We’ve been keeping an exciting surprise this summer, and I’m so happy to finally share it with everyone. We are adding a FOURTH kiddo to the family next year!
It was definitely a surprise, but we are all over the moon about a new little baby to love. James and June are so cute, and love talking about the baby, giving my belly hugs and kisses, and hearing how big it is every week. Ellie will be in for quite the surprise when she figures out she’s not the baby anymore, but I’m sure that by the time it’s born she’ll be a little less of a mama’s girl… or at least one can hope!
So now for some of the most asked questions…
When did we find out?
We found out I was pregnant the morning of Father’s Day – I don’t think I’ll ever be able to top this year’s “gift” (you’re welcome, babe). That morning was also bittersweet as I wished I could tell my dad he was going to be a grandpa again. Big moments like this are still difficult (even 5.5 years later), because I know he would have been the best Pops.
After processing the shock and surprise, as well as the big feelings that Father’s Day brings, I realized that the overwhelming emotion I was feeling was joy. After struggling for most of my pregnancy with Ellie with feelings of doubt, guilt and shame, it’s been such a weight lifted off my shoulders to welcome this one with excitement. I know the Lord has been working on my heart over the past couple of years, and I don’t take it lightly that I get to be mama to a fourth little love.
How did you tell people?
We told most of our family and friends at Ellie’s birthday party. Her last present was a “big sis” shirt… the reactions from everyone were hilarious!
How have I been feeling?
Well, the first trimester actually started off pretty great. I was still walking and running, eating healthy and proud of myself for staying on top of my health. But then I started to feel it. Between the insane temperatures we’ve been having here in Texas along with insomnia and fatigue, I’ve slowed down a lot this summer. Thankfully the nausea was very minimal, and I’ve only had a handful of food aversions, but the insomnia has been miserable! Plus I usually start feeling bleh around 4PM which makes the afternoons and evenings more difficult.
But on the bright side, the past few weeks have gotten better (during the day at least) and I’m hopeful that the second trimester will bring some more restful sleep. Once it’s not deathly hot outside, I plan to pick back up on walks with the kids, and just enjoy and soak in this pregnancy.
Will you find out the gender?
As much as my family and friends are going to hate hearing this, we plan on waiting again until the baby is born!
Do you have any names picked out?
Yes! If it’s a boy he’ll be named Marshall Allen (after my dad and Isaac’s middle name) and if it’s a girl she’ll be named Frances Anne (after my grandma and Anne of Green Gables – my favorite book). I love both names so much, and I can’t wait to see what this little baby will be called.
What does this mean for me?
As many of you know, I have wanted to be a stay at home mom since I was a child. I’ve had to work due to many financial reasons, and I’ve been more than happy to do so in this season of life. The past 5 years I’ve been working two jobs from home along with taking care of the kids, and to be blunt – I’m exhausted. But the Lord has been SO gracious to us! Starting this fall I am going to be moving into part time work with photography and putting my sewing business on the back burner. That means I’ll have more time to spend with my children, homeschool James and prepare for another baby to join the family. I am beyond grateful that this is possible!
As for now, we just keep on trucking and enjoying every minute, hour and day that the Lord has given us.
WEEK 12 BUMPDATE | BABY H4
How far along?
I’m 12 weeks today!
How big is the baby?
The baby is about 2 inches long – the size of a roll of film.
Must-have items
Due to fatigue and insomnia, I’ve collected quite the smorgasbord of items. For fatigue I’ve been taking Bioplasma, and for insomnia I use Earthley Goodnight Lotion, Magnesium capsules, epsom salt baths, blue light glasses at night, and a book about homeschooling to read before going to sleep (can you tell I’m getting desperate??).
Cravings
Funny enough, every first trimester I’ve randomly craved Spaghetti-o’s and Cheeto’s. I currently have aversions to salads, chicken apple sausage, reheated chicken and certain cheeses.
Symptoms
Insomnia (I’m talking 4 hours of interrupted sleep most nights), fatigue during the day, lots of big emotions and very realistic and intense dreams.
Exercise
I workout when I can and when I have the energy to do so. Some weeks I can go on a walk or two, others I fit in a couple of workouts at The Bar Method. I hope to begin sleeping better, which will give me more energy and desire to exercise more!
High moment of the month
On Wednesday we had our first appointment and we heard the baby’s heartbeat almost immediately. I cried, because I was finally able to let go of all the fears I’ve been holding on to the past few weeks of not hearing a heartbeat, and because it officially sank in that we’re having another child. Wow! What a special moment to share with Isaac, the kids, my midwife and my littlest sister.
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