it's a(nother) boy!!!

Exciting news here at the Hardin house. Charlie is going to be a big brother! Baby boy the second, affectionately known as "Meatball," will be arriving in mid-February. I'm feeling very grateful, a little overwhelmed, and hopelessly outnumbered. 

I was convinced it was a girl this time because this pregnancy feels different. I should have known my lot in life would be keeping adult Jon and two mini Jons in check. Lord help us. The good news is that I have absolutely loved everything about being a boy mom. I'm not even sure I'd know what to do with a girl at this point! Charlie is kind to not play favorites too often, but there is no doubt he LOVES his mama. If I leave the room, even just a few minutes, he lights up when I return and exclaims "MAMA!" And yes, I melt every time. And yes, I hope my boys will always think their mama hung the moon. 

Naturally, Charlie has no idea what's about to happen. The word "baby" isn't even in our vocabulary yet, and the looming transition is a bit daunting. We recently gave him a doll I've had since childhood in hopes of endearing him to this whole baby idea. He took one look at the doll and, no surprise, proceeded to throw it across the room. Perfect.

I'm so excited for Charlie to have a brother so close in age. I hope their age proximity will help create a sweet and lasting friendship....assuming Meatball can survive Charlie's affections, which I'm guessing will come mostly in the form of smothering, slobbery kisses, and sharing (i.e., throwing toys at him). Hopefully we can master the meaning of the word "gentle" before February!