Progress!

Things seem to be in motion! 👏🏼👏👏🏾

Hopefully, I'm not jinxing anything by writing it down. I have lost my mucus plug throughout the day. Yay! When this happened with Will, my water broke the next morning, and he was born that afternoon.👶🏻

Fingers crossed BBL2 decides to follow his lead after being cozy for so long!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Maybe we will get our May baby (barely) after all. Come on, little guy!!!! 🌟🌟🌟💞💞💞

P. S. I have the world's most amazing in-laws. They have basically put their lives on hold up north to be with us through the birth going on two weeks now. They are always generous, helpful, and so easy to cohabitate with. Thank you for ALL you do!! 💗💗💗

Due date reached!

To say I'm going a bit stir crazy would be the understatement of the year. 😜😜😜

We are reluctant to go anywhere too far every day in case I go into labor. The heat has been driving me mad, and today marked a new level of physical exhaustion. 😫😫😫

And yet, I really can't complain. BBL2 is clearly NOT ready to make his grand entrance yet, which means he is continuing to get stronger and fatter in the womb. 👶🏻 I am OK with this. I am still not yet that physically uncomfortable, which I can attribute to a healthy, active lifestyle throughout this pregnancy. I am grateful. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Today is BBL2's due date, by far the longest I have ever been pregnant. 40 weeks. Why is it that a true full-term pregnancy is closer to 10 months than 9? Cruel. Just cruel. 😝😫

The last stages of this pregnancy have been a real lesson in patience and accepting what I cannot control. BBL2 is already teaching me a lot and differentiating himself from his brother big time. He's a stubborn one and clearly is too comfortable to be bothered right now. So, we wait, and I try to remain relaxed and calm. The doctor says I'm very relaxed according to my blood pressure, which I find hilarious. I often feel anything but relaxed.😉

Breathe, Mama, breathe. Your little guy will be here soon enough, and you will wish to get the kind of rest only possible with one child.🌟🌟

I am trying! 👏👏🏼👏🏾

Come on, BBL2!

Still 1.5 cm dilated. Three weeks later. No forward progress there. 😫😫😫

The exciting news is that I am apparently having contractions without knowing it. The doctor witnessed this while measuring BBL2. She thinks it will happen this weekend, when she will also be on call. My other fave doctor in the practice is then on call Monday through Tuesday. Fingers crossed! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

She instructed me to do LOTS of squatting, as his head is still high. And trust me, I have. The squats in the shower were the most relaxing so far. 💫

We had spicy pad Thai for dinner. I continue to walk a good amount, though not as long in this heat. I am doing all that I can to get things moving, though I do recognize much of this is out of my direct control. 😝

The question is: will I get my May baby or have another June bug?💞💞

Only BBL2 knows the answer. 💗💗💗

Sore mama!

The shirt I wore tonight describes my current state perfectly -- my everything is sore. 😫😫😫

It didn't help that it was close to 90 degrees and humid today, but my legs, feet, and back are quite sore. Secretly, I hope this is a sign of impending labor, or it could just be general late pregnancy discomfort in the heat. I guess we shall see for sure!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Many people say Memorial Day weekend is a great time to give birth. I could not agree more. BBL2's due date is Sunday.🙏🏻

I've gotten everything at school accomplished I need to, Greg's in the same position at his job, and my amazingly helpful in-laws are still in town. We are ready.💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Perhaps it's time for a little pep talk between BBL2 and me.💞💗😍

Come on out, buddy! We are beyond excited to meet you and are ready to welcome you! 😘😘😘

What are you waiting for?!!! 

Bittersweet...

Thankfully, today was a much better day. 👏👏🏼👏🏾

I listened to my gut (and body) this morning  and decided to take the morning off and rest. That was by far the best decision I made all day, as I ended up being at school until 9 pm for our annual Night of Pride showcase and celebration.🌟🌟

While a huge success, the event was also bittersweet for me. There are many challenges to working in a highly impacted school. One we often neglect to draw attention to is the high turnover of quality staff every year, most years. And we are losing some AMAZING people this year. Every day I'm working with them I know could be my last, if BBL2 decides to ever arrive.👶🏻😫😜

As a staff developer and teacher coach, I recognize the importance of teachers seeking new opportunities and challenges, but that doesn't mean they aren't going to be missed. We have some incredibly talented, hard working, and kid-centered educators leaving our building this year, and it's impossible not to be sad. 😥😥😥

I guess change and the unknown are scary, and I have a lot of that happening imminently. 😉 I know I am still needed in my school and that the staff is depending on me. I refuse to let them down or not be excited for the year ahead. 

