How About Now?

#JackAndBeau

I've officially carried this baby 2 weeks longer than I carried Jack, which has produced a whole new respect for women who carry beyond 40 weeks.

No thank you.

And beyond 40 weeks in the FL Summer?

Nope.  I opt out.

We have a c-section scheduled for 8/27....and I'd be ok if Beau made his arrival before that. We are ready (or so we think).  We are all tired of me being pregnant and hot and miserable and grumpier than my usually grump-with-charm self. ;)

We stay busy with our first born -- the one that needs a brother in order to inform him that he's not actually the center of the universe.

We've been working really hard on the discipline....and we seem to be getting the hitting under control, which is just in time for the next challenge (opportunity?) to pop up.  Now he feels the need to get out of bed at night and open/close his bedroom door to get our attention.  Then he asks "momma - I sleep in your bed?"

Um. No.

It's a rule that Matt and I have had since Day 1 (of even finding out I was preggo with Jack).  No babies in our bed.  Ever.  No exceptions.  If said baby is sick, momma or dadda will retreat to said baby's room for consoling/cudding/sleeping.  We've stuck by the rule for 2 years -- and, we can't give in now.  STAY STRONG, people.

We have also experienced a regression on potty training.  The doc said it was normal and expected, but I can't help but feel disappointed.  We were pretty close....but the bigger my belly gets, the more Jack isn't into being a big boy.

Me:  Jack - Do you have to go pee pee in the potty?

Jack:  No, Thank You.

Well, at least he's polite about it?

Except for that day that he sat on the potty for 15 minutes, only to poop on the back porch. 

I wish I were kidding.

Also....he's decided that he only/mostly wants to wear his "tackle shirt" (aka, FSU football jersey) on most days.  You'll see that reflected a bit here.  We try very hard to make sure that it's always clean, however, we now have 3 of them just to be sure we aren't sending him into the world smelling like a wet sock.

I maintain that every household with a child - regardless of age - is struggling with something.  I think I just feel better if I write it here...in case there was some confusion about our household/parenting life being trouble free.  HA!

That kid, though....he cracks me up.  He learns so much every single day that I can barely keep up with all of his questions.  There's a lot of ....

"what that?"
"what his name is?"
"what him doing?"
"where his momma?"

There's also a lot of counting, ABCing and pointing out colors.  He's FINALLY stopped saying everything is pink.  Thank God.  I thought he was color blind for a while.

We've been occupied with all sorts of events since we last spoke.....

A visit to Springfield for cousin Esmee's Baptism, resulted in hockey chaos for 3 days:

 

Ellyn's Wedding:

Jack's First 4th of July Firework Experience and "Pock a dickle" (Popsicle):

 

My amazing friends - both near and far - gave Baby Beau lovely "Sprinkles"...so I wanted to give shout outs to you lovely ladies who threw the partays (Jaime and Emmalee) .... and for those who attended or sent gifts for the newest little fella.

And, in case you were wondering -- we are, in fact, raising one intense, energetic, all-boy-all-the-time little dude.  He needs to do laps in the yard before coming in for dinner....and he needs to race in the living room on rainy days.  It's a constant battle with the energy level, so we are learning new and creative ways to harness it all.  I think we are getting better, the more we learn that sitting at the table coloring is NOT his thing.

This is the "calm" before the "storm" of 2 children -- or so I'm told.  I think we could totally handle the energy level and intensity....if I could just get him to wear pants.

But, it's summer in FL....and honestly?  Who cares.

  

 

Next up....Beau's Arrival.  Bring it, kid!

The Boys.

With a kick, kick here....and a kick kick there....

...here a kick, there a kick....every where a kick-kick!  (and maybe some hitting!  see below!)  Or maybe those are punches or elbows?  Who knows, but Baby #2 is definitely busy.  He may be setting up shop in there with all of that movement.  I do like the constant movement, though, because sometimes I forget that I'm pregnant because I'm so busy being a momma already.  

No one told me that Jack wouldn't see me as "fragile" while pregnant, like everyone else does!

