Little Brother

22 weeks

Little Brother

No name yet, but like with Lewis we plan on keeping the name a secret; therefore, we are in no hurry. As soon as we do pick it I will have to keep a secret; I'm not very good at that! 

They say every pregnancy is different and I agree to some degree. It's been much easier in many ways. I'm not as tired nor nauseated. I have more energy and I haven't gained as much weight. In other ways it is much more difficult. My bladder is much weaker and the development of an umbilical hernia is very painful. Another difference, Little brother moves more than Lewis did at this point! In fact, I felt little brother around week 15 on a daily basis, but I didn't feel Lewis until week 17 and even then it wasn't daily.

I am still running and doing Stroller Strong Moms. I, of course, have had to scale back a bit and modify some of the workouts, but I really enjoy working out. There are several second/third time Moms joining me with our growing bellies. I think continuing to work out will help me loose the baby weight faster than I did with Lewis. (Well, that's the goal.)

This pregnancy seems to be flying by. I really need to jump on board and get everything ready, but it's hard to find the time. Thankfully, I did go through all of Lewis' baby clothes and find the Newborn and 0-3 sizes. Now that I know what I have I can register for what I still need. 

A big difference between little brother and Lewis is they will be born in different states. We have switched OB's and little brother will be a Georgia native. We still haven't decided on which hospital; one is on the verge of closing down it's Labor and Delivery Ward. 

Lewis has been precious. He loves to pull up my shirt to expose my belly and talk with little brother. He gives him kisses and 'wiggles' him around. 'Wiggles' consists of gently wiggling my belly back and forth.

Fuffer-Fly

Yesterday, I took Lewis to Callaway Gardens to see the butterflies aka fuffer-flies. It's only 45 minutes from our house and it's free entry for the months of January and February.

This was the first butterfly we spotted. Lewis kept asking to hold him, but he was a good boy and didn't try to touch him. Instead he would get close and say, "HELLO, FUFFER-FLY, HELLO!"

Lewis wanted to get in the water for a swim. Although, I think the fish would have thought he was food and taken a few nibbles.

In years past Tim and I have seen butterflies as big as our heads and flying all around. This time they were much smaller and few in number.

We took a stop into the gift shop, but instead of getting a new toy or book Lewis wanted candy. 

Enjoying a handful.

This was a nice afternoon for the two of us... very relaxing.

Gardening

Tim and I were inspired to do a little gardening today. Therefore, we made an afternoon of it with Lewis and took him to the local nursery.

Dressed for the occasion in his super hero shirt and rain boots! ha ha...

He was very curious about the big pots.

He found a great puddle and occupied himself for awhile.

He was soaked.

His boots were full of water; therefore, we had to strip him down before getting in the car!

Look at those white legs.

Lewis was ready to garden for his first time.

We planted strawberries

and Romaine Lettuce. (I really hope my green thumb has kicked in and these don't die on me.)

Lewis is showing me his dirty shirt!

We paused for a quick shot taken by Tim.

Tim planted all of these for us in the garden bed. (Almost impossible to kill!)

Lewis and I stuck to the containers.

The big mess Lewis made! Well, I guess I am responsible too.

No No Lewis, We do not hit!

I have a hitter! It's 3am and I am lying awake thinking... How do I get this boy to stop hitting?!?

I see how other Moms look at Lewis and I and judge. I feel the labels they put on us, but I just CANNOT get this boy to stop hitting others. It is very embarrassing, but most of all frustrating. I wonder if he does this to get a rise out of me or just because he can and therefore he will. I have tried almost everything by now, bribes, time-out, removing him from the situation, etc.

His Sunday School teacher has been very patient with Lewis. Although, she too is feeling frustrated with the lack of progression we have made. Tonight she said it perfectly, "He hits with a smile. It is as if he does it just because HE CAN. Right now, time-out isn't bad enough to make the hit not worth it. Although, someday, Sara, he will feel that time-out isn't worth it and he will stop." Bless her heart... she  is trying to give me a little hope, but I'm not sure it's working.

Those of you who have had a child that hits understands. Those of you who have had a child who doesn't hit, but does something equally frustrating may understand as well. If you have that perfect child who performs on demand then consider yourself blessed, but don't forget to extend a little grace for those of us who are struggling.