The making of an older sister
Yesterday morning we dragged Leta out of bed very early in order to make it to my doctor's appointment on time. We had not mentioned a word about what's been going on, mainly to be cautious, although she's very observant and has asked me out loud in front of strangers why my boobs are so sore. And I tell her it's because Daddy won't stop looking at them. That is not a lie, I can feel him thinking about them, staring at them, wondering why all of a sudden they've doubled in size, and when I see him walking toward me my instinct is to hide. The weight of a cotton t-shirt can be paralyzing, so you can understand that I might want to avoid the gravitational pull of two eager eyeballs.
I thought that having her in the room during my appointment would be a great way to break it to her that come June life as she knows it is going to be over, and when the doctor found the wiggly baby in my abdomen Leta shouted, "WHERE DID YOU GET THAT BABY FROM?" I was lying on the table naked from the waist down having just been through a pelvic exam, and was not prepared at all to talk to my four-year-old daughter about her father's penis. So I lied.
"Magical elves," I said.
She seemed satisfied with that answer, enough to continue with her list of questions. "HOW YOU GONNA GET THAT BABY OUT?" she said with a concern that made it sound as if she remembered the exact moment her shoulders left my womb. I assured her that such a process was something she didn't need to worry about and was promptly interrupted as Jon pointed to a poster on the wall and told her it would come out my bunky. Awesome. Can't wait for my four-year-old's nightmares about spiders to be replaced with ones of menacing vaginal openings.
My doctor left the room briefly so that I could get dressed, and as I pulled on my black sweats Leta announced that she was willing to be nice to my baby. I thought that was very generous of her, and feeling safe enough to press my luck I asked her if she would feel that way even if it was a boy. "It's not a boy," she said confidently. "It's a little sister, and I'm going to share my toys with her." I certainly hope that Jon's semen got that memo.
Both Jon and I were almost giddy with relief as we walked out of the building toward the car, and several times we silently squeezed each other's hands. He was carrying Leta on his left hip and asked her if she was excited as we were about Mama's baby.
"Um..." she hesitated. "I'm excited about Christmas."
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
- Our fish just died. And I'm sitting here crying. And it wasn't even my fault!
1. Anonymous said:
And come July, she'll be asking "WHEN ARE YOU GONNA TAKE THAT BABY BACK TO THE HOSPITAL???"
Congrats! Enjoy the enjoyable parts, and we'll all forgive you for NOT enjoying the MANY non-enjoyable parts of pregnancy.
2. Micha said:
Congrats again! I can't wait to read about Leta's interaction with her new little sister. Will you wait to be surprised by the sex?
3. joey mayes said:
congrats!
4. Katy said:
HAHA!
I think she realized that she had just acquiesced to sharing her toys!
It really is going to be fun reading about Leta Armstrong becoming an older sister.
5. Megan said:
Congratulations! So happy for you, Jon, Leta, Chuck and Coco!
6. oceanspray said:
I forgot how awesome the pregnancy posts are! How exciting, I can't wait for more to come.
7. Susie said:
Glad to know my husband is not the only one to use the term "bunky."
And congratulations on baby #2!
8. jane said:
She will be a great big sister!
9. Meghan said:
Beautiful.
How exciting for you all.
10. Kristan said:
Dude, you're gonna have a hard time when they try to show her the sex ed video at school (although maybe they don't do that in Utah...) and she says, THAT'S NOT HOW IT HAPPENS! WHERE ARE THE MAGICAL ELVES?!
11. beckyhomecky said:
Turns out you weren't "totally doing it wrong" after all! Best wishes.
12. jen lovely said:
congrats!
13. Anonymous said:
Congratulations!
14. kristi said:
Congratulations!
15. pam said:
*note to self to remember "bunky" for when baby gets older*
16. Anonymous said:
Congratulations Heather! I've only just confirmed that I'm pregnant for the first time, so will look to you for humour and context of all the drama over the coming months!
Here's to a healthy and safe pregnancy :)
17. J said:
Yay! I'm so stoked for you & your family. I'm also happy for my own benefit (selfish, I know). I'm trying to get pregnant and hope it worked this month. I would love to read & relate to all of your great stories to come. CONGRATS!
18. Kristy said:
ugh! hate the morning sickness and the sore boobs... but how wonderful! when I was pregnant with my daughter I had horrible morning, afternoon and evening sickness... when I was pregnant with my son... NOTHING! thought this indicated he was going to be great layed back kid... yeah right... he's 5 and I'm pretty sure could make the grade for ADHD! so much fun! Leta will be a big help with the baby... and I wish you the very best... I wish ETSY had been around when my kids were babies!
19. Molly said:
YAY!!! I am home with my second and have been waiting for this posting! Congratulations to your family. You are giving Leta the best gift ever - even if she won't think so until she's 25.
20. Emily said:
Hilarious! When I told my 10-year-old niece I was going to have a baby she promptly said, "I hope you don't get mean. All the pregnant women I know get mean!"
Kids...love them! Congrats again!
21. french toast girl said:
CONGRATULATIONS! I'll be praying for you all... and I can't wait to hear what Leta thinks about being a big sister!
22. Tehmi said:
Can't wait for Leta's reaction when you find out its a boy...
23. Bumbling said:
Ah it seems that Leta has her priorities in order - Christmas first- everything else comes in second. I am sure whe will be a fantastic older sister, although I advise you to go our and buy some of those tranquilizing darts NOW, just to have them on hand for the day when your children get together and stage a full scale mutiny. It will happen, have no doubt.
Potential future mutinies aside, congratulations to the entire Dooce household! If you would like to practice the art of rearing two kiddos at once, may I volunteer either of my two kids? Or maybe I can make a deal and I will hand over two for the price of one? No? ....please?
24. Anonymous said:
Heather she will be SUCH a great big sister! It won't take her too long to get used to, shes at a good age for it. I had my baby boy Oliver last Feb and I have a step-son, Calvin, who was 5 when he was born. He was very gentle and happy about his baby brother...although not willing to share his toys with him. Now Oliver is crawling very fast and pulling himself up and terrorizing Calvin (he will take one of his toys he can't have and crawl with it as fast as he can across the room, with a devilish squeal)....but he still just laughs it off...usually. It was the sweetest thing ever, Calvin has started tackling Oliver and will roll him on his side and snuggle him and yesterday he did it and whispered "I love you" to him. It was soooo cute. Leta will be great!!! Congrats again!! Last night at dinner I told my husby..."I have big news!!! Dooce is pregnant!!"
25. traacy said:
Leta's a riot! I can't wait till I have a 4-year-old! also, do we get the belly shots this pregnancy?
26. Ariel said:
My 4 year old asked that same question. I answered "Egg and Sperm unite forming a baby" while the almost husband yelled "A stork brings them!" in panicked tones.
She looked at us crazy and went about her day. She hasn't asked for more clarification yet... But I think I'd better handle it when she does...
27. Nadine said:
I'm so happy for you! I hope this pragnancy goes well for you and your family. I do love the excitement in your writng! I hope this pragnancy will be a positive, successful one!
28. Ashley H. said:
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I really look forward to seeing how Leta deals with the pregnancy and new baby!
I love hearing about your explanations of things for her :)
29. Kate said:
YAY! Yayyayayayayay!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
30. Alison said:
I'm psychic and I see twins in your future.
P.S. I'm not really psychic
P.P.S. But little Armstrong twins would be fun!
31. Elle said:
Congratulations to you all! When we told our oldest daughter, then 4, that we were having another baby, she said it had better be a girl or she was hiding under her bed forever. Unfortunately, we had another girl, that under her bed forever thing might not have been so bad.
32. Lauren said:
When she asked where you got the baby from you shoulda told her it was those damn gays. Hee hee...just kiddin'!
CONGRATS!!!!!!
33. Emilou said:
Promise you'll attempt a kitchen remodel in the third trimester? Congratulations. And Leta will be fine, after the first six months all kids stop asking you to send the baby back.
34. Brandy in Canada said:
I was around the same age as Leta when my sister was born. It was like getting my very own live doll that I could blame everything on!
Oh and "bunky" is what we call the little sheds that are converted into sleeping areas at cottages, hopefully no one ever tells Leta she has to sleep in the bunky..nightmares for life!
