So is there anything different about this pregnancy for me? The excitement of Baby #4's siblings as they eagerly await the season of snow, Santa Claus and baby's arrival. When we were expecting Ceilidh, Devlin was only two years old. He really had no concept of what was happening other than Mummy's belly was getting bigger. Although we tried to explain the pending arrival with books and visits with other families with little babies, it was lost on him. Then one day, he awoke to find Halmuhnee and Habagee in the kitchen and Mommy and Daddy gone to the hospital. When he was introduced to the new baby, he was less than enthralled and asked to return to the hospital lobby to look at the birds and fish.
He soon learned this small bundle was going to wreak havoc on his life though. There was more sharing of Mommy's attention and time, and the house became noisier. Quickly, he became Daddy's little shadow.
Aisling's early arrival threw us all for a loop. For one, Mommy was on modified bed rest before Aisling was born. That meant Mommy could no longer lift or carry Ceilidh or Devlin. There were also some days Mommy had to spend at the hospital. So evenings were spent sitting on the hospital bed watching Treehouse. Then once Aisling arrived, she didn't come home with Mommy right away. Aisling had to spend an extra week at the hospital so both Devlin and Ceilidh met and bonded with their new sister in the special care nursery, surrounded by other tiny babies. When Aisling finally arrived home, she was greeted with such delight.
This time, Devlin and Ceilidh are well aware of Mommy's pregnancy and the impending arrival of Baby #4. Even Aisling is excited, although she is impatient at the thought of waiting until winter to meet the baby. While Ceilidh has voiced her desire for a puppy, she has more or less resigned herself to the idea of a new baby instead. All three are rooting for a brother. The ultrasound picture was pored over by all three who wanted to know when, when, when was the baby coming? In the evenings, both Devlin and Aisling enjoy rubbing my belly. Aisling is always asking where the baby's face is so she can kiss that portion of the tummy. She is also very intrigued with my "outie" belly button and tries to push it back in. The other night, Devlin felt the baby's kick against his hand, and his eyes went round with wonderment.
When asked what she will do when the baby comes out, Aisling has declared she will push the stroller. None of the monkeys have volunteered to assist with diaper changes but would like the baby to sleep in the bunk bed with them. While Ceilidh had her heart set on a puppy, I know she will be the one most interested in rocking and singing to the baby since she tends to be a nurturer. Aisling, I fear, will likely rouse the baby with her high volume lullabies.
The discomforts of pregnancy are the same for this baby as they've been for all the others. The stretch marks are appearing and will probably never fade. Every day, I feel a little bit more awkward in my gait. I still hate the diabetic diet I'm on, and lust for freshly baked white bread. But I am enjoying this last pregnancy, revelling in every kick and poke Baby #4 delivers. While I can't wait for this baby to makes its appearance, I am trying to savour this last time I will carry another life inside of me (at least that's the plan). Mostly, I am enjoying watching my other monkeys eagerly anticipate the arrival of their new sibling. I am trying my best to dodge the questions of how baby #4 will come out of me, and how Mommy knew she was having another baby, and instead diverting their attention to another somersault by the baby.
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