Meet Lindsey: Ready for number 2

Anyone who knows me knows I am a habitual planner. So is my husband. So when we would tell people that we were not finding out the gender of our daughter in advance they thought I was crazy. I have always felt like it's one of life's surprises that no matter how hard you try you can't plan for. That's one of the many reasons we are so excited to introduce you to Lindsey.

Hi Lindsey. How as no knowing the gender changed how you are preparing for baby number 2?

This is my second pregnancy and unlike my first, we have decided to not find out the sex of the baby (my husbands request, definitely not mine). I feel very unprepared for our sweet baby to arrive not only for this reason and not being able to pick out cloths or plan the bedroom because we don't know the sex but also because I have a two and a half year old daughter that is full of energy and needs attention and our house is currently under construction because we decided to remodel the house for our expanding family. I'd love to say that I am prepared but, with all circumstances aside, I don't believe that anyone can be truly prepared to welcome a little one into their family. We just pray a lot, learn as we go and know that God with be with us each step of the way and help us with this new transition.

We have been working with our two and a half year old daughter Cora to prepare her for the baby's arrival since we first found we were expecting (which coincidentally was the morning of her second birthday). Cora has made numerous crafts for the baby and discussion about the baby occurs daily. Our local hospital offers a sibling class for children expecting new siblings to prepare themselves for the baby, so I signed her up for it. Unfortunately, the class was canceled but luckily my sweet mother-in-law works in the maternity at the hospital so she set up a day for Cora to go into the maternity ward and tour the rooms and the nursery, meet the nurses, make a shirt and a few other items for her new sibling. Cora thoroughly enjoyed it, especially because she was with her grandma.

What have you done to take care of yourself?

With both pregnancies I have tried to focus on my diet and maintain my exercise routine throughout the pregnancy. With my first pregnancy I was able to train up to two weeks before I gave birth. This pregnancy experience has been a little different. I have landed in the hospital two times for early labor so I have had to stop training a few weeks earlier than I would like to. I truly believe that exercise and good nutrition was key for the pregnancy, birthing process and for the health of Cora (and hopefully our new baby). Along with these two items, I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure with my mother and sister on a regular basis.

Any fears, things that you are anxious about?

I truly have no fears or am anxious about anything. I have a strong faith in God and know that everything will be work out the way it was meant to and if faced with any issues God will be with us each step of the way. I am a super anxious person by default (it runs in my family) but God is a constant source of calmness for me.

Lots love love and light for a safe arrival of sweet baby number 2!

Photos: Sherri Nutter Photography

Norwalk, OH

#newborn #maternity