It’s true, we are expecting baby number four! You have probably seen on Instagram by now that we are so excited to be welcoming baby number four in April 2020!

It has taken much longer for me to get to this post than I meant to, but I am finally here to answer all your questions about baby number four. The kids are all incredibly excited about this baby and it has made this whole experience ten times more fun. Getting to experience pregnancy through the magic of my kids’ eyes is something I never realized would be as beautiful as it is. I am so thankful they get to experience the blessing of life through this journey.

So, let’s get to your questions…

Pregnancy Q&A

How did you know you were pregnant?

The funny thing is I ALMOST didn’t find out. I had been very regular the last few months and on the day I was due, I took a test. It was negative. I took the test only because I didn’t feel like I was about to start, and I usually had some tells. Negative. Wasn’t surprised. Tossed it. Went on my way. Two days later, still nothing. So I took another test. I had those cheap .88 cent ones from Walmart and I never usually use those. A friend had told me about it picking up for her way before a missed period and with all three of my kids I have used the EPT test. But I thought, I must be living a lie if those worked for her so soon! So I would keep cheap ones on hand from now on.

I took the test, it showed one line. I was in a hurry to get Jase out the door for school so I ran to get him ready leaving it on the side of the tub. When I got Jase on the bus, I went back to grab it and throw it away and saw two lines and flipped! I thought for sure it had to be a mistake or evap line because it was not there when I left, but I have also never come back to a random line appearing. So I waited an hour, took another, and waited the full 5-10 minutes and sure enough, a line!! I took two more tests before I would believe it, even running to get a more expensive one because I was in complete denial. I still cannot believe I almost walked away from that test thinking it was negative!

How did you tell your husband?

Oddly enough, my husband brought up a suspicion to pregnancy the week prior to me finding out on our trip to Kansas City. We stopped for BBQ for dinner and I grabbed a root beer to drink instead of Dr. Pepper. I hate root beer. The only time I ever drank it was when I was pregnant with Elyse, and I literally craved it. When Chad took a drink of the soda, he was surprised to discover it was not Dr. Pepper. I asked him if it through him off, and he said it was just unexpected. Then he mentioned, “You know the last time you wanted Root Beer was when…..” I interrupted him and said, “Nah. I don’t feel pregnant at all. This just sounded really good with BBQ!” Well…sure enough, he was right.

So, when I found out I bought a pack of Root Beer and set it out on the counter. I put one for him and I, then cups for the kids, and a baby bottle. I wrote on the letter board, “I guess you were right!” And waited for him to get home and walk in to it. He laughed instantly and shouted, “I was right!” The kids had seen the sign and asked multiple times what it meant, but I just kept telling them it was a surprise for daddy. Which leads me to your next question.

How did you tell the kids?

Since they had already seen the sign, we decided to just help them decipher it. So Chad pointed out each item on the counter asking them who it belonged to until they got to the baby bottle. It took them a moment to recognize what was happening, but once they did, they were incredibly excited! They shouted, screamed, got giddy, and bashful making it the absolute perfect moment.

You told the kids really early…is there a reason?

This surprised some people, and honestly, I wasn’t sure how to approach this. We have been very blessed not to experience a miscarriage, but the fear is very real in my mind. I have walked with many of my friends through one, and one of my closest friends experienced six and I was there through every one. It was one of the hardest things I ever endured as someone so close to me walked that road.

She told me the beauty of her son experiencing the joy in each one of those baby’s lives before their time was done, and the importance of every life being celebrated. I wholeheartedly agree with her words and the perspective was one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. I told her I may have her write a blog post on it one day, because I think more women should hear those words. But for now, it encouraged me to share the life with our kids from the very beginning. I am so thankful that we did because I wouldn’t have experienced every moment of joy we have up until this point.

Was this baby planned/expected?

Every baby is planned and comes in perfect timing, we fully believe that! I really didn’t think I was pregnant this month, so I was a bit surprised. But I am very thankful and was hoping for baby four soon. I wanted to take a break for myself after Jude, and I am so glad that I did. This baby couldn’t have come in more perfect timing.

How far will the baby be apart in age?

This will be our largest gap, Jude will be just under 3 years old. About 34 months to be exact. Jase and Elyse are 21 months, Elyse and Jude are 26 months, leaving this our biggest gap. But I knew my body needed some time to rest, I needed some time to rest, and Jude needed to be the baby a little bit longer. I really think when it’s time for another baby, you will know.

Are you hoping for a specific gender?

Everyone has really been wanting a girl, Elyse especially, but the boys want one as well. We had a name for a girl going into this pregnancy, and it took awhile to settle on a boy name, but we might finally be there. We have always thought two boys and two girls would be perfect. I selfishly would love to pull out all those baby girl clothes one more time. We also only have a three bedroom home currently, so a boy causes a little bit more stress to figuring things out. But, I know whatever we have will be perfect for our family.

The boys pregnancies were identical, and Elyse’s was so different. This one started off very similar to Elyse that I though girl for sure. Then around week seven it took a turn and became it’s own thing. I have had a gut feeling every time, with every baby, and have always been correct. This time…I honestly have no idea! Hopefully we will find out by the end of the month with an early elective ultrasound, because I cannot wait much longer!

What do the kids think?

The kids are incredibly excited!! They ask to see the baby on the app on a daily basis. They love seeing how the baby is growing, comparing it’s size to different things they know, and hearing what is new with baby. This is literally my favorite part about this pregnancy because I did not think they would be this into it at all. Jase and Elyse understand the most, but Jude has surprised me on his understanding as well. He loves babies, so the idea excites him and he keeps asking when baby comes out. I know they are all going to do really well with this baby, so it doesn’t worry me at all! They’re excitement makes me excited!

We cannot wait to meet this new little “gummy bear” (as the kids have been calling baby) in April! Continue to pray and believe with us for a healthy baby!