Congrats again looking forward to reading the journey!
Just realised I started reading you just before Leta was born! wow.
35. StacieRae said:
I can't wait to hear more about Leta's adjustment to the new baby.
36. Joe said:
Congratulations to you and your family Heather!
37. Peapodsquadmom said:
Yay! Congrats Heather and Jon and Leta...and Chuck and Coco. Am I leaving anyone out?!?
38. jess said:
Great news! I know what a relief that wiggly ultrasound can be.
We'll be going back in 2 weeks for ours. My son is 2 1/2 and didn't bust out any questions during my pelvic last week, but did manage to get out a "Mama! We do NOT TAKE OUR PANTS OFF IN HERE!"
39. Allen G. said:
Thank you for sharing this and all your journeys with us, particulary those of us captive in carpeted cubicles....
40. Katie said:
Congratulations to you all! That's so sweet about you and Jon squeezing each other's hands. I'm secretly hoping it's a boy, but either way here's to a happy, healthy pregnancy! Can't wait to read all about it.
Cheers!
41. Marie said:
WOOHOO !!! CONGARTULATIONS !!!
42. Susan said:
Congratulations! I'm glad Leta is (sort of) looking forward to the new baby.
43. Ames said:
Yeah, just wait till Leta enlightens all the kids in her classroom at school with her newfound baby knowledge... I'm feeling a Parent Teacher conference coming on.
44. Joaaanna said:
How DARE you misinform your daughter about the miracle of life! She will now grow up to be a dumb whore who gets preggers at 14!
You know *that* comment is coming, right?
Congratulations Armstrong Family!!! Can't wait to read about all the pregnancy tales!
45. Lauren said:
Awww, congratulations!
I just shouted out "OH MY GOD DOOCE IS PREGNANT" and my non informative boyfriend (who shit himself due to the volume of my voice may I add) said "Tell your auntie congratulations!"
Her dog is called doog...
46. J. said:
No way!! I'm excited about Christmas too!!
47. mlp said:
wow. did this come out of nowhere or did i miss something?
... how super.cali-fragilistic/ex.pi-ali.docious and then some ...how exciting...
i'm still a bit shocked. i feel that i should know this stuff. we're so close and yet you kept mum all this time...i guess i'm getting a sense of how the man in all this feels when the news is broken....
do tell, do share it all.
48. Dena said:
Congratulations and can you start another page where you do a daily post with all the pictures of the stuff readers send you?
It's gonna be babytastic!!
49. shannon said:
YAY congrats! I'm so excited for you! Reading your post made me realize that I too might be ready for baby #2 one day...baby #1 is only 5 months old so it will be awhile...but with your post I actually accepted that it COULD happen and I would be OKAY with that! lol! I also dedicated my blog to you today! Can't wait for all the fun preggo-adventure posts!
<><><><
shannon
50. Erica said:
Heather, my sister was three when I was born, and while I don't know much about how she reacted when she first learned that there was a baby on the way, her reaction on the day I was born is family legend. My mom had had to have a cesarian section, because I've been contrary since birth and was bent on coming out upside down. By the time my sister got to the hospital, my mom was awake and I was with her. My sister came in, chowing on a brownie someone had given her, and my parents introduced her to her new sister. She took one look at this red tiny thing in my mom's arms and said, "Big deal." I think probably she asked for another brownie.
In everything she'd heard about this new sibling showing up at the house, she'd never really expected a baby. She thought she was getting a fully-grown playmate of her own age. So I was a terrible disappointment at first, but I think she's gotten over it in the past, oh, twenty-five years or so.
Congrats again!
51. Kat said:
Gawd, as much fun as it was reading your posts about your pregnancy with Leta, I can't WAIT to hear how it goes this time with Leta on the outside! Congratulations, and hope you have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
52. E-Lo said:
Congratulations Armstrongs! I'm so excited for you and you've only upped my baby fever... I can't wait to have number 2.
Here's to a safe and healthy 9 months! (or 10, if you're like me... I pray you're not. I pray nobody is...)
53. Angela said:
That's great....I have 2 boys and they are 11 and 8. The 11 year old ALWAYS says, "I don't know why you had to have him in the first place, I can't stand him." He says it at least once a week. He also says he wishes the 8 year old would have been a girl. Oh well, maybe they'll love each other one day! I sure love them with all I have.
54. the dalai mama said:
Congrats on the bun in the oven. Now that Jon told her how it is coming out, I'd sleep with one eye open after the new little one arrives. You just might find Leta at the foot of your bed holding the baby eyeing your bunky hoping to get the baby back in there.
55. jess said:
dude. you wore sweats in public??
;O congrats...
56. Joanne said:
Dooce,
I am so thrilled for you!! You're a great momma already and I'm excited for other monthly letters. What if this one really is a boy? I think Leta will still share her princess toys with him.
57. Amy said:
Ha, my daughter is still referring to her 2-month old brother as her sister, because she's sure if she says it enough times, it will eventually come true. Congratulations!
58. Katie said:
Wow, isn't Leta in for a big ol' surprise come June?! But two is better than one. Even when the oldest says, "Time for baby to go home now."
59. Lake said:
"Long time reader, first time commenter" here. I felt compelled to say congratulations - so strange to be so excited and happy for someone I've never met! Here's to a happy, healthy, blessed pregnancy and baby!
60. Pam said:
Congratulations to big sis, mom and dad! Hope you feel great and enjoy the ride!
Pam
61. Joanne said:
Ha - one thing at a time for Leta! I had my second in January and my older one has been really good - I was worried he would put her out in the garbage or something but I've been pleasantly surprised. Now we are having another in May so both of them are probably going to be mad! Congratulations!
62. Jocey said:
Oh my gosh, congratulations!
My dad's sperm* clearly did not get the memo in a timely fashion, as my parents had two boys between me and my baby sister. Then again, that was pre-Twitter.
Here's hoping for a healthy baby -- I know I ended up being pretty fond of my younger brothers despite their steadfast refusal to be girls (I think it helped that the younger of the two let me dress him up like a little girl when I wanted to play house), and I'm sure Leta will be an awesome big sister either way.
* A phrase I truly never envisioned myself using, on the Internet or elsewhere.
63. Amy said:
Congrats! My son was 4 when we adopted our daughter. I bought him a pin to where that day that said "Big Brother". He was so excited.
64. Assertagirl said:
The kid's got priorities, I'll give her that.
So, so happy for you and your family!
65. Cat said:
Is it weird that I take some satisfaction knowing Leta found out only just before I did? Yeah, that's probably something I should address with my therapist. YAY for the return of pregnancy posts! (and yay for morning sickness, as awful as it is!)
66. Michelle said:
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am thrilled for you and your family.
We just had baby #4 back in April and her 3 year old sister is still debating if we should keep her. The other kids could care less, unless Baby M takes their computer time, of course.
www.theadventuresofsupermom.com
67. Sittercity said:
CONGRATS!
68. Missives From Suburbia said:
I'm not sure I blame her. My baby is coming any day now, and I'm still pretty excited about Christmas, too.
69. Phoo-d said:
Classic! I was an only child until age six when my brother came into the world. I cried for over an hour when my parents they told me they were having a boy. I really wanted a baby sister. Of course, now I wouldn't trade him for anything. My bossy skills would be seriously lacking if they'd had a girl!
Leta's going to be in fine form after all her practice on Coco!
70. Kathryn said:
Glad to hear Leta has her priorities straight and, more importantly, will Coco share her toys??
congratulations to all of you
71. Kate said:
Molly said it so perfectly: Come June, you'll get to watch Leta meet the person who will be her most trusted friend in life.
72. Lori said:
YAY!! Another Dooce!!
73. Heather in Arizona said:
Congrats on your news...!
I hope to god tho, it pops out a girl... otherwise Leta's disappointment may cause a global audible disturbance! lol!
I look forward to reading more about your growing family and your experiences as I'm looking to become a mother soon too!
74. Kim said:
Congratulations! I'm so happy for the three of you. Such wonderful news!
