These skills aren't too much different from the ones required as a parent (except I got a lot more done each day than I do as a parent). Every day is different and unexpected. Deadlines are unreasonable. Clients (like children) are unreasonable. Organization and multitasking is constantly being perfected. Media is always changing just like children.
Since we aren't in the middle of remodeling a house, selling a house or trying to move and I'm not working I do have a bit of time on my hands to "nest" or plan. I didn't do much of this with Keaton.
We've all been working on setting goals and objectives for this new addition and life change. Determining the adjustments everyone will need to make to achieve a well balanced, happy life with number 2. Applying learning's from Keaton to number 2 (i.e. sleeping in a chair for 6 weeks was insane), etc. etc.
We've been doing research to learn how to best transition a new baby into Keaton's life. Research on how to decorate the baby's room, the best stroller for a toddler/infant, etc. Lots of focus groups with friends to get advice. Luckily we have so much already that there was a lot less research the second time around. If anything, mommy is starting to research the things she wants to do with her life post-baby :).
We have been working on executing a lots of tactical things on my planner "to do" list. Most of these things are totally unnecessary and as a second time mom I should know that but again the planner in me comes out.
As far as evaluating how we do on all of our plans for baby number 2, that is something that we won't be able to fully evaluate for another 18 years or so. Hoping everyone in the family has a more fulfilling life with the addition, hoping the little guy goes to college, doesn't borrow too much money, stays out of jail (or at least doesn't do anything too bad to get him in there), hoping him and Keaton become buddies, him and daddy become buddies, mom doesn't go crazy from being the only girl in the family, Manny doesn't need some expensive doggie depressant meds after this, etc.
Here are few pictures of Keaton playing in his brother's room:
We started putting up a few decorations. It was my idea to go with a monster theme so hopefully the little guy isn't scared to death by it. And no, he won't go straight into a twin bed, that's in there for cousin Wyatt's visit!
Keaton trying out the baby's stuff:
Keaton is very fond of the swing, probably because when he was little he spent many nights sleeping in it (while I slept on the couch):
Let the adventure begin!! Well, hopefully not for a few more weeks. I have thought that I'd be early all along and it is looking that way from my last doctor visit. Maybe there will be a Thanksgiving dinner to enjoy after all!
