Welcome Baby #4!

Baby #4 arrived at 3:14 am on Thursday morning at only 2 days past my due date!  He weighed 7 pounds and was 20 inches long. 

All three of his big siblings are absolutely in love with him already.

Anyone have name suggestions for what to call him on my blog?

I'll write his birth story soon, but I'm not up to a long post quite yet :)  Until then, I'll leave you with some more newborn cuteness.

Baby #4 - 40 Weeks

How Far along: 40 weeks and full term!

Bad picture, but you get the idea of the size of my stomach!

Baby's Size:  Full size and ready to be born!  The last two appointments I've had, I've been measuring big.

Sleep: I've given up sleeping in my bed and sleep on the recliner now.  It's so much more comfortable, and I'm able to sleep through most of the night there.

Movement?: Yes, but not so much anymore because baby is running out of room!  I love feeling a little foot or elbow pushing against my stomach and being able to push back.  I'm probably annoying this kid like crazy...

Food Cravings: Nothing too serious right now. 

Gender: It's more than likely a boy.  But until I see the proof myself after the baby's born, I'm not going to say that with 100% confidence. 

Labor Signs: In the last few days, the frequent contractions I've been having for the last few weeks have gotten much stronger and more frequent.

Symptoms: My hips and my back...I seriously can't walk or carry anything (or anyone!) without being in a lot of pain right now.  I'm definitely not going to hold out for 42 weeks before being induced this time because the pain is awful.  My doctor told me to take it easy and not move around too much which is great advice except that I have three young kids including a 17 month old who still needs to be carried a lot.        

Mood Most Of The Time: It changes from minute to minute.  At this point I'm sick of all the questions and I'm in so much pain from my hips and back that I'm pretty irritable.  Right now, the thought of living like this for another week or two is an unbearable thought so I'm just focusing on getting through one day at a time.   

Looking Forward To: Going into labor!!!  I'm reallllllllly hoping I go into labor naturally like I did with Little Man instead of having to be induced again.  In my experience, inductions are much harder labors. 

Miscellaneous: I have the hospital bag packed except for the last minute stuff (medicine, pillow for Hubby, etc) which is written down on a list sitting on top of the bag so I remember to throw it in before we leave.  I also packed most of the kids' stuff for when they stay at my in-laws.  Because they don't have enough clothes in their closets to pack for 3-5 days while still having enough left to wear until then, I wasn't able to finish completely, but at least I have some of it done.  

  

Baby #4 - 39 Weeks

I'm free-styling my pregnancy update today because I just don't think I can fill in another of those questionaires right now.  Also, no picture because...just no. 

Sometime at about 38 1/2 weeks, I hit the Pregnancy Wall.  You know, the point in the pregnancy where you say to yourself, "I'm officially done.  I can't do this anymore.  This kid has got to get out now!"  Except the baby didn't get the memo and is happily staying put with no intentions of going anywhere.  So, I'm still pregnant.  The worst part is that I know that realistically I could have another 3 weeks left.  3 weeks is an eternity when you're so big that your stomach bumps into EVERYTHING, you are having constant, but useless contractions, you're pretty sure you're a candidate for a double hip replacement, you can't bend over due to an inflamed ligament in your stomach, and you are down to only four shirts in your closet that still cover The Belly.

I finally bit the bullet and packed my hospital bag yesterday.  I'd made the packing list last week, but hadn't gotten around to actually doing anything about it yet.  I think I was subconciously hoping that being unprepared might send me into labor a little early, but no such luck.  When I go to the birthing center to have the baby, the three older kids will be staying with my in-laws.  My mother-in-law takes a week off of work whenever a new grandbaby is born so she can help out which is really great.  However, I haven't packed for the kids yet because none of them have enough clothes to have 5 days worth of clothes packed in a suitcase while still leaving them enough in their closets to wear until then.  But, if I go into labor on my own, I'll have enough time to throw some things together for them (and I briefed my MIL on where to find anything I might forget) and if I get induced, I'll know the date in advance so will be able to pack the night before.  So I'm really not too worried about that. 

I missed my OB appointment last week because we had a serious blizzard up here in the Midwest.  My doctor's office was even closed because so many roads were shut down that people couldn't get to work.  My next appointment is this Thursday, and Princess has an orthodontist appointment the same day to be fitted for an orthodontic appliance to correct her cross bite (incidentally, I received a payment book today from the orthodontist for the next 10 months and a bill for the initial payment of over $1300....um, yeah I'll just write a check out for that, no problem...).  My younger sister will be watching the two younger kids at my house so it'll just be me and Princess and we're going to have a much needed Mommy-Daughter day which I'm looking forward to.