75. Ryan Stewart said:
I think it's safe to say that the internet is excited about Leta's new baby *sister*
76. Kay said:
I'm pregnant with my first and I am due the beginning of January, and I am more excited than I ever was about Christmas, but this Christmas is going to be so much more magical. Leta is gonna fall in love with that baby, even if you have a boy. I wanted a baby sister and when my baby brother was born I was so mad until I saw him for the first time and instantly fell in love with him. I was four. And even if that doesn't work, just mention that boys don't okay with polly pockets!
77. Liz said:
Oh Heather. Congratulations, new life, blah blah blah. But more importantly, has someone alerted you to the existence of THESE: http://ruggerjay.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/17/img00069_3.jpg
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=323790&CategoryID=34226
I'm so so sorry.
[In all seriousness, I've never been so excited about a virtual stranger's pregnancy before! Congrats to you and your awesome family. And I hope the puking stops soon.]
78. Rosane said:
Very cute. Congratulations again, Heather! :)
79. Linsey said:
Wouldn't Linsey Armstrong be such a cute name for her little sister?
Leta & Linsey... mmmhmmmm (snap snap snap).
80. kristin said:
fantastic news - congratulations! i look forward to reading all about it!
81. Phatchik said:
God, I love Leta.
82. Vivienne said:
I'm jealous on two accounts: one, I don't have babies yet and two, I always wanted to be a big sister. My 72-year-old Mom keeps telling me that train's left the station. Okay, let me put my adult hat on: congratulations and best wishes for your new precious arrival. Life really is a daily miracle.
83. Jessica said:
Leta is so cute, but all I can says is thank goodness my young niece doesn't ask all those questions about the baby in my stomach! lol I hope your morning sickness goes away soon. I had it pretty much all day, everyday from week 6-12 and then it magically went away for the second trimester. Good news for my husband, because at least now there's a chance that he might get a second one down the line. :)
84. Becca said:
Hopefully there won't be too much sibling rivalry, she says she'll share her toys NOW, wait for the baby to grow old enough to annoy her D:
85. Emma said:
You are one brave mama!
86. Rochelle said:
I hope the new baby doesn't eat its own poo. But even if it does, it will be a wonderful addition. Congratulations.
87. Bozoette Mary said:
Congratulations! I'm glad that Leta has her priorities straight. ;-)
88. Danielle said:
So did your mom ask if you guys are gonna raise this one republican?
Yay for pregnancy updates!! I wonder what kind of world news will break on the night your new one is born... perhaps Warren Jeffs will finally announce his homosexuality....
Congrats on the new addition, best of luck to you all!!!
89. Rachie said:
I seriously CAN NOT WAIT! I know Leta will be a good big sister. If it's a girl. If it's a boy I think you'd better start hiding again.
90. Angela said:
That is so cute! She'll be such a good big sister :)
Also, I can't believe I'm so close to the top! I've never been on the first page of comments before!!
91. Lori said:
So exciting. My heart is melting for you guys and all your happiness, you deserve it! I really want to experience pregnancy, I just don't want to actually raise a child. If they had a program like with seeing eye dog puppies, that would be perfect.
92. hihorosie said:
I can totally relate to the feelings/exchange you and Jon shared. So touching - it reminds me of what I'm going through. I'm just so overjoyed for you and it'll be fun to read about Leta's experience through all of this. Maybe it'll prepare me for when I have #2. Wishing you and the babe good health!
93. April Smith said:
Congratulations to you and you family. Good luck with everything.
94. Erin said:
"Magic Elves" - just love that. We prepped my daughter for the birth of her new sibling, oops, make that twins (are you sure there is only one in there?) with the book "I'm a big sister" by Joanna Cole. We read many "big sister" books but this was our favorite. http://www.amazon.com/Im-Big-Sister-Joanna-Cole/dp/0688145094/ref=sr_1_1...
95. Akilah Sakai said:
***"HOW YOU GONNA GET THAT BABY OUT?" she said with a concern that made it sound as if she remembered the exact moment her shoulders left my womb.***
Ugh! My ovaries twitched when I read that and had a flashback of my labor experience.
96. IrishGumbo said:
Hey, congratulations! And Leta sounds like she's all ready.
Seriously, though, how are you gonna get that baby out? Will elves be involved? I thought it was a stork or something...
97. Jess said:
Congrats again! But...uhm...that "magical elves" thing is going to bite you on the ass one day!
98. Megan in Munich said:
:-) Just wait until that little sibling starts taking toys and showing up wearing her old onesies, or worse yet, her princess... anything. Congratulations.
99. Anonymous said:
That is so wonderful, Heather!! SQUEEE!
100. Chessy said:
Yesterday you made me a 'Woo' girl. Today you made me cry. Thanks. I am sooooo looking foward to reading about what happens next.
Sending you some Internet Love, in the non-sexual way, to you and your growing family.
101. Husband Clothes said:
My four year-old asked if it would hurt when the baby comes out of my EAR!!!
Love those big sibling questions and theories!
102. Oatsy said:
BUNKY! I love it! That's my word of the month!
103. Anonymous said:
Eww. Yeah, I am sure that weird, special needs freak child will do great w. a baby. She can't even handle a dog. Are you planning on ending up in the looney bin again? LOLZ
104. jailbird said:
Congratulations from another reader!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=13515134
105. Becky..Absent Minded Housewife said:
I'm reminded of an episode of one of those precious birthing shows on Discovery Health. Mom and Dad were going to have a family birth and were sure that having their four year old child present would amount to perfect togetherness. At one point in the show this poor little boy got a view of Mom's bunky which prompted him to add his panicked shrieks to her birthing screeches.
But...they'd explained over and over what was happening to Mommy...the child should have known that it was little sister being squatted into the world and not a squishy form of the boogeyman, right?
God I'm glad I've had a tubal. Congrats to you Heather!
106. Ciara said:
I just got over baby fever and now I have a sneaking suspicion it's about to kick into high gear. So please, for those of us who are on the fence about this, give us all the gory details. I want to hear about every ache and pain and inconvenient moment when you feel like you're gonna puke so I can climb back down on the kid free side. I love 'em, just not ready to completely change life as I know it :-)
107. Anonymous said:
By "bunky" I assume you infantilizing stay at home moms mean "vagina".
108. Jennifer said:
Congratulations! What an exciting time for you! I am addicted to your site, and am reading your archives from the begining, like a treasured book. I look forward to reading and sharing all the things that are yet to come!! Your experiences and your frank honesty have helped me to realize that I too have experienced some post-pardum depression and anxiety and have come to realize it is OK to admit I too need to get some professional help. I am at the point where I need to wean my baby to get the meds I need, and remembering what you wrote and how it helped you is giving me the strength I need to do what is best for me and my family! Thanks so much & again Congratulations!
109. Lisa said:
I dunno what the hell is wrong with the rest of y'all, but as far as I'm concerned, my mom only became pregnant with the help of magical elves ;)
Congratulations!
110. bohica said:
Don't kids put everything into perspective for you? CHRISTMAS. There's plenty of time for babies later.
She's so damned smart. I don't actually ENVY you having to get her used to the idea. I had all boys and they didn't seem to really care one way or another. It was just ... "ok, there's another one" (I had three). There really does seem to be a difference. Or maybe it's because it was 20-25 years ago and we weren't nearly as careful about their feelings then. We subscribed to the, "deal with it!" method of parenting!
Oh, I can't wait to follow this, as I have followed everything else that you have shared with us since your pregnancy with Leta: excitement, fear, happiness and the occasional tears. Good luck!
111. Becky said:
Bunky!!!! Thanks for the new addition to my vocabulary!
And sorry about the boobs but HOW EXCITING! Maybe Leta will get her wish, or maybe her world will REALLY get rocked.
112. Christine said:
"WHERE DID YOU GET THAT BABY FROM?"
I just love that.
You guys are going to have so much fun with two children. I'm so excited for you!
113. Kat said:
Congratulations!
114. Anna said:
Leta, I'm excited about Christmas, too!
And congrats on the new baby sister! ;-)
115. Erica said:
Not to get too personal here, but are you going to post a picture of your ultrasound? I love those, they really bring it home for me :-) Congrats again!
116. Helen Tarnation said:
Have been out of town sans computer and just read the news. Very wonderful news indeed!
Leta will find lots of things wrong with having a new baby brother or sister, but she'll have a best friend for life!!
And....Jon must be so stoked about the boobs!