Trust me, I KNOW I'm pregnant -- it's very clear when you look at me -- but I run around constantly being a momma and a whole bunch of different things for my family/friends/clients, that I often am not as focused on this baby as I was when pregnant with Jack.

Practicing being a big brother with Baby Brynn

Double stroller duty!

 I think this is normal, but it doesn't last for too long -- because I think Baby #2 may be building his own toys in there or something.  He is constantly kicking and moving ...which gets SUPER weird when people in meetings can see my shirt moving from his kicks.  It's like that movie "Alien" -- just a tiny bit abnormal, folks.

I have been pretty surprised about how clingy Jack has become in the last few weeks.  He seems to always want to be near me or on me...and is constantly asking "momma - i hold you" (translation: i want you to hold me).  I think he senses the change coming....which makes me a little sad for our relationship, but I know it'll only get better and stronger.

I guess no one can really prepare you for being pregnant while being a momma to a toddler.  No one can prepare you for the constant on alert, on-your-toes, stop that, don't ride the dog, please pee IN the toilet, how did you poop that much, please don't tackle the bigger kids at school, must we watch Little Einsteins again (?!), how much is newborn daycare per week(?!) banter that completely takes over your life.

He loves watching "Ses Street" in our bed on Saturday mornings.

While I'm busy trying to not have gestational diabetes again (total fail!), we are also desperately trying to raise a polite, respectful, smart and strong young man.  He's all of those things, yet, somewhere along the way he picked up "aggressive" or "strong willed"....Weird.

So, let me just cut to the chase confess -- Jack hits and kicks.  He's intense.  He wants to be first.  He doesn't like waiting.  He will pick a fight with a bigger kid.  If he wants a toy, he'll push down another kid to get to it first.  

See what I mean?  So intense!

It's a work in progress, folks, but currently - we may be raising a bully - but no one panic - we are working on it.  We've made some good progress -- and he is very sweet 95% of the time, hugging all the kids at daycare when he leaves, but let's be clear -- that other 5% of the time?  We need to focus our energy here.

 <You can not hit.....the bigger kid....in the face...with a stick, simply because he threw the ball over the fence.>

OMG.  

Yes, that's Jack chasing the big kid.

Beyond being a (possible) bully -- he's also a nudist.  This has become convenient though since we are in the middle of potty training....in FL....where it's 1000% humidity.  So, he's been taking queues from Lucky and pottying on trees.  I'm just trying to make sure he doesn't hike his leg.  

OMG.  

Me:  "Jack....where are your pants??"

Nekkid Golf:

We've had pretty good success with potty training, but I'm anticipating a setback when Baby #2 arrives.  And, I'm really against posting any potty talk on social media, but this conversation is TOO FUNNY not to share....Please forgive the toddler nudity.

While we've figured out that toddler discipline is harder than anything we've encountered thus far (and we thought weening from the swaddle blanket was hard?!), we DID, however, overcome the gymnastics class antics that were preventing the energy drainer we signed up for.  He has finally figured out that it's more fun to go along with the group (of calm girls) rather than swing from the rafters and sit in time outs for 45 minutes.

Me:  "Jack, please don't eyeball the little girl like you are going to tackle her"

From talking to all the other parents I know....there's always something to deal with....whether it's a picky eater (not Jack), a non-sleeper (he sleeps until 9am!), a biter (nope), a binky addiction (maybe a little) or some other "vice" -- no kid is perfect.  So I'm ok telling you that we struuuuugling with "aggression," but we see the light at the end of the tunnel....or, maybe that's the train heading for us.  Hooray for us!

In any case, I think we are doing pretty well (uhm, bullying aside)....  Jack is a pretty cool damn kid.  

Big kid eating arrangement....complete with his pirate-scope.

He talks a ton, tells about his day, asks a ton of questions about everything and has the personality for politics or comedy - I can't tell which one...and maybe the athletic ability of a tri-sport kid, but only if he doesn't have to wear a uniform.  At All.  ....and as long as he can tackle other kids regardless of said sport rules (seems inappropriate on the golf course though unless he's with Happy Gilmore).

