And Then There Were Four…Soon!

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Hello friends!

My, how time flies! In the day-to-day, in the week-to-week, in the…trimester-to-trimester…

Yes, that’s right! I’m PREGNANT with baby number TWO!

And we’re talking…I’m nine months pregnant with….

A BABY BOY!

Oh my gosh, we just couldn’t be more excited and grateful…or feeling totally unprepared!

It’s absolutely wild how different your second pregnancy is than your first!

Your first go around, being pregnant is the center of your world: you can just bask in every feeling, every moment of daydreaming of what’s to come, plan and create delicious culinary creations that satisfy every pregnancy craving. You take naps, you fall asleep early, you know exactly how many weeks pregnant you are…to the day.

With your second pregnancy, I feel like the only deliberate thing I’m doing for my pregnancy is taking my prenatal every night after Penelope is asleep! Okay, that might be exaggerating a little bit, but truly I have had zero time to think about being pregnant, or planning for our son’s arrival. Not with a toddler keeping me on my toes all day! 🙂 (Which is an absolute joy, don’t get me wrong!) But I just have so many other wonderful motherhood things to occupy my time with, than to fixate on being pregnant! (Like getting Penelope up on skis!)

But anywho – it has been a long time since I’ve popped in here, and it’s not for lack of wanting to! One thing that I am very deliberate about is to not have my phone out around Penelope (who is a year and nine months). I just don’t want her to ever feel like she has to compete with a phone for my attention, so as a result: all text messages, social media scrolling, or anything else I want to do on my phone or computer is put off until the end of the day, after she’s in bed!

And let’s be honest: when 9:00 rolls around, I am exhausted!

But enough about that.

Let’s catch up!

What I’ve Been Up To!

Well, I’m still running every day – it’s Penelope and my favorite time together. We love to look for airplanes and school buses, listen for owls and woodpeckers, and sing along to music together. Raffi is a favorite, as is Hillsong, the Beach Boys, and a tagalog (Filipino) song called, Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira De La Torre. Slow dancing with her to that song is literally the only way we can get her to take a nap!

Penelope is a talker. Holy smokes, when I say this girl’s vocabulary is probably around 600 words, I’m not even joking. She’s even starting to put together 5 and 6-word sentences. It is the most amazing thing, I am so proud of her!

I’m cooking a lot. I spend the majority of my time in the kitchen, to be honest — between cooking and cleaning up meals — which, with a toddler, can take a long time! We are being really deliberate about providing Penelope with a wholesome, nutritious diet…especially given my Ulcerative Colitis history. So that translates to cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for the fam!

Speaking of, I have embarked on a sourdough journey…so it’s only a matter of time until I’ll ask my husband for chickens…right? 😉 Just kidding…But I finally have an active starter, so I’m planning on making my first loaf this week: pray for me!

I weaned Penelope a little over a month ago, which was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. It was such a beautiful, special time for us, and I feel really good that I was able to share almost 20 months of nursing with her, but gosh it broke my heart to have to stop. But I did so at the recommendation of my doctor to allow my body the time to prepare for baby #2.

That coupled with all the emotions that come from mentally preparing to go from one-to-two children. For as over the moon I am to welcome baby boy, there is also a part of my heart that is grieving the fact that Penelope is going to have her world rocked. She’s going to see me holding another baby, loving and nursing her brother, holding him, giving him so much attention, and I’m just carrying all the emotions of what she’s going to think — how she’s going to feel — to see and feel that.

And I know that giving her a sibling is the greatest gift in the absolute world I could give her, but I know that she’s going to have to go through a period of adjustment, coming to terms with the fact that she’s no longer the only child.

And perhaps I’m not giving her enough credit. Knowing Penelope and her gumption and personality, she’s going to rise to the occasion, and not even think about that, but rather only feel the joy of having a sibling around, and being able to love and care for him together with me and Steven.

But yeah, that’s the only thing I’m really worried about re: the transition from one-to-two. I know I’ll be tired, and I know there will be chaos. But this is what we signed up for! And how great that this time around, we won’t have to learn in real time how to change a diaper, or try to figure out breast feeding or feeding schedules. It’s not our first rodeo, as they say.

