We are getting to that point now where we are scheduling events, appointments, ect. and they are falling into post-AndyZ territory. That’s always a weird moment when you realize your appointment to have your creepy moles examined (which you do often because you have an irrational fear of skin cancer that has you carrying tubes of sunscreen in every bag you own…JUST IN CASE) falls after your third child arrives into your home. I almost felt like telling the receptionist that. Like it matters.
Oh. The appointment is in June? Wow. I’ll have another kid by then. Is that okay? Does that change anything?
We have never been naive enough to try to actually plan when our kids are born. We just simply try and hope it happens. However, we didn’t think there could be a better time than when NikkiZ was born. My maternity leave fell right over both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Giving me plenty of time to enjoy both holidays with a lot of family and not worry about taking time off of work. It also gave us time to decorate and shop and not feel the rush of the season. It was perfect.
But this time? Is working out to be perfect for a variety of reasons. First? It’s Spring. Both my other babies were newborns during the cold weather which makes colds/illness a much greater concern. You also have to take a lot more care to bundle them up and make sure they’re warm in those first trying months. That also causes you to spend more time inside, which makes an outdoorsy person like me go INSANE. So – the season difference alone makes this due date quite awesome.
But also? AndyZ will be here one day before LilZ gets out of school for the summer and I will go back to work two days after he starts back. In other words – I will have extra hands to help me during my entire maternity leave. Now, I’m going to try my best not to abuse this privilege, but do you have ANY idea how awesome that is? It would be like if your husband could take your entire leave off with you. Or if your parents or siblings offered to stay the entire time. I’m essentially getting another set of hands to help with NikkiZ and the house while I tend to the newborn. FOR THE ENTIRE TIME.
Now – I have assured LilZ that I will not abuse this – even though he’s quite excited about the chance to spend the entire summer as a Nanny/Maid/Cook. (That was sarcasm, by the way.) However, it just eases my mind to know that if I need him – he’ll be there. I almost feel guilty about it working out so perfectly. Like I’m somehow stealing my son’s summer. But then I remember that the alternative would be me doing it ALL ALONE EVERY DAY. And I decided I don’t feel that guilty because I’m not cut out for that.
And in the long run? LilZ would much rather have to help his post-op mother take care of a newborn and a toddler all summer than to have to schedule visits to see her when she gets committed for losing her mind under the anxiety of it all. Which she would. TRUST ME.
Tip on the newborn/outside thing. My pediatrician said that sunscreen does not work on a baby who is under six months old, so that may curb some of your outdoor activities! Sorry!
Can’t wait for the big day!!
Does Lil Z know what the going rates are for a baby nurse?
Four weeks! Is so soon! (Although maybe it feels otherwise if you’re the one lugging the kid around.)
In the theme of post-AndyZ activities, can I ask if BlogHer is included in that list?
I’m sure you and ALL your kids will have an awesome summer.
That is awesome how that works out. When my niece was born, my BIL got to take like a week off to be with her and my sis, then all of a sudden? school was over (he was teacher) and he was home all the time, just in time for my sister to back to work. He is looking forward to this summer to spend it with his daughter. You are going to have a GREAT summer and once again you have a awesome son.
I *love* Spring babies! (MC was born on April 29th, and we loved it so much that we had Harper two years later on April 28th!) Your timing for the summer break is impeccable. LilZ is going to love his summer–awesome mom, fun sister, beautiful baby–it really doesn’t get much better than that!
As an Older Sibling myself, rest assured that LilZ will not be too scarred by all that responsibility.
I bet NikkiZ will be happiest of all to have LilZ there
I can’t believe how close you are!!!
So, not totally unrelated but close — I’m such a weirdo about sunscreen that I bought that ridiculously expensive powder sunscreen to keep in my purse for summer. My argument is that it can get hot and cold over and over again and not spoil, unlike the lotions when I leave them in the car. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is a fricken miracle.
This was all triggered by my noticing a v-shaped tan line near my neck… from driving home from work.
Winter in your area? HAHAHAHAHA! Try a December baby in NJ. Now that’s cold! Our power went out once while I was on maternity leave. The house got so cold I had to go to the mall. poor me!
LilZ is already an awesome big brother. You all are going to have a great time together this summer.
Dear Zoot,
Your family gives me great joy. Every time I see a picture of them together, I find myself grinning the hugest grin ever. LilZ already obviously loves the time with his sister (and you’re the coolest mom ever for making sure that he gets to be his own age too), I highly doubt he’ll give you a hassle for helping out.
-Cassie
I think LilZ helping with Nikki and the baby is pretty normal? At least it was for my summers growing up as a big sis
You’re apparently way nicer than my mom heh. (I kid. I love my mom to pieces and would never trade her in 
)