Baby Makes 8!

Lil' Bit is 14 weeks

Mommy hasn't felt you move yet, but we saw you swimming up a storm on the ultrasound!

We've had lots of questions thrown out with the announcement of our new baby on the way. First and foremost being, "Are you crazy?"

We also have those inquiring if we know where babies come from, which I assure you, we do!

Below is an attempt to field some of the questions....since you asked......

Were you trying to have another baby?

We've been praying about this one ever since Evie was born. While we feel very "fully blessed" with the 5 we have now, we really didn't have a peace that we were supposed to prevent the possibility of another baby. Its a delicate subject. While we dont feel birth control is wrong, we just haven't felt it is right for us at this time. We have so many dear friends who are struggling with infertility and wanting a baby so badly. Clearly, "making a baby" is not simply a byproduct of an act. We feel truly blessed that God has seen fit to bless us with the gift of children. So to answer the question, we havent been trying not to. For the past three years we've been praying about this one. We were making preliminary plans to move back to the mission field and really felt at last that Evie was at a place medically that we could begin moving that direction. We asked God to make it clear if we were supposed to go or stay.....and he clearly showed us the time is not yet. So, this baby is a gift.....in a package and timing that is not ours, but is clearly from the Lord.

How are you feeling about this pregnancy?

My Dr. appointment last week revealed that I am 12 days further along than we thought....woohoo! That places the due date for Lil' Bit on the twins 9th birthday.

Terrific!

I love baby-birthin'. I love nursing my newborns. I cope pretty well with sleepless nights when I have a snuggly bundle in my arms.......but Im not big on pregnancy. Adoption sounds like a wonderful alternative! Seems nausea always takes a toll on me and I dont enjoy the weight gain and swollen ankles. However, I've realized that in the 38 total months that Ive been pregnant, I have only a hand-full of photos and never documented it well. I know I will want to look back and remember, thus am going to try to journal the next 6 months a bit!

Physically, I think Im getting over the hump. Ive had 3 whole vomit-free-days and couldnt be more excited if Id won the lottery! So glad Im starting to feel more like myself and expanding my diet. For the past few weeks, Chick-fil-A and grapefruit are the only things that have been palatable!

How will Evie and the older kids adjust?

The big kids are thrilled. Tristan, Abi and Britain are old enough to remember Evie being born and are so excited. We've had arguments on the way to church, science class and bible study about who gets to share the news with their class. They are so proud!

Evie is....well....Evie. She wants to have her cake and eat it too. When I ask her if she's going to be a big sister, she obstinately replies, "No, I be a baby and a big sister". Not quite ready to relinquish her title as baby of the family, but ready to assume the role of "little bossy boots".

Do you want a boy or girl?

Funny thing, everyone assumes we're pulling for blue here. We have never found out with any of our pregnancies what the gender of the baby was, but I was certain that Britain and Izzy were boys. Just so sure! When Evie was finally born, C's first response was "Well, another wedding to pay for". As much as I want a brother for Tristan, Im realizing there will be quite an age gap at this point. I asked him if he would be disappointed if it was another girl. "Nope," he said. "Then I would still get to be the only boy in the family." Im glad to know God has prepared his tender heart if he's stuck with another sweet sister. We've got lots of pink hand-me-downs if its a girl so that would be easy.

Are there special concerns with this pregnancy?

Of course Im a bit worried about this little one's heart. Because Evie's diagnosis wasnt made until she was 10 days old, I think I will probably feel some anxiety even after Lil' Bit is born. I typically receive prenatal care through a wonderful midwives group. I have some concerning medical issues (which Ill share at a later date) that disqualify me from being seen by them with this pregnancy. Ive been referred to a high risk doctor group and I will have to go to Charleston periodically for a fetal ECHO to get a good look at baby's heart before its born. I feel good that we are in the best of hands and that every precaution is being taken, but of course, fear still threatens to steal my joy sometimes. Just another lesson in trusting the Lord!

Precious lil' profile!