Over the past couple months, the news has slowly emerged that we are expecting our fourth baby. I’m not a big “announcer” and I don’t like attention directed at me, so I am always a little quiet about sharing news like this. Plus, I am guarded and anxious when it comes to the baby growing inside me. I know babies are lost and lives are changed, and should the worst happen I want to accept it in my own way and in my own time without the (kind and thoughtful) interference of others.
When the baby reached 12 weeks, we started to tell our friends and family the thrilling news. But, many of the initial reactions I received weren’t quite what I was expecting. Many people said we were crazy and totally out of our minds for having four kids. One family member deadpanned “Oh Jesus. Not again.” And another suggested I have a chat with my doctor because my “tubes can be tied so this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.” But, I don’t take any of it personally: four kids is a lot these days – even one kid is a lot of work for a family – so I know most of these comments were more likely made in jest (and disbelief!) than truly mean-spirited.
But, I’ve already started to forget the negativity to make permanent room in my brain for all the loving and positive comments. Like when I told my best friend Laura and she said “Meau, I am so happy for you and Bruzer!!!!” Or when we FaceTimed the news with my parents and they both smiled wide at the thought of their TENTH grandchild. And especially when we told the kids. Mack gave Chris a *high-five* and Evie was ELATED. Like, seriously she was floating on air. She even woke me up early the next day just to confirm that the news was real and not just a dream.
And, perhaps most importantly: Chris and I are THRILLED. We are extremely grateful, and we feel so excited and anxious to meet the newest member of our young family. This baby is special and important. Just like ALL babies are. We were all tiny miracles at one time.
Last week we had our 20 week ultrasound (a few weeks late), and the baby is healthy and growing. I loved seeing the perfect nose and teeny toes and strong heartbeat. By coincidence, the day of my big ultrasound was the same day my sister welcomed her baby into the world. I swelled with excitement and anticipation upon holding little Cece. I can’t wait to meet my next baby!
Homemade Mothering is a movement that aims to simplify life and foster self-reliance while being kinder to our families and the planet. Its about encouraging people to get back to the basics when it comes to mothering and homekeeping. 
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Jim and I are so so thrilled for you guys! I hope that was obvious when you told us! What a perfect little peanut he or she is in that ultrasound! Yay! Ok, I think I’ve used up my exclamation-point-quota for the year. 😉
We’ve found that all of our friends who went to ND share in our joy – go figure! haha! Hope little Claire is giving you guys a restful weekend 🙂
Congratulations! We have four with our oldest being 6 and while it is kinda crazy and often challenging, it’s happy chaos that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly and people around you start being more supportive! I know how that goes too… 🙂
Congrats! If it makes you feel any better, my initial thoughts after reading the title and seeing the ultrasound pic were this:
1. Hooray!
2. I wish I was as brave as her. ( we have 2 girls and daily contemplate whether or not to try for a third child)
After reading your words, it hit me. Who better to be reproducing than someone who takes mothering seriously? How dare others criticize! You are raising the type of family that our communities more of. You are a professional mother in my eyes (been a follower of your blog from the beginning, even though we have never met). Mothers don’t get any better than you.
Congrats again!
What incredible news! Congratulations to your whole family!
Con gratulations on your new blessing.
Just saw this as I was catching up on missed posts…so happy for you and your family!
Congrats to you and your beautiful family!! So happy for you!!
Congrats!
My sister welcomed her 4th this year and I love seeing her family grow, and exposing my only child to the love and chaos of a big family.
Congratulations!! What awesome news! Many of the best decisions in life make other people think we’re crazy, but no matter their opinion. 😉 you two raise beautiful, thoughtful, kind kids and the world needs more of these!