This Time Is Different

Nothing proves the second pregnancy is different than does this: When we were pregnant with Addison we had about 10 blog posts at this point and we now have a grand total of three. It's not that we love G2 any less (although don't tell Big Sister that), it's the all elusive matter of time. Where did it go?!

I like to think it went to the same place that missing socks go. Or perhaps it went to the tropical never-never land in the Bermuda Triangle. Wherever it went, it's not here. Well...technically it's here, but it's filled with, "Wait! Don't put that in your mou...oops" or "A, B, C, D, E, F, G..." and "I thought the appointment was at 11:30! Why do I have pregnancy brain?! I'm a dude!"

Other ways this pregnancy is different? I'm not worried about as much. The simple things that felt so pressing before Addison was born seem laughable now. Because of experience, I know that everything will work out one way or another. The things that I plan for will inevitably be bass ackwards, the things I don't plan for will bite me in the ass, and I will ultimately be taking a baby home whether I'm ready to or not.

My biggest worry is this: If loving a second child feels anything like the first then my heart might explode. Being a father has been an unimaginable experience and I am thrilled to strengthen that title come May 7th. May time bless this family with a healthy newborn baby.

It's a cat.

Wednesday was a big day for us. We received excellent news about the health of our sweet little G2. He (or She) is thriving and received a clean bill of health. Wednesday was also the first day that we heard the heartbeat. It doesn't matter how many children you have or how many times during the pregnancy you get the opportunity, IT NEVER GETS OLD!

Addison is constantly asking for more G2. This means "mom go to the computer and play the sonogram video". She also kisses my belly on a daily basis and proceeds to say "goodbye G2!" then pulls my shirt back down. Clearly she is ready to be a big sister. Yesterday I asked, "Would you like a little sister or a little brother?" She promptly responded, "Cat...MEOW!" She might be disappointed to know that we won't be having a cat.

Sunday marks the beginning of our second trimester. Everyone tells me that each pregnancy is as different as the child that is birthed. This I believe. Something else that I now know is that muscle memory is a very real thing. It took me months to develop a baby bump with Addison. With G2 I was showing at 8 weeks. There are certainly differences but one thing remains the same. The love!

12 Weeks

Thumb Sucking

Gillot - Party of Four

Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, kids of all ages. We are pleased to announce the newest act to our three ring circus. In early May 2012 we will welcome Baby Gillot 2.0, otherwise known as G2.

6 Weeks

8 Weeks

11 Weeks

Addison Watch 2010

41 Weeks and waiting. And waiting, and waiting, and waiting. Well I guess you get the picture.

Addison seems to be quite comfortable with her first home. There are absolutely no signs of labor. We have spent several days this week going back and forth to the doctor's office to check to see if there are any signs of progression and to make sure that Addy is happy and healthy. It seems she is a little too happy but we are ecstatic that she is also super healthy. Her fluid levels are great. She is breathing and has a strong heart rate. Oh, she is also weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds and 6 ounces. I have kindly knocked on the belly and delivered her eviction notice but she is not responding.

At this stage we have tried almost all manners of natural induction that we have researched. I will spare you the details as some of them should probably not be read by our daughter in the future. ;)

After much consideration and a lengthy conversation with our doctor we have decided to schedule an induction for this Monday at 9:30 am. If all goes well Addison will celebrate her birthday with us on 1-11-10. I have to admit that this is not at all how I imagined how my birth story would begin.

We have been on a 3 year journey that will bring us to this most magical of days when we will hold our daughter. The beginning is not what I expected but the end is what I have always dreamed of.

40 Weeks and Waiting

Ho Ho Holy Crap...

"Get her out!" All of the late pregnancy cliches have been said recently in the Gillot household. Brandy is in good spirits, but simple tasks seem to take increasingly more effort. Rightfully so, Sunday marked the 39th week. Here's a photo to prove that Christmas really did happen this year. Although you wouldn't be able to tell by the looks of our house. We did manage to put up the 1.5 foot tall fiber optic tree to appease our friend Martha who forewarned us that no tree equals bad luck for the coming year. Happy Holidays! Here's to not overshooting the due date.

Pregnancy Photos

Hello Week 37! Can you believe that it is almost time for us to meet our daughter? Some days I feel like I will be pregnant forever and then there are the days that I realize in a few short weeks I will be starring into Addison's eyes.

My incredible husband starting harassing....Mmmerrmm...I mean politely suggesting that we schedule a pregnancy photo shoot. I have to admit that several weeks ago it just sounded like one more thing on the dreaded TO-DO list. He was persistent and took the time to make the pictures his project. He kept reminding how beautiful I am and that I will not look like this for very much longer (insert collective sigh). Yes, I am completely aware of just how lucky I am. When you haven't seen your own feet in months it is wonderful to know that your partner considers your body beautiful. Addy and I hit the jackpot with this wonderful guy! I know I will cherish these pictures always!

Eddie contacted our dear friend Anna Adesanya. She is an incredible artist. If you find yourself in need of photography I highly suggest her! You can view her photos at http://www.annaadesanya.com/

Here are just a few of the professional photos from Week 36!

Ode to a friend

I remember you dear friend.

I saw you in a picture recently and I wondered if you would ever come back to me

You must still be there for I can feel you holding me up
(But when I look down all I can think is what the *!#*?)

Has anyone seen my ankles?

If you know where they have gone please tell them I said hello and I look forward to their return.

The same message can be applied to my feet and basically anything below my waistline.