number two faq

You know, it's a lot of fun to share happy news with you all. Thanks for expressing your excitement for us. It really brightens my day.

As I suppose is usual with an announcement such as this, I've been asked a lot of questions. Today I will attempt to answer them.


1. How have you been feeling?

In a word, siiiiiick. Or blech. Take your pick. Oh, and very, very tired. Seriously, this time around has been so much worse than with Garrett -- and that was no picnic. Oddly enough, I've felt the best in the mornings. Then lunchtime hits and it's all downhill from there. Evenings and nights have been the worst. The cold winter weather hasn't helped much, either to boost my spirits and general outlook on life, or my motivation to get out and take my mind off of feeling crummy. We've had lots of low-key inside days these last few months. Happily, though, the good moments are starting to become more frequent.

I've also been feeling big. My body apparently knows what to do this second time around and isn't wasting any time in doing it. Of course, feeling big and looking big are two different things at this point, but either way, my belly is about a month ahead of what it was with Garrett.

2. Is pregnancy your excuse for less frequent blog postings?

Feeling sick certainly hasn't helped, but it's only part of the reason. I've also been extremely busy lately running the Primary (we've got our first quarterly activity coming up this Saturday, among other things), Garrett continues to demand much of me, and don't forget my New Year's resolution to spend less time at the computer.

3. How far along are you?

I'm a few days shy of the beginning of the second trimester. Hallelujah. I've seen sweet Number Two's heart beating several times now, and have started to feel a little movement.

4. Are you hoping for a girl this time?

Nearly everyone I know is crossing their fingers (or already assuming) that Garrett will be blessed with a little sister, and I'll continue to let them hope. A girl would be great (and it would make picking a name much easier), and a boy would be great (which, because we've got the clothes, would reduce the overall cost). Really, though, I just want a healthy child.

5. Speaking of names, any favorites for this one?

Of course! This is Lindsay we're talking about! But it's too early to share.

6. Do you like your doctor?

Yes! After scheduling an appointment with my former doctor, I had a minor crisis over how much I really didn't feel comfortable seeing him. Luckily, the crisis occurred while word was being spread over my neighborhood parents Yahoo group about this fabulous local doctor. He was accepting new patients, as well as my insurance, so I got myself an appointment. That initial visit confirmed all the rave reviews I'd heard. My new doctor is an older Egyptian man with gentle bedside manners. The other doctor and nurse practitioner at the practice, whom I've also seen, are just as wonderful. In fact, everyone at that office is great -- even the receptionists, which is an unusual thing in Brooklyn, I've noticed. If I could just convince Garrett that my appointments are for me and not him, thus lessening the tears considerably, the whole situation would be perfect.

7. Have you had any bizarre cravings or weird dreams?

Weird dreams? Yes, but that's not so unusual for me. As for cravings, yes, yes, YES. With Garrett, I didn't crave much -- just clementine oranges, cottage cheese here and there, and the occasional glass of cold chocolate milk. This time around I'm craving something new (and almost always difficult to find) nearly every day. My latest quest is for cheese curd (bizarre, I know), which I of course cannot find here (where are the dairy farms when you need them?). If the craving is still persisting in a few more weeks, I'm hoping I can satisfy it during my trip to Utah.

8. So I guess it's time for a double stroller, huh?

Not if I can help it. There's no way I can lug a heavy double stroller up and down two flights of stairs on a regular basis, let alone when we brave the subway. Also, they're a little large to squeeze into tiny, narrow NYC storefronts. Garrett will be old enough -- he can walk. I figure that, what with the fact that I'll likely be toting Number Two around in my Ergo carrier for the first few months, Garrett will have until next spring/early summer before he'll officially be booted from the stroller. He'll be nearly three by then -- definitely old enough to be more independent. I realize that this will likely make our excursions shorter and perhaps more whiny, but I'm not going to raise my oldest son to think his mother will always be doing the legwork herself.

9. Are you ready to be a mother of two in New York City?

Yikes! Two children -- in Brooklyn?! And without a car? No, I'm not ready. Not yet anyway. (Baby steps, right?) But there is no denying the strong and surprisingly peaceful feelings late last year that someone was very anxious to join our family.


Am I missing anything? Oh, probably. But stick around for a few more months, and I'm sure everything will be covered.