I won’t be using your name just yet, as I have a superstitious streak about naming unborn babies. Plus, there’s a chance your older brother might weigh in on the name choice (in which case, I might just be addressing you as “Captain Awesome”).
With your arrival just a couple of months away, it’s time for you to get to know your family before you make your grand entrance. I won’t sugarcoat it: Your older brother has already drained a lot of our energy and patience. So, your ability to stay low-key and out of trouble (and I mean that literally) will serve you well.
Meet the Family:
- Mom: I’m the one who’s been your cozy home for the past 30 weeks. You might find me looking a bit disheveled when we first meet, but let’s be real—neither of us will be looking our finest.
- Dad: He doesn’t produce the magical milk, but don’t hold that against him. He’s a fantastic guy who loves wrestling and reading bedtime stories with amusing voices. Just a heads-up: he’s not as easy to persuade as I am.
- Big Brother: He’s the one who paved the way, the one whose belongings you’ll inherit, and the one who will look out for you while also being a source of playful mischief at home. Comparisons will inevitably happen, though we’ll do our best to avoid any deep psychological scars. (We might joke about things like, “Why can’t you be more like your brother?”—you’ll want to brace yourself for our quirky humor.)
- The Furry One: Our dog had quite the adjustment when your brother arrived, but after two and a half years, she has learned to tolerate him, which is truly a sight to see. I wonder how she’ll react to you; perhaps some treats will win her over.
Living Arrangements:
Initially, you’ll be sharing a space with your dad and me, but soon enough, you’ll have your own room. Your crib is a charming, contemporary design made from slightly-chewed wood, and the changing table is stocked with adorable, albeit pre-stained, baby clothes.
Our Schedule:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note that as the new addition, we’ll be ready to cater to your late-night, middle-of-the-night, and early-morning needs. However, we encourage you to adjust to our routine quickly. Unlike your brother, I’m ready to attempt sleep training this time around. (Refer to the first entry in our suggested reading list.)
Suggested Reading:
- “Sleeping Through the Night: The Sooner You Do It, the More Your Parents Will Love You”
- “Potty Training for Fetuses”
- “Mommy Is Fun Too”
Being the Second Child – What to Expect:
Here’s the deal: you won’t have as many new things, but honestly, who needs that? Your nursery lacks a theme because I’ve been busy managing your brother and have a pretty solid grasp of what life will be like with you around. We’re excited, but it’s a quieter excitement than the first time around.
Don’t be fooled—being the firstborn isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The first child gets plenty of attention and shiny new toys but can also suffer from First Pancake Syndrome. Just take a look at your dad and me: I’m the eldest of three and I need heavy sedation to fly, while your dad is the youngest and lives life on the edge.
In summary, we know we’ll mess up both you and your brother in various ways, but rest assured, our love for you will be unconditional—provided you follow our guidance.
See you soon!
Love,
Mommy
For more insights, you might want to check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re considering at-home options, Make a Mom offers great kits and supplements to boost fertility, along with other helpful supplies. And if you’re interested in more about the journey of parenthood, visit this blog post.
Leave a Reply