I just wish I didn't have to say so many goodbyes in the process. 😔😔

Oh boy!!

Yes, this is definitely the longest I have ever been pregnant. 😳😳😳

At a little over 39 weeks, it is evident that I have now hit the point where my colleagues are unhappy to see me at work. Or maybe just disappointed.😜😜

Late pregnancy also brings an array of ridiculous comments from the young and old alike. Today's noteworthy ones included:

"You're still here?!!!!"

"He's obviously a mama's boy and doesn't want to leave you."

"When is he ever going to come out?!"

"Aren't you sick of being pregnant?"

And my fave...

"You've lost your glow. You're obviously ready for him to be born." 😝😝😝

Well, yes. Duh.😉

I am just hoping that BBL2 decides to emerge this month, as it would be nice to have my boys born in different months, even though the dates will be less than a month apart. We will see what he decides.🙏🏻🙏🏻

I also made the decision to wisely stop my Pure Barre classes for now, not change up my role in my school for the coming year, and to continue to mentally prepare myself for what will inevitably be the chaos of two boys under 2 (and then 3 years). 😫😫😫

It's been said that one child is like zero and two are like ten. Lord, help me now. 😂😂😂

Still a cozy boy!

Will was born at 37 weeks, 5 days pregnant. We are now at exactly 39 weeks with BBL2, and someone's still quite cozy. 😝👶🏻

Greg says he can tell the baby's getting noticeably bigger by the day. I still feel great, with the exception of some random leg pain. I really cannot complain. Every day BBL2 is in there is ensuring he will be even stronger and healthier when he finally decides to arrive. 💪🏻 This is fine by me. As Greg said, if the little guy starts placing Amazon orders, then we will know it's time for his eviction. 😂😂😂

With the rain and my awesome MIL here, we managed to have a restful weekend. I ended my Saturday school teaching yesterday, got a few naps in, and just enjoyed time with my boys throughout the past two days. I never know if it's the last weekend day we will have with Will as an only child, so we try to treasure every moment. 🌟🌟💗

The waiting game may continue, but I still feel very blessed. I'm grateful for the additional time with Will and cannot wait to see what he's like as a big brother. BBL2 is already a very lucky boy. 💞💞👶🏻👶🏻

My life right now...

This is my life right now, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. 💞💞🌟🌟👶🏻👶🏻

http://www.scarymommy.com/reality-of-parenting-a-toddler-while-pregnant/

Serenity now!

It's been one hell of a week. 😫😫😫

From endless PARCC testing to Greg being beyond sick to single parenting and finding out BBL2 still doesn't want to exit, I am one tired Mama. 💤💤💤

My phrases of the week: 

Calm is strength.🙏🏻

Hurry up and wait.👏

Accept that many things are out of your control.💪🏻

It all applies to me. Especially now. 💞💞💞

We've been (logistically) ready for BBL2 for a few weeks now, but he is still quite comfortable. I've been dilated at about 1/1.5 cm for two weeks now, and my cervix is still high and thick. Baby is still head down (thankfully) and sounds great but has ZERO desire to exit yet. Such a Mama's boy already. 😝

And that's ok. I will be 39 weeks on Sunday and want BBL2 to be as healthy and strong as possible when born. Every day he's still on "the inside," the stronger he is getting, within reason, of course. 😜 Let's hope he doesn't have to be formally evicted in a few weeks.

My awesome MIL made us her famous homemade chicken noodle soup for dinner, Greg is slowly on the mend, and the sun was actually shining for all of today. ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️

I am blessed. I am grateful. I am calm. And I am continuing to remember the Serenity Prayer, every moment of every day.

Hooray!