Anyways, I think I've rambled enough for now.  I'll leave you with a link to my list of pros to being pregnant and overdue.  Leave a comment if you have anything to add to that list because I could really use some pros right now! 

Baby #4 - 38 Weeks

How Far along: 38 weeks

Baby's Size:  According to babycenter.com, the baby is over 6 pounds now.  

Sleep: I wake up 1-2 times a night to use the bathroom and it usually takes me a good 5 minutes to get out of bed because the pain and stiffness from laying in one spot for so long is tons-of-fun.  Hubby complains that I wake him up every time I have to get up to use the bathroom :)

Movement?: Yes, but not so much anymore because baby is running out of room!  I love feeling a little foot or elbow pushing against my stomach and being able to push back.  I'm probably annoying this kid like crazy...

Food Cravings: Nothing too serious right now. 

Gender: It's more than likely a boy.  But until I see the proof myself after the baby's born, I'm not going to say that with 100% confidence. 

Labor Signs: Contractions have picked up and are getting more frequent and painful.  I'm one of those lucky people who get to spend the last few weeks of pregnancy in what feels like the beginning stages of labor. 

Symptoms: Stiffness, discomfort, an inability to bend over, fatigue, heartburn, emotional...you name it, I've got it.  I also have a painful inflamed ligament in my stomach so that's extra fun.  I'm also nesting like crazy, but can't do much at a time or lift or move anything so I'm pretty limited in what I can do which is very frustrating when I want to ORGANIZE ALL THE THINGS!        
  

Mood Most Of The Time: I'm getting closer to the time when all I want to do is stay in my house until the baby is born because the constant comments and questions get really irritating towards the end of a pregnancy and I get really cranky.   

Looking Forward To: Being able to spill the beans on a big announcement that is (believe it or not) not baby related!  Hopefully later this week, I'll know the final details and be able to share my news with you! 

Miscellaneous: I had an ultrasound last Thursday to check for placenta previa.  It was the worst ultrasound I've ever had.  Between the baby and the ultrasound technician both pushing down on my cervix and then having to be tilted on my head to try to get the baby to move away from the cervix so the tech could see where the placenta was and then that not working either so having to have my first transvaginal ultrasound, it really just wasn't a great experience.  I went straight from the ultrasound to my doctor's appointment and since my doctor didn't have the ultrasound results by the time my appointment was done, she told me to stick around town for a few hours in case I had to come back and deliver.  WHAT?!?!  Thankfully, I do NOT have placenta previa, and I have been given the go-ahead to deliver naturally...or be induced at 2 weeks overdue for the third time.  I'm hoping for the first option.
And on a completely unrelated note, I should probably get busy packing the hospital bag and the kids' suitcases so they can stay with my in-laws while I'm in the hospital.

Baby #4 - 35 Weeks

How Far along: 35 weeks

 
Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of a honeydew melon and is approximately 18" long and weighs 5 1/4 pounds.  Baby is pretty much done developing and is working on gaining weight for birth.

Sleep: I would be thrilled to get a little bit more.  Or a lot more.  Basically, more sleep would be awesome.

Movement?: Yup!  My favorite part of pregnancy even though some of the kicks and jabs hurt now.  However, this baby doesn't seem as active as the others were so there's not as much pain associated with the movements as there was in my other pregnancies. 

Food Cravings: I would kill for an Asian Slider from Bakers' Square or a sandwich from Chik-Fil-A.  Lucky for me, I have a doctor's appointment in The Big City this Thursday and there's a Bakers' Square nearby.  Unfortunately for me, the closest Chik-Fil-A is over 3 hours away from me.  

Things That Make Me Queasy: My morning sickness symptoms return in the last trimester (yay...) so I have to be careful to eat frequently and not skip meals or snacks.  Also, it turns out that cleaning up someone else's puke makes me throw up too.  Found that out this morning while cleaning Little Man's puke bucket out.

Gender: Okay, I decided to finally spill the beans!  The ultrasound tech said it looks like a boy.  However, I will believe it when I see the baby on his or her birthday :)

Labor Signs: The Braxton Hicks contractions haven't been as frequent as they were a month ago.  I do have to be careful not to overdo it though as that means painful contractions for several hours afterwards. 

