The Specky post

I have totally succumbed to the 'second-child' syndrome already. It's happening, folks. And the poor kid isn't even born yet! It certainly isn't because I don't care or I'm not excited. Oh, I am, I really can't wait to meet this little one. It's just that the big brother in the house keeps me conveniently distracted. So without further postponement, let's talk about Speck, baby....

Who is "Specky?" As with our 2 other little babes in utero, we had nicknames from the beginning with them. Before we knew Caleb was a boy, his nicknames were his corresponding size in fruit by week...i.e. poppy seed, blueberry, raspberry, plum. And with our second child, its nickname was and always will be "little seed." So, when #3 blissfully came along, I began thinking of tiny things...and thus little "Speck" or "Specky" was named. The complete nickname is "Specky McSpeckerson." I often create fake last names with Mc-?-er-son. Don't ask :)

When is the due date? Somewhere between late November and early December, Lord willing. Caleb was born 5 days before his EDD.

Is it a boy or a girl? We don't know! We (meaning me) really desired a surprise delivery this time. This whole pregnancy has been more laidback than my first, so it just felt like it would be fun to have this awesome surprise in 9 months.

I can't believe you don't wanna know! I know; me either.

Do you have names picked out? Yes, both first and middles for either boy or girl. At this point, I think we're waiting to reveal them until the birth.

How are you feeling? Awesome, really. In the first trimester, I experienced nausea for the first time (never had it with Caleb), and was extremely fatigued. The latter probably due to chasing around a rambunctious toddler this time.

Have you felt the baby move? Yes, and I was able to recognize the sensation sooner this time from experience. I felt little "bubbles" around week 15, but wasn't truly certain. Around week 16, I was positive that they were indeed little jabs and left hooks. Brent has been able to feel Specky move too. Very cool! Specky seems to be just as active as big brother was.

Does Caleb know about Specky? Yes, to the degree that an almost 2 year old can. It's the most precious thing when he asks to "Kiss baby?" We are learning to be gentle with a babydoll, and showing kindness to it. He is learning to entertain himself and play independently.

Anything else to share? Well, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity actually...my sister is also pregnant and we are due 10 days apart! My parents are really excited about gaining two grandchildren within days of each other. It's amazing to think they will have 5 grandkids at Christmastime!