117. Terri said:
Sure certainly has the priorities in order!
118. Alexa said:
So happy for you! Reading about your new adventure in parenthood is going to prepare me for my next one someday!
119. emilyjunedesigns said:
What a doll face she is!
Kid's say the darndest things and I cannot wait to hear the one-liners Leta comes up with over the next 7 or 8 months!
Emily June
Emily June Designs
120. Steph said:
Its so strange how hearing about someones pregnancy, whom I've never met, but have felt a strong connection with, can make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
121. beyond said:
when i was five and my parents announced the pregnancy, i wanted to share my toys with the baby, too... changed my mind when baby sister arrived.
122. rebecca said:
So very happy for you. I am due on the 4th of June after 3 miscarriges back to back, 2 years of trying and 3 IVF cycles. I know how you feel, I've been holding my breath till I got to 12 weeks and still can't believe I am this far.
It will be fun to see how Leta reacts as your body changes and the baby arrives. Jon is gonna be great, and he's much like my husband who stops everything when I change in the evening!
Hope its a smooth 9 months and looking forward to hearing all about it!
123. Kelsey said:
I wonder if Leta's opinion about the baby's sex will change. My daughter (who was three at the time) initially wanted a sister, but then decided she'd rather have a brother because she didn't want the baby to be exactly the same as her.
124. jami said:
Congratulations, Heather! I wish you all the best.
125. Jinx said:
OMG! Congratulations Heather and Jon!
Your hand squeezing moment got me all emotional.
All the best!
126. julie said:
How could you NOT be excited for Christmas?
Congratulations on your baby. I hope for the best!
127. Barb McMahon said:
When my sister-in-law told her son that the long-awaited second child was on its way, he looked her in the eye and asked, "Does Dad know about this?"
I'm so thrilled for all of you.
128. Ellen said:
Okay, I've been pondering this.
What if Leta is to Cocoa as the new baby will be to Chuck?
But if it's BOY, then won't that mean that Leta is to Chuck as Stretch is to Cocoa? That's how it is with my niece and nephew.
Just a thought.
;>
I'm so happy for you and your family and wish you a quiet and wonderful pregnancy.
E
129. Carrie said:
My daughter, who was 2 at the time, said the same thing when I got pregnant with our second: "It's a girl." We tried and tried to explain that some babies are boy babies, and we don't get to choose. Fortunately, she was right, so we never had to find out what she would have done if she didn't get what she wanted.
130. Anonymous said:
it's a girl. children know these things.
131. LobotoME said:
Congratulations!!! We just had a VERY similar situation as we adopted a baby boy and our 5 year old, was like {hello - where did he come from and is he going back anytime soon?!?!?!} but she has adjusted and is learning that he isn't as {flexible} as her dolls.
Best wishes to you ~~~
jenny :)
132. Lulu said:
too awesome for words. HER BUNKY? haha.
133. Kathy C. said:
I commented yesterday but have to say again today how excited and thrilled I am for you all. Please post a LOT about how you're feeling every day. YES !! We really DO want to hear all about it. I saw that somebody asked in their comment if the barfing was getting better. Haven't read anything you've posted about that. Are you indeed feeling yucky? I'll pray it gets better quickly. Take good care of yourself.
134. Jaymee said:
Congratulations Leta!! if it is a brother you can always give it to Coco.
Congratulations to you all.
135. Jennifer said:
I was just shy of 5 years old when my mother gave birth to my brother. This was 1977 and that special about pregnancy was on PBS constantly. So my parents sat down with me and we all watched. I had a rudimentary idea of how this all worked, but according to my mother I needed to know exactly how the baby was going to get out. She gave me a 5 year old version of it, and when my father came home from work I ran up to him and said "Daddy Daddy! Guess what? When Mommy has the baby it's going to come out of her vagina and then they are going to put a big band aid on it!" He said he just stood there staring at me like I'd grown a tail.
136. JennG said:
That's great. But you know, it's really a given that it's the ELVES that will suddenly give her nightmares. :)
137. kristi said:
Very happy for you! I am extraordinarily partial to girls. I have three. Only on occasion do I want to ship them one way to Africa.
138. Tigress 49wa said:
Just beware of the fairey tales (elves)
Reminds me of finding my 6 year old son in the closet with the 6 year old girl I babysitted for.
She ran out yelling " I'm pregnant! He kissed me!" Kids are so cute.
Had a "talk" with the other's Mom.. Lol
The things you get to look forward to...
139. Noelle said:
Awwww, that last paragraph really got me as I remember that exact feeling SO very well. I loved this entry and I am so happy for you guys!!
140. Jean said:
Congratulations!! I'll say a little prayer for you and the baby being healthy, if you don't mind.. just for insurance!!LOL You'll do great, I'm sure, and Leta will be a champ of a big sister...eventually...;)
*easy hugs*
Jean
141. michele said:
Congratulations Heather and Jon. I wish you both the best of luck in these coming months. Have fun designing that nursery, can't wait to see it. :)
142. Katie said:
Congratulation! I've got to admit I jumped in my seat a little more reading that you're pregnant than when I found out that my cousin was pregnant. That's bad right?
143. Erin said:
That's incredibly cute :)
Congratulations!
144. Now a "Gamma" said:
My oldest son was 2 1/2 when I found out I was pregnant with No. 2. He didn't really "grasp" the concept that I was going to have a baby so when I saw the cutest little bundle of joy while out shopping at the grocery store, I pointed it out to my son and told him I was going to have a baby - just like that one. He seemed totally satisfied.......until I brought his little brother home. The minute he saw him he started yelling and said "take it back"....I want the chocolate baby like you showed me! I didn't even try to explain - lol. It didn't take him very long to realize he was stuck with the one we brought home and became the most adorable, helpful, protective older brother.
Congratulations.........
145. Nicole said:
codename for new baby, a la Fawnzelle Le Bon Marche Armstrong:
Senator Beauregard Hijinx
or
Miss Lambshanks De Cointreau
146. Lesley said:
my older sister said the same exact thing to my parents when they broke the news that sometimes babies are boys. she said "not this one, it's my little sister. she was right... she still thinks she is my mom and that my parents just fostered me for her.
147. Bani said:
A big CONGRATULATIONS!
148. Lori said:
Congratulations!! What fun news on this Thursday!
149. Hope said:
My older son was 5 when I was pregnant with his brother. I took him to the ultra sound appointment thinking it would be fun for him to see his baby brother or sister in the "T.V." The tech said "do you want to know what it is" and I said, "yes". She said "it's a boy". My son piped up and said "good, because I didn't want a baby sister anyways". Congratulations! I hope all is going well. With your pregnancy and Leta.
150. Kathryn said:
Glad to see Leta's priorities are in order - Christmas is CLEARLY the more important event right now. So, I'm wondering, just how far should we all run and hide if, in fact, Leta's sister is a brother? :o)
Congrats again and glad she took the news well!
151. jayrose said:
congrats to you and your fam!
and no worries someday she will realize a sister is just about the best present (christmas or otherwise) a girl can get...
...coming from the oldest of 4, with 2 younger sisters
152. Scargosun said:
One holiday at a time for Leta. ;)
153. Rachelle said:
My older daughter was two weeks from turning 5 when her little sister arrived. We did everything we could to prep her for the arrival... explained contractions and birth, had her take a "big sister" class at the local hosiptal, prepped her for the crying baby, my exhaustion...etc. BUT we forgot about breast feeding. Not sure why that slipped my mind, but look on her face the first time she saw her baby sister sucking on my boob was priceless. It was totally "WHY THE HELL IS SHE DOING THAT???" Awesome. :-)
154. Paige said:
I'm so happy for you all. My four year old daughter just welcomed a baby brother - she also made it clear she wanted a GIRL BABY but you would not believe how much she loves him. Enjoy these last months with Leta.. it is a time you will remember so fondly - just you and her. Congrats!
155. Bertie Ranger said:
That is too cute! I love the "I'm excited about Christmas part!" Congratulations and how fun for you guys!!
156. Buffy Davis said:
Our first daughter was three when we were pregnant with number two. My mother and I took her to one of my last appointments which is when she decided to ask a bunch of questions about how the baby "gets out." I told her that her baby sister would come out of my chochy (I pray she never watches Happy Days) and that the doctor would be there so everything would be okay. To which she asked in disgust, "is there going to be blood?" I nearly pushed that baby out laughing so hard!