Greg is no longer near death! He got to be with Will a bit tonight! 👏

My in-laws arrived late tonight! 👏🏼👏🏼

BBL2 is still safely ensconced in the womb!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I am still feeling great! 👏👏👏👏

HOORAY!! 🌟🌟

Hip hip HOORAY! 🌟🌟🌟

Hip hip HOORAY! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

So much to celebrate and be grateful for today. I can't talk about it yet here more, but a new cool opportunity at school arose for next year that I'm beyond potentially excited about. See? Things really do happen for a reason. 💗💗

Tonight, a neighborhood kid exclaimed, "Your stomach is really big."😳😳

I replied, "Thank you. A little baby boy is about to emerge from it."🤗🤗

He stood there, perplexed, and then walked away, confused.😉

My motto for the ever-awful state PARCC testing and waiting for BBL2 remain the same: hurry up and wait.😝😝😝

It IS a full moon this weekend, though, so we shall see what BBL2 decides to do -- or not.😜

It all continues to be a lesson in accepting what is outside my control. 💞💞💞

Awesome in-laws to the rescue!

Thank goodness for my awesome in-laws. 👏👏🏼👏🏾

Greg was even worse today. I drove him to the doctor's right after work. While he thankfully doesn't have the flu (or anything worse), he has a ridiculously bad cold and high fever. His blood pressure is even elevated due to the pain. Unfortunately, there's no strong medication he can take. This nasty thing has to run its course, and Tylenol and NyQuil only provide so much relief. 😫😫😫

Will misses his Dada. I do too. I am having Greg hide in the basement so Will doesn't see him and immediately want to be thrown around and play. 👶🏻

My worst nightmare is going into labor while Greg is sick and when our fabulous neighbors have left for their vacation this Saturday. Rather than continuing to freak out, I developed a contingency plan.🌟

Since my in-laws are ridiculously awesome and accommodating, they will arrive from CT by tomorrow night to help with Will and things around the house. I could not be more grateful. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, right?! 💞💞💞

Stay in there at least a few more days, BBL2. Let's get your Daddy healthy and one set of grandparents down here. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

For those of you with young children and extended family/parents nearby, feel blessed. Believe me, I regularly wish we had this privilege! 💗💗

Let the healing continue!🙏🏻

#getbetternowgreg #badtiming #calmisstrength 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Man sickness!

Greg is really sick. 😳

Man sick.😔

You know the kind.😫😫

Where strong, capable men turn to a helpless mush at the first sign of illness, resorting back to their helpless days of infancy.😫😫😫

This is not convenient. BBL2 may not wait for his Daddy's full recovery. He doesn't care and will emerge into the world when he feels like it.👶🏻👶🏻

Greg must heal.

He must recover.

He must get over himself.🤗🤗

He may even need to see the doctor tomorrow. We all know how much men love doing that!! 😜😜😂😂

We're rooting for you, Daddy. We're counting on you. You're not about to have a live human exit your body, but I am. So, recover. Ahora. 💪🏻💪🏻

Because let's face it -- you're not getting much sympathy over here, from BBL2 or me. 😜😜

#mencanbejustlikebabies #suckitupanddeal #givebirthandthenwewilltalkpain 😝😝

Acceptance is powerful.

Today was a roller coaster, and I'm still recovering. 😁😁😁

Let's start with the highs:

1. An awesome day trip to Annapolis with my boys 💞💞

2. Sunshine ALL day -- didn't even mind the wind! ☀️☀️☀️

3. My college roommate gave birth to healthy twin boys!! They are perfect and even red-headed like her. 👶🏻👶🏻

And for the one big down:

I found out I didn't get either of the Central Office jobs I applied for. 😔😔

Rejection is always tough, especially when you let yourself get excited about the potential new change and challenge.😕

I knew going into this process that I had a shot but that nothing was guaranteed. I also knew that this is NOT the ideal time to take on a brand new position. 😐

Even though things didn't work out, I am proud of myself for applying, putting myself out there, preparing, and interviewing for both positions in front of huge panels at over nine months pregnant. The fact that my water didn't break during either was a definite plus.😝

I've always believed that things happen for a reason. Perhaps my work at my current school is not done. There will be a LOT of leadership and staffing changes in the coming year, and I know I can and will continue to be a rock and source of positivity and hope for the school. My teachers -- and certainly students -- deserve nothing less.🌟🌟

Calm is strength, and acceptance is powerful. I am still finding inner peace with the situation but am a bit relieved and still very grateful. After all, I have a certain someone's impending birth to look forward to and more than a heck of a lot to cherish this summer.💗💗👶🏻👶🏻💞💞

I am blessed. I am exactly where I need to be. I am a strong warrior woman and mama. 💪🏻💪🏻

Never doubt your own greatness!! 👏🏼👏🏾👏🌺😍

Only child status about to expire...

