#2

I hope that I don't look back someday at this record of our family (this blog) and feel guilty for how little I've captured of this second pregnancy. Or look back at this time, in general, and regret not capturing it to the same degree that I did with Emma. Only one belly shot. No journal. No blog posts. No displaying of ultrasound pictures. I guess I already do feel a little guilty.

So here you go, baby #2, my attempt to make up for all that I've let slip.

Baby #2, our little girl, should make her grand debut in the next month in a half. I have 45 days to go until my due date. This has been, thankfully, an uneventful pregnancy. But it has been a bit harder than Emma's. While I never had to deal with morning sickness, my body is definitely more tired. Perhaps due to carrying around a 17 month old in addition to the extra 25lbs I've already gained. My back and feet and hips hurt more and I haven't been able to exercise as much as I did with Emma.

As many of you know, this pregnancy was a total surprise. After going through IVF in order to conceive Emma, we didn't think there was a chance in the world that we'd conceive naturally. And as many of you know, I had a really tough time adjusting to mommyhood - obviously loving Emma beyond belief but also struggling with the work/life/baby balance and the frustrations of dealing with a baby.

It definitely took me awhile to come around to the idea of having 2 babies within 18 months. But I am so happy to say that I am finally excited to soon be a mother to two sweet little girls. While I'm happy for #2 to stay in as long as possible, we are definitely getting excited to meet her. I have her room all decorated - will post pictures another time - and have clothes already hanging in her closet.

AND we've decided on a name. Sarah Kate. We are going to call her Kate. We talk with Emma a lot about Baby Kate, though I think it just goes over her head at this point. She does kiss my belly when I ask her where Baby Kate is. It's very sweet.

So, there you go, a real, actual update on Baby #2. Over the next 45 days, I'm going to try my best to make up for the lost months of not appreciating this little miracle. What a shame that I wasted this special time. I'm sorry, Kate, and I love you!

Our Vacation

We survived Disney and steamy Orlando in mid-August and actually had a fabulous time.

The diciest time came on our flight home when a 1.5 hour flight turned into a 3 hour flight because we had to be diverted due to weather. Emma completely missed her naps that day, so I can't really blame her. I didn't even feel guilty about her temper tantrum and what other people around me thought...she's 17 months old and overtired. Get over it!

Here are a few pictures from our trip. We spent one day at the Magic Kingdom, which I consider a success because we were able to ride 9 rides! And that's even with leaving mid-day for a nap. Other than the park, we went outlet shopping, swam in the hotel pool, went to the world's biggest McDonalds' indoor playground (!), and spent time at Downtown Disney.

I generally hate the paci during awake time, but it was so hot and it was a comfort to Emma, who is also cutting 4 teeth at one time

Riding Dumbo with Daddy

It's a Small World

Passed out tired at Downtown Disney...little hint that it was time for a nap

Mickey Mouse!

On Sunday, we leave for Orlando...aka the home of Mickey Mouse!

We want to squeeze in one last family vacation before we become a family of 4 (and most likely become trapped at home for months learning to survive). Flights are not cheap out of our local airport, but there is one airline - Allegiant Air - that flies solely to Orlando for about $30-$50 each way. What a bargain.

Emma isn't really into TV characters yet, but she definitely knows Mickey and Minnie. I don't suspect that we'll do a full fledged Disney vacation, but we do want to spend one day at the Magic Kingdom. But we are going to take it totally laid back and go at whatever pace we can for an almost 17 month old and a 7 month pregnant old lady like myself.

If anyone has tips on doing Disney, or any vacation for that matter, with a little one, please share! I figure we'll go to the Magic Kingdom in the morning. Leave around lunchtime for the hotel and hopefully all get a little nap in. Then head back in late afternoon. Other than that, I see some relaxing by the pool and some outlet shopping in our future. Any other ideas on what to do?

On a side note, Emma is in the process of dropping her 2nd nap. Crazy timing right around vacation, but maybe it will be to our benefit. We'll see.