Tomorrow.

Tomorrow our little family of three becomes a family of four, as we welcome our second son into this world. The night before my wedding, I barely slept at all. The night before Henry's birth, I tossed and turned all night. Tonight, I am certain, will be no different. And yet I welcome this insomnia with open, tired arms. What a gift to know that tomorrow will make the very short list of one of the very best days of my life. We are beyond blessed.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

We took Henry to the zoo for the first time last weekend (his visit at 8 weeks old does not count since he slept the entire time). Grandma and Papou are in town for the impending birth of Baby Mak, so they came along too. I did get a few comments and stares as I waddled through the zoo at almost 39 weeks pregnant, but it was worth it to see my sweet boy squeal with excitement over the giraffes and zebras. He also gave us his best gorilla impression, and shared some Cheerios with Papou and Daddy on a park bench. It was a wonderful day!

The Big Boy Room

Henry moved into his "big boy room" back in January. I wanted to allow Henry enough time to adjust to his new room and bed before the baby came. Little did I know, he needed no time at all. Henry continued his typical 8PM-8AM sleep routine and 2-3 hour daily nap with no interruption. He's always been a rockstar sleeper, so let's hope Baby Mak follows suit.

Baby Mak already has a "big boy bed" in waiting. It breaks my Mama heart just a little bit to already think about Baby Mak being big enough one day to sleep in that bed, but that just comes with the job.

Mister Manners

I take back what I said about his manners. His pronunciation may need some work, but Emily Post would still be proud.

First Day of "School"

Today was Henry's first day at "school." He knows that big kids go to school, and I don't have the heart to break it to him that his "school" isn't really school. It's a drop-in Mother's Morning Out program at the Church down the street, and it's a great way for Henry to socialize away from yours truly. I may take advantage of it once in a while after Baby Mak arrives (especially as I get the hang of 2 under 2!), so today was a good way to introduce Henry to a few hours away from home.

The worst part about all of this is how old it makes Henry in my eyes. That little backpack and lunch box are tear inducing. Throw in the fact that Henry happily ran into the classroom, started playing trucks with a friend, and didn't even look up when Mama said goodbye and, well, Costco doesn't have enough kleenex to help me.

Last Minute Dates

Before Henry was born, Gus and I went on many dates because we knew how much life was about to change and how rare dates would become. Now that Baby Mak's arrival is just around the corner, I've been squeezing in lots of dates with the other tall, dark, and handsome man in my life. I know how much life will change as we become a family of four, and I want Henry to enjoy lots of attention these last couple weeks because he will soon have to share it.

Our afternoons used to routinely consist of a trip to the gym so I could get an hour to myself to workout and Henry could enjoy some playtime with new toys and new friends. Now that waddling has become the new jogging, we've traded afternoons at the gym for date time. Train rides at the mall, picnics in the park, carousel rides on the bench (someone was too afraid to sit on a moving zebra), lunches at Chick-fil-a, rainy days at the bookstore, and, Henry's personal favorite, ice cream al fresco! His facial expressions were those of true love and enjoyment, and his loud "MMMMs!!" could be heard across the parking lot. He shoveled the entire cup into his mouth and pouted when it was "all done". Clearly we need to work on his date manners, but for now, he has been a perfect gentleman with whom to spend the afternoon.

Traditions: Old and New

Remember this? In case you're wondering, yes, Baby Mak's middle name will be Augustus, and he will wear the Cornicello and vintage Dior romper home from the hospital. These traditions make life easy, and I like knowing that even as many things change, some things stay the same.

A few new traditions:

The Hat

I bought a knit bear hat (handmade by a sweet old lady) for Henry to wear in the hospital. Our nurses said he was the "most fashionable" baby on our floor. They were right, clearly.

I was able to track down the same old lady to knit another darling bear hat for Baby Mak. I was sure to tell her that she needs to stay in business because, God willing, I plan on being a customer again.


The Name List

We will arrive at the hospital with a short list of names (like last time). Once Baby Mak is born and we get a chance to meet him, we'll pick one that feels right. I don't think we can go wrong.


The Baby Pool

Feeling lucky? Then follow the link to the right to take a guess in the Baby Mak Pool! Be sure to pay attention to the hints at the top of the page. In keeping with tradition, the winner will recieve a dozen of my (not-so) famous chocolate chip cookies!