A new challenge for 2013

With each new year I like to think about a new challenge.  Not a "resolution" per se, but something I can look forward to.  In past years this has taken the form of races I wanted to complete, degrees to obtain or some other "Type A" endeavor.  Since becoming a mom I have had to pare back my challenges just a tad.  The challenges aren't always about my own personal accomplishments either.  Last year I considered getting Jack potty-trained a major success.  We also built a 700 square foot patio and walkway by ourselves.  As far as home improvement projects go this was huge and something I am extremely proud of.  For the record, I would never do it again.  I don't care to ever touch another paver as long as I live. There is a reason those things are expensive to have installed.

So what's on deck for 2013?   This one is simple (to think up, not necessarily execute).  I am going to undertake the challenge of parenting not one, but two children.  That's right, Jack will be getting a little sister at the end of May.   I think I can say with confidence that I have no racing on my schedule for this summer.

Obviously we are very excited.  Jack is very much looking forward to becoming a big brother.  He was initially a bit upset that he was getting sister and not a brother but has since made peace with the idea.  He refers to this pending sibling as "my baby" and talks to my belly every day.  I was a bit worried about the difference in age between Jack and this baby.  He will be 4 when she arrives.  However, I am starting to see that there are distinct benefits to having one child who can dress himself (most of the time), is potty trained, and in general can be fairly helpful when he wants to be.

Jack has already started telling us the rules about babies which I can assume he has picked up at daycare.  So far we have learned that we must be quiet when the baby is sleeping and that we should never place the baby near the heater.  Lucky for us it will be summer when she arrives and the heaters won't be on.

Jack has also named the baby.  He would like to call her "Whiskey" after a scene from "The Penguins of Madagascar" where the penguins hatch a plan that involves using the military alphabet (whiskey, tango, bravo etc.).  I can just see it as I introduce people to my children: "hi, these are my kids Jack and Whiskey."   I think we will have to work on finding another name but it has stuck for now and we do refer to this unborn child as "Whiskey."

So that's the plan for 2013.  It seemed easier than giving up gluten.