That being said: I would love any tips or insight that was helpful in the one-to-two kid transition, especially when it comes to two-under-two! Please sound off in the comments any words of wisdom! It would be greatly appreciated!

And that’s about it!

We still haven’t decided on a name for baby boy…and when I say that, I mean: we have no idea. We have a couple names we kinda like, but we haven’t found the one yet. Boy names are HARD!!!!! With Penelope, we knew pretty much from day one that we loved her name and it was it. So please: if you have any suggestions, leave them in the comments!

Well, that’s it from this gal for now! I have sufficiently stayed up past my bedtime, and tomorrow is going to come bright and early!

It’s so good to be with you guys again! I hope you all are well, I think about you often, and I would love to hear what you’re up to, either by email or in the comments! I’VE MISSED YOU!

God bless, friends!

xo Caralyn

Published by

Unknown's avatar

beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

45 thoughts on “And Then There Were Four…Soon!”

  2. Congratulations, such happy news! Penelope is a beautiful little girl, and she’ll adjust to being a big sister and your very special helper with ease. Sending love and best wishes to you and your precious family.

    Like

  3. Oh my gosh, Penelope is sooo beautiful, Caralyn! Congratulations on your boy in advance, God has truly blessed you both. It’s so good to see you again, Caralyn, I have wondered how you guys have been. Hugs! 🤗❤️🥰✝️🙏🏻

    Like

  5. How delightful to read your blog, hear your good news, and see the beautiful photos! What a blessing! Will pray for a very smooth delivery and a healthy start for this young man. 🙂

    Like

  6. I have been thinking of you lately and wondering how life was going, so glad to hear that it is going so wonderfully!!!!! God Bless you and your new baby! Going from one to two is…interesting, lol. You have got this! As for any tips, we made sure to include #1 in is as much possible and NEVER pushed anything. For example, our oldest is a girl and we would tell her often when I was pregnant, your baby is going to be here soon, your baby will want to play with you when baby is older, etc etc. Also, we have never (with any of our children) pushed for them to go near or hold or interact with a new baby. We always wait and let them come over and say hello on their own time. It has really worked out beautifully for everyone (we just had number 10 last year and so far, everyone has adjusted without any “sibling jealousy”). We also view each and every baby as a wonderful blessing from God and talk about this with the children often. I really do believe that these steps have helped each little one not be jealous of the new baby. There has obviously been regression in some behaviors, but that is to be expected and were corrected on their own very quickly. Good luck with your newest adventure! Ask for help often if needed and NAP whenever possible, lol. God Bless!

    P.S. Your daughter is beautiful!

    Like

  8. I began following your journey not long after I first developed my blog. I share in the struggle of recovery (different than yours) and live a life following Jesus. It’s good to see you drop an update from time to time and glad to see you thrive . . . even though there may be days that you wouldn’t use that word. Blessings on your continued journey.

    Like

  9. Congratulations Caralyn 🎊
    Don’t over think it, having kids doesn’t really come with a manual (bit like life really) just enjoy every moment, appreciate the differences in personality and needs etc. And go with the flow 🙂
    For you personally continue to be extremely grateful for all the trials and tribulations you’ve overcome, and forever thankful for the journey that is before you – Many blessings Perry

    Like

  10. Congratulations – SO happy for you!! My first-born (girl) loved taking care of #2 (boy); all will be well. A good solid Biblical name for him—we chose David. My 2 cents.

    Like

  13. Oh, my goodness! I am so happy to hear from you. Just the other day I told my husband that I miss reading your blogs, but I know you are busy with your little and even said to him, maybe she’s adding more to the family. Congratulations! So glad that all is well, and you gave us an update. God bless you and your sweet family.

    Like

  14. Great to see a post after a long time. When you get used to someone’s posts, you miss them. You have been missed, but you are busy, and you acknowledge you will be busier soon.

    My prayers go out to you. And if I had any advice (which is dangerous really) – a lot of prayer.

    Like

  16. So happy for you both. Praying for a safe and healthy delivery. One thing is that children are resilient, so although your daughter may have jealousies, she will come to love her brother.

    Like

  17. Congrats to one and all. I know this is super exciting for you.

    As far as a suggestion on a boy’s name, I have always like Jeremy, and Scott. I grew up reserving those names for a future son, but I only got girls.

