Back at home, it’s been one of those “so much to do, where did the day go” kinds of weeks. I honestly can’t believe there are only three weeks left of school. I know I say this every year, but it really does sneak up on me. I still haven’t bought a single thing for the baby. Not one onesie, not a car seat, not a bottle. I think part of it is superstition, part of it is being tired, and part of it is knowing that the second time around, babies don’t actually need that much stuff. Not at first, anyway.
My son, Tristan (he's 8) on the other hand, is full of energy and very excited to meet his baby brother. He’s been making plans for how we’ll set up the new room. He even said he wants the baby to sleep in his room “once he stops crying at 5 months.” I had to explain that five months is a pretty optimistic estimate, but he wasn’t fazed. He said if the baby wants to sleep in his room, that would be fine. I love that he’s thinking about what it’ll be like to share his world. I think it makes it feel more real for him, too.
There’s something sweet about seeing the way he’s imagining life with a sibling. He has questions about everything: how big will the baby be, when will he be able to walk, what if he likes different cartoons, what if he doesn’t like cheese. The questions are constant and sometimes hilarious, but also very thoughtful. I think he’s already trying to figure out what kind of person his brother might be.
We haven’t even bought the bassinet yet, let alone thought about decorating. I told him we’d start working on the room together soon. I think he wants to feel involved, and I want that too. Even if it’s just moving things around and choosing a place for the books. We can do that this weekend. Or next. There’s still time. Right?
I’ve been trying to give myself grace about the timeline of everything. About the writing, the baby prep, the summer plans. It doesn’t all have to be perfect or even particularly organized. I keep reminding myself that the most important thing is just being present. Listening to my son. Feeling the baby move. Sitting down to write when I can. Taking walks early in the morning before the heat rises up off the pavement like a wave.
That’s about it for now. A quiet week in some ways, but full in others. If you’re also counting down to summer, or to something big in your life, I’m right there with you.
As always, I’d love to know what’s going on in your world. Have you been anywhere new lately? What’s the weather like where you are? What are you reading right now that’s keeping you company?
Talk soon,
Kate
