Take Two: So, this is it
Editor’s Note: Take Two is a series of blog posts chronicling the experiences of three WISH-TV anchors (Lauren Lowrey, Kylie Conway and Amber Hankins) who have been pregnant together in 2018. Each woman is expecting her second child and each will have a baby boy.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s a weird feeling. Nearly 40 weeks…10 months…however you look at it…gone in a flash. I remember the day so clearly early this year. It was still winter, I had a gals trip planned to Phoenix and we found out I was pregnant. Time to buckle up!
Over the months there are phases of mixed emotions. From pure bliss and joy to anxiety and stress and everything in between. The common concerns pop up. Like, how will I be able to give this second boy the attention and love I’ve given Joaquin? When will I sleep? Another college fund? Two boys?
I’m in over my head!
As quickly as those thoughts would creep up, they also seemed to disappear. Replaced by butterflies thinking of the first cry, the first of many snuggles and years watching these boys play and (hopefully) become best buds.
I look forward to having their friends over, going out to dinner as a family, meeting girlfriends, playing chauffeur, tearing up as they each drive away on their own for the first time, proudly watching them graduate high school and college and watching them become the men who respect themselves, respect women and stand up for what they believe in. Because that’s exactly how it will all play out, right? Right?!?
Leading up to my last day before maternity leave, I wasn’t sure how it would feel. Today’s that day and I have my answer. I am so excited! I cannot wait to hold this baby in two days. To feel his soft skin and introduce him to his big brother.
I know it’s not going to be easy, but there’s something about already experiencing that crazy love once that takes away a lot of the anxiety of baby #2. You’re more skilled in “baby,” there’s a built-in support system, you and your partner understand parenting roles and expectations and a lot of the kinks have been worked out.
A week or so ago my hormones were in full force. My husband was at work and I let my mind spiral down the rabbit hole. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around having to share my treasured “Joaquin time” with another baby. As I’ve expressed in a previous blog, my main heartache leading up to this week has been wondering how I will explain to Joaquin that although his world has been interrupted and things have changed in a big way, my and my husband’s love for him never will waiver.
Enter the support system. One of my best girlfriends must have sensed some of my angst and sent me a series of the sweetest text messages. They were exactly what I needed to hear in that exact moment. They said in part, “It’s crazy how much things change but at the same time how fast you guys will all adjust and it will just feel like the norm. You won’t be able to imagine going back to the life you had with one child.”
She explained that initially after baby #2 there were some issues that quickly dissipated and now her boys are inseparable and “make each other so happy.” Music to my ears.
Zuni and I have already talked about how his role will change…picking up the slack to make sure Joaquin doesn’t feel neglected. When you’re feeding a newborn, asking them to be patient and wait a few minutes to eat isn’t an option. We also know our lives will really be put on the back burner again. But, knowing now how much love and fulfillment comes from children that doesn’t really seem like a sacrifice.
The hubs and I squeezed in one last date night Saturday at Cunningham Restaurant Group’s newest restaurant, Nesso. It was magical. Also leading up to the big day I’ve gotten my nails done, hair cut (tomorrow), teeth cleaned, house organized and have a last-minute prenatal massage scheduled for tomorrow.
I also scheduled a house cleaning so things will be in mint condition when we get home from the hospital. Whew! My final week of pampering before this gal turns into Frankenstein!
My c-section is scheduled for Friday at 8 a.m. This baby is still breech and seems to be pretty comfortable. I thought I might have some reservations and anxiety leading up to such a major procedure, but I really don’t. I’ve been through it before. I know it’s not pleasant. But, I also know it’s the best odds for us to bring home a healthy baby. And in the end that’s all that matters, right? Two days. Two days!
As for this day, it is my last day on Daybreak for the next few months. It’s an odd feeling. I’m really not sad at all because I know I’ll be back before I know it and things will pick right back up where they left off.
My sincerest thank-you’s for being so supportive, sending kind and warm messages and truly being invested in my pregnancy and growing family. It has meant the world. I’ll be active on social media while I’m away and I’ll be doing a few Kylie’s Korners as well.
I certainly hope you check in from time to time. Otherwise, I will see you again very soon.