Universal Buddy

My daughters are really enjoying Dana's pregnancy these past few weeks. Their endless kisses and pokes to mommy's belly is overwhelming proof that Emy and Sami are ready to meet their sibling. You can even hear the excitement in their voices as they talk about "our" baby. Sometime in the past month, this kiddo stopped being just Dana's and mine; Buddy now belongs to them too. I think this quasi-ownership is super cute. I also think it's just the honeymoon phase.

Here is what I strongly believe:

1. The girls will love their new brother/sister as much as they love each other.
2. Our family dynamic will change for the betterment of each of us.
3. Dana and I will witness growth and maturity from our children that will amaze us.
4. For all the proclamations of love that this baby will bring, neither daughter of mine will volunteer to change the first explosive diaper that leaks through the onesie, soaks the crib sheet, and takes 15 wipes to clean.

It's safe to assume that after #4 happens (technically a number 2?), Buddy's novelty will wear off and the girls will resume their lives of self promotion and personal advancement. In other words, "our" baby will quickly become "your" baby to my precious daughters. Anything short of this will bring profound confusion to their parents.

We are all extremely anxious to meet Buddy in less than 3 weeks! Dana's health is good, the kids are somewhat helpful with the chores we've given them, and I'm fighting back the fears of being a dad again at age 42. Despite what would seem like an upheaval in our routine, our lives are constantly in a state of flux anyway; adding a new family member is a life change that we only see as a blessing from God.

"Our" baby, is what my girls are calling their unborn sibling at the moment. How long this universal ownership lasts will just depend on our transition from a familiar quartet to a party of five. When we hear "your" baby from our daughters' mouths for the first time, Dana and I will have confirmation that Buddy's sisters have made the adjustment to living alongside a  newborn with flying colors. Hearing "our" baby  is wonderful even if it's only temporary.