Amy and I talked a lot last night about Jack. We are both a little sad to see this phase of our lives come to and end. We are excited for the arrival of Baby Sister, but nervous about the impact this is going to have on Jack.

These last two years have been wonderful. He was a great baby and has turned into an even better little boy. When the three of us are all together on weekends he seems the happiest. He and I have had some great one-on-one time too. How will the addition of another baby change that dynamic? Will he be angry? How do you ever love two kids as much as you love this one?

As always, Amy and I have done a bunch of reading. One of the books we read was called "From One Child to Two". Its a good book because it makes you realize that the feelings we are having are normal. It also gives some good strategies for easing the transition.

There is a whole chapter dedicated to whether you should bring your first child to visit in the hospital and if you do, how to do it best.

We definately want Jack to come visit us. I think we'll miss him more than he'll miss us! The book suggests that you have the dad bring him and take him home afterwards. It warns that having someone else bring him and then take him away (leaving mom, dad, and the new baby behind) is very traumatic. I guess this makes good sense. It also suggests that you don't overwhelm him with too many visitors there at the same time. I think when I go get him, we'll just have some time with Jack, Amy, Baby Sister, and me alone.

Another discussion we had last night surrouned the whole topic of 'induction'. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we are scheduled for an induction on August 4th which is technically just a few days before our 40 week due date. Statistically, induced labor results in c-sections more frequently than non-induced labor. Amy REALLY doesn't want a c-section. Statistics can be misleading though. In 2004, 20% of all labors in the US were induced, but only 25% of those (about 5% of the total) were induced for convenience. That means that 15% of all labor was induced for medical reasons. Would those reasons have led to a c-section anyway? I think the key to a successful induction for convenience is that the female is ready. Our doctor has always said he would induce IF the cervix was 'favorable'. We are seeing him this Thursday, so we will know more then. As of last week, Amy was 50% effaced and 2 cm dialated.