If he's going to be a politician, though, I probably need to stop posting pictures like this:

He could always go into management, though:

I Have a Love/Hate Relationship with Parenting.

....because nothing works for too long.

....because one day time outs are effective and the next day Jack is seeking out his time out stool, standing out and singing like he's in the opera.

....because he doesn't understand what "tomorrow" means, so don't tell him you're going to see Mickey "tomorrow" -- because he didn't hear anything after you said "going to see Mickey."

....because it's a constant trial and error that no amount of education or book reading can prepare you for.  I know this because I've read a lot of parenting books.  Here's what I've learned:  It was a waste of time and money because none of that works on my kid.

Books also don't prepare you for the whacky moments either....like smacking a plastic Easter egg off the tee:

 

Momma's Easter Bunny Baby

 Or demanding that we take the bat and the batting helmet into the mall:

Love him!

Or like when he eats more than I do:

It's just in my nature to want to fix issues, check them off my list and move on.  So imagine my excitement when time outs work one day, but not the next.  I mean, for real, kid?

Jack has a little hitting issue -- it's his way to express his anger when he doesn't get his way.  We've been working on it quite a bit lately....and just this week he was swiped at by his friend Mae Mae.  He proceeds to tell her "oh, no, Mae Mae.  We don't hit."

I almost fell over right there.

Not only were we over hitting, but now he's ready to coach other children?  Come on now, kid.

Matt and I were discussing (just between us!) this particularly annoying child that we were both experiencing one day a few weeks back.  Matt made the comment that "no one thinks Jack is annoying."  I BURST into laughter.  I informed him that I am 100% positive that people think Jack is annoying or spoiled or too rough or needs more discipline or all of the above.  

Nope.  Not spoiled at all.

Matt maintained:  "No way.  That kid is awesome and funny and the cutest thing ever."

 

(really experiencing snow in Vail):

 

(hitting on the ski bunnies in Vail):

  

Dinner with Friends.

 Uh huh....that's because he's YOUR kid, honey.  

I don't disagree, but let's not be delusional.  Other people think he's annoying...ESPECIALLY when  he whines for the mountains of crap he doesn't need in Target.  (that place is a land mine!)   

In any case, we are smack dab in the middle of toddler-hood complete with independence run a muck, being too rough with the older kids at daycare (i.e., he tackles everyone) and the protesting of potty training.  Awesome!  This kid, though....THIS KID amazes me every day.  I feel like he wakes up every day saying something new, understanding new concepts or doing things that I thought were a bit too advanced for him.

Racing scooters with Mae Mae!

And, then there's the cute stuff that I just die for....like when he says "I hold you, momma" -- which is code for "I want you to pick me up, momma."

Or what about asking to go to bed or to take a nap?  

"I nee' go sleep now, momma"

WHAT!?

Or, how about when he strips down naked to run in the sprinklers?

....and then finds his Mickey Mouse umbrella to block the "rain"?

He kills me.  This kid.  OMG.

How will I have enough love for the next one?  I hear the love multiplies and I'm BANKING on that, y'all.  Because some days I feel like he's my one and only....except that this growing belly reminds me otherwise.  And those little kicks inside me as I type this make me know there's more love coming.

Since announcing that we are headed for a house full of boys, we've been full speed ahead on the nursery and clothes planning process.  Here's a peak into Baby Schneider's nursery:

  

                             

Let's be honest, I got all "nesty" and OCD about it and did it all in one weekend....and, well, it's all done.  Now Jack goes in there about once every two days to trade out the toys and check on if any of his "stuff" has been placed in the baby's room.  For the most part, he has been really good about giving stuff to "baby brother" -- and has even started to include "baby brother" into his prayers (unsolicited!).

On the Edge of Life

Be Still My Heart.

The Mice.

The Duck

Meme teaching Jack about the fishies.

Little Yankee

Gymnastics Pro

We're Going Man to Man Defense.

I started writing this while in my 7^th week of pregnancy….in that dreaded first trimester. 

