Hellobee

We went back and forth on whether to have a fourth baby for a long time, but we finally decided that we just felt like we were still missing someone. Even though we were pretty content with our three boys, there was this nagging feeling that we might regret it later if we didn’t have one more. Eventually, we decided to go for that fourth baby that we had always dreamed of until we had three and got old and tired and weren’t so sure anymore!

After a few months, we found out in December that I was pregnant. So, yes, Baby #4 is on the way! We wanted to wait to share the news until we had an ultrasound so we had a ready answer for the first question everyone asks: What if it’s twins again??!?!??! Answer: It is not.

My first ultrasound wasn’t until fairly late this time at 11 weeks. At that appointment, they said because I am Advanced Maternal Age this time (34 now but I will be 35 by delivery, which is what they base that lovely title off of), my insurance would likely cover the early noninvasive prenatal testing. I was able to do my blood draw that day and they said it could be up to two weeks before we got the results. Exactly one week later, the nurse called and said all the genetic testing turned out normal.  She knew we wanted to find out the gender together, so she left a card for us with the receptionist.

It would be a few hours before I could see DH so I went to Carters and had them open the card and wrap up a set of clothes that corresponded with the baby’s gender.

That night, we finally told the boys. The twins have been wanting another baby for a really long time. Elliot has been praying for months for “a baby sister Caroline.” We gave each boy a little gift bag to open with “Big Brother” shirts. It took a little prompting for them to figure out what it meant that Graham had a “Big Brother” shirt, too. When we finally said, “We’re having a baby!” Finn said, “Right NOW?????” We explained that the baby still needed to grow in my tummy, but that we would have a baby in a few months. Both of the big boys started yelling and Elliot said, “I’ve been praying for a baby!  My wish has come true!  [Hugs DH and says into his neck:] I got my wish, Daddy!”

That’s the one time I got a little choked up.  It was so sweet to see him (really both of them) so excited about this long awaited dream coming true. Next, they both asked if it was a baby sister since they seem to think that’s the only option because, “we already have a brother.”

We got out the next gift bag that had the clothes and card inside. We let them dive in and pull out the box. I helped them open it and . . .

(And seriously aren’t these cards from my OB’s office cute??  I was expecting a plain white card with “girl” or “boy” scrawled on it!)

Our boys got their little sister! We are thrilled to be adding a fourth little person to our family, and the fact that it’s a girl is just a nice change of pace for us. It has added an element of excitement for our family and friends, which by the fourth baby is kind of great!

I started blogging here before we started TTC the first time almost five years ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to make some good “friends” around here. I can’t imagine not sharing my last pregnancy with you, too.  (And, yes, this is sooooo our last one–everything that can be snipped or tied will be addressed!) So, friends, will you do this with me one more time before I retire into my post-baby having, old age?