2nd trimester: Week 24

Mom to Mom

Dream on.... "When I was about six months pregnant, I dreamed that I gave birth to a fully developed baby who was only as big as my palm. She slept in a tiny bassinet that I kept on top of my dresser. She never cried, and in the dream, my husband and I went on vacation and left her at home. When we returned, she was still there, smiling at us."--Emily Nelson, Wausau, WI

Shopping

Interested in surrounding your baby with all things organic? Shop for environmentally friendly clothing and bedding at Green Babies or Ecobaby Organics.

Exercise

Even if you're pressed for time, try not to skip warm-ups and cool-downs at your exercise class. Easing into and out of a workout prevents injuries and slowly increases or decreases your breathing and heart rates. Some quick and easy moves: Rotate your arms in large circles or walk in place.

Relationships

While it's important to spend time together, it's just as vital to have time for yourself. Once you become parents, you won't have as much time to invest in your individual pursuits, so allow each other the space to do so now. Garden while your husband stays indoors to watch a game on TV, or catch a movie with a friend while he's at the bookstore.

Siblings

Whenever your firstborn's interest in anything baby-related flags, hold off before you bring up the subject again. After all, if nine months seems long to you, imagine how long the wait for a sibling must feel to a young child. When her interest picks up, include her in some of your decision-making, such as choosing colors for the nursery.

Twins

Twins have an undeniable bond, but they're individuals, too, so foster their separateness by starting a baby book for each of them. Someday they'll appreciate that you nurtured their individuality right from the start.