The Soon to be Middle Child

Looking back at this pregnancy so far (we have just about two months to go), we have had a lot of worries. Some justified, and some just because we feel lucky to have two healthy kids and wonder if we are testing our luck (not that either of us thinks things really work that way). I realized this month that I haven't thought a lot about how T will adjust. When I was pregnant with him, N was thrilled to become a big brother (and he's still thrilled at the idea of another sibling - he has asked for 100). Yet, I would go to bed crying thinking of how I was changing his life forever in ways I didn't know how (I'm an only child). At the same time I was so excited to have another baby, thanks to the amazing kid N is (I probably would take 100 of him).

 I'm not sure if it's because N and T have each other that I haven't worried about T, or if it's because we waited so long to become pregnant and then had so many early worries that I just haven't thought about how things will change for him. He is not excited about having a sister but he seems to like babies in general. He is a sensitive and yet strong willed guy which makes it hard to guide him at times. I think as the reality of this pregnancy ending soon is setting in, along with the fact we'll be celebrating his birthday soon, I'm thinking more and more about his new reality.

Recently a lot of questions relate to things that used to be his, now becoming KCs. It breaks my heart a little because I can see how it might bother him. There are a lot of limits I've set (his beloved Sophie is way too disgusting to pass down, so he is excited that KC will not get his). KC will have new stuffed animals (my boys are very particular about their lovies), and since she's a girl there's only a few clothing items I'll be reusing.

I also really worry about him sharing Chris and I with her. He still crawls into our bed each night and snuggles. He demands a lot more attention than N ever did. And things don't just slide off his back, he remembers and is easily hurt. I've been stressed with trying to get the nursery finished (literally NOTHING is done - no paint, no crib, it's just a room with a chair), but I think mentally I really need to focus on how to help T adjust (booking a sibling tour needs to happen today). If you have any advice (sans the baby giving him a present), I would love it. Books, ideas for him to feel included, or ways for N to help him adjust, or just ways to get him excited about this little lady coming - I'll take them.

(All pictures are from Bower Studio Photography, when T was less than a week old)