So happy for you all! Congratulations!
157. elysia said:
Delurking to say Congratulations!!
158. Tori said:
Congrats! Babies are always good news.
159. Chandra said:
Congrats, I remember the day I told my son he was going to be a big brother he was 5. He automatically assumed it was a girl, so I told him there was a chance that it could be a brother. He was appalled and said "If its a boy, put it back until its a girl." Ya OK!! Thank heavens it turned out to be a little sister :)
160. Leilani Grant said:
Wow.....
First time visitor here and I have to say I absolutely LOVE your site. Such a breath of fresh air!
I loved your photos and the commentary. I am still wiping tears from laughing so hard at some of them.
I'm originally from Mississippi (I know. Bless my heart!) and grew up very close to the Memphis 'burbs.
There's something about those Southern gals and speaking their mind.
Anyway....
Congrats on the pregnancy. Good health to you and the baby!
(...and here's hoping to acceptance from Leta if a little boy is in the picture.) (grin)
Keep up the good work!
Leilani Grant
161. d.g. said:
Congrats!! =)
162. Rena said:
I love that you used the word "bunky" in a sentence!
163. Charity said:
I am so happy for you guys!!! It will be awesome to see Leta as a big sister! Imagine my son's surprise when I had to explain how 4 (yessss...quads!) got in there! THOSE were some REEEEEAALLY magical elves workin' some hella overtime! lol!
164. Beta said:
Congratulations!
I was the third child, and with an older brother (6) and sister (3), so they fought over what I "was". My sister won and we've always been really close. Sisters and brothers are both awesome, Leta is a lucky girl :)
165. patrice said:
my birthday is june 13. as I always tell people when they ask for my date of birth, it's "the day before flag day". met by blank stares. (though every once in a while, I find someone who's totally into flag day and doesn't find my flippant attitude toward flag day funny.)
166. Hetha said:
Can't wait to "meet" the little one (and see pics of the rad nursery). Congrats to all 3 of you!!
167. Katie said:
Congratulations, Heather! This is wonderful news!!
168. suzi said:
Woo hoo! Sooo darn exciting about this great news! I love how Leta thought it would be acceptable to share her toys with her new sister. Hope it's a girl. Then again, it may be more fun for us readers if it turns out to be a boy! ;) Just kidding, she's awesome and I just hope you have a very healthy and happy pregnancy/baby. Best wishes!
169. Sandi said:
The questions she is going to ask is from here on out are going to be book/blog worthy. I look forward to the Leta entertainment. :)
170. Heloise said:
De-lurking to offer my congratulations! Really very pleased for you.
171. Amy said:
I have to laugh, because as a mother of three, your story reminded me of when my daughter came home from school and asked what sex was. Being one who prided myself on being a mom who encouraged open discussions with her children, I was shocked into speechlessness (a difficult feat some may add!) - please don't make me have this conversation, I thought - she's too young! My husband, without a missing a beat said you are of the female sex and your brother is of the male sex. and she Oh. That was the end of that, but even funnier is when I did sit her down a few years later to read her the book "where do babies come from" she said ewwwwwwww - you've done that 3 times! Yes,3 times I said.
172. Bunny Myers said:
All my seven year old son wanted for Christmas 5 years ago was a baby brother. We found out the sex of the baby a few days before the holiday and on Christmas told him that Santa had gotten his letter and Mama was going to be having a baby brother in July! He said "Santa is my brother's Daddy!? We'll get so many presents!"
When he asked how the baby would come out, I told him that Mom's have a special place called a birth canal and how the baby comes into the world. That seemed to satisfy him; he never asked again. I seriously did not want to talk about va-jay with my sweet innocent boy. Saving that for when he's 12 and I tell him vaginas have the teeth of great white sharks.
When I asked him (now 11) what he wanted for Christmas this year, he said "No Way. I'm not doing that again." When I asked him what he meant, he said he'd learned his lesson when he was seven. "You've got to be careful what you wish for, Mom. Look at me-- I asked for a little brother and I got a nonstop migraine." He's a smart one.
Heather, wishing you the best. The most amazing thing I found in having two is how completely different they are--they are polar opposites and have such individual personalities. I had an angel the first time around and the second--well, it depends how well my meds are working that day. He is a non-stop destruction zone whose brillance only makes him more dangerous. In your case, this may be a good thing...maybe this baby will sleep through the night and use his vocal cords for gooing and gaaing only. Here's to an easy baby.
173. Keelie said:
Congrats!
And if you & Jon figure out a way to tactfully explain the "where did the baby come from and how did it get in there and how does it get out" line of theories - PLEASE post about it! Especially if you figure out how to explain it in such a way that will not result in a preschooler spontaneously fact-blurting in front of random strangers. Or is that pie-in-the-sky? I have a way too smart 3 year old, and that day of reckoning is bearning down like a freight train...
174. sayra said:
Longtime reader, first-time commenter...yay for y'all! Congratulations and tons of positive vibes for a safe, healthy pregnancy for everyone! (But especially you, I mean, you ARE the most important person right now - keep reminding everyone of that.)
175. susan said:
This is quite funny! I remember the questions...congratulations on adding to your family. We have three children and they are amazing :)
176. susan said:
This is quite funny! I remember the questions...congratulations on adding to your family. We have three children and they are amazing :)
177. sara p said:
i don't usually like kids or imagine being the parent of any, but you make me want them so much. your journey with leta and your continual success in bringing her to each new step and how you illustrate those emotions really has changed the way i view motherhood.
thank you for being brave and sharing the flaws and troubles and mistakes for those of us who need to know they are normal. and expected.
and thank you for being brave and sharing your pregnancy with your readers. a doctor or a good euphemizing family member can explain what it is like, but i am sure you will be honest and raw.
good luck with the morning sickness and harvesting another girl for leta's amusement.
178. Wendy said:
Just found your blog and love it! Congratulations on being a mommie again!
179. that girl said:
She's going to be ridiculously possessive of that little bit. Congratulations! The difference between one and two is mind blowing..a little scary the first few months, but soooo woonderful once they can play together.
I'm happy for y'all.
180. Melanie said:
Congrats again, team Armstrong!
I have to share the story of when my 5-year-old daughter found out where babies come from.... a friend of mine had sent us a book geared speficially to what she could understand. One evening, my husband was reading it to her, and I could hear the wheels spinning and the lights coming on. She was getting it!
At the end, though, she comes to me and says "momma! Peter's going to come out of your bagina? 'at's gotta hurt!"
It was at that moment that she decided she would adopt African and Cambodian orphans and name them after the Jolie-Pitt crew. :)
The best part of baby number 2 is seeing baby number 1 become a big sister or brother. It's the best.
181. Palesa said:
Hurray!! Just read the last two posts. I am delighted for you!! what fabulous news! Enjoy all the excitement of the new baby to come :)
182. Toni said:
A very big congratulations!
183. liz said:
Congratulations!!!
184. Ava's Nanny said:
I remember my mom telling me about my little brother.
We were in the car & she asked if I'd want a little brother or sister. I said sister. She tried to convince me to give a brother a chance & I would not hear of it.
I still want a little sister.
185. Nashvegas said:
At least Jon didn't tell her the baby was going to come out of your Cheeseburger!
186. Amy said:
I CANNOT wait for the "The baby's STARING AT MEEEEEEE" posts. I really can't. I know you can, Heather, but I just can't. I think I'll pee laughing right here in my desk chair. The adventures of Leta becoming a big sister... it's shake your head amusing to think about.
Best of luck, Armstrongs, we're all rooting for you and love you. :o)
187. NIcole said:
So apparently my co-worker and I think we know you b/c she called me up at home yesterday and yelled in the phone, "Heather is pregnant!" Well we have a friend Heather that just had a baby last Friday, so I was all, Duh- what was your first clue and she was all, "NO. Heather. B. Armstrong!" And then I freaked out too! Then we realized we were screaming about someone being pregnant who we've never met. Not to worry, this was a fleeting thought and we continued the screaming. Congratulations from all your friends in Savannah Georgia! Apparently we couldn't be happier.