Symptoms: Oh my word, the heartburn.  I have severe acid reflux disease and when I'm pregnant it gets even worse.  I'm finally seeing a GI doctor next week about it since it's pretty much uncontrollable even with a daily prescription.        

Mood Most Of The Time: I'm getting closer to the time when all I want to do is stay in my house until the baby is born.  Not because I'm nesting or anything, but because the constant comments and questions get really irritating towards the end of a pregnancy and I get really cranky. 

Looking Forward To: I know I should say that I'm looking forward to having the baby at this point, but since this is my last pregnancy (I'm serious this time!), I'm not ready for it to be done yet.  Plus there's the whole thing where I know that the baby is easier to take care of now rather than after he or she is born :)

Since I'm 35 weeks, I finally decided to put together my to-do list of things I need to do before Baby gets here.  

• Move cradle to the living room
• Wash baby clothes
• Make at least 6 freezer meals.
• Pack my hospital bag, the diaper bag, and the kids' overnight bag
• Get the newborn essentials: a few packs of diapers, pacifiers, etc
• Rearrange car seats in the van and install convertible carseat for Star so the baby can have the infant carrier that Star is still using
  
• Wash and sanitize baby bottles and pacifiers
• Pick up infant swing at my friend's house

Baby #4 - 33 Weeks

How Far along: 33 weeks

Yes, I know I'm huge.  Yes, there's only 1 baby.

Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of a pineapple and is approximately 17" long and weighs 4 pounds.  His or her skeleton is hardening and baby is working on gaining weight to keep warm after birth. 

Sleep: Ha!  I don't sleep well at night AT ALL anymore.  It takes me 15 minutes to roll over from one side to the other and I wake up frequently throughout the night with weird vivid dreams.

Movement?: Yup!  My favorite part of pregnancy even though some of the kicks and jabs hurt now. 

Food Cravings: My cravings change from day to day right now.

Things That Make Me Queasy: My morning sickness symptoms return in the last trimester (yay...) so I have to be careful to eat frequently and not skip meals or snacks.

Gender: Okay, I decided to finally spill the beans!  The ultrasound tech said it looks like a boy.  However, I will believe it when I see the baby on his or her birthday :)

Labor Signs: The Braxton Hicks contractions haven't been as frequent as they were a month ago.

Symptoms: Princess informed me that I walk like a penguin now which I attribute to the pain and stiffness in my hips, especially my left one.    

Mood Most Of The Time: A little Significantly stressed out about how we're going to handle sleeping arrangements when the baby gets here.  I've tried and it just doesn't work to move Star in with the older two kids so she's still sleeping in our room and is a very light sleeper.  Looks like I may be sleeping in the living room with the baby until we get our own house!

Looking Forward To: I know I should say that I'm looking forward to having the baby at this point, but since this is my last pregnancy (I'm serious this time!), I'm not ready for it to be done yet.  Plus there's the whole thing where I know that the baby is easier to take care of now rather than after he or she is born :)

Baby #4 - 28 Weeks

How Far along: 28 weeks. As of last Tuesday, I was officially in the third trimester.

Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of a large eggplant and is approximately 14.8" long and weighs 2 1/4 pound.  He or she is able to blink his or her eyes and has eyelashes.

Sleep: Pretty much always tired lately, but not as bad as it was a few months ago.

Movement?: Lots of movement :)  This baby doesn't seem as active as the others were which maybe means that he or she will be laid back and easy going, right? :)

Food Cravings: My cravings change from day to day right now.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Been feeling pretty good lately.

Gender: We're keeping it a secret because of what happened last time and because I just get so annoyed with the comments and assumptions about my family when I tell people what I'm having.  Princess is hoping for another sister (she even put it on her Christmas wish list at school yesterday) and Little Man is hoping for a brother.  Princess is still holding out hope for twins, one of each, but I'm 99.9% sure that there's just one baby in there :)  

Labor Signs: Having several Braxton Hicks a day.

Symptoms: The usual.  Killer heartburn, fatigue, achy legs,. joint pain, especially in my hips.  I bought a maternity support belt yesterday and am wearing it today to see if it helps with the muscle pain.  I passed my glucose test last week with no problems so that was good to hear.    

Mood Most Of The Time: Meh.  Not so good lately. 

Looking Forward To: Wrapping some Christmas presents! 

Baby #4 - 26 Weeks

How Far along: 26 weeks. Next week, I'll officially be in the third trimester!

Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of an eggplant and is approximately 14" long and weighs 1 2/3 pound.  He or she is able to hear my voice and is beginning to practice taking breaths.

