Goodnight "Big Mommy!"

We told the kids that they would be having a baby brother or sister this spring way back in August or September.  It was kind of hard to hide the fact that I was feeling HORRIBLE from morning sickness for so long, so we decided it was best to explain to them what was going on.  They have been super excited about the new arrival, and can hardly wait for it to get here.  In fact, there have been several days that they have said, "I just wish it could be born today!"  Of course, I'm pretty sure they don't have much of a clue how much this will change their lives either. 
Over the past few months, they have really taken interest in my growing belly.  Kaylee LOVES to put her hand on it and wait for the baby to kick her.  She giggles with delight each time she feels it move.  Then, she kisses my belly and says, "I Love You Baby! I can't wait to meet you!"  It makes me so happy to hear that.  She has asked me at least once a week how big the baby is (from the time it was not much bigger than a lima bean).  She has been fascinated with it.  I know she is going to be a great big sister once again.  This time, however, her role will be more of a helper or a role model than a playmate.  (She and Braden are only 23 months apart, so they are usually best buddies).  Of course, we don't know the gender of the baby yet, so that will surely determine her reaction as well.  She already told her dance teacher that if it is a boy she will dress it up in a dress, put a wig on it and bring it to me as her "little sister."  Oh goodness!  I will have to watch her close!
Braden has been my little right hand man throughout the past few months.  He never got disgusted when I was puking my guts out.  Instead, he stood right there at the bathroom door and "coached" me through each time.  He would say, "Mommy, take deep breath-es.  Then, go get some of that medicine from the fridge."  (He was talking about Maalox).  I guess that was his way to show that he cared - never to leave my side.  We spent lots of mornings on the couch watching Bob the Builder, Mighty Machines, or All About Lumberjacks and trying to wait out the sickness part.  He was so sweet.  As I started to show a little more, Braden became more verbal about my changing body.  He never held back.  Sometimes, he would say, "Mommy, your tummy sure is getting big."  One day he looked at me and with those big brown eyes and a smile on his face he said, "Mommy, I Love you very much!"  I answered with, "Oh, Braden, I love you too."  Of course he then had to follow it with "No matter what size you are..."  I just had to laugh and go tell Matt.  He had no clue that he had said something that would send most women to tears.  He was just trying to be sweet.  Another day, he knew I was getting ready for a doctor's appointment and he said, "Mommy, go get the doctor to make sure that the baby is getting all of its parts put together the right way in there.  I know it is getting fat though, because your belly sure is getting HUGE!"  Yet again, another chance to laugh.  The other night he came in, looked me in the eye, and then rubbed my belly like you would see them rub a Jeannie's lamp on a cartoon.  Then he asked, "Mommy, would you PLEASE let me watch Bob the Builder tonight???"  I guess rubbing the belly is the way to get what you want????  Well, tonight I told him goodnight and said, "I love you big boy!"  He looked up at me and said, "I love you too Big Mommy!" 

The excitement never ends around here!  There is always a story and always a cute saying that these kiddos are coming up with.  I can hardly wait to see what number three is going to be like.  Braden already has the nickname at their doctor's office of "the little comedian."  This little guy or gal sure has some big shoes to fill.