Roses are red, violets are blue,
I’ve got something to share with you!
We’ve got two boys, they are our whole world,
which it’s about to expand by one little girl.
A party of 5 is what we’ll soon be,
and this little family is filled with glee!
Guys, there’s a very clear reason I haven’t written a poem since the 6th grade. Thank you Rhymer.com for help with…whatever that was…but yes, we are having another baby. I still almost can’t believe it!
As I mentioned in my post announcing our pregnancy with Cameron, I am very sensitive to the feelings of the women and men who are praying to God and pleading with the universe to bless them with a precious little one. Please know that I see your desires and struggles and wish nothing more then to be by your side with a supportive squeeze and listening ear. You got this.
But yes, a baby girl. Sugar, spice and everything nice! I am full of feels. ALL the feels, hahaha! Shock, excitment, nervousness – did I mention shock? I’ll admit I’ve raised a proverbial eyebrow in the past when people claim to know the gender of their baby before an anatomy scan, or having the baby of course, but the eyebrow is forever lowered because I knew from day one this child was a girl. My pregnancy with both boys was identical but since the day I got a positive test, everything’s been different. Crazy nausea, headaches 24/7, insanely vivid dreams. If that wasn’t enough, the moment she popped up on the screen during our first ultrasound at 11 weeks (I’m 17 weeks right now – due in late July) all I could see in my mind was a giant red heart. A girl…I just knew it.
Fast forward several weeks later and I got a call from our doctor’s office with the results of some blood tests that would also tell us gender. “Um, how accurate are these tests?” I asked the nurse on the phone. “Hmmm, let me check,” she said while rifling through some papers. “Oh, here it is. 99.9% accurate.”Â
Ok then!!
Hey listen, I have two brothers, two little boys, and am the least girly girl on the planet to boot, so to be honest with you I had a minor panic attack when the news I’d felt in my bones since the beginning was confirmed on paper. Barbies, bows and nail polish are foreign territory, but I can handle it. (**Edited to add: of course being a girl doesn’t automatically mean these things – I was a tomboy!) Where my thoughts immediately went was mean girls. Peer pressure. Body image. BOYS!!!! Which is weird since I had a mostly normal and happy teenage existence. I just very quickly realized how big of a part I’ll play in raising a strong and independent, kind and responsible woman. No pressure! Luckily my sister-in-law wisely advised me to focus on the here and now – aka picking out an adorable, ruffly onesie for her to come home in.
Everyone asks how Ben is feeling about having a third, and a girl. Umm, Ben is probably the most excited! We both grew up with two siblings and have always felt like a full house was a fun house. Lincoln is so so pumped, and Cameron has no idea, poor thing. We’ll get him a doll in the next month or two so he can start practicing. He and little sis will be 21 months apart.
Ok, parents of 3+ and/or 2 under 2, talk to me about:
- Double strollers. Lightweight, jogging – let me have it.
- SUV car seat configurations (what we currently have.) I’m all for becoming a mad mom in a minivan but Ben is insisting we hold onto what’s left of our cool card for as long as possible.
- Literally everything else. Give me all your good stories and advice. I feel WAY less nervous about having this baby then I did Cameron for about 100 different reasons, but being a mother to three precious children under five is still somewhat terrifying.
Thank you for allowing me share our wonderful news with you – oh my gosh, it feels so good to not hold it in anymore! I think this may help connect the dots as to why I’ve felt a bit preoccupied lately too. I’m finally past the “I’m so tired all I want to do is stare at the wall” phase, but being pregnant with two little boys and a business is no joke. So that said, thank you also for your understanding if things get a little willy nilly here for awhile. I am grateful to have the best, most loyal and supportive readers in the world. <3
Cindy 02.24.2018
Congrats!
Sharon Weaver 02.24.2018
Been away for a while, just checking in and pinning some recipes. Then boom, the news, so congratulations, and having a little girl in your kitchen will be a fun blessing..
Vicki 02.23.2018
Congratulations!
Dawn 02.23.2018
So happy for you! Buckle up!!!
:-)
Beth 02.22.2018
Congratulations!! We love our clek car seats. They are top of the line on safety and can fit three across. They may still have some 2017 models on sale.