Sleep: I seem to go through a period of a few weeks where I need a ton of sleep.  I just got through one of those periods and am feeling a little better, but I could still use a nap most days. 

Movement?: Lots of movement :)  This baby doesn't seem as active as the others were which maybe means that he or she will be laid back and easy going, right? :)

Food Cravings: I've been craving eggnog and Little Debbie Cherry Cordials lately.  And yes, I'm definitely putting on too much weight.  Ugh.  I eat more when I'm stressed out without even realizing it and the last month has been extremely stressful to say the least. 

Things That Make Me Queasy: Been feeling pretty good lately.

Gender: We're keeping it a secret because of what happened last time and because I just get so annoyed with the comments and assumptions about my family when I tell people what I'm having.  I can tell you that the baby is healthy and right on track for growth. :)  My standard answer when someone asks what I'm having is to smile and say, "Well, we know it's either a boy or a girl!"  So far, that's worked pretty well :) 

Labor Signs: The Braxton-Hicks contractions are starting to get a little stronger, but nothing too bad yet.

Symptoms: The usual.  Killer heartburn, fatigue, achy legs.  

Mood Most Of The Time: Depends on the minute you're asking. 

Looking Forward To:  Turkey!  I love turkey and I only get to eat it once a year at Thanksgiving (I tried making turkey for supper one time and Hubby was not impressed since apparently turkey can only be served on Thanksgiving)

Baby #4 - 24 Weeks

How Far along: 24 weeks.  Because I'm at the point in this pregnancy where things don't really change much from week to week, I'm moving to biweekly posts for the time being.   

24 Weeks

Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of an ear of corn (just in time for harvest season!) and is approximately 12" long and weighs 1 1/3 pound.  Taste buds are forming and pretty soon, baby will start to put weight on so he or she will be a chubby, cuddly newborn.

Sleep: Can't get enough.  I've been needing (not wanting, but needing) naps frequently. 

Movement?: Lots of movement :)  Princess was able to catch a few kicks the other day and thought that was pretty cool.  This baby doesn't seem as active as the others were which maybe means that he or she will be laid back and easy going, right?  Lol

Food Cravings: Anything with pumpkin.  I think that has to do with the season we're in :)  I've also been craving veggies, but unfortunately, only if they're smothered in butter which kind of makes them less healthy, right?

Things That Make Me Queasy: Been feeling pretty good lately.

Gender: We're keeping it a secret because of what happened last time and because I just get so annoyed with the comments and assumptions about my family when I tell people what I'm having.  I can tell you that the baby is healthy and right on track for growth. :)  My standard answer when someone asks what I'm having is to smile and say, "Well, we know it's either a boy or a girl!"  So far, that's worked pretty well :) 

Labor Signs: A few Braxton-Hicks contractions here and there, but nothing too bad.  Last time, I was having a lot of them by this time so this is much better.

Symptoms: Tired, hungry, crying at everything and nothing.  Little Man went to church on Wednesday night and told someone that Mommy had been crying before church.  She then proceeded to yell across the church to ask if that was true which meant that everyone turned around and looked at me.  *Embarrassing*

Mood Most Of The Time: Depends on the minute you're asking. 

Looking Forward To:  My glucose testing at my next doctor's appointment...NOT!  I've always been fine on the numbers so I'm not worried about that, but that big cup of super sweet fruit punch makes me gag.

Baby #4 - 22 Weeks

How Far along: 22 weeks and I just realized that it's been 4 weeks since I did a baby bump update!  Whoops :)

Baby's Size: Baby is about the size of a spaghetti squash and is approximately 11" long and weighs 1 pound.  Tooth buds are forming beneath baby's gums.

Sleep: Not bad personally, but Star's sleeping has really gone downhill so that means that mine has too.

Movement?: Lots of little kicks and I can feel them if I put my hand on my stomach too now.  Love it!

Food Cravings: Pop.  I hate that I keep drinking it, but I have been seriously craving it lately.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Been feeling pretty good lately.  If I get overly tired, I get nauseous.

Gender: Well....I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago, and we found out what we're having (well, at least what they say we're having).  We're keeping it a secret though because of what happened last time and because I just get so annoyed with the comments and assumptions about my family when I tell people what I'm having.  I can tell you that the baby is healthy and right on track for growth. :) 

Labor Signs: Nothing :)

Symptoms: Low energy and being tired.  I noticed the other night that my feet were slightly swollen at the end of the day.  Ugh.  I had a lot of problems with that with one of my other pregnancies too and since it's already starting at 5 months, it's probably going to be a problem this time too.

