Introducing...

...the newest resident of Jack-land (which may be undergoing a name change in the near future).

Based on Jack's prior behavior about and around babies, we are pretty anxious about how he will react to this newest little one. But he has been really great about it so far. At first, he said he didn't want a baby and that he didn't want to be a big brother, but he quickly got on board. Now he frequently asks to "see Baby," which means he wants to see my belly button. He gives it lots of kisses. Sometimes he tells me wants to tickle the baby (i.e., put his finger in my belly button), and sometimes he even sniffs my stomach, because he wants to smell the baby.

He's called the baby "her" for the get-go, although at first he said he wanted a baby brother. Now he says he wants a girl. I guess we'll find out in about 9 weeks if he's right!

So far, my main pregnancy symptom has been fatigue. Preschool has been a sort of blessing in that regard, because I can take a quick nap while Jack is otherwise occupied. I have a little bit of morning sickness, but so far (KNOCK WOOD) it hasn't been as bad as I had with Jack. I'm really hoping that it doesn't ramp up.

My mantra for this pregnancy is "mellow baby, mellow baby." Hey, it worked for my good friend, Kelly. :)

Speaking of preschool, I think we are over the worst of Jack's separation anxiety. He still says he doesn't ever want to go, and last week he was worrying us a little by saying that he didn't think his teacher liked him. It's that sort of thing that often makes me want to wait until he can perfectly communicate what's going on in his little head before I send him out to be watched by a stranger. Did she say something that made him think that? Do something? Or was he just saying that to see what our reaction will be?

Anyway, it seemed like it was most likely the latter. He went twice this week, and it's clear that he has bonded with Miss Margaret. He still isn't sure about the other kids, but working on that stuff is the reason why we're sending him in the first place. He hasn't cried since the second day, and today I didn't linger at all before dropping him off. He let me kiss him goodbye, and then he grabbed his teacher's hand to show her something while I walked out the door.

Awww, my baby is growing up. I guess it's good I've got another one on the way.