We haven't officially told the kids about the baby yet. Not that Simon would have any clue what I was talking about, although like Ben at that age, he'll probably randomly spew phrases about there being a baby in mommy's belly and being a big brother. But yeah, he won't have any idea what he's in for until the baby is born.

But Ben... he has a good handle on all this now AND he's been watching me closely and has asked often when God is going send us another baby. We've even added it to his bedtime prayers now and then... knowing it would probably happen sooner or later, I thought it would be a good, really tangible way to show him that God answers our prayers.

I think he's already suspicious. The other day, he purposely bonked his head into my stomach and made a funny face. We haven't exactly been careful the last week or two about discussing it in front of him and I'm noticed him listening to us more than once. But we haven't actually sat him down yet to tell him what's going on. I thought maybe after we get the first sonogram pictures would be a good time. He's going to have a LOT of questions... I'm letting Tom take the lead on this since he was the same age when his mom got pregnant with his youngest brother. So I think he has a good handle on what information to give and how detailed to get.

I can't wait to see both the boys as big brothers... I have some concerns about how Simon will react, since his personality is entirely different from Ben. (who, though I was vigilant with keeping an eye on him when Simon was a newborn, I never really had to worry about him hurting the baby on purpose or accidentally, or trying anything crazy) Simon, I'm not so sure. He can be very gentle, but he can also be REALLY territorial... we'll have to play this carefully.

I'm also thinking we'll probably find out and share the gender this time. I had considered keeping it all under wraps again or perhaps not even finding out ourselves, but truthfully, as much as I'd like to do that, it was WAY too hard of a secret to keep last time. I think it's enough to keep the name a secret... besides, I think if the boys know what they're getting, it will help them, (well, Ben anyway), form a bond with the baby before it's born. Good enough excuse as any, right? ;)

So anyway, I'd welcome any input on this topic... how did you prepare your older kids for the new baby? How did you answer questions... that sort of thing...