Mood Most Of The Time: Optimistic.  I can't say much yet, but there's some big changes coming to our family (you know, other than the baby, haha) and honestly, things have not been going like we'd planned or hoped.  Yet, it's not bothering me as much as I thought it would.  I guess my decision to fully trust God with this pregnancy extends to the other stuff in my life too right now.  :)

Looking Forward To:  Making some cute stuff for the baby.  I found the perfect fabric at Hobby Lobby and bought a yard to make a minky backed blanket for the baby. 

Dear New Baby

When I was 14, I met my best friend, Lisa, at summer camp.  When camp was over and we were packing up to go home, we exchanged addresses and agreed to keep in touch.  Since then, we've seen each other a total of three times, twice when we visited the other for birthdays before her family moved across the country and then once more when she and her husband stopped for a quick visit on a cross-country trip with their little boy three years ago.  We email each other regularly and text frequently.  When one of us has a problem or just needs to vent, we know who we can go to without any judgement.  We went through our teenage years together, have both gotten married to wonderful men, and are raising three children each (although I'm about to come out ahead again in March by bringing my total to four children :)  It's hard to believe that a friendship that started at summer camp so long ago is still going strong 15 years later.  

Recently, I got an email from Lisa addressed to the new baby and it was so touching and sweet that I just had to share it with you.      
 
Dear New Baby-

    I feel it is my duty as one of your momma's closest friends to write you this letter and clue you in on a few things.

    For one, you're kind of winning the lottery family wise. You're going to have 2 big sisters and a big brother. You're an especially lucky baby, not everyone gets such amazing siblings.

    Your oldest sister, Princess, will probably regard you as one of her minions at first, but, she'll love you more than you'll ever know. Be patient with her, outside of your parents, she'll be one of the last to treat you your real age- you'll always be her baby sibling. You'll be able to go to her with questions and advice that you feel funny asking your parents. Princess will answer all your questions and give you the best advice. You, on the flip side, will no doubt always have a bit of hero worship for your oldest sister- she'll always seem so mature and wonderful to you (and your feelings won't be off base, she's pretty amazing!).

    Now, lets talk about your brother, Little Man. If you're a little boy, expect Little Man to cling to you like no one's business. Another boy in the herd! If you're a little girl, expect Little Man to love on you like crazy. If you are a little girl, he's going to be the man of house and that comes with great responsibility. No one will ever mess with his siblings- especially his sisters! Little Man will love you to bits regardless of if you're a brother or sister. No doubt you'll pick up funny phrases from him (ask your momma and daddy for a few of the great things he's come up with!). Little Man will also teach you all about how to jump off couches and play tag and build amazing forts. Little Man will be your rock, your protection (as if they could get through Princess) and your comic relief. Coming from experience, there is no greater love than the love of an older brother.

    On to Star. Star is going to teach you all things cute. As your nearest sibling, she'll teach you how to very easily and very quickly wrap your parents around that tiny finger of yours. She'll be the one you look to as someone that is sort of like you! You'll no doubt look to her when you're wondering about that whole walking and talking thing. She'll be your partner in crime, your all nighter talking and giggling buddy. She'll be someone you look to with a bit less hero-worship as your older siblings, but, a whole lot more mischief. Don't doubt for a second that she'll be quick to remind you that YOU'RE the baby of the family and she controls you (or so she thinks ^_~).

    You have pretty wonderful parents too, little baby. Your parents love you with a love that cannot be put into words. Never, for one moment, ever think you cannot go to them for ANYTHING. Go to them, they've lived and learned and love you regardless of everything in this world. You may feel funny sometimes, talk to them anyway. Trust me on this, you'll never regret going to them. Keep them in the loop with your life, even when you think you know it all and don't want your parents involved, keep them informed. Trust them, respect them, honor them. When they discipline you, they do it because they love you too much to let you keep behaving that way. When they give you advice that sounds crazy, give them the benefit of the doubt that they might have more of a clue than you're giving them credit for. They would die for you in a heartbeat little baby. They love you with an unconditional, everlasting love that is second only to God's love. They'll fight for you, protect you and even when you don't want them to be, they'll be in your corner. 

    So, that's it little guy/girl. Hurry on up and get here (but not too soon!). There is a whole family of people that cannot wait to meet you. You'll be hugged and cuddled a lot in the beginning- be patient with everyone, no doubt you'll be one of the most gorgeous and cutest babies they've ever seen. They can't help themselves from showering love and cuddles on you, they're human not robots!

