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MARK MAHONEY

Hazel has a secret to share – she's going to be a big sister!

My wife, Christina, and I are expecting our second child later this year. Her due date is Oct. 29.

It seems so surreal. It's difficult to believe Hazel's almost 18 months old and we now have another kid on the way.

I'm thrilled at the thought of raising two children, but I'm also terrified. I've gotten used to being the father of one kid, but two?

Another child marks another major life milestone. It will be a huge adjustment, but Christina says we'll be just fine.

At least with having two kids so close in age, she and I are not too far removed from taking care of an infant.

We just now have the added challenge of caring for a toddler who's accustomed to being the center of attention.

Hazel is so curious about the world around her and loves to explore, play with us and by herself, and run all around our house.

She's also starting to say more words, such as ball, bubbles and duckie. I'm wondering what her reaction will be when we bring the baby home.

Hazel will be almost 2 years old by then. Christina and I need to watch what we say around her; otherwise, she might have a few choice words for us.

I'm hoping Hazel and her future sibling will get along well, but with how close in age they'll be, I'm sure they'll have a rivalry as well.

In any case, Christina and I have a strong support system of family in Bloomfield to help us raise our children.

We didn't have any relatives who resided really close to us when we lived in Sheldon, Iowa, where Hazel was born.

From what I've observed, Hazel is learning and remembering who most of her immediate family members are because she sees them regularly.

That's what Christina and I had hoped would happen when we moved back to Nebraska last year to be closer to our relatives.

When our second child arrives, both of our babies are sure to keep us busy, so having family members nearby will be helpful.

Knowing the kid's gender will help, too, but we're already feeling overwhelmed with the thought of all of the new baby items we're going to have to buy.

There also will be more long nights with little sleep, especially with being the parents of two children under the age of 3, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Hazel has been such a blessing for us and has added so much joy to our lives. We're hoping to have another healthy baby, of course, and looking forward to meeting her future sibling.