Things are Different

As we are busy chasing around our little toddler, I am amazed at how differently this pregnancy experience. I began thinking of a list a little ways back about what exactly is different with #2 so far, so here it is :)

1. I cannot be relied on to know how far along I am. A friend asked me a few weeks back and I couldn't remember if I was 16 or 17 weeks along..... Last time I could probably tell you the weeks & days at any given moment. Now I just like to report the due date as opposed to the # of weeks.
2. I have no idea how big the baby is. Unlike the first time, where I religiously read each weeks updates (in multiple places - online, in my books, etc), this time I do not have much time for such reading. After realizing I didn't know how far along I was, I decided to figure it out. Using my blog ticker instead of a book, I also saw that the baby was 10 inches & was shocked! I still thought it was like 3 inches at that time :P
3. I keep thinking I need to figure out what I need for this baby, but lack the time/initiative to start planning. Last time, I'm pretty sure I'd already done a decent amount of shopping by this point. To date with this pregnancy, I've purchased nothing for the next baby! Good thing I don't need as much - but there are some things I need.....
4. We are no where near a decision on a name. Last time, we were just about secure in the name by this point and in a week (when we would find out the sex) I would've known because as soon as we knew Mackenzie was a girl, she had a name. Even if we were finding out the sex in a week & a half, there would be no name for quite some time, I'm afraid!
5. I've yet to take a belly shot. Last time, I'd started about biweekly updates at this point. I do plan (hope) to take some this time for comparision!
6. I almost forget I'm pregnant at times. Well, I never forgot in the 1st trimester since I felt pretty yucky. But when the 2nd tri hit, I felt great and almost don't know I'm pregnant until someone brings it up!
7. I worry alot less and cut myself some slack on my diet. I guess with running after a toddler, I don't have time to stress about everything that could possibly be bad for the preganancy. And I allow myself to cheat a little and have some diet coke (gasp!) this time, whereas I never did last time! I wonder if less stress will equal a more laid back child?
8. There is a calm excitement to expecting the next child. Last time it was mixed with more anxiousness, lots of reading, etc. This time, I'm just enjoying the restful nights in preparation for #2 and really don't think about too much other than praying for a healthy baby.

So, all in all, it's different, but that's not a bad thing. I'm enjoying this wonderful 2nd trimester & glad it has fallen during the summer since we are taking advantage of our time before #2 arrives with lots of trips & activities. I'll be glad that the 3rd trimester is in the fall this time (instead of the dead of summer!).

Oh - and in other pregnancy news, I started feeling flutters a few weeks ago. Such a great feeling & I can't wait til they get a little stronger for daddy & big sister to feel. Good times to come :)