188. steph said:
Bunky. Love it. My daughter was right when she predicted the second one was a boy, so good luck with that.
189. Domestic Goddess (in training) said:
When I was pregnant with my first, my stepdaughter who was 6 at the time said that she was excited we were having a baby. Then she promptly said, "but if its a boy, I am never speaking to either of you again." Now I have her, and two boys, and apparently that was a threat, not a promise.
190. Jennifer Suarez said:
My oldest daughter, who is Leta's age, goes back and forth between loving and hating her little sister.
It's going to be a fun and admittidly stressful adventure for sure. But I have to tell you, having 2 children is so much more fun than just one.
And in regards to finding out how the baby comes out - my daughter learned one day while watching a giraffe give birth on the discovery channel. She asked me in horror why the mommy giraffe was POOPING out a baby giraffe. It was then that I realized nothing but the truth would work. So without giving more details than necessary I explained the baby wasn't coming out of the mommy's butt, but rather her vagina.
Thankfully she didn't put two and two together and realize that she too had come out of me that same way LOL! I'm still waiting for the day THAT light bulb flicks on.
Oh-the-horror
191. Three Cent Stamp said:
LOL! I can't wait to see the Big Sister Leta posts! I can see the antics now. I do think she'll be thrilled, regardless of whether it's a girl or a boy.
Does she know something you don't? ;-)
192. repliderium.com said:
The word "Bunky" kind of scares me but congrats on the bun in oven status.
193. Lisa said:
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I know Leta will rise to the occasion and be a fantastic, if occasionally challenging, big sister. And once she gets old enough to know how to work a camera, she'll be posing baby sibling with spaghetti and such wrapped artistically around his/her face.
194. Kristina said:
Dear Dooce:
I need you to understand that after damn near each post you write, I look away from my computer and yell whatever stuck in my head from said post, only I do it the way Tracy Jordan yells "WHAT WOULD OPRAH DOOOOOOOO?"
So just imagine a workplace filled with folks looking at me weird because I just yelled out, "It's coming out my BUUUUUUUNKY!"
In case you were wondering whether your readers were normal or not.
195. Sonya said:
I just went screaming your pregnancy: Dooce is pregnant! Dooce is pregnant! Congratulations!
196. Laura said:
Congratulations! Happy and healthy 9 months (or, I guess I should say, remaining 7 months!)
197. Elaine in the UK said:
I can't believe I'm so pleased for someone I don't even know!
CONGRATULATIONS! :-D
198. Doc in France said:
WOOOHOOOOOOOO!
199. Sabrina said:
That's awesome that Leta said she's excited for Christmas! It reminds me of the time when a close friend of mine was in a long-term relationship. His girlfriend told him she loved him. He was quiet and she asked him if he loved her. His response? "I love cake."
Needless to say they are no longer together.
200. SAHM: Surviving Assorted Home Mayhem said:
Leta tells it like it is...wonder who she got that from?
Oh, and BTW, this totally kills the idea of getting together in Northern CA. with both our hot geek hubbies for drinks! Crap! Well, I do make a mean virgin Cosmo....
201. lisa said:
congrats on your new bun in the oven. i'm due with #3 in May and when we told our girls my four-year-old was over the moon excited while my two-year-old just asked for more pizza. Maybe she knows that she's being de-throned as the baby of the fam!
again, congrats!
202. E MOMMA said:
Congrats!!!
My five year old asked the same question and I too went with Magic!! He magically got into my tummy and then he magically came out.
203. Mrs. Wilson said:
Congratulations! Your daughter is hilarious. My daughter was 5 when we told her of her impending sibling. She also said it was a sister, not a brother. Waddya know. She was right.
204. Lisa said:
My stepkids were 3 and 4 when I was pregnant with my first child. I was driving them to daycare one day, we passed a market and they asked me if I ate something to get a baby in my stomach. I chuckled and thought for a moment and said, "no your Daddy and I have a special way of snuggling and that makes a baby".
My two biological children were 6 years apart and my son took it pretty hard when his sister came along. All of a sudden he no longer had me all to himself. It was a rough road, but once my son left for college he and his sister get along just great!
Good luck Armstrong family!!!
205. Marinka said:
I can't believe that John has magic elves instead of a penis.
206. Vixel said:
Congratulations! When I asked that question my mother told be you had to be married then pray for a baby and you get one. Even as a small child I was a bit of a cynic.. the first time she tried to talk to me properly about it I was 10, sniggered and declared I already knew "all the ins and outs". She didn't try again!
207. Laralee1 said:
This was a hilarious story! My husband and I were crying we were laughing so hard. Leta is quite the character!
208. Lilian said:
(teary eyed)
Congratulations. May all go well! And hopefully Leta will ask many more questions and you'll get to tell us about several more entertaining conversations that you're going to have with her between now and then, and beyond.
I'm truly happy for you, I really am.
209. William said:
Of course she is excited about christmas, you just mentioned that babies come form magic elves...that is where Santa gets his Toys.
Now just tell her that the toys she gets for Christmans come out of your bunky as well.
210. hanna said:
Congratulations! I'm happy to hear that everything is going well. Love the way you announced the news to us. *lol* Now if I could only get my puppy to let me stick something on her nose long enough... ;)
211. ...love Maegan said:
lol. bunky. ahahahahha.
212. laurie said:
I'm with Leta...of course it is a girl.
213. Talon said:
Might I suggest this book for Leta?
http://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-Stork-Families-Friends/dp/0763600474
We just got our early developing eight ear old (SOBS) the last book in the series, but she's loved all of them.
They are awesomely age appropriate and accurate at the same time.
214. Heidi Renée said:
Well, I'm excited for Christmas, too. That said, I have a three-years-younger sister and she is my best friend and the best gift I ever got in May. Siblings are wonderful!
215. Clair Duddy said:
Soooo happy for you!
216. Monica said:
Like the commentor "Nicole" way up there, I too called up my friend yesterday and told her "Yeahhhhh Heather is expecting!"... and my friend was like "HOLY SHIT, can you imagine the post we will be getting in the coming months!"
Yes.I.can... if Bunly is any indication... and I cannot wait for them!
Congratulations to all of you.
217. LizAndrsn said:
When our 4 yo asked how we were going to get her baby brother out, our response was....
wait for it.....
He's getting out the same way he got in there.
Remarkably, as bright as she is, the response was adequate and never questioned.
218. Victor said:
Hi Heather, I also want to join everybody here on the Congrats !! We are all excited for you and your beautiful familly on the arrival of the new baby. Have you guys started thinking on the names?
I myself have a baby girl of 6 months old and I can perfectly understand all the things that may start going thru your minds. And Leta will be a good sister for sure, it's a real great experience for kids to have sibs. I helps a lot on the cultivation of generosity and sharing.
Bye, this note is from a Colombian fan (Colombia South America) your family have overseas.
219. 'wela said:
How wonderful!! I'm so very happy for you and your husband. When my mother was pregnant with my brother, she and dad sat my 5-year old self down and explained to me that they were getting me my very own baby brother or sister. I was so excited when he was born because I thought he was a gift just for me!
I think I was about 12 before I realized that they may have had an ulterior motive. But it was far too late, my brother was, by then, one of my best friends. He still is 45 years later.
But Leta seems a lot brighter than I was at that age......
220. Liz said:
Congratualtions Heather! If I have your age right, according to the Chinese Gender Prediction Charts, it's a girl! Those things were right for all three of my kids so, yay for girls! At least for Leta's sake anyway.... ;)
221. Emily said:
"HOW YOU GONNA GET THAT BABY OUT?" Hahahaha. I love kids.
And this made me crack up: "I certainly hope that Jon's semen got that memo."
You're totally going to have a boy that looks JUST like you and NOTHING like Jon. I can see it now. :)
222. LP in OK said:
Keep those pregnancy stories coming! This just makes my week (which probably sounds weird coming from a stranger)!! Congrats again, to the whole Armstrong gang.
223. chrsitina said:
Are you ready for the 23,876 congratulation posts!!! That's incredible CONGRATULATIONS!!!
(and of course the 3 random rude emails that you'll get because people are that dumb)
224. Amy said:
When my parents told me that I was going to have a younger sibling, I too declared that it was a girl. Somehow, a baby boy was just not an option.
