I think we got through her first trimester on sheer force of will alone. She was beyond exhausted and nauseous and I was on baby and house duty around the clock for three months. We were both thrilled to be expecting our second child, but it was not a fun time all the same.

It’s gotten easier in the second and now third trimesters, but things are still pretty challenging. With her getting less mobile and more tired again and me still breastfeeding and getting up at night with our son, neither one of us is at full strength.

People tell me all the time that “it must be so nice not to have to be the pregnant one this time!” It is in a lot of ways, and my wife is doing an amazing job, but sometimes I wish I were pregnant again just so I could get some rest.

Being pregnant with a toddler in the house is just a completely different ballgame than the first time around. And, I think you’re so right about the guilt factor. I feel guilty because I can’t give my wife the restful pregnancy and pampering that I got. She feels guilty because she’s not able to spend as much time with our little guy or helping out with house stuff as she wants to.

On the other hand, it has been wonderful to see her going through pregnancy and I admire so much what a great job she’s doing growing our daughter. I hope that the adjustments we’ve made during her pregnancy will help us with adjusting to having two kids!

Then there’s me. I love being pregnant — but I complain nightly about the hips, pelvic, and back pain! Then there’s the cankles and sausage toes.

I think I’d be in better shape having a husband!!! Because I get almost no sympathy!