April Recap

The Man:

Joe is doing well. It turns out that he does remember how to swaddle. He was worried, but for naught. He is still an excellent swaddler, as proven by the swaddled stuffed monkey that is currently residing in the bassinet.
This month was really busy for Joe. Some was less fun like some work stuff that was making him crazy, but some was good news, like getting to perform with an improv team and going to rehearsals for that. I'm glad he was able to finally have something positive happen for him with improv before the baby arrives. All in all, a good month for him. It's definitely been a big weight off both of our minds to not be worrying about his job anymore. We do still have the next hurdle of if his position will be renewed next year, but we can put off worrying about that for now.

The Lady:

I'm just... really pregnant. I'd forgotten how hard it is to feel motivated to do anything productive in that last month of pregnancy (aside from the random bursts of nesting). I've felt really behind all month long in pretty much everything, yet when I get some time I just want to take a nap. I honestly feel bad for my students because my tolerance level for shenanigans is basically zero and I've gotten pretty feisty with a few of them as a result. On the other hand, I've also let some of them get away with some silliness because I just didn't have the energy to make a fuss. I have just three more paper assignments to grade this semester, a couple in-class assignments, and those are the biggest things that remain. I've also got three letters of inquiry and one grant proposal I want to get submitted over the next two weeks. Can I do it? Umm... yes. I believe so. But, I would like to take a nap.

I'm really, REALLY thankful that I'm finally feeling better though! It's glorious to not have a cough, cold, sore throat, sinus pain, vomiting, etc. Woooo!!!

I also continue to be really grateful for the mom group I joined. Now that I finally know we will be here another year I feel like I can get more involved and get to know people better. It was just a little difficult to feel that way when all that job stress was hanging over our heads.

The Boys:

Z turned 2!! Such a big boy. This last month with all of the talk of his development, trying to spend a lot of one on one time with him before brother arrives and knowing that I'm going to be transitioning to being home with the kids full time, I've felt (this might sound goofy) like I've become more confident as a mom. Better at discipline, better at making our days together count, better at being patient, better at challenging him to learn and grow. I still feel like I'm woefully in need of help, practice and maybe some books, but I feel like I'm doing better. I hope I can hang onto this feeling for a little while, even when the newborn sleep deprivation descends.

Bebo is healthy and VERY active. I sometimes fear he is going to do me an injury! He also has severe hunger/anger issues. If I don't eat he protests vehemently until I get something into my system. If that continues on the outside, woe to us if there is ever a delay in getting milk into that belly.

I'm really tired of being pregnant and huge, so I'm pretty ready to meet this little human. The only thing I'm really feeling anxious about is him arriving safely and breastfeeding. Since breastfeeding was such a nightmare for me last time, I'm not really feeling very confident about that situation. I'm trying really, really hard to be positive and know that this is not the same. Bebo is not Z, I know more now than I did before and am better equipped to look for and meet challenges. We can do this. I've got my fancy new pump as well, so I'm hoping that will be my friend, as much as a breast pump can be. I think that's one of the things Joe is anxious about as well, just because it will be a different routine. We had the formula routine down where we would take turns at night getting up to give bottles, but now I think he doesn't really feel like he has a role if I'm doing all the feeding. I'm sure we'll figure it out, but these are a few of our anxieties at this point.



All in all, the Blums are doing well. We're ready for the summer and our new arrival, even though we are nervous about the transition. We're trying every small space "hack" we can think of to make our little townhouse work with another human occupying the space. I think there are going to be some moments when both Joe and I want to put a hole through the wall or get rid of all of our furniture just to gain a few more square feet, but we do truly think staying here is the best decision since we're still uncertain about next year. We can just save up the money we would be spending on higher rent to put towards a house (or something) next year or moving expenses. Sigh. Uncertainty. Bah.