Finding out about baby number 3
It was November 9th, 2021. I dropped Ellie off at gymnastics class and then darted across town to the kindergarten informational night at the same school where Ellie attends preschool. It has been such a wonderful school for Ellie. John and I have had extensive conversations about the pros and cons of public vs. private schooling for Ellie starting kindergarten in the fall. She has great friends at this school, she feels comfortable and safe, and she would be receiving an incredible, Christ-centered educational experience. The biggest hurdle is the cost. John and I both wanted three kids and we would also like all three of our kids to attend the same school. The thought of putting three kids through was just too big of a financial burden. We both knew it—even if it was a hard truth for me to swallow. I decided to go to the informational night anyway, just to see what it was all about.
I was strangely emotional at the parent informational meeting. I teared up several times throughout the presentation. I felt tears streaming down my face as one of the teachers spoke about her son being in the hospital and his teachers driving several states away to visit him. It reminded me of when Brecken was in the hospital and was just too much for me to handle emotionally.
I went to slip out after the presentation when the superintendent stopped me to ask if I had any questions. I immediately BURST INTO TEARS. He had me step into the hallway so that I could calm down and offered me a tissue. What had gotten into me?
I got home and told John all about it. Here was a text I had with a friend who was there with me that night:
The next day, I had a Monat team meeting at 10 AM. At about 10:50, I remembered what my friend said the night before about the pregnancy test. I muted and blacked out my screen and ran to the bathroom to take a test. I turned everything back on and set the test next to my laptop. I only had about 5 minutes before I had to go pick Ellie up from preschool. I wanted to take the test before Ellie got home—just in case it was positive. I knew that if she heard or saw my reaction, she would know something was up. I peeked over at the test, not at all expecting it to be positive. Boy was I surprised!!! I turned off the meeting and had a mini freak out session in the kitchen.
I immediately called John and told him. My whole body was overtaken with joy. My heart was beating so fast and I just kept saying, “oh my gosh!” I could hardly believe it! Our dream of adding a third baby to our family was real!!!
I have always wanted to get a video of me looking at the test and my honest reaction—missed that. Three times. I have also always wanted to get a video of me telling John—missed that. Three times. Shoot! : )
My appointment wasn’t until December 20th, which felt like forever away!!! Thankfully, all was well. Baby looked perfect, was moving around, and was measuring 9 weeks at our appointment. That meant only 3 more weeks of keeping our 3rd secret!
We told the kiddos on Christmas Eve, which was so special. Ellie was especially excited because she is old enough to truly understand. She is really hoping for a little sister. Brecken is starting to understand more and more and time goes on. Both kiddos talk to the baby—just telling them what we are up to and saying “I love you”. It is all so sweet.
We have decided not to find out the gender of the baby this go-around. We have both a boy and a girl (and all the things that we could ever need). We found out the gender with both Ellie and Brecken, so we thought this last time it would make it even more special to wait until birth.
I was working full-time with both of my other pregnancies, so being at home with my other two for their third pregnancy has been a dream come true for me. I may do a pregnancy re-cap as we get closer to meeting this little one and tell you all about it. : )
We can’t wait to meet our 3rd and final addition in mid-July! Until then, momma and baby will be growing. Thank you for all of the love and sharing in our excitement!
