We found out about baby #2 when I was only 4 weeks along. We were completely surprised! We had talked about having another soon, but since it took us a while to get pregnant with Josh we expected it to be a little while still. It was the weekend of my grandmother's funeral and although I didn't feel sick or anything, I was completely exhausted. Like...have never been this tired before in my whole life...not even with a newborn and no sleep. I mentioned to Jon that I was abnormally tired but we both thought it was just because the last couple weeks had been so stressful with long hours at the hospital and funeral arrangements. I didn't think much more about it until I was at the dollar store getting some supplies for Josh's 2nd birthday party, and decided to get a pregnancy test. I figured, "all I'm losing is a dollar" and I was sure it was going to be negative anyway.
I took the test the next morning. Jon was already at church for worship team and Josh was still sleeping so I had some time to myself. Sure enough...the faintest but very much "there" pink line showed up on the test. Had to be a fluke right? I immediately started crying. Freaking out. Pacing back and forth just staring at it. I seriously could not believe it. I decided I would take Josh to Target on our way to church and get some more tests, just to be sure. I chugged a bottle of water on our way there and took 2 more tests in the Target bathroom (while Josh played cars on the floor...gross). Both showed up positive right away, including a digital one. There was definitely a baby in my belly! I cried some more, called Jon to tell him (I was too shocked to wait and think of some cute way to tell him) and we went to church, just like it was any other Sunday.
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| Our selfie in the Target bathroom. Josh was obviously not amused. |
We told our families that week but kept it quiet from everyone else. After all, it was so new and I was still so early. I went to teacher orientation that week feeling pretty great honestly (oh I miss that feeling!) and I scheduled all my necessary appointments for the coming weeks. We still were having a hard time wrapping our heads around the news! We had Josh's 2nd birthday party which was super fun and a great distraction for me. We had our first sonogram and visit with my doctor and discussed plans for this second little babe. I also began preparations for school to start (another great distraction) all while knowing that the morning sickness was probably about to hit any minute (and it did in full force!)
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| Our little babe at 7 wks + 4 days |
Everything looked good at my sonogram (such a cute little chunky peanut baby!) and as I went into my 8th week I thought, "man I'm feeling pretty good! Maybe I won't be as sick this time!" I was feeling nauseous pretty much constantly and having the usual food aversions (meat...blech) but wasn't throwing up nearly as much as I did with Josh. I continued to be very nauseous and occasionally sick (mostly I felt the worst at night) but was still able to make it through teaching and home activities.
Then in the middle of my 10th week we took an unexpected trip to the hospital. I was having some bleeding, and while it wasn't heavy, it was out of the ordinary and we didn't want to take any chances. I've never had to go to the ER before and I was trying to stay calm, but obviously worried. After about 4 hours of tests, waiting, more tests, and more waiting, they finally told me that the baby was perfectly fine and measuring right on track with a very healthy heartbeat (cue major sighs of relief) but (uh-oh) they did find a small bleed (subchorionic hematoma). Although it was small, it can present some complications, one of them being that the bleed keeps growing and eventually prevents the baby from growing. Most of them heal on their own though so that's what we are hoping for! They sent me home with bedrest orders until I could follow up with my doctor and very strict orders to basically not do anything except lay down.
My doctor recommended the same thing for 2 weeks until my next appointment and to not lift anything, do any cleaning or any type of exercise. I could basically go to the bathroom, shower and get myself food. I wasn't even supposed to pick up Josh (yeah right!) Almost as soon as I got home from the hospital I started getting major morning (let's face it...all day) sickness and just felt horrible. Basically like I was coming down with the flu...every day. Laying in bed and doing nothing else didn't really help either. My sweet husband you guys...he is just the best there is. At my 12 week appointment my doctor was very comforting and supportive, telling me that she was confident it would heal on its own, especially since the bleeding had stopped. The baby's heartbeat was loud and strong (the best sound ever!) and all of my bloodwork and other tests looked normal. I was sent home with instructions for pelvic rest (basically I didn't have to lay in bed but still nothing strenuous and no exercise or heavy lifting).
Fast forward another 2 weeks and I am beginning (finger's crossed) to feel better this week. I still have bad days/moments here and there but my appetite is picking up and I'm starting to feel like I can do things. I go back to teaching this week (yay!) and am hoping for a breezy pregnancy from here on out (even though I know pregnancy isn't breezy) We will hopefully be finding out in about 3 weeks what we are having (!!!!) and we are so excited! We are also heading up to NC next weekend for a family reunion/birthday celebration so we are excited to see everyone (and for some fall weather!)
Thank you to all of you who have helped us these past couple weeks/months. It has been tough for me to sit back and let others clean and cook and entertain Josh but I know it is what is best for me and the baby right now, and that makes it worth it. Thank you for the prayers, texts and congrats from you as well. We are so grateful that God has chosen this season for us right now, and we are especially grateful for His perfect timing and plan.
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| Our official announcement courtesy of big brother Josh! |
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| 14 wks + 3 days |
