Big announcement!

I have wanted to write this post for a long time, but I have had a hard time figuring out exactly what to say (partly because I have been so stinking tired all.the.time).  I struggle knowing how to announce something that is so joyful for us, and yet can be a reminder of someone else's struggles or unfulfilled desires.  After my first pregnancy/miscarriage, it took me 8 months to get pregnant which doesn't sound that long, but it was a very tough season for me mentally and emotionally because I didn't know how long it would last.  Even though it was several years ago and we now have two beautiful children, I so vividly remember my emotions, my heartache when I found out ONE more friend had "surprisingly" gotten pregnant.  It was like rubbing salt in the wound.  I know God's timing is perfect, and even in the toughness of the season, I learned so much about myself and trusting God and His plan (even if it doesn't line up with my timing).  I also learned discovered the truth in this verse.  Children are a gift, not something I deserve or have earned.  A blessing.

"Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Psalm 127:3 

With all that being said, here is a sweet picture of our newest "gift," sweet baby girl due November 18th.

I'm not going to lie, there is part of me that seriously PANICS at the thought of a third kiddo.  I mean seriously, our life feels pretty crazy right now.  We have lots of screaming, lots of chaos, lots of sleepless nights, lots of fits...and to think of multiplying that makes me more than a little nervous.  Plus the transition from 1 to 2 was not easy for me.  I'm trying to go into this transition assuming it's going to be really tough, so maybe I won't be as shocked as I was with number 2.

 My first belly picture...at 21 weeks.  Poor third child.

 Miss E wanted to get in on the the belly action.  She has actually been really sweet about the baby (which is fun since she in NO way could conceptualize a baby when I was pregnant with Mason).  She is constantly kissing my belly and giving it zerbers. :) Also, when I walk into a room after being gone, she'll usually say "Hi baby."  I think this just means I'm getting big FAST. 

 Speaking of big...I have felt way bigger this time.  Maybe it has something to do with being pregnant 3 times in 3 years??  Call me crazy.  So far, I had nausea in my first trimester (not significantly different than with the other two), but what has been different is the persistent fatigue.  So tired and it just doesn't stop.  I'm thinking it has a lot to do with the fact that I am constantly chasing after, picking up a 2 year old and an 18 month old while being pregnant.  Naps are my friend, productivity is not.

My cravings: eggs (I eat 2 eggs every single day), jalapenos (on everything), meat and more meat, bacon, and black bean burritos.  

My aversions: sweets (especially my first trimester), dairy products (except cheese), and coffee when it is slightly cool.  I'm sure there are others except everything has gotten more tolerable recently so I forget.

We're excited to become a family of 5!!