2+1...Here We Come!

In one sense, this post is long overdue. In another, I think the timing is just right. Actually, I was going to wait a bit longer, but I'm too excited. So here it goes...

We're having another baby!

Yes, on top of moving and starting a PhD program/new jobs - we are soon going to be outnumbered! I can't wait!

And while the timing is crazy, it's actually perfect for us. Right now, it looks like I will be having the baby right after I finish up my first semester. Cool, right? Best early Christmas present ever!

Let's start at the beginning...

1. Late April: Decided to take a pregnancy test. Only had one period after weaning Adrian from breastfeeding. So not expected! Riley and Adrian each took about a year of trying. This time, I had recently accepted UGA's acceptance offer and my weight was a bit on the low side. I didn't even think pregnancy was a possibility. I was wrong. I set out the positive test for Shawn to see when he got his breakfast.

Shawn: What does this mean?
Me: What do you think it means?

Shock. Dumbfounded shock. For both of us. But that soon evaporated - with the help of support from mentors, friends, and mom, and we were left with happiness and excitement.

2. May-early June: Threw up once. Then a few weeks of crazy fatigue and nausea. One night, I had to have a California roll. The next night, seafood salad. My tastes were weird and wild.

3. June: Found out I have two clotting disorders. Went to see a hemotologist. Worst doctor's office I've ever been to. Started taking four extra vitamins per day and Lovenox shots to the love handles. By the way, my sides look polka-dotted with bruises now! Oh, and my veins are gross this time around. Seriously, I have palpable green veins and splotches of purple all over the backs of my legs. Hot, that's what that is!

4. July: Since I was up in Athens for the month, I had to miss my appointment this month. Fortunately, my mom's best friend let me borrow her doppler so I could at least check the baby's heartbeat. Such a lovely, lovely sound! I'm pretty good at finding the little bugger now. First time, I probably scanned for over an hour.

5. August 3: Felt the baby move for the first time. Oh, I love this part of being pregnant. My favorite thing by far. Since then, I've felt little taps and pushes pretty regularly. I hit 19 weeks yesterday, and this is a good two weeks earlier than I've ever felt movement. Very exciting.

6. Other info: I am just starting to pop a bit. I think I have gained 6-7 pounds so far. We have names for a boy and a girl, and we still don't know if we are going to find out the gender or wait to be surprised. I am trying to nail down a new doctor up here. The process has been more complicated than I thought it would. Hopefully, I will get in for my anatomy scan in the next couple of weeks.

So there you have it! We are so thankful and thrilled for this blessing. For now, I am savoring this pregnancy: hearing the baby's heartbeat, feeling little kicks, knowing a baby is growing inside me. At the same time, I am savoring Riley and Adrian: watching them play and interact, seeing them grow and learn, hugging and holding them as much as I can. It all passes too quickly, doesn't it? So for now, I'm savoring.

And warming up my juggling skills.