To My Second Born…
In a few short weeks, you will be making an entrance into this world. I know it won’t take long for life as a family of four to feel as natural as can be. As a matter of fact, it will probably be hard to imagine life any differently one day.
But until that day comes, I also worry about you and your sister as we learn to adjust to life as a family of four.
Will we be able to give each of you the attention you deserve?
Will the adjustment go smoothly?
Will you both know how much Daddy and I love you?
Will I be able to chug enough coffee to keep you both alive?
And the fact is, your first years in this world won’t be the same as your sister’s. She had us all to herself for a while, and part of me feels like I should apologize for not being able to give you that same experience. But, an even bigger part of me knows that just because life will be a little different for you, that doesn’t mean it won’t be just as great…
Even though I won’t get to nurse you in peace and quiet or snuggle with you on the couch for hours on end, I’ll also be a lot more lenient with your routine and embrace every chance for snuggles, because I know how short this season lasts.
Even though most of your toys and books will already be coated in a solid layer of spit-up and drool, you’ll have a playmate who can handle more than three laps around the kitchen without getting a sore back.
Even though we won’t be able to keep you from getting every one of your sister’s colds, we also won’t be able to keep you from knowing about the free cookies at Target, thanks to your big sister.
Even though you’ll have to take a lot of naps in the car, in my arms, and on the go, you’ll likely be blessed with an ability to sleep through just about anything.
Even though I might forget to take your picture every month or document every milestone, you’ll likely have a lot less blackmail or “cute widdo butt cheek” photos to worry about at graduation.
Even though you won’t get your own room, you’ll never be responsible for cleaning up all by yourself (and you’ll even get to play with all of your sister’s toys when she is off at school).
Even though you won’t always get our undivided attention, you’ll also have to deal with a lot less obsessive paci-cleaning, frequent diaper changing, and constant hovering.
Even though you’ll have to wait a while to color with markers, chew gum, and ride the bus with the big kids, you’ll be able to play the “baby” card and get away with just about anything.
Even though you are my second baby, you’ll have your very own, brand new home in my heart that will be yours alone, forever.
