Almost a year ago, talking about baby #2 was scheduled for further delay. It was too soon for Anna, having two children so close in age that you're changing two sets of diapers. Eventually, nature trumped the debate - we were making Elena a big sister in `08.
The following months went by much differently than Elena's pregnancy. It was the second time around, so we already knew the dietary change, the eventless doctor visits, and the eventual tummy that'd poke out to spark conversation in every supermarket checkout line we stood in. We weren't examining every experience like a wonder we needed to photograph for posterity, it was all more just going through the motions.
We saw we had a boy at 20 weeks, and we saw he could kick like a mule at 25. Anna liked the idea of continuing the line of George's, and since we were into keeping good family names alive, we went with Michael for his middle name (after my brother and Anna's grandfather and cousin). So, we got past the 'George Michael' stigma and went with 'George Michael Kovats'. Most people thought we were aiming for an Arrested Development reference - it was more labored than that.
Fast Forward to week 39...
We just knew he was coming early - and yesterday our hunch was proven right. 5:30pm, same time of day as Elena, Georgie entered the world weighing in at 7 lbs 11 oz, and a full 10 days before expected.
Eyes wide open, he cried a little, and then wrestled his head up to look around. It's amazing to see how different two newborn babies can be. Elena was pretty laid back - I think Georgie's gonna start walking soon (the picture doesn't capture it well enough - here he's just resting for his next outburst).
Now we have parity, and momentum: we have the balance of a girl and a boy... but it's like we've got the swing of having kids down now. It's obviously too early to tell, but that burning question in our minds after our first child is just as strong after our second - is there room for more?
For now we'll just concern ourselves with our young Georgie.
Welcome George Michael Kovats
I won't claim he's the center of the Universe as I did with Elena - bad for the ego apparently. But I will say that although our second child hasn't come with the same nail-biting caution and novelty as our first, it's still every bit as fascinating and miraculous when you first see that tiny face and the wriggling little arms. Elena's already taking to her big sister role... which is good, because we'll really need the sleep when we get home.
Fast Forward to week 39...