This always seemed more entertaining a story to me, given that my sister and I are both adopted (from different biological parents), and so although I just should've been plain 'ol happy either way, my 3-year-old self really wanted it to be a girl (It was).
Congratulations!
225. Fleuris said:
While my first comment involved something more along the lines of "AH HA! I KNEW IT!" I'd like to state a belated CONGRATS to you three (four?) ... I'm so excited to learn along with all the dooce readers about this wonderful new development.
226. ambika said:
Belated congrats! 3 of my friends are pregnant & they will not get it when I mention someone I don't actually know is pregnant too!
227. miltoncat said:
I have girl vibes for this one too! Dunno why.
I think I just want to level the field. Most of my friends had boys and I got 2 nephews.
228. the mighty jimbo said:
i'm curious if leta has any plans on what to name her sister or brother.
my niece once INSISTED we name the new dog "potato." she refused to accept his name was "titan." called him potato for months. personally, i thought it was a better name, but i'm weird that way. my ex girlfriend from many years ago was essentially named by her older sister when she decided that "cecelia" was far too formal and would henceforth call her "mimi." when i met her 25 years later, i was introduced to mimi.
leta seems to have the force of will and personality to pull of this kind of coup.
i figure based on what little i know, however, that if leta was in fact given final say in the matter, you might one day be walking young leta and princess ariel armstrong to school.
229. Anonymous said:
te felicito!
i hope it's another girl! only so that they can experience that priceless sisterly bond like the one i have with my sister.
of course, i'm not sure how your relationship with your sister is so maybe that's not what you want.
133488. Kylee said:
Shush, that's not nice.
230. kookie said:
Heather, every time I check the latest post on dooce I cross my fingers that you've announced that you're pregnant again. I'm so completely thrilled for you!! Wish you the best of luck for an easy pregnancy, I'm just struggling through my eighth week with my new daughter and I'm glad I had the chance to read yr blog to remind me of all the wonder to come when I'm shushing and patting her to sleep for the millionth time. Those newsletters are fab.
Best wishes to you, family, crazy dogs and the lil'un on the way. xxx
231. BJ said:
Heather - don't waste one minute worrying about how Leta will adjust to her new sister or brother. She will be perfectly fine. She will be the best little helper a momma will need.
I'm so excited for you all and look forward to following along with you as you journey to the next wonderful phase in your life!!!!!
232. Nancy A said:
Congratulations! I'm thrilled for all of you.
Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy and a safe, speedy delivery.
233. Cherie said:
When we found out that we were having a girl I asked my 3 year old if he would like a little sister and he said "no, I want a chocolate milk". A year on I think he'd still choose the milk...CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
234. Carrie said:
Sounds like me when my mom, pregnant with my youngest brother, asked what I'd like for my 7th birthday.
"I think I'd like to go to Disneyland", I told her.
When she asked me if I would like to have another baby brother or sister, I replied, "I think I'd rather go to Disneyland." I already had a younger brother.
My second brother was born the day before my birthday and caused my mom to miss my party at Chuck-E Cheeses. I was not impressed!
235. naomi said:
leta is in for a very bumpy ride :) and being *the* last little sister of the family, i know this because i've been creating road bumps for my family all my life.
congratulations! i hope everything goes all smoothly.
236. GEMMERZZ said:
i think being excited about christmas is fair. it's much closer! i'm sure it will change after the holidays... hopefully.
295488. Anonymous said:
i was going to say that i would have refused to call him titan, too. then i realized it was a dog.
237. just beth said:
ahahahaa! it's going to be awesome.
xo
b.
238. anika said:
Hooray! I'm happy that Leta is willing to share her toys ... I remember so much the squeezing-each-others'-hands and being so ecstatic -- Enjoy these moments!!
239. christine said:
Wow. I have been away from my computer due to my own little wee one (now 18 weeks old) and was surprised and happy/entertained by "The making of an older sister".
I am slightly scared but mostly looking forward to hearing about your adventures. (I am already having sympathy nausea... (or, could that be the flu I thought I had kicked?))
My blog can only aspire to report on my life as a mom (and more) in such a uniquely engaging way as yours does.
Thank you for your candid hilarity.
I <3 dooce
240. Jodie said:
Code name suggestion: Binkie. As in Binkie will come out of Mommy's bunkie.
I was an only child until the advanced age of 10. Talk about a shock. By that age I think I had heard of sex and couldn't imagine my parents having it. Now 30-something years later, I'm glad to have a sibling even if she was a pain in the a** sometimes when I was a teenager. Her daughter is at the tween stage now and I can't wait for the teenage years so I can LOL at my sis dealing with one of her own.
CONGRATS again!!!
241. Kristina C. said:
You're off to a good start - Leta is going to SHARE! (You better hold her to her words!)
242. aJenniferOriginal said:
When my baby sister was born, I was totally convinced the baby was going to be a boy. When my parents called to from the hospital to tell me the news, I famously said "THAT BABY *TRICKED* ME!!!!"
Congratulation Armstrong Family. Get ready Leta!!
243. Bush Babe said:
I reckon she has suddenly realised that she may have to share her Christmas things... an explanation that the baby will come AFTER she gets her Santa visit may be in order.
Wishing you a great pregnancy (I loved mine! The birth bit... not so much.)
:-)
BB
244. Jennifer C. said:
Congratulations!!!!!!!! I am a long-time reader, probably about a month behind you with my first (Due July 1st) and I'm soooooo looking forward to reading all your posts! We haven't told everyone yet either, and I'm pretty much out of my mind with anxiety about this little one until week 13. I'm so happy for you, I can't say it enough :)
245. mc said:
amazing! i am so happy for you!
246. ElegantGoose said:
Congratulations! I'm so happy for you - I'm expecting my first on March 25th and it's so crazy exciting. Of course I had to think of you early on since my first symptom wasn't morning sickness (which I never got), but constipation! With lots of water and benefiber I can now poop with the best of 'em though.
I've been a reader since before Leta was around and I can't wait to hear about your next addition.
247. goshery said:
Oh, Leta has so much to learn!! It will be an adjustment for everyone I'm sure (what do I know, I only had one!!) but worth the effort. Congrats, I'm very happy for you!
248. Zenmomma said:
Well of course.It's important to keep one's priorities straight. I'm glad that Leta has got her wits about her.
249. Heather said:
From one mama of two to another mama of two, congratulations! Like many, many others (MANY...wow so many), I have read your blog for a few years now. I am really looking forward to the next seven months...and beyond. What a trip it's gonna be.
And not to sound all cosmic and "DUUUUUUUUUUUUDE," but Leta may be on to something. Kids just KNOW stuff. It's like they are so fresh, and so untouched, and so IN touch with instinct, that they can see deeper than we adults can.
I'll have a cow if she's right. :)
Good luck, mama. I am so very happy for all of you. :)
250. Jenn from Canada said:
I am so very happy for the whole family! Leta is going to have her days with the baby I am sure, but overall she is going to be awesome I bet! Congrats to you all! You have had a rough road and deserve the abundant happiness that is coming your way right now. I absolutely love your blog and look forward to all of the new pregnancy updates!
251. Heather said:
My daughter was a little 3 year old princess when we got pregnant with my son and the entire car ride home from the hospital she was in the back seat arms folded chanting "this sucks, this sucks, this sucks, this sucks..." Shortly there after though something extraordinary happened a smile lit her eyes and now those two are inseparable demons plotting to destroy all that is mom and dad. Joined at the hip they crush silence with a booming force so great fireworks quiver in despair. It will be great and good luck Heather with a kid like Leta you'll need it. Trust me.
252. Amy said:
Out of the mouths of babes! Congrats again!
253. Nike Air Max 90 said:
Will you guys want to know the sex of the new baby? Got a room to put it?
254. Louise said:
Ooh you should have told her about penises!. My daughter at aged 4 asked the same question so i told her about penis/vaginas- she thought it was hysterical and refused to believe it! Eventually after some more discussion she asked: WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE!
MMmmm? Nice?
I had to tell her Preschool teacher (Catholic school) about our conversation so she wouldn't think there had been any inappropriate touching going on.
She's now 18 with no a teenage pregnancy insight. So dont skip the early sex ed.
Congratulations to all the family!
