Last Day as a parent to 1: Synopsis of my pregnancy

     My pregnancy is drawing to a close tonight at Midnight (technically Monday). My OB and I discussed my options about 3 weeks ago, and we both concluded an induction may be best. Of course we both knew there was a chance lil bit could come before I reached 39 weeks, but we decided we'd go ahead and plan on this. The main reason for my induction this time is due to the fact she measures about 2 weeks larger than she should. She's definitely going to be larger than my little man when he was born. I was induced with him too, but only because he didn't want me to go past my due date.

     This pregnancy has been so much different than my first one was. I did not have a single problem (out of the ordinary nausea and fatigue). At 11 weeks I had spotting, but apparently it was the way the placenta attached to my uterus. My OB said everything is normal and that is something that is fairly normal too. This time, I have had nausea almost the entire pregnancy, which typically only happens to about 10 percent of pregnant women. I had terrible  back, neck, and arm pain. So bad, that I was unable to work past 20 weeks and my sweet husband has had to pick up slack on housework (and typing my blogs). I've also suffered from migraines this entire pregnancy. Luckily, my OB was able to prescribe me a pregnancy safe migraine medicine because only Tylenol did not cut it. The migraines have hit an all time high in my last trimester causing me to lose vision and have numbness in my face and arms- every.single.time I got one. I know close family and friends are probably over  hearing me complain, but I have tried to keep a positive attitude this whole time (I'm not saying I've fully succeeded). Pregnancy is such an amazing miracle. 

      Since I am becoming a second time mom (STM), my husband and I have made it our goal to help our toddler understand he's about to gain a sibling. He is currently 2 1/2 years old. We know based on our conversations that he understands that baby sister is coming, but I'm fairly certain he does not totally grasp the concept yet. He loves to look though her stuff with us and talk about getting her things. So I am interested to see if he still likes her after a week. I know he will be a good big brother and helper, but I'm already prepared for a conversation about when are we taking her back. We did see an idea about presenting the big sibling with a gift from the younger sibling when they come to the hospital to meet their new sibling. We do have a gift packed and ready to go in the vehicle. (We got him a puzzle, finger paint, some candy, shirt that says he's the "world's coolest brother," and some sidewalk paint.) I know with a toddler there's really no way to fully have him understand until she arrives. Our goal is to mainly make it fun and exciting that he has a new baby sister. 

       Today, my ultimate goal is to run though all my check lists and make sure I have everything I need, and I hope to relax and rest as much as possible today. I will need to be on my game tomorrow. While I look forward to no longer being pregnant, I know what lies ahead of me with a newborn. What I don't know exactly, is how other dynamics will change having 2 children to care for. I know I'm a very lucky woman to have wonderful support from my husband, family, and friends... But it will be interesting to see just how life is about to change for us. To say I'm not a little nervous about all of it would be a lie. However, I do look forward to it too. Tomorrow, at some point, I will officially be a mother of 2 children. I will litter your news feeds with pictures, so just be prepared.