babies in your belly

When Momma was around 5-6 months pregnant with your sister—after we’d spent weeks since I’d started showing of you kissing my belly and thus, kissing “sissy” goodnight—you started to have “babies in your belly.” You’d stuff your little fleece “friends” in your pajamas at some point in the night between when we put you to bed and when Daddy and I would come check on you. In the morning, you’d crawl into bed with us and gently remind me to say good-morning to your babies. You’d spend varying amounts of time each morning or post-nap with your babies in your belly, then at some point, you’d simply declare that it was time for your babies to come out. You’d unzip your pj’s and pull Gigi and Hippo out very gently.

You napped for most of our prenatal visit with our doula but woke up as we were finishing. Our doula, Lauren, wrote: “Although I’m glad Oliver napped for most of the time so we could focus, I am really glad I got to see a sleepy Oliver waking up in his pajamas with babies in his belly. I told Lottie all about it when we got home, and she–having recently given birth herself to her imaginary friend “Jake” whom I find myself babysitting tonight–was quite thrilled that Oliver had twins.” Hilarious.

Since your sister has been here, we wondered if the babies would be born one day and then come no more. They make fewer appearances now, but when they do come out, you want to place them in your sister’s things: the boppy, her bed, the Moses basket. I think the babies in your belly routine has been a great way for you to prepare for a new baby in the house and to empathize or connect with me during pregnancy. It’s sweetness.

dirty alien diaper

Since your sis has arrived, you have had a bit of an obsession with babies and diapers. It’s only logical, I suppose, that if you followed me when I had a baby in my belly that you’d follow me (and sis) now that she’s here.

MOMS Club mommas have been very helpful with our new baby care calendar—making meals for us every other day and taking you on play dates with kiddos your age. Ms. Kristina took you to her house to play with Simeon, and that was the first report I got that you were playing babies. Kristina sent me this photo and message:


“In case it’s not inherently obvious, they are changing the alien’s diaper. “

Oh, it hurt so much to belly-laugh that hard after a c-section, but I couldn’t help it. You. Are. Hilarious!

Next up, Ms. Jessi took you to play with Elliott. The report from chez Goodwin? You guys were getting along great and playing babies. Cookie Monster was in a pull-up and Curious George was in diapers.

Then… you went to play with your buddy Witt from school. Ms. Lauren commented that at some point, you’d wandered off exploring and came back with one of Witt’s 5-year-old sister’s dolls.

Recent reports from school reveal that you and another little girl (whose mom recently had a new baby as well) like to sit and talk about babies in your belly, baby names and dirty diapers. You often name your baby Darwin Elizabeth.

I think all of this purposeful play has been practice for your new baby sister. If so, it’s worked beautifully: you are a great big brother, buggaboo!

F-O-O-D

You are much more aware in the car now, looking out the window and chattering nonstop. Recently, Daddy and I were discussing something in the front seat as we stopped on Interstate Drive by Shoney’s, waiting for our turn to merge onto I-65. Out of nowhere you spell out, “F-O-O-D.”

Surprised, your dad asks, “What does that spell, buddy?”

Your prompt response: “Restaurant.”