So, in case you missed our big announcement this morning, we're going to have another baby! As of today I'm 12 weeks along, with baby #4 due mid-September. Daniel & I couldn't be happier, though this pregnancy came as a MAJOR shock and here's why...
Back in November, Daniel & I conceived while I had an IUD contraceptive device in place. You can read that story in my previous post "Emergency Surgery." The emergency surgery was to remove my left fallopian tube after an ectopic pregnancy caused it to rupture. After the surgery the doctor reassured me that my fertility wouldn't be affected and that we should have no problem conceiving again if that was our desire. However she did ask us to refrain from all "pelvic activity" for a few weeks after the surgery to make sure my body had time to heal and get back to neutral before conceiving again. So we refrained. And on Dec 23, the doctor drew blood for the third and final time, confirmed that my body was officially back to a non-pregnant state and said Daniel & I could resume our "pelvic activity." So we did. And we conceived that week.
When we first found out we were pregnant in November, we were praying like CRAZY that God would allow that baby to survive. (The doctors were not very hopeful because most IUD pregnancies end up being ectopic.) We were amazed that God had allowed us to conceive despite the contraceptive. We wondered at how God was choosing to grow our family despite our human attempts to stop it. Then we lost the baby (and the fallopian tube) and were sorry we had meddled in God's plans for growing our family. So to have conceived again so soon feels like the greatest blessing in the world! Realizing that God has given us ANOTHER baby, even after our IUD troubles, feels like the most wonderful second (fourth?) chance!
So far this pregnancy has been wonderful! I felt very tired the first 7 weeks but that's mostly gone now. The worst symptom I have is that nothing ever really sounds good to eat. I've had a few consistent cravings (chocolate milkshakes, LaRosa's.) Praise God, I haven't been nauseous. I don't know how I'd have chased 3 kids around all day all while feeling sick to my stomach. (Shout out to nauseous pregnant mamas- you've got it rough sister!)
Right now the biggest decision is whether or not we'll find out the sex of the baby. Daniel wants to wait and be surprised upon delivery. I don't think I can stand not knowing... We've still got time to find a compromise ;)
So now you know the details! Thanks for rejoicing with us and welcoming this new little life. We can't wait to see how God decides to use this big ol' family He's given us!
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3 Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
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4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
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5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
Psalm 127:3-5
