8 Weeks

It's sort of crazy to be writing about baby #4 after I went back and read my blog from baby #1 and #2.  In one of those blogs years ago I mentioned having 4 children all together, and to now be looking at #4 coming in just a few months is eye opening to say the least. It has been just a few short years filled with lots of love, giggles, and happiness. I can't say for certain #4 will be the last but I'm pretty sure he/she will be. It's just in my mind I'm not sure if I will be able to say, "this is the last." I would rather sort of leave it open to God's leading and tugging on my heart. I, however, feel complete -for now- so we'll just leave that there =).

I had a doctor appointment today and was seriously disappointed not to be able to hear a heart beat. I know I would have scheduled the appointment later had I known that wasn't possible. Now I'll have to wait until September 1 to hear it. Or hopefully be able to pick it up on my sisters doppler between now and then.

I feel much like I did with Elizabeth's pregnancy. I'm bloated, stuffy nosed, fatigued (which was with the boys too), and have food/smell aversions like crazy. This last symptom was strictly with Elizabeth's pregnancy, so again I'm going to go on saying here that "it" is a girl ;).

I'm heavier this time around than I've been in all three of my other pregnancies. I'm hoping this means I'll even out around the end, but we'll see. I'm not stressing about that this time around. Amazing what four pregnancies and experience will do to you, but I know I'm not getting obese or anything, I know I'm healthy, and I know breast feeding I'm going to lose a lot of weight. It's nice to relax a little bit this time around and just enjoy all the moments!

I get a lot of "oh you have your hands full" at supermarkets and stores and I know soon they will also notice I'm expecting again. I can't wait to hear the comments on that, lol. I've honestly come to embrace these conversations though. I don't believe most people are being -or trying to be- rude per se. I think they just want to talk, but really don't know what else to say to start conversation other than something cliche. I came to this conclusion after a few older women telling me how blessed I was following the "your hands are full" statement. So instead of saying something smart aleck back I generally smile