    Thoughts and prayers always little one,

    Lisa

 

Baby #4 - 18 Weeks

How Far along: 18 weeks

Baby's Size: Baby is the size of a sweet potato and is approximately 5 1/2" long and weighs 7 ounces.  Baby is busy flexing his or her legs and arms. 

Sleep:  It would be better if Star would quit waking up 1-6 times a night asking for her pacifier.  I'm feeling better than I was the last couple of weeks though.

Movement?: Feeling more little kicks every day!

Food Cravings: Right now, I want to put tomatoes in and on everything I eat.

Things That Make Me Queasy: No matter what time I eat at night, how early or late I go to bed or what I eat, I've been really nauseous at night to the point of throwing up.

Gender: No idea!  Even though Princess has accurately predicted 6 out of 6 pregnancies in my family at early stages in the pregnancy, I can't get a prediction out of her this time.  I can't even get her to tell me if she's hoping for another sister or another brother.  We have an ultrasound this Thursday, but I'm just 18 weeks so we may not be able to see what we're having yet.  We may keep it a secret this time even if we do find out thought.

Labor Signs: Small braxton-hicks contractions are starting.  They just feel like a slight tightening in my abdomen so nothing painful yet. 

Symptoms: Heartburn has been pretty bad this week and taking Tums right before I go to bed isn't going well since I'm so nauseous at night.

Mood Most Of The Time: Overly emotional about everything.  Today has been hard since Hubby's grandpa passed away this morning.  The worst part was telling Princess when she got home from school.  She took it pretty hard and has been crying quite a bit today.    

Looking Forward To: My ultrasound on October 3rd!

Miscellaneous: Sorry, no picture this week!  I spent 20 minutes trying and trying to get a halfway decent/nonblurry/not crooked picture in the mirror today and just couldn't pull it off.  Give me a week to recover and I'll try again for the 19 week update :)

   

Baby #4 - 17 Weeks

How Far along: 17 weeks

Not even going to attempt to apologize for the pile of towels in the hamper.  I'm way too tired to care right now!

  
Baby's Size: Baby is the size of an onion and is approximately 5" long and weighs 5 ounces.  His or her bones are changing from a soft cartilage into hard bones.  Baby is able to move his or her joints. 

Sleep:  Still having lots of weird dreams and waking up to use the bathroom at least once a night.  I've been needing a nap everyday (and usually not getting one!), but it seems that no matter how much sleep I get, I'm completely exhausted. 

Miss Anything?: Not being exhausted.   

Movement?: Every now and then :)  Can't wait until it gets a little more consistent.

Food Cravings: These change frequently, but right now I'm craving cheese a lot.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Eating a big meal, not eating frequently throughout the day, staying up too late at night.

Gender: No idea!  Even though Princess has accurately predicted 6 out of 6 pregnancies in my family at early stages in the pregnancy, I can't get a prediction out of her this time.  I can't even get her to tell me if she's hoping for another sister or another brother.

Labor Signs: None, and I hope it stays that way for a while!

Symptoms: Heartburn, fatigue and my left hip feels like it's falling apart most of the time.

Mood Most Of The Time: Tired.  Or did I mention that already?

Looking Forward To: My ultrasound on October 3rd!

Miscellaneous: This week, Little Man asked me how the baby is going to get out of my tummy and Princess asked me how the baby got into my tummy.  Both times, I changed the subject because my mind was completely blank on an appropriate response.
   

Baby #4 - 15 Weeks

How Far along: 15 weeks

Baby's Size: Baby is the size of an apple and is approximately 4" long.  He or she is able to move all of their joints now and can sense light now even though the eyelids are still fused shut.

Sleep:  Not so good lately.  I've been having weird dreams and getting up to use the bathroom at least once during the night.  I have my alarm set for 6:45 am every morning to get Princess ready for school and the other two ready to head out with me to my babysitting job, but Star has decided to become a go-getter and is waking up between 5:30 and 6.  I'm flat out exhausted.  All the time.

Best Moments This Week: Feeling the baby move!!!!  This is my all-time favorite part of pregnancy.  I had been feeling something over the last week, but wasn't sure if it was the real thing or not.  Last night, I picked Princess up to help her up on her top bunk and the baby kicked back at her resting on my stomach.

Miss Anything?: Not being exhausted.   

