I think Honor is excited about becoming a big sister. She’s getting into this stage now where she gets to do big kid stuff — and we try to make a big deal out of these little things.

We talk about how impressed we are that she doesn’t have to have her fruit cut up into small pieces anymore and gets desserts like cupcakes and ice cream. She gets to go potty in the toilet and doesn’t have to wear diapers anymore. She gets to have a lollipop or gets to chew gum as a special treat (as long as she throws it away and doesn’t swallow it!). She can ride a scooter, and she can sit in a big-girl swing.

So I emphasize all these awesome things that she gets to do that the baby won’t be able to do. And she gets excited about having someone in the house that’s younger than her, who doesn’t get to do all these awesome things either (hee hee).

We talk about how cool it will be to watch her younger sibling grow, and she will show her sibling how to do everything she can. My parents got her this sweet book called Big Sister, which is one of our bedtime books. Oh, and we also tell her that the baby won’t be able to play with her Barbies or American Girl dolls. Of course, it’s a safety issue, but Honor loves the thought that, for now, they’re only her toys. Little does she know when she gets older she’s gonna have to share… I guess we’ll tackle that one when the time comes!

As for me, I’m excited, nervous and ready. I’ve seen my friends who have multiple children, and seeing siblings love on each other is just the sweetest thing ever. Although I fought with my little brother a lot growing up, we were best friends, and I’d take vengeance on anyone who hurt him — especially his feelings.

The idea of loving someone as much as I love Honor is something I haven’t wrapped my head around yet. But I know I will and I can’t wait. As a mother carrying a baby we get to bond while the baby is growing — reaching each milestone, feeling hiccups, kicks, rolling around. It’s the blessing I think we get for all the round-ligament pain, sciatic pain and frequent trips to the bathroom…

I’m signed up at three mommy sites that update me daily and weekly on the baby’s development, which is probably a bit much. But it’s a nice break from the day to check in with the baby, because, like everything else in life these days, time flies. (Ivillage)