Nostalgia Setting In

With Nuggie's scheduled labor date set for 6/16/14, we can't help but look back in time to the advent of our 'Ziggy.'  It was only 3.25 years ago, but it might as well have been a lifetime in the past.  Nikki and I were still DINKs (dual income no kids) and neither of our nephews had been born yet.  The due date was March 15th, 2011, a Tuesday, but the doctor said she could come as early as March 8th.  The 8th came and went, and so did the 15th; where was Ziggy?  Finally on the 17th, the doctors decided it was time to force the issue.  Nikki and I went to Houston's for lunch and had a nice night's sleep before heading to the hospital the next morning and getting the word out.  The rest was (and continues to be) history. 
This time around has a little different feel.  Nuggie the Nugget is far from a nugget anymore: she is already projected to be larger than Zoe at birth (about 6.5 pounds).  She's coming 12 days early and her arrival has been scheduled for about a week.  And of course, we've got our Zoe joining the fun!  Naturally Nikki and I have been nostalgic lately about Zoe's birth.  Last night we watched about an hour's worth of video we shot on Zoe's Birth Day.  We were reminded that Situ had Auntie Linda visiting, Yiayia had Rafael coming to do some electrical work and Uncle George couldn't stop saying 'awesome' when we told each of them we were on our way to the hospital to have Zoe.  We were so giggly and naïve about raising a child.  We read books like 'what to expect the first year,' we attended parenting classes together, and I asked the lactation nurse 100 questions about breastfeeding.  My boobs are just for looks, she had no answers for me.
With baby #2 on the way, mostly we figure it's like riding a bike.  People have asked us, 'are you ready for another one?'  I think we are 'ready,' but mostly because any alternative is hard to imagine.  If we are not ready, can we put Nuggie on layaway and receive her in installments? Maybe we can look into that if we find that we are not ready!  We both wonder about what it will be like for us and for Zoe with two.  Nikki has said at times she feels like she's cheating on Zoe.  To be sure, Zoe will most certainly get her fair share of individual time while we all adjust to full family participation.  But to help integrate Zoe in advance, we have read books and watched shows about little sisters, practiced strolling around a doll and played nice with Mommy's belly.  This morning Zoe rubbed Nikki's tummy and said, 'that's my baby sister in there.'  It was one of the few times she didn't poke it :) 
Personally I wonder how being a family of four will shape our behavior with one another.  I often wonder what it will be like to be holding a delicate newborn while managing a climb- and run-happy toddler.  Will Zoe have to compromise?  Will Nuggie have to compromise?  I hope no one does, but I wonder if we will morph into stricter or more stern parents. 
But before all of that, hopefully I can remember how to feed, burp, change and swaddle.  Then I can teach Zoe how to do them and I can take a nap!
All things considered, we are grateful to have had a relatively boring pregnancy as we round out our last day as a family of three.  Today happens to be Father's Day, but this year I get two days in a row to celebrate.  I got a great card and had a great breakfast with my family before hitting the pool with my only child for the last time.  Tonight was Boston Market with Papou and tomorrow I'll have Kids, God willing. 
Look for some live blogging tomorrow to keep you all up to date, or subscribe for email updates on the right for blog posts straight to your inbox.  Otherwise, wish us luck! 
Love,
Zoe and Nuggie and Family!
PS Feel free to try and guess the name in the comments below!
Also, please enjoy two links to Zoe's early days (for Nostalgia!).
Zoe365 Photos
Zoe Week 1 Photos