We've expanded

Basically since Will was born Steven & I struggled with the decision to go for #3 or not. You think about it, and of course we knew we wanted to be parents so having #1 wasn't a question, it was just a matter of when, and then we didn't want an only child so it was a no brainer to have #2. But that #3...we thought about that one for a long time. Everything feels so nice and balanced with two and things are pretty easy. At least for now. Did we want to disrupt that nice balance and invite what we believed to be total chaos into our lives with a third child? Could we have 3 kids in this little house? Can I squeeze 3 kids into my Passat wagon? Can I stand to be huge and pregnant one more time? Can I commit to nursing for another year? Can I handle schlepping this poor 3rd child while I shuttle his older brothers to and from school? Will we have room for another fridge one day? Will we ever get out of this house? Will we ever be able take this group on vacations?

After much prayer and seeking the Lord's wisdom, I felt He gave me a clear answer. It got to the point where I couldn't get it off my mind, I was thinking about it constantly; I was ready to make a decision one way or another. God laid it on my heart that we should do it, and once I gave myself over to that I have had complete and total peace about it since. I know it's the right decision. I'm not so sure if Steven was quite at that same level of confidence as I was, but he willingly, if slightly begrudgingly went along. God is faithful and allowed us to get pregnant almost immediately. I am amazed at how He works and how He answers prayers.

The pregnancy has been great so far. I've felt great all along the way. A little tired in the beginning, but not too bad. I had a sonogram 2 days before Christmas where we learned it was another boy. My motivation going into this was not to "try for a girl" even though it would have been fun to get to experience raising a girl. As soon as the sonographer put the wand on my belly he said, "well, you sure you want to find out?" and there it was. Total boy! I'll admit I was initially disappointed, but that lasted all of 3o seconds. God had blessed us with another healthy baby boy, and I was excited. Matt & Will were there with us too. Matt expected a girl all along, but he was fine with the revelation that it was a boy. Will had no idea what was going on. He thinks he has a baby in HIS tummy. He'll get it here in a few months. :)

I am now 29 weeks, and my belly is HUGE. It's quite a sight for onlookers. At 4'8" I do look ridiculous with this huge basketball of a belly. But where else is it going to go? Straight out, that's where. I've had people ask me if I'm due any day. No. May 14th. "Oh honey, I don't know if you're going to make it!" Thanks for the encouragement!! Seriously people. Please don't say anything but kind, positive words to a pregnant lady. I'm emotional enough. I am most appreciative of those who tell me I look great or that I'm almost there. While I may not agree that I look great and I sure don't feel cute, I am counting my blessings that it's been a healthy pregnancy and that I feel great.

This sweet little boy is thriving in there and growing right on track. He's measuring a few days ahead and was already 3 lbs. last week. Could be another big one. I'm hoping to strike a balance between Matt's 9lb. 3 oz. 20.5 in. and Will's 7lb. 1 oz. 18 in. We shall see! His name has yet to be decided. We're still struggling with it. But, you all will find out when he's born! It's a 3rd c-section for me which hasn't been scheduled yet. Cut along the dotted line there, Doc. I pray the recovery won't be too bad. As the day approaches I get more and more excited to meet this sweet baby boy and hold him in my arms. What will he look like? What is his personality? Life with 3 boys is going to be a blast. It will be loud and messy, and they will eat us out of house and home, but I am so thankful for the blessing of these boys. God knew what He was doing when He gave us 3 of them, I am confident in that! This little guy is going to fit right in.