How 3 is different (so far)

• This isn't big news to most, having another baby. Not like others we know having their first baby. I understand it, and don't envy it...I'm excited, too, by how their lives will change. But honestly wonder on a regular basis, as I get closer, how different my care might be in the hospital. When people hear that I'm having my third, not first, it's either boring, or scary to them. Like we're just used to "popping out babies" that possess my body every other year or so. Will this all be old-hat to the nursing staff at Tuoro?
• We know who we are as parents. We're less anxious about how we'll respond to the challenges of parenting. I remember the feeling of having to have things just so with Ana, that these things (the birth plan and experience, an unyielding dedication to breastfeeding, my intense belief in attachment parenting, our perfect unisex layette) we're critical in my identity as a mom. And Kevin, he didn't know what to do with himself...that is, until he held that little baby for the first time. I know myself as a Mom now, even though I continually stumble through my children's changes and challenges in development. Trusting the love that's there has helped me believe in my own intuition. And Kevin, well, Kevin who's always struggled with what do I want to do with my life...anyone whose seen him with his kids knows that being a dad is his calling.
• We know who we are as a family. We're a well-defined unit. Of course, little Weino is going to change our family in wonderful ways we can't yet imagine, but he's coming into a clan!
• For our friends with kids, we've become a visual reminder to "snip the boys." We know of two couples who've advanced "the cause."
• "Baby shower" talk is out in the open with Tita (my mama). No elaborate plans crafted behind my back, or my feigning surprise. For this, I am TRULY grateful! And of course, there is the question of "should we even have a shower for you?" which I completely understand, seeing as how my family and friends must surely feel they've subsidized our parenting enough already.
• Being a stay-at-home mom seems like an option. I doubt I'll take it, but I honestly never considered it.
• I'm f-ing grumpy right about now for a margarita with salt, a salad with goat's cheese, and some sashimi. And while I imagine most moms-times-three relax the rules a bit, I'm still cautious, not wanting to take that healthy babe for granted. I have to say that I have been far less than gracious about the whole process.
• We want a mini-van. Just typing that actually scares me. I've always hated the sight of them. Now, I salivate watching them pull up to the center, with their automatic doors, and room for 6 comfortably. How in the hell are we going to transport our whole family with our current vehicles, I have no idea? But I am imagine WWIII breaking out with each trip to the grocery. And where in the hell will I actually put the groceries, with three kids to tote? These kinds of logistics are puzzling, and not made any easier by harried, snapping moms at the Wal-mart, pulling children on leashes, or calling after their disappearing children on the intercom. If you haven't started praying for us yet, please start. With something intense. Like a novena.