It” and couldn’t seem to stick to a good in utero name.

We also made a bet on whether it was a boy or a girl on the way to the ultrasound. I have thought this little one was a girl for a while, and Andy has been quite sure it’s a boy. He made me promise not to tell anyone what his prize was.

How do we feel about having a boy? Awesome! It’s weird because we’ve only dealt with a small girl person before so it will be a new experience, but it seems initially they are pretty much the same little squishy people.

He kicks me a lot. And I noticed it way sooner this prenancy, which has been fun.

New baby sleepign arrangement (hopeful thinking here that sleeping will be happening)

We are trying to decide how to set up sleeping arrangements with the new baby. At first we want the new tiny one with us, although we tend to not go for full-on cosleeping. So shold we get a classic bassinet?


Or one of these sweet-looking cosleepers?


I also really want a Moses basket because they are cute. I don't look very useful though...

Full Time

I officially started working full time almost two weeks ago. It has been great and a huge adjustment.

First off, Lu's babysitter is fantastic. That is a huge plus, since we are not worried about her. Dorothy is a middle aged woman who runs a quasi-daycare out of her house. She watches 3-5 kids a day and handles it admirably. Lu loves hanging with the other kids and is very comfortable with Dorothy.

I have had some huge new projects thrown at me and have had a hard time not panicking on occasion as Andy can testify too. He has been a huge support, making sure I take time to relax, or telling me to go work out when it's obvious I'm getting worked up.

I am excited to take on these new projects. I actually have projects I am solely in charge of rather than just working as people send me their work. I think as I learn more and will become more comfortable and be able to accomplish more.

I had a moment last night when I realized this is a set-up I have dreamed about for a long time. I remember thinking when I was little that I wasn't sure I wanted to be a stay at home mom solely. I know lots of people love it, and there is certainly plenty to keep busy with, but I am not quite domestic enough for it. I always thought that an ideal situation for me would be to have a from-home job. So here we are.

Of course in the future we have to figure out how to do it with a new little baby around, but I figure we will get it sorted out as things come. That seems to be the best way to handle life anyway.

New baby

So in case any of you don't know, I'm pregnant with our second baby! About 14 weeks along and feeling like a star race horse. Seriously I don't think my body has even noticed I'm pregnant. I occasionally feel a little tired, or really really want cheetos but that's about it.

But the best thing about this pregnancy so far is the lack of fear. Last time I was terrified of the coming baby. The changes she would bring, the lack of sleep, the questions. I knew we would figure it out, but entering into a whole new unknown world is just unnerving. This time around I know there will be challenged, we have to learn how to deal with two little ones. We will need to take care of a toddler and new born simultaneously. But the thing is we already have taken on bigger things in life than I thought possible, so another baby? No biggie. When I think of this new one my primary feeling is joy. I can't wait to meet a new little person with some of Andy and some of me, and a whole lot of him/herself. I can't wait for Lu to have a little sibling to poke, torment, and love.

Luthie learned how to say 'baby' this week, and I feel a little emotional every time I realize she will soon be saying that about her little sibling. Andy and I talk in excitement as we strategize names, sleeping arrangements, birth plans...and it is all in a spirit of anticipation and excitement. I can't wait to see him hold his new tiny baby again.

And I hope that in the hard times of new babydom we remember that hard times end and change with babies, as do the lovely soul-touching times. I hope to appreciate all the new born snuggles since now I know that new borns quickly become mobile little creatures who never want to snuggle but love to give kisses.

New Camera

Andy surprised me with an early anniversary present...a new camera! What do you think?

Strong Mama

So I think being a parent has made me stronger than I ever have been. I can face all kinds of crazy things in a day without a problem. First off I am literally stronger in my arms! As Lu grows I keep on lifting her and carrying her around. It is the ultimate gradual weight training!

However, it has also made me stronger in other ways. For instance this morning by 7am I had cleaned up both vomit and poop. Lu threw up in her crib in the morning and then her diaper exploded poop all over her. By 7 I had cleaned it all up, gotten everything in the wash, and bathed Lu twice. Let me tell you events like that take some emotional toughness which I am quickly gaining, and a good hold on one's gag reflex...And after handling this morning's nastiness I know I can handle all kinds of crazy stuff.

Lu's nicknames Part 2

Babenugget
The monster
The screamer
The squeaker
Peanut
Princess
Goober
Booger
Pumpkin
Pooper
Crazy face