This week marks 36 weeks! I am grateful for how far along I am as I think about the struggles of our loss and infertility prior to this pregnancy. With the due date quickly approaching, there are a list of worries along with a list of things I am looking forward to as we prepare to welcome our third child into this world.

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Photo taken by Lena Lee

Pizza J is 6 years old and Pizza G is 4 years old. When Pizza G was born, Pizza J had not yet started preschool. While some may have found it difficult to have two young ones at home, I actually enjoyed this better. I didn’t have to worry much about naps being interrupted too much because I had a more flexible schedule with Pizza J. Even though there were difficult moments handling two young kids at home all day, it was also helpful to have Pizza J around the house to pass the time on the difficult days. She made me laugh during the mundane everyday tasks and kept my spirits high when I was feeling defeated.

This time around, both the girls are in school. Pizza J is in school all day as a first grader and Pizza G goes to school 3 times a week for a couple hours. They both also have after school activities several times a week, which are right before or after dinner time. I’m sure this will not make things easy as I figure out school drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as driving them to their activities. I often see the third child in families as more of the “go with the flow,” easy-going type (mostly because they have no other choice!), so I hope that will be the case with my third too!

I’ve had my share of struggles and failures with breastfeeding both my kids, but still long to be successful with my third. I know I shouldn’t put so much pressure on myself, but it’s hard not to during those early weeks. Mr. Pizza has a longer paternity leave this time compared to the two weeks he had with the other two, so I am hoping that this will help me to have a bit more time learning to breastfeed without being pulled in different directions with the other kids.

With every addition to the family, it is a brand new adjustment for the entire family. What worked last time won’t always work again with the next. Pizza 2 slept poorly her entire first year and it really impacted my mental, emotional, and physical state, as well as my relationship with Mr. Pizza. Adding another baby is bound to add new stress and push our limits again, but I’m hoping we will be able to give each other more grace this time around. I’m also hoping this baby doesn’t have feeding issues (like my first two) and sleeps amazing! I can dream right??

I’ve struggled with postpartum depression with both of my girls. Thankfully, with Pizza G, it was easier for me to recognize it and I was able to feel a bit more like myself sooner. I’m hoping this will be the case again and feel like I have a better understanding this time of what will help me through the early months.

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There are things I am definitely looking forward to with this baby’s arrival.  Having experienced a miscarriage and a harder time getting pregnant, I’m just looking forward to finally holding her in my arms. During this pregnancy, I was more anxious about the health of the baby and always felt relief after every doctor’s visit.

Like I mentioned, Mr. Pizza will have a longer paternity leave this time. I’m so grateful for this because I know it will help with the transition to our growing family and all of the daily demands. I also hope that it will be a meaningful time for him, for us and for our family.

I love watching the bond between Pizza J and Pizza G continue to grow. Pizza G often loves playing the “baby role” in the family, she is also very much looking forward to being an older sister. While it will be a big adjustment for all of us, I look forward to seeing how the third will be an added blessing to our family.

I grew up with two sisters so I often pictured having three kids too. While I do not want to completely close the door to having more children just yet, I’m pretty sure that I will feel content with three kids. With this baby likely being my last, I am looking forward to all of the stages. Even though this pregnancy seemed the most wearing on my body, I’ve really tried to enjoy this last pregnancy. We took family pictures, which I didn’t want to do when I was pregnant in the past. I also dressed up more during this pregnancy. I often tell people that the newborn stage is my least favorite, but I have a feeling this time will be a little different for me. While I’m sure I will experience the same struggles, I really long to savor the good moments and enjoy the fleeting time I have with my newborn.

What are some things you are worried about and also looking forward to with the arrival of your baby? Any advice on the things that I mentioned that I’m worried about?