I'm getting a bit emotional over Will losing his only child status.

I know it's silly and that he will never know life without his brother. But I can't help but feel like I'm robbing him of additional time he needs to be the only kid in the house. Is this irrational?😳😳

The fact that I'm an only child only complicates matters. I never knew life with a sibling and always had the full attention from my parents. As they have said, every day was Kay Day. I feel blessed for that. 💞

Even though Greg's brother is six years his junior, he really doesn't remember his life without Kevin in it. He very much enjoyed his constant companion and appreciates being fully in adulthood with him now.🌸🌺🌹

I'm continuing to treasure our last moments of a family of 3. Time is fleeting and memories fade, but I hope to forever keep some mental snapshots of Will as my only baby. I hope he knows how much we love him and that we are not trying to replace him with BBL2. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

I've been told the heart only expands when another child is born. I'm hoping this is the case and that someday Will will feel blessed that he has a lifelong companion in his little bro...

#feelingemotional #isthisnormal #allthefeelings 👶🏻👶🏻💗💗💞💞

No rush!

I'm already learning a big lesson as a soon-to-be mama of 2. 😳😳

Chances are, your second child will be nothing like your first, especially in terms of personality. Will arrived over two weeks early and already has a type A, take charge, and independent kind of personality (Sound familiar?!! 😂😂😂). BBL2 is still quite comfortable in the womb. While still head down, he has no immediate plans to vacate, and I have not dilated further. As my awesome MIL said, "So he will be the always late brother." Maybe. 😜😜

In all honesty, I'm in no rush for BBL2 to come. We will only be 38 weeks along this weekend, and it's been fun having some bonus time as a family of three. We have some more adventures planned this weekend too. ☀️☀️🌟🌟💗💗

While I cannot wait to meet BBL2, I'm quite content with the here and now. I need to treasure the remaining time I have with Will as an only child, relax, and have faith that BBL2 will arrive on his own sweet time.🙏🏻💪🏻💞

And my inner control freak just got a little more tamed. That will only continue, I'm sure. 👏👏🏼👏🏾🤗

Happy Mother's Day!

We are ready. And now officially full term. 😳😳😳

Hospital bags are (mainly) packed, house organizational projects are done, and full-on nesting behaviors resulted in great productivity again this weekend.💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

We're ready for you, BBL2. But if you can hold off until after Wednesday morning, that would be grrrreat.😜😜😜

I'm still on a high from Mother's Day. My boys thoroughly spoiled me. 🌷🌼🌸💐🌺🌹

Here are 10 ways they made my 2nd official special day one to remember:

1. Giving me time to myself -- and to Barre -- this morning.

2. Dexter behaving like a true gentleman at the groomer's.

3. A protein-loaded breakfast with green tea.

4. Flowers and adorable cards galore.

5. A family walk in the SUN (Amen!), complete with Will's antics on the slides.

6. Greg taking the lead with Will today and ensuring I didn't have to change ONE diaper.

7. An awesome dinner out in Frederick.

8. Will behaving like an absolute angel throughout the meal!

9. Greg taking care of Will after he vomited up the rich food from dinner after going to bed, even sticking his face into a pile of vomit accidentally and not complaining. Will spent the time laying on the bed staring at Greg, hands behind his head wondering what the heck Dada was doing. #myboysarefunny 😂😂😂

10. And my favorite part of the day -- Discovering dozens of index cards hidden throughout the house, each detailing a specific reason why I rock as a Mommy (written by Greg but from Will's POV). Sooooo sweet!

It's true -- I am beyond blessed. 💞💞💞

Hope all of you amazing Mamas were spoiled silly today and enjoyed every moment of it with your loved ones!! 💗💗💗

What a day!

What a crazy day! 😬😬😬

From seeing BBL2 in 3D this morning (and discovering that I'm already 1.5 cm dilated) to an active shooter in our county, it's been quite the Friday. All schools in my county were on shelter and/or lockdown, and I am beyond thankful the suspect is now in custody (after killing 2 people and seriously injuring 2 more at 3 different sites). You really aren't safe anywhere anymore, I suppose. 😪😪

In better news, we finally got to see BBL2 for the first time since January! His measurements look great, and he's about 6 lb and 3 oz so far (I will be 37 weeks this weekend). My doctor wants me to consume more protein to help the little guy gain more fat before his big arrival. I really am committed to doing so, even if it means taking Ensure drinks with me everywhere I go like an 80 year old. Hey, they're not THAT disgusting. 😝😝

The fact that I am already starting to dilate really means we need to finish packing our hospital bags this weekend and be prepared for BBL2's arrival any day. Will came 15 days early after a fast labor, so we shall see what this guy decides to do. I would just love for him to make it through my next interview next Wednesday!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

It's getting real. VERY real. I'm come down with some sort of cold and sore throat, so I really need to get more rest this weekend while I still can! I will certainly regret it later if I don't. 💤💤💤💤

Stay in a little longer, BBL2!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Interview tips!