The worst part about the first trimester, besides the morning sickness, aches, pains, gas, constipation and constant peeing is that you can’t tell anyone about it (not that you’d want to).  People are left to think you are tired, hungover and/or lazy.  And, if you’re any regular on this blog site – you know I like to share my feelings, emotions and fears.  So, the first trimester is always the hardest for me.

Also?  I’m not a great pregnant person in the first trimester.  I’m (more) irritable, (more) irrational and crazier than usual….and, to those that don’t know any different, it’s all without warning.

I’m so sick of myself.  I’m sick of being sick.  I’m sick of talking about being sick.  I’m sick of using it as an excuse for what I can’t do well right now (mostly hold down food and form an intelligent thought).

What they say is true though….you forget these things.  God makes it so that you forget how horrifying the 1^st trimester (and birth) is so that you will do this again.  I can remember (now) breaking down when I was pregnant with Jack….claiming that I wasn't strong enough for this….and that I had made a mistake in wanting children….and that my body wasn't cut out for this.

Yet, I stand her today telling you that we willingly and knowingly did this again.  On purpose.

I've had all of those same thoughts again, folks.  I’m not strong enough for this.  Nausea every single day, 24 hours a day for 8-12 weeks is not for the weak.  It’s also not for the working or the ones who already have a child that likes to run and play horsey and tackle you like you’re a running back trying to cut up the sideline.

The thing about the first trimester is that it completely overtakes your mind in such a way that you can’t function like a normal human being.  And, this folks?  This is worrisome to a high performing career oriented human being….who depends on her BRAIN to make sure she stays at the top of her game.  But….There are days that I can’t formulate a sentence, I’m so nauseous.  There are days when the vibrations of Matt’s words floating through the air make me nauseous (or maybe that’s just marriage?).  There are days when the sounds of the tapping of my OWN FINGERS on this keyboard make me want to hurl. 

Oh, the smell of scrambled eggs.  You have got to be kidding me already.  Stop cooking eggs, people.  YUCK.

I can’t make this stuff up.  My body hates being pregnant in the first trimester.  And I hate it too.

I cry about everything – and I hate crying.  Do not even get me started about what the “mom” commercials do to me during the Olympics.  It’s not pretty.

Everyone is feeling the pregnancy pinch these days though.  Jack says he “doesn't want it” (well, too late, kid).  Matt has on his trooper hat and is doing EVERYTHING in his power to make me happy and not sick, even if that means getting me multiple chili cheese dogs/day.  As for me….I just focus on trying to figure out ways dress this (eventual) bump in such a way that says “if you didn't put it there, then there’s no need to touch it.”  To date, I've been unsuccessful.

My thoughts and fears are all so different this time around.  I’m less worried about dropping the baby, changing diapers and feeding the baby….and more worried about how this baby is going to change the dynamic of our family.  What if Jack doesn't like him/her?  What if *I* don’t like him/her?  I mean, how can I possibly find more love for another child?  What if I can’t handle two children?  I mean, if you've met Jack then you know he is ALL BOY.  He will tackle you.  He needs a bit more discipline in his life.  He is spoiled.  He is my world – and I meant it to be that way.  I've never loved anything or anyone like I love him.  And, his life is about to drastically change – and what if he hates me for it???  I won’t be able to handle it.  I’m terrified that my relationship with my most favorite person in the world is about to change in the worst way.

I remember feeling this way in my first trimester with Jack….and thinking that I made a mistake in getting pregnant and that I didn't want to be pregnant anymore because I wasn't sure how it would change my relationship with Matt.  Well, it did change my relationship with Matt….in the most amazing and unexpected way ever.  So, I know THIS baby will do similar things for our family. 

My mom and my good friend Amy (total expert mom of 3) tell me that we are giving the greatest gift ever to Jack – a sibling.  I believe it.  I just dread the first few weeks of adjustment.

Here’s the good news:  I’m headed into the second trimester now and I’m feeling somewhat like a human being again.  I really excel at the 2^nd trimester.

 

I’m ready.  Are you?

Let’s do this.