This season of life + pregnancy update

As we close in on these last few months, weeks and slowly days of this pregnancy, I find myself thinking and wondering a lot. Thinking about how much our lives have changed in 2 years and wondering how much more they soon will change.  I've been told by so many that the transition from 1 to 2 is the hardest - anything after that is just adding "another".  This scares me a little.  I worry about how John and I will tag team a screaming newborn and a demanding 2 year old.  I worry that I will never be able to leave the house again, mainly because the thought of loading and unloading while keeping two civilized in public freaks me out.  I worry about never sleeping again- the thought of that alone keeps me awake at night.  But if I'm being honest, I worry more about how I will spread the attention.  How I will make this transition easiest for the one that's been my only for 2 years.  How I will have room in my heart to love another. 

I know I'm not the first mother and wont be the last with this concern.  It's part of that emotional transition from one stage to the next.  I know that what's the come is SO much greater than what we already have.  I know there will be days that my mommy guilt gets the best of me.  But I try to be realistic. This season of life is so fun yet so trying at the same time.  We are between the "I nuv ew mommy" and terrible twos.  The hugs and kisses to kicking and screaming.    It can be so frustrating and so rewarding.  I pray I can remember the good when it gets bad and remember this is all so normal.  This transition will be new to us all.

One of the biggest struggles with getting pregnant with #2 was the guilt I carried of giving Anderson a sibling.  I always new I wanted more than one.  I grew up 1 of 4 girls and come from a close knit family.  I wanted to give him that forever bond I have with my sisters.  I selfishly wanted to have the opportunity to parent him as that protective big brother.  The question I'm most often asked is "Do you think he knows there's a baby coming?"  I have a hard time answering that.  No, I don't think he really knows there's going to be another tiny human that's coming to live with us forever.  I think he knows that mommy's stomach is growing.  He knows enough to kiss said stomach as he proclaims "baby!".  He also knows to hit/jump on said stomach.  He knows to pick up the ultrasound pictures of Mary Attis and kiss her before he turns it around to show her to us with such pride.  But do I think he really understands? NO.  Do I worry about this?  Not Really.  I worry more that he will hurt her from affection than I do anything else.  I imagine "be gentle" will become part of our every 5 minutes and that I wont be able to leave him unattended with her for more than 5 seconds.  But I do not worry about him as a big brother or if he will love her. 

Maybe these concerns are all because I worry about myself.  I worry for things that will probably go unnoticed to him but will at times force me to carry guilt. With all the worries I may have, I am truly ready and excited to see what this next season brings.  I can not wrap my head around how quickly this pregnancy has flown by or that we will be welcoming her in less than 3 months!  I find myself pushing the breaks because I know how fast they grow.

Which reminds me, I haven't documented this pregnancy at. all.  So heres a little update so I remember a few things. 


How far along?  28 weeks {Thursday}

Size of Baby?  an eggplant- measuring between  and 2.5 lbs!

Maternity Clothes? both.  most days I wear yoga pants/ leggings and a tshirt.  I can still make my normal jeans work with a band and some non maternity shirts fit. 

Weight Gain?  I honestly have no idea.  I didn't look at the scale last time I was at the doctor but my home scale says 24 lbs

Gender?  baby GIRL!  I still can't believe it.  I was sure I'd be wrestling to keep little boys clean and fed for all of my life. 

Sleep?  what's that?  I usually have a difficult time falling asleep then mostly toss and turn all night.

Movement?  All the time.  I knew we were in for it when the tech said she was having a difficult time getting the shots she needed b/c MA was so active.  I love those little movements though- don't take any for granted!

Cravings?  everything.  no really with Anderson I could've eaten any man under the table with wings.  This time its anything.  I mostly crave and eat eggs, bread, some salads and sweets.  Ice cream and sugary cereal are my weakness!

Symptoms?  back Pain, pressure, sinus issues.  My doctor warned me that #2 is tougher in the symptoms department.  I can vouch that it really is.

What I'm looking forward to?  warm weather, the beach and my baby being here. and a margarita.

4 generations

We debated names for some time but when we found out we were actually expecting a boy there was no question that he would be a fourth.   Anderson also has meaning on my side with it being my maternal grandmothers maiden name.  JAT Sr., Jr and II had all gone by John so we decided he would be called Anderson. 

I still remember the reactions of both grandmothers when we called to tell them about Anderson and the name we chose for him.  I couldn’t wait to introduce him to them but couldn’t help to wish John’s grandfather was here to meet his little name sake. 

Grandmama {Anderson} Sheheen met him when we was just 3 days old.A day later, he met his great grandmother, MA {Mrs. JAT, Sr.}4 generations of John Anderson ThompsonsThe next day, we took him to meet his great grandmama Watson.  While the first 2 meetings were special, this one was special in a different way. 

Back in the fall, my grandma’s health started to decline.  She was put into the hospital and they weren’t able to put their fingers on what exactly was wrong.  The day John and I went to visit her in the hospital was also the day we had our 20 week anatomy scan.  I had come to terms with the fact that those pictures may be as close as she would get to meeting my baby but man was she excited to see them! Thankfully her health improved enough to get her home with some assistance.  As you can imagine, the day we were able to introduce her to our little Anderson was a happy one! 

Hospital Newborns {Bella Baby Photography}

During our hospital stay we were offered a mini newborn shoot from a photography company that contracts with Baptist.   We already had a session booked with another photographer{that I can not wait to see!!} for a later date but at no cost to us, we agreed.  These people are genius I tell ya-  what parent could pass up these precious pictures of their less than a day old newborn! 

visitors + going home!

For 2 1/2 days during our hospital stay, I did not venture outside of our room and instead others ventured in. 

I cherish these first moments of our closest friends meeting our new little bundle of joy! By Thursday we were ready to get out of there and start this journey as a family of 3!  Amy dropped by the night before to bring Anderson his hand made going home outfit! She started this little tradition a few years ago and I could hardly wait to get it on him!The white blanket was also a gift from Aunt Amy that we received the night we found out we were expecting our baby boy!  I can’t wait to bring all my babies home wrapped up in it!