Movement?: Yup :)

Food Cravings: Fast food hamburgers which stinks because the closest fast food place to me is 45 minutes away. 

Things That Make Me Queasy: Eating a big meal, not eating frequently throughout the day, staying up too late at night.

Gender: No idea!  Even though Princess has accurately predicted 6 out of 6 pregnancies in my family at early stages in the pregnancy, I can't get a prediction out of her this time.  I can't even get her to tell me if she's hoping for another sister or another brother.

Labor Signs: None, and I hope it stays that way for a while!

Symptoms: Heartburn is starting to kick in. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Tired.  Or did I mention that already?

Looking Forward To: Hearing the baby's heartbeat at my appointment tomorrow.  I wish I would've made the appointment for after school gets out so Princess would've been able to come with me and hear it too.

Baby #4 - 13 weeks

I'm 2 days late on this post, but I actually took pictures so I figured I might as well post it now anyways :)  I've been working a LOT at the library this week.  I'm the sub librarian and since the other 3 librarians went on a trip to the Boundary Waters together, I'm basically running the library until they get back.  Fun, but exhausting.  

How Far along: 13 weeks

Ugh, I absolutely cannot get a non-blurry picture!  This was the best out of about 10 and then I got tired at staring at myself in the mirror and gave up.

Baby's Size: Baby is the size of a pea pod and is approximately 3" long.  His or her fingernails have formed and the rest of the body is starting to catch up to the oversized head :)

Sleep:  Exhausted.  All the time.  Star had a few rough nights in a row due to being sick and so I felt like a zombie for a while.  She slept all night last night, and I went made sure to go to bed early so I'm feeling halfway human again today.

Best Moments This Week: Eh.  Nothing stands out.

Miss Anything?: Not yet.   

Movement?: Not yet.

Food Cravings: Greek yogurt (wish the stuff wasn't so expensive!).  Chocolate...but not Hersheys or any of the cheap, easy to find ones.  I'm craving Swedish chocolate from Ikea and German chocolate.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Eating a big meal, not eating frequently throughout the day, staying up too late at night.

Gender: No idea!  This is the first time I can honestly say that I truly do not care if it's a boy or a girl.  I would be thrilled with either one.  A boy would be nice because then Little Man would have a brother and it would make dividing bedrooms a little easier, but I wouldn't mind another little girl too.  So, either one is fine with me!  

Labor Signs: None, and I hope it stays that way for a while!

Symptoms: Still feeling the first trimester fun stuff-fatigue, nausea, etc.  I don't feel like I can really complain though because even though I feel awful quite a bit of the time, at least I'm not as sick as I was with my other three pregnancies.  I'm already starting the pregnant waddle even though I try to walk normally.  My back hurts and feels like it's being pushed out of place already, and my left hip feels like it's literally falling out of its socket so walking normally is kind of hard. 

Mood Most Of The Time: Excited about the baby.  My moods throughout the day change quite a bit (sorry, Hubby!)

Looking Forward To: Feeling the baby move.

Baby #4 - 12 Weeks

How Far along: 12 weeks

Baby's Size:  Baby is the size of a lime and is approximately 2" long.  Baby's reflexes are kicking in (pun intended) and he or she can now open and close fingers, curl toes, and make sucking movements with his or her mouth.

Sleep:  Exhausted.  All the time.

Best Moments This Week: Hearing the baby's heartbeat at my first doctor's appointment!  The doctor warned me that it might be too early to hear the heartbeat since I was only 11 weeks at the appointment, but as soon as the doppler was turned on, there it was, loud and strong!

Miss Anything?: Not yet.   

Movement?: Not yet.

Food Cravings: Crab rangoons, orange juice, deli sandwiches, tuna fish, pizza from Casey's gas station.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Eating a big meal, not eating frequently throughout the day, staying up too late at night.

Gender: No idea!  After what happened last time, I'm not sure if we're going to find out and/or if we're going to tell people if we do. 

Labor Signs: None, and I hope it stays that way for a while!

Symptoms: Fatigue, nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom, etc.  I was feeling much better, but than last Saturday (the 17th), all my symptoms came back just as bad as they were earlier.      

Mood Most Of The Time: Excited about the baby.  My moods throughout the day change quite a bit (sorry, Hubby!)

Looking Forward To: Feeling the baby move.

Baby #4 - 11 Weeks

How Far along: 11 weeks

It turns out that when you get pregnant with your 4th baby when your 3rd one is only 8 months old, you pop almost right away!