Haley Addis Thomas 02.22.2018
I have three, three and under, so I get you. I bought the Zoe double side by side. Seriously the best, ways 16 pounds so it’s easy to carry and as light as a double umbrella, stands up when folded, and has a bar instead of handles. That’s the most important part because you can push it one handed while holding whichever kids refuses to sit in the stroller. It doesn’t lay completely flat but it’s good from about 3 months.
Sarah 02.22.2018
When my third was born, 20 months after my second, we had a Kia Sorento and bought one car seat for my oldest that was marketed as a narrow car seat. If I remember correctly we may not have gotten the narrow car seat right away, so it might not even have been needed. We currently have a Honda Pilot, which fits two boosters and the narrow five point car seat.
Kate 02.21.2018
Congrats!! I am due on my birthday which is July 23rd and 2 days before my son’s birthday, the 25th!
Linda 02.21.2018
…Soooo happy for y’all!!!
Jessica 02.21.2018
I just found you through Pinterest, but I wanted you to know, I’ll be sticking around! Thank you for including the little bit in the beginning about those who struggle. I am one of those people! Still working on baby #1. And your comment made my heart swell. There are so many people who just don’t get it, so I am ever so thankful for those that do. Thank you thank you. And congratulations!!
Jen 02.21.2018
Congratulations, so exciting! I have 3 girls followed by a boy (who is now 2 years old). Of course we would have been so excited for another girl but it’s has definitely been fun experiencing the ‘other side’- you will do great! And my first 2 are 20 months apart…while it has its challenges (sleep, competition) for the most part they are close as can be and it’s so nice to watch.
Kelly 02.21.2018
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family. I think you should wait to buy a stroller until the baby is here so you can better assess your needs. I had four different strollers and felt like not one of them solved all issues, fully. My oldest child is super independent and refused to sit in a stroller. So, although our double Bob side-by-side pushed easily and was well-made, we never used it. Plus, it was HUGE! I hated it for zoos or indoor places since you literally block an entire aisle with it. My Moutain Buggy single was by far the nicest and got a ton of use. You can even buy a skateboard that hooks to the stroller for an older kid to ride on while you push one or two kids in the stroller. A Sit and Stand stroller also got a lot of use. But, it doesn’t push as easily as higher-end brands. Go to a store where you can test them out with the kids. If they don’t want to sit in it in the store, they probably won’t want to sit in it elsewhere. But, then I suggest buying one used because you might need more than one option and the good ones aren’t cheap!
Leigh 02.21.2018
Congratulations! I’ve enjoyed checking in on your blog for years now and am so happy for you and your family!
anna* 02.21.2018
Congratulations! I’ve been following your blog for ages – seriously, since you used to do I think three posts a day? – and I LOVE the recipes, but I also love the little snippets into your life.
Zee 02.20.2018
Congratulations!!! As a mother of sons, I can imagine what it must be like to be in your shoes and expecting a girl, which is a whole other kettle of fish. But you got this – I am sure of that!
Enjoy your pregnancy (if possible, LOL!). The days will pass by so quickly until you will be bringing your little pink ruffled bundle home <3 <3 <3
Rie 02.20.2018
As someone who struggled (and lost) with infertility, your post is so sweet. To think of those not as fortunate shows how truly nice/special/sweet you are. Congratulations on your new addition. Speaking as a little sister…..God help ya…..teehee xoxoxoxo
Alison 02.20.2018
Oh my goodness, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! This is such exciting and wonderful news! That little lady is going to be so loved and so lucky to have two older brothers to play with, and look out for her!
Val - Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids 02.20.2018
I am so excited for you! As for the double stroller I had both a double jogging stroller (make sure you get one with a front oscillating wheel) and a double umbrella which was super handy to keep in the minivan. Now, let’s talk minivan. I personally didn’t want one but Ian wanted one as soon as we had one. We moved up to a Town & Country minivan when we were expecting number 3 and haven’t looked back sense. I love how the doors slide back. Little legs can climb into the van. There is room for everyone and there is still cargo space in the back and underneath the seats. Plus the new Town & Country minivans shape is more “boxy” giving it more of a SUV look.
Ruthie 02.20.2018
Congratulations wonderful news there’s a wonderful organization for MoMs and it’s called moms of preschoolers (mop) it’s a good way to get support for the tough job we have as moms. Christian based.
Luv Ruthie in kc mo who luvs hyvee too!
Natalie 02.19.2018
Congratulations! I love your blog, love your recipes, and wish you and your family love and happiness!