It's confirmed. I am expecting. I am a second-time mum.
Funny, but just a few weeks ago I was exchanging emails with a friend who just gave birth to her second child. If I remember it correctly, I mentioned that this whole thing of caring for a newborn and for your first born is a whole new challenge. As a mum, we are faced again with a set of challenges, some of which maybe similar during the first time we got pregnant, but some will surely be new.
As a second-time mum I can't help but get worriesd every now and then about certain things. What certain things? Well, for one, I hope that this pregnancy will be a lot easier for me as compared when I had Liam. I had a very difficult first trimester when I was heavy with Liam. My friends and workmates in Ateneo can attest to that. I had to do bed rest for two weeks, I had all-day sickness, I needed to have a spitting cup. I was soooo ugly. I felt bad. Try as I hard, I felt I didn't enjoy the first 3 months back then. So now, I am hoping that this one is an easier one. A bonus for me. So far, I haven't felt anything unusual like when I had Liam. I hope it will be like this until I give birth sometime late November.
Next, I am worried how I will prepare Liam for the coming of his new baby brother or sister. Young that he is now, I can already sense that he is the jealous type. Everytime he sees me or his Papa playing with his younger cousin Francesca or when he sees babies approaching me or his Papa when we are in church, he quickly asks us to carry him and cuddle him. Oh, I think this is one tough job I really have to prepare for. So for my friends who are done with this stage, do you have any tips for me?
Third, I am quite worried how I will be able to manage caring for two kids and take care of our home, and possibly work as well, all at the same time? Does this mean saying goodby to my OC-ness forever? I don't know. Let's see when I get there.
What else am I worried about? Well, sibling rivalry, raising my children well, how will my next nine months be, what will be my diet again? What foods should I avoid? What if I miss something? Oh the list will go on and on!
I am worried or scared at times but right now, I don't allow my fears and worries to control me. I know that God will guide me and help me every step of the way. I am sure He will send His "angels" through family and friends.
So now, I just allow myself to embrace the fact and feel the joy of having this chance again to carry one of His creations. To be responsible for one of His creations. I am thankful and I am honored. And I continue to praise and thank Him for that.
