Whenever you're ready...I'm ready...

It hit me in the last 48 hours that for most of Henry's second year of life I have been tired (first trimester), surviving (second trimester), and exhausted & uncomfortable (third trimester). And so today I had a day with Henry.

We dropped Charley off at school and headed over to a mom friend's house to hang out with some neighborhood moms. Henry sat close by me, shy. Then I asked him where he wanted to eat lunch because Charley had a sledding playdate afterschool. He asked for McDonalds and typically I would persuade him to choose a different place, but today I decided to really let him choose. So we sat at a booth and he and I enjoyed the golden arches. Then we ventured to the mall and walked the halls...I haven't done a ton of walking due to the cold, snowy weather. So I thought I would do a little of that and see if it spurs any baby action. We wandered, window shopped, and then got some ice cream.

He held my hand most of the day. It was what we needed and maybe baby hasn't come because baby knew that Henry and I needed that quiet hand holding time - with nothing rushing us. We actually had to waste time before picking up big brother.

So for his second year I have been pregnant. And for his third year I am going to be slightly sleep deprived but....

I will once again be able to run the yard kicking soccer balls, lay on the floor to take a picture at his level, pick him up without hesitation, jump in a jumpy blow up thingy, sled, get up and down to play games on the floor, hold him on my lap to read and snuggle without a watermelon in the way, ride a waterslide or carnival ride, crouch down in the sandbox, and much more.

I have changed my tune from last week. Last week I claimed that if I had the baby early I might demand a fourth child since I was jipped out of a week or two of pregnancy. But today, wandering through the GAP and other regular stores at the mall, I realized that soon I can shop and wear so many more clothing items. I can be a more active mama with Henry and Charley. I can enjoy my niece and nephew with more physical energy. I can sleep on my belly or my back. I can put on my boots and shoes without grunting. I can get down and take pictures at their level. I can shovel and walk Charley to school without fear of slipping on ice and compromising baby's health. I can enjoy a cold beer or classy cocktail or glass of wine in the evening.

So I am ready.

Baby, YOU are welcome to arrive whenever you are ready.