It's been a looooong day.

I think things went well today with the interview, but I'm always my own worst self-critic.

10 things to consider to NOT look and sound like a blubbering, rambling fool during a job interview: 😝😝😝

1. Be prepared. Think of questions you may be asked ahead of time and how you would answer them. Write them down if that suits your learning style!📝📝📝

2. Have a friend do a mock interview with you. They really do help!👏🏼👏🏿👏🏾

3. Do your homework, and figure out what questions -- if any -- you want to ask your potential new employer.🗄📋🗃

4. Shake everyone's hands when you enter the room and again right before you leave.🌟

5. Use clear and concise answers. Don't ramble for the sake of rambling.💞

6. Use calm breathing to get rid of nerves before the interview (2 inhales in, 4 exhales out).🙏🏻🙏🏻

7. Make eye contact and stay really present throughout the interview.😳😳😳

8. Always have water, a notepad, and pen on hand.

9. Make every word you say count.

10. Be confident in what you bring to the table, and let your inner passion come through!

And, on this 4th of May, may the fourth be with you!!💗💗💗

A day!

It's been a day. That's for sure. 😬😬😬

10 things currently on my mind:😝

1. The future of our great nation 😳😳

2. My big interview tomorrow 😳😳😳😳😳

3. How much I absolutely adore all of my boys😍😍😍😍

4. When will BBL2 arrive?🙄🤔🤗

5. How blessed I feel in general🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

6. Gratitude for still being able to work out and feel great at 9 months preggers🌟🌟

7. How awesome it is that my Dad will finish his 9 weeks of radiation on Monday👏👏💞

7. What would I do without Panera?🍽🍽

8. The baby kicks and hiccups still aren't getting old!👶🏻👶🏻

9. Knowing I want to come back in my next life as a spoiled small dog a la Dexter🐶🐶🐶

10. Still cannot believe it's May and that I will be the Mommy of 2 boys under 2 this month. How on earth did this happen... and soooo quickly!??😱😱😱💞💞💞

Teachers rock BTW. Do something nice for a special teacher this week in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week. We appreciate it more than you know! 👏🏼👏🏿👏🏾📝🏆

Stop the judging!

Most of you know that I'm an only child. 

Growing up, I can still remember my parents constantly being asked, "So, when's the second kid coming?" I don't remember how they responded but assumed they wanted a smaller, calmer, and quieter family with me than they had growing up, with 4 and 5 siblings respectively. 😀

Or, they would simply say, "How could anyone ever follow adorable, precious little you?!!" Ha!! 😂😂😂

It wasn't until a few years ago that I learned the truth -- my mom almost had a massive stroke and nearly died while giving birth to me. Her blood pressure shot so high up that she had to be completely isolated for five days in a dark, quiet room following my birth, unable to see her newborn or husband. As my Dad said, "How could I even ask her for a second child after that?!" Fair point.

This story -- and our own initial struggle with infertility -- makes me hyper sensitive over asking anyone when they are going to pop out a kid, be if their first or fourth. Frankly, it is none of my business. I firmly believe that every person needs to make the decision for what works best for his or her family and partner. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

Greg and I always knew we wanted more than one kid, which at one time seemed nearly impossible as we struggled having our first. We feel beyond blessed to be welcoming our second son into the world this month (hopefully!) and plan to fully support our friends and family in their path to completing their families, be it with no kids or seven.🌟🌟

Every family is different. Every family is special. And every family deserves the right to bring life into the world in the way that best suits them.💞💞💞

Let's celebrate one another for having the courage to make decisions that are best for US and stop with the assumptions and unnecessary judgment. That gets us nowhere.

#familyfirst #letsbealliesandnotenemies #youdoyou 

http://www.parenting.com/parenting-advice/mom/nope-were-not-having-second-kid