English teacher announces baby number two

Runnels+and+her+family+enjoying+quality+time+together.+

Runnels and her family enjoying quality time together.

Camryn Anderson,, Reporter

Junior English teacher Natalie Runnels will add a new addition to her family this spring. Runnels is already the proud mother of a little girl, but is excited for another chance to experience motherhood.

“I haven’t really done anything in preparation for the baby. We just moved, so everything is in the baby’s room, and we are waiting to decorate until we know the gender,” Runnels said.

The common perception is that parenthood is more relaxed the second time around. The parent has figured everything out, from parenting methods to foods and schedules. Runnels believes that it depends solely on the kid.

“I figured out how to keep a baby alive…that will be the same. Personality-wise it will be totally different for us. Then again, there are some things about parenthood you never figure out,” Runnels said.

Runnels had a baby girl the first time around, what will it be this time?

“I really thought it was a girl. I still think so mostly, but I have been craving salty things lately which is a sign of a boy,” Runnels said.

Depending on the gender, Runnels has a few names in mind. Addie or Arden for a girl, and Gabriel or Fynn for a boy.

“Addie just came to me, but Arden means Eden and beauty and I recently met an Arden,” Runnels stated.

No matter the gender, the success of parenthood comes from Runnels’ viewpoints on parenting effectively.

“You have to prioritize sleep, give a loving logic rather than an anger and punishment logic for discipline, and respect the kid as a human being,” Runnels said.

Considering everything, does Runnels consider parenthood hard?

“It’s [parenthood] complicated because I really love sharing the world with this new creature and teaching them how to love life, but at the same time the lack of sleep and baby vomit can be awful,” Runnels said.