29 Weeks

I am a terrible blogger.  However, as I haven't made any other sort of pregnancy journal this time around, and as I am sitting at the computer procrastinating the paper I have to write for class, what better thing to do than remember that I have a blog.
Little Chickadee, or Gomerina, as Grandpa has now christened her, is doing wonderfully.  She is such a delicate little baby, that though she moves often, she doesn't kick very strongly, which worries me.  The belly is definitely growing, however, and when I try to count kicks, I always get enough, so I'm trying not to be concerned.  She's just kind to her mother, that's all, and perhaps the inner-womb calmness will translate to out-or-womb calmness as well.
We spend a lot of time these days (or I should say I do, as it isn't Julio's favorite activity) trying to figure out her name.  Sofia likes to do this with me, and her suggestions range from wonderful to no-way-in-hell.  Lily is her favorite, but as Daddy has nixed that idea, we have to convince her that it will not be her sister's name.  We have  a list.  A short list that doesn't contain any names I am crazy about, but it is a list.  We have 11 weeks left.  We'll get there, right?
I've visited several rummage sales this spring/summer, and have found some new baby things, including the things we borrowed last time from Gavins who are now expecting their own new little guy this month. Chickadee will have her own room, as Aunt Sarah has signed a lease for an apartment in Chicago with a friend to start in August.  I'm so excited for her!  And glad to know I have a place to put the crib.
Both Sofia and Daddy have gotten to feel the baby kick against their hands, which delights them both.  Sofia loves to kiss her baby sister, and thinks that the baby is kissing her back.  I hope this complete, unadultered love continues to when that baby is more reality than fantasy.  For now, she tells me how much she loves her baby, what a great big sister she'll be, how she'll read her stories and share her toys and tickle her toes.  It's really sweet.  She says she's so lucky to have the baby as her baby sister.  I know the baby is lucky to have Sofia as her big sister, too.
When I was pregnant with Sofia, she seemed like such a reality.  I could picture the new baby and our family together.  This baby seems more fantasy to me.  I know she's there and she's growing, and every day gets closer to when she'll actually be here, but it just doesn't seem real.  Like she's still just a flicker of my imagination or a hope in my heart.  I can't picture our life with her yet, but can't imagine a future without her, either.  Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that she doesn't have a name yet.  Carrying a second baby really is so different from the first, even though the pregnancies themselves haven't been all that different.  Life is different, her place in our family is different.
I've been getting so tired lately, and headaches more often.  I try to get the same amount of work done as I did before, but I just can't seem to.  My body falls asleep and my belly feels tight.  Sleeping is getting difficult, as my hips get so sore and my arms fall asleep and I have to get up to pee so many times.
Sofia just woke up from her nap, and we promised a trip to a playground on this beautiful day.  Gotta run.