Baby's Size:  Baby is the size of a fig and is approximately 1 1/2" long.  Baby's tooth buds are beginning to form under his or her gums and some of his or her bones are beginning to harden.

Sleep: Just fine because the heartburn isn't bad yet, the baby isn't keeping me up with kicking yet and I'm not huge yet.  I am really tired and sometimes fall asleep in the middle of the day on the couch.

Best Moments This Week: Since we just let the news out the weekend before last, I'm still running into people who don't know yet.  It's always fun to see the surprise on their faces when Princess or I tell them.  However, we need to work on Princess's delivery because she keeps telling people that "Mommy's going to have TWO babies!"  She's counting Star and the new baby, but most people go straight to thinking twins, lol.

Miss Anything?: Not really.  Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant because this has been pretty easy so far.     

Movement?: Not yet.

Food Cravings: My specific cravings change frequently.  I'm definitely craving restaurant food from pretty much any restaurant.  Weird, I know, but also very annoying because I live 45 minutes away from most restaurants.

Things That Make Me Queasy: Eating a big meal, not eating frequently throughout the day, staying up too late at night.

Gender: No idea!  After what happened last time, I'm not sure if we're going to find out and/or if we're going to tell people if we do. 

Labor Signs: None, and I hope it stays that way for a while!

Symptoms: Fatigue, mild nausea (nowhere near as bad as I had it with the other three kids!), food cravings.  Most of thy symptoms have been much better than they were with my other three pregnancies except for the itching!  My exzema and dry skin is really flaring up and I itch. all. over.  It's incredibly annoying.  I must be carrying this one differently than the last two because with them, I was wearing maternity jeans by 6 weeks.  Right now, I still fit into my regular pants just fine.   

Mood Most Of The Time: Excited about the baby.  My moods throughout the day change quite a bit (sorry, Hubby!)

Looking Forward To: Hearing the baby's heartbeat for the first time at my doctor's appointment tomorrow!

What!!?!?!!

Princess has a secret she wants to share with you :)

Are you shocked?  You better believe I am!  I was pretty much positive that Star was going to be my last baby so this is an awesome surprise!

I'm incredibly a little freaked out because not only are Star and the new baby going to be only 17 months apart (I've always known that I wanted my kids at least 2 years apart in age), but this also means we're going to have to move.  I know I said that last time I was pregnant (wasn't that just last summer?), but this time we're really and truly out of space.  There's just no way to make our tiny 2 bedroom apartment work with 4 kids, naps, and Hubby's crazy work schedule that often requires him to sleep during the day.  Plus if we move, I will have more opportunities to make some extra money by babysitting during the week. 

During my last pregnancy, I let the stress of...everything and the negativity of others get to me, and I spent most of the pregnancy depressed, super stressed, and just downright miserable. 

That's not happening this time.

I choose to respond to this pregnancy with joy.
I choose to trust God.
I choose to be thankful that God has blessed us again even though that blessing comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

I choose to be joyful.

I found out I was pregnant on June 26th.  I took a test on a hunch, fully expecting it to be negative.  It didn't show a result right away, and I had to leave to get the kids to storyhour at the library so I tossed it in the garbage and we left.  A few hours later, we were home and the kids were eating lunch.  I'm not sure why, but I decided to pull the pregnancy test out of the garbage just to make sure it was still negative.

It wasn't.

I started crying with happiness, fear, excitement, etc.  Pretty much every emotion went through me in the first 10 minutes.  I told a private group I'm in on Facebook about the test because all of the ladies in the group are awesome and supportive and, most importantly, not local so I knew if I told them there wouldn't be any chances of anyone near me finding out :)  They advised me to take another test as it might be a false positive from sitting in the trash so long.  I took another test later that afternoon and... Bam!  Instantly two lines popped up.

I'm 10 weeks now and due on March 4th.  After what happened last time, I still intend to find out the gender at the ultrasound, but I'm not sure if I'm going to share the results with anyone else.

And just to finish this up...here are a few other bloggers I follow who are also expecting!

Jenni from the Blog-She is also having her fourth baby and her third one is about the same age as Star.
Hormonal Imbalances
Proverbs and Pacifiers
Everything and Nothing From Essex
Tales of Beauty for Ashes
This Year's Love Will Last-Her pregnancy announcement video was the sweetest thing I've ever seen.

Are you pregnant?  Just had a baby (anytime in the last year counts!)?  Have an awesome birth story (seriously, all birth stories are awesome so if you have one, it counts.)  Link up your blog!