255. Wendy from NJ said:
COOL BEANS!
Leta has got to be picking up on the happiness vibes that have to be emanating from mom and dad!
What a great gift for the holidays!
256. Canon Digital SLR said:
How do you think Leta is going to react? Have you told her yet? I am sure it will be a post in itself.
257. Local Web Design said:
You know you have been reading a blog a little too much when you get more excited at the news that the author is pregnant than you did your own brother!
Congratulations. Its going to be fantastic.
258. sara m. said:
hey heather
i am about 4 weeks ahead of you and ella, my 3 year old, will not accept anything less than a sister. her rationale is that she herself, is a girl, ergo, she gets a sister. my futile attempts to tell her we don't get to chose, it could be a boy are met simply with blank stares and a never-ending dialogue about said sister and how she will play princess with her.
congratulations!
sara
259. Ellie said:
Again, congratulations!
My guess is that Leta and new baby's relationship is going to be the way Chuck and Coco's relationship is - a little rocky at first, but best buds in no time.
I'm the older sister of two brothers and when the older of the two was born, according to my mom, I was pretty jealous (also, I wasn't even a year and a half old, so that might have had something to do with it, haha) and would walk up to my mom holding my new brother and just smack him on the head. Obviously a rocky start, but once he wasn't just a blob, we were fine :)
260. Tonya said:
My 3 year old son ALWAYS insisted that my baby was a girl while I was pregnant. And he was right.
261. Stress and work said:
Good luck for the pregnancy! You have our prayers here in radio land!
262. dharma momma said:
Oh yay! From one VERY pregnant momma to another, CONGRATS on the good visit/checkup/normalcy!!
And if Leta is certain it's a girl, I'd go with that. :) Kids just 'know' these things.
263. Jen said:
She's a smart one, that girl of yours. A day full of presents and cookies and seasonal junk food totally trumps a day spent forcing a new living organism into the world. The less fluid involved, the better. You can pat yourself on the back for having instilled that lesson in her at such a young age.
264. Jen said:
Congratulations, Heather, I know you've been waiting a long time for this, and I'm beyond thrilled for you!
My daughter also insisted that her sibling was going to be a sister, and it turned out she was right.
265. shannon said:
congradufuckinlations!!!!!!!!
266. murphy said:
Heather & Jon,
What wonderful news! Not just for you, but for us, too, as we get to travel along this journey with you. I'm looking forward to reading all about it.
May you have a joyous pregnancy and a healthy baby, boy or girl.
murphy
267. Dionne said:
Heather, this is AMAZING NEWS! I'm thrilled for you, and for the whole family. Congratulations sweetheart!!
268. Wendy said:
Congrats to you all. Leta will be a loving, bossy, great older sister.
80352. Anonymous said:
LMAO
269. Jennifer said:
That random Anonymous "LMAO" above was supposed to be in Reply to this post:
62. Jocey said:
Oh my gosh, congratulations!
My dad's sperm* clearly did not get the memo in a timely fashion, as my parents had two boys between me and my baby sister. Then again, that was pre-Twitter.
Here's hoping for a healthy baby -- I know I ended up being pretty fond of my younger brothers despite their steadfast refusal to be girls (I think it helped that the younger of the two let me dress him up like a little girl when I wanted to play house), and I'm sure Leta will be an awesome big sister either way.
* A phrase I truly never envisioned myself using, on the Internet or elsewhere.
LOVE IT! Hilarious.
270. MamaCass said:
That's exactly how my daughter was while I was pregnant with number two. It never even crossed her mind it could be a boy. She believed the baby was coming out of my "tummy button" and would not be convinced otherwise.
271. jennifer said:
I'm so happy for you! I just had an ultrasound this morning too (my first). Due date June 21, 2009. Congrats!
272. Tootsie Farklepants said:
Well, it is hard to compete with Santa. :)
273. Malita said:
I may have to share this with a few hundred people! I think we need a video soon of some of these convos with Leta!!!
274. Melissa C said:
Gotta make sure to put things in perspective - First Christmas, then baby - it's absolutely amazing how everything is so simple in the mind of a child. Congrats again!!
275. Fishing Around said:
The girl has more important priorities at the moment!!
276. jana said:
HOLY CRAP!!! Congratulations! I'm so excited for all of you.
Charlotte was sure from the start that our baby (due Jan 11) was a boy. She was right...perhaps Leta has the magic eye, too.
277. Mari said:
Our daughter let us know in no uncertain terms that child #2 would be a girl, and she was right! Thank goodness we pulled it off! Her "sister girl" arrived and she gave us that "I told you so" look.
278. Karen said:
Congratulations :-) Sweet congratulations to your family.
279. Stacy said:
Snap! Why does real life have to get in the way? It's bad enough that I have to play catch up from September, but now I feel like shizz for missing the big news. Meh!
Congrats to all of you!
280. Christina said:
Congrats!
And can you make a recording of her promising to share her toys? Because as soon as the new baby has any interest in a toy, it'll quickly become Leta's new favorite toy.
281. Suz C said:
Oh my Lord - LETA is hilarious!
Can you do a live Q&A with her.. a little YouTube or some sort of video action.. I'd love to see these conversations first-hand. Of course, I can understand if they're much more special when they're organic..
Congrats!
-Suz
282. Anonymous said:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, that's beyond wonderful! Congratulations!
Long-time reader, first-time poster--also expecting #2 around when #1 turns five--and I just have to say I am thrilled for you three.
And I can't wait to see what beautiful name you have for this one.
Heather
283. Anita Doberman said:
When baby number 6 came out of mommy's tummy (fifth c-section) the other kids pushed the car seat toward the door and packed a little bag of toy clothes for the new baby...
Hope your pregnancy progresses smoothly.
Cheers,
Anita
284. Shalini said:
Congrats on Leta becoming a big sister. She will probably defy all the odds and demand that only SHE take care of the new baby. She will want to read to her and play with her.. in short just love her!
Well hope it's a girl! :)
Either way congrats on expanding the Armstrong family!
285. Sarah said:
My daughter is a few weeks younger than Leta, and she recently asked how the baby got there - I told her that Daddy put a seed in my tummy, and the baby grew from the seed. I thought I was homefree, but then a few days later she asked HOW Daddy put the seed there. I said, "I will talk to you about it later" fully intending to actually tell her, but then she forgot, and six months later I have yet to remind her.
When she asked how the baby comes out, I just told her, "at the hospital" and left it at that. She hasn't asked again. Phew! I am more scared of telling her about birth than I am about sex.
1296. Alicia Atencio said:
Congrats to all! My prayers for your mental & physical health. I am so excited for you. Oh and Leta! That girl just cracks me up. She is hillarious times 20!
286. Mackenzie said:
A heartfelt congratulations to you and Jon! I actually broke my "no dooce at work" rule to see if you had told Leta yet:-) She'll be a wonderful big sister, but I should warn her now that it's a thankless job...but hilarious.
287. Anonymous said:
yay!!
you have a fetus in your belly!!
congrats
288. tori said:
I JUST had this conversation with my husband's four year old cousin. I almost fell on the floor when she looked at my stomach and screamed "HOW DID YOU GET A BABY IN THERE!?!".
289. Karen said:
AWESOME!!! You Go baby makin' mama!
290. Lydia L Miller said:
Congratulations!!!!
291. willikat said:
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! So so so happy for you.
292. Kendall said:
CONGRATULATIONS!
I can only imagine the questions she's going to be asking.
And I thought it was weird when my own asks when we would give a little sister.
293. Julie said:
Congratulations! So what kind of Doritos are you craving? Internet, get the pregnant lady a fix!
294. Kate said:
Awesome News. After reading the announcement a couple days ago I was immediately wondering how in the HELL you, "I high-fived her and chest-bumped her bosom with my own" in the previous post. LOVED today's post. My youngest baby is turning one December 3rd and he just started walking today.
Smiles.
295. r0ckaby3 said:
So happy for all of you! We have had some similar trying for baby #2 experiences and are also expecting a little one in June; just had our appt. too. Hang in there and congratulations mama!
296. Lori H. said:
Congratulations! Watching Leta become a sister is going to be almost as cool as watching her become a little person in her own right. She's lucky she has Chuck around to explain it all...