A Comparison

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
I got an email from BabyCenter each week, which told me exactly how big the baby was and which milestones it had reached. Matt and I read and imagined with wonder.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
I'm aware that the baby has all his limbs, because he's using them to beat me up from the inside, and I know that he's somewhere between the size of an apple and a basketball.

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
We had a first and middle name selected, and a fair amount of baby items with the name already embroidered on them.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
We have a list of 14 names that is growing, not narrowing.

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
The nursery was almost complete, with cute stuffed animals in the chair and the crib bedding washed and on display.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
We are 98% sure the crib is in the attic, and 90% sure it will get brought down before the baby arrives.

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
I eagerly anticipated doctor's appointments, writing each one on my calendar as soon as they were made.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
I try to remember to call Matt after the appointments to let him know that there is indeed still a baby in there. I also try to remember all the appointments.

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
I had a catalog of photos of myself at various stages of pregnancy.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
Not a single photo yet. Oops.

When I was 30 weeks pregnant with my first child:
I was eating everything in sight and sleeping every minute that I could.

Now, 30 weeks pregnant with my third child:
Well, some things never change.