Collaborate and Listen...

Our family of four is about to become a party of five!

The short story:

We're having a baby!

We're so excited!

The long story:

Possibly too much information for some, proceed at your own risk.

We're having a baby!

We're so excited!

And no...this wasn't an accident, whoops, etc.

In fact, this baby is anything but an accident.

I know some people might find that hard to believe,

considering the four year gap between #2 and #3, and the

 multiple times when Coleman was less

than a year old that I SWORE I was done with two kids.

The truth is, 

we've been trying for 2 years for this baby.

When Coleman was about 18 months,

we knew we were ready for another baby.

We liked the 2 1/2 year gap between Macy and Coleman

and figured we would go that route again.

But...as we have learned,

life doesn't always go as planned.

We got pregnant fairly quickly the first time.

At my first (9 week) appointment,

there was no heartbeat.

It was a complete shock (as it would be to anyone.)

I knew people had miscarriages, but why would I?

I'd had two normal pregnancies and deliveries,

and was still (fairly) young and (fairly) healthy.

Because of the baby's size,

my doctor thought a D & C would be safer,

so I had one done a few days later.

Fast forward a few months,

pregnant again.

Lost that baby at about 7 weeks.

Fast forward a few more months,

pregnant again.

Lost baby #3 at about 8 week.s

Fast forward a few more months,

(is this starting to sound like a really, really bad version of Groundhog's Day?)

pregnant yet again.

Lost baby #4 around 7 weeks.

Miscarriages are awful.

Duh.

Whether you've been part of one or not,

everyone knows they're not pleasant.

But until going through them,

I had no idea the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain

that would come along with it.

And, without pouring my ENTIRE soul out,

let me just say that while I experienced some of my lowest lows,

I also had some amazing moments filled with faith, love 

and a knowledge of my Savior's grace.

So, no, a four year gap between kids was not part of my "master plan"

but I (we) are just so grateful for this chance to add to our family.

Word to your mother.