    May the Lord keep His hand of shelter on you and yours.

    In His grip, Alan

    Like

  18. It’s so wonderful to have an update from you, Caralyn! Congrats to you and Steven on baby number two—a brother for Penelope! I’m going to brag on Steven here for a bit. He such a good man to have left NYC and come to your hometown to make a new home for your family. I’m sure he’s a great dad too! Anyway, God brought you your man, Caralyn! Blessings.

    Like

  19. Congratulations! Another gem coming into the world for you both Caralyn. And great to see Penelope has grown so much as well. Life, it takes on a whole new meaning in these moments kind lady. Many blessings, love and light to you all for this journey 🤗🌹❤️🙏

    Like

  21. Hi, Caralyn! I am thrilled to see a new post from you; And to hear how God is continuing to bless your family. As I read your post, the name Jordan came into my spirit as a potential name for your son.

    Like

  22. Dear Caralyn, you, Steven and Penelope have frequently been in my daily prayers, along with the rest of your Cincinnati family. I simply thought you were through with blogging, but cannot forget the blessing you have been to Anita and me as well as some friends of ours, one of whom relied on you to pull her out of anorexia! We have not been through your city for some time, but I often thought of emailing you to see if Anita and I could take you and Steven (and Penelope) out to dinner when we go through. You’ll find my email at my Home or in past emails to you.❤️&🙏, c.a.   

    Like

  23. I was so happy to see your blog and to hear your wonderful news of your little son soon to be here. Penelope is absolutely beautiful! I bet she’ll love having a little real baby to mother. God’s blessings in the days ahead!

    Like

  24. I am pregnant with baby #4! A boy and due in October!! You’re right,boy names are HARD.😅 You’ll find one you love tho! Transitioning from 1-2 kids was much harder for me than 0-1 but that’s SO personal to each situation and, well, person. So don’t take anyone’s experience as the one you will have! It could surprise you just how easy it all is and if not, you’ll get through it!! My firstborn was 19 months when my second entered the chat but you kmow what?! It didn’t stay hard forever! The older we all got (including me🤭) the better it all got! I have learned to take everything, especially the learning curves & tough seasons, as things that are building my resilience as a woman and mom. When I get to other side of what seems like a crash course, I feel so capable! Because I AM. As are you!! And it’s also true (at least in my experience ) that the more kids you have the easier it all is…🩷 Partially I think because we really grow as mothers and take a lot more in stride, but also because family life is beautiful and siblings add such a delight to a child’s life! (And to us as parents!)

    Like

  25. We missed you, too! I wondered what happened. Might you also share a few pics of daddy and daughter time?

    I like your idea of putting the phone snd tech aside for her. It’s incalculable how valuable that is.

    Hard to remember as far back as transitioning to the second. I remember our son whom we had first was clearly jealous of our daughter. I had to watch him around the baby for real until he got old enough to take pride in being her protector.

    Girl first, boy second is a different dynamic. Usually big sister is caring and nurturing in nature.

    It’s definitely a one day at a time journey. Consider big batch cooking if/when you can or have hubby help with that and freeze meals cuz cooking daily is pretty difficult and stressful and tiring.

    Start and end every day with a praise and prayer. I like to put Scripture verses in a couple of places: bathroom mirror, my quiet reading place.

    Love you even as a distant follower. May God bless your new one and you with a safe delivery.

    Hugs across the miles, Mana Bear!

    Cathy Harvey Lindenhurst, IL

    Psalm 139:13-14 🙏🏻🥰

    May I never boast except in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:14

    Cell: 224-456-1833 Email: fromcathysheart@gmail.com Web: https://cathyharveypurpose.life

    Like

  26. Congratulations to all of you! My tip for starting things off right is all about how they meet. When Penelope comes to see you after you’ve given birth time it carefully. Let her come in with her favourite person besides you – Dad or Grandma, whoever. Have your arms and attention free for her – keep the baby off to one side in the crib. Greet her, fuss her like you always do. When she notices the baby, that’s when you introduce them and the baby brings her a gift. The moment she gets bored with the baby, baby goes back in the crib and you talk to her again. It won’t be like this forever but to start with make sure baby is not something she is competing with for you guys. Hope this makes sense and lots of love and prayers for your next month.

    Like

  27. Congratulations, I am so happy for you and your family! God is so good! In regards to advice, I recall back in the day (my youngest just turned 38) asking my sister-in-law if a person could die from lack of sleep, after having the second child. 🙂 I was so tired. Giving yourself grace, not worrying about having a perfectly clean house, etc., and letting what can slide, slide, while enjoying your sweet new babe, and seeing the interaction your eldest has with your new little is a wonderful time of life. And you will sleep again, and it will be fine, and life returns to a new normal, and somehow your heart expands exponentially to fit all the love you have for both your babies! Regarding a name suggestions, I think Percy goes well with Penelope.

    Like

  28. Wow, it’s good to see you’re doing well, Caralyn. All of you.

    Just a little male perspective: Steven doesn’t want to compete with your phone for attention either.

    As for boy names: be brutal on picking one. If you think of one you like, put yourself in his position on the playground and try to imagine what horrible rhymes you can come up with that for that name. Because the other kids will certainly think of them.

    Like

  30. So wonderful to hear from you, Caralyn. God bless you all as your new baby boy is born. I was actually wondering how your family was doing this week!
    Next week I begin watching our new grandson a couple of days a week. A little trepidation about that, but I consider it all blessing.

    Like

  31. I missed you too! Good to hear that you’re doing well!

    I’m doing a lot of the same old thing, to be honest. Still writing DLTDGB; I’ll be done telling the story I want to tell in January. Last year I went back to the church I’d gone to for most of my 30s, and while it’s been good reconnecting with people I hadn’t seen in many years, I still feel like there’s just no place for someone like me in church culture, especially around here. I did find a small group I like, though, although groups are on break for the summer and the leaders of the group aren’t sure if they’re goin to keep it going. I’ve been singing karaoke a lot too, which has led to some interesting experiences.

    I agree with the person above who said to imagine horrible rhymes for boy names… that was definitely my experience. (Greg is derived from my middle name, I think you knew my real first name at one time, and I’ve given some serious thought to going by Greg full time in real life because I’ve always hated my real first name.) And if you want some humorous thoughts about boy names, there’s always this (warning: contains swearing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcagGPXGocc

    Like

  32. SO excited for you!! What wonderful news!!
    We only have boys and I agree—they are hard to name! I love Bible names and family names, but I also have almost two decades of working with kids that influenced which names I’m willing to use, ha! We have Thomas Dean and Henry Samuel. I also love the names Gideon, Isaac, Joshua, and James!
    I grew up with only sisters, so a little boy was a huge change for me! This doesn’t work super well with newborns, but when he gets to be a couple months old, wiping his tummy with a wipe before opening his diaper will help reduce the likelihood of him showering you while you’re changing him. Wish I had learned that one much sooner!

    Like

  33. So nice to hear from you again! And what a joy seeing you with your daughter and son coming soon… God bless you always. Ask Steven to download some “kundiman”, Tagalog love songs of yore….

    Like

    1. Hello! Oh my goodness, thank you so much! She’s our little sweetie. And guess what her favorite song is! Mabagal by Daniel Padilla and Moira! We have Tagalog music playing constantly in our home. We love it! (My husband and I also just finished watching the series “2 Good 2 Be True” with Kathryn and Daniel…pure gold 🙂 ) We’ll have to add Kundiman to our playlist! We were at the Asian Festival in Cincy earlier this spring and got to see some traditional Filipino fan and candle dances as well as tininkling! So awesome. I love that my kids have such a beautiful culture to be part of! (And me by proxy!)

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Good to hear from you! Congratulations again! Laterally “Micah” name came to my mind as I was reading my daily devotions:) Micah means “ Who is like God?”
    The best of best for you and family!
    Blessings

    Like

  40. Congrat’s on # 2! You came to mind just a week or so again, completely out of the blue. (so it was serendipitous to see this in my WP feed) And boy do I get the “When 9 pm rolls around I am tired”..that still happens to me but substitute 7 PM for 9. Take care.Good to read your update! DM

    Like

Join the Conversation!