I'm Back!

Before you judge me for, well, disappearing from the blogging world, you should know I had my second child recently. Hooray for babies! So long sleep! Here I am now trying to catch you up.

Parker Augustine was born a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and 20" long.

First off, I just want to say how much I love nap time. It's a magical time filled with possibilities, hopes, dreams, and promises. Finally, the little ones are tucked in for an afternoon siesta and the world is suddenly your oyster. You can do anything! Pee alone! Indulge in the snacks you can only eat in secret (unless you want to share half with an adorable tot saying, "Please? A bite?"). Do the laundry! Clean the dishes! Or, in my case, open your laptop for the first time in over a month and catch up on some much needed writing.

It's hard to believe, but my newest addition, Parker, is already 7 weeks old and I'm back at my second full-time job (the first being mommyhood). How did that happen so quickly? And for that matter, how in the world is my oldest about to turn 2?

I thought I had learned a lot about being a parent from my first child, but I'm learning all sorts of new things as a second-time mom. For one thing, your ninja-like reflexes really step it up a notch when you're changing a boy's diaper. The score is still in his favor when it comes to direct hits, but I'm holding my own in the dodging department.

Another thing I'm finding is that I'm much more relaxed this time. With my first, I would leap (literally) over furniture to get to my crying baby when she was hungry. Poor Parker has become known as my "just a second" baby since the patient little guy has to wait at least that long for everything. It's not that I love him any less, but I'm usually tied up pinning his sister to the floor for diaper changes or chasing after her when she sprints off down the sidewalk. I'll get into all of that another day, though.

Today is about jumping back in and doing the only thing you really want me to do - posting pictures of adorable babies. So stay tuned for more posts in the coming weeks!

Don't forget to come out to Barnes & Noble Booksellers at the Brandon mall this Saturday, May 17th from noon to 2:00 p.m. for an author book signing event. I'll be there along with several other local authors so come in and say hi (and maybe buy a book or two!).

Exciting New Journeys

I know I've been slacking a bit on my blog posts lately, but I have lots of exciting news that should explain my absence.

I'm pregnant with my second child and due in March of 2014! My husband and I have been blessed again and we're so excited to welcome this new addition to our growing family. Getting pregnant this time around was considerably less difficult than the last time. (Click here for the whole story on my struggle to conceive the first time.) 

Make room for one more!

Bailey doesn't completely understand just yet (she's only 15 months, after all), but she does point to my belly and say, "baby", so maybe she knows more than we think.

Following this pregnancy will be exciting since now I'll know when to freak out and when I'm experiencing completely normal (albeit annoying and embarrassing) symptoms.

I'm 12 weeks along now and so far the "morning sickness" (I use quotes because we all know the queasiness doesn't limit itself to mornings) hasn't been as bad as it was the first time around. With Bailey, I was nauseous all day every day for several weeks. I couldn't keep anything down except macaroni and cheese and nothing eased my stomach except lying on my side.

So far with this pregnancy, while nausea has definitely stopped by for some surprise visits, it tends to come on suddenly and dissipate quickly so long as I eat the right snack fast enough. (Note: chocolate pudding is not the right snack. I learned that the hard way when it came back to say hello.)

The fatigue has also hit pretty hard (just ask my husband), but otherwise I'm feeling great and am just excited to find out the sex of the baby. (Not that it matters; we're just praying for another healthy child.)

But wait! That's not all! I'm also happy to announce that my children's books, Four Lucky Leaves and Hi, God, have been published by Tate Publishing! They won't be officially released (i.e., in bookstores) until this November, but they're both available now. Check out my Children's Books page for more info.

Stay tuned for more details about book signings, book readings, and fundraisers in the coming months.

I'm so excited for both of these new journeys and I can't wait to share them with you all.

I'd love to work with you! Any businesses or charities (especially in the Tampa Bay area) interested in hosting book signings, book readings or fundraisers are encouraged to contact me at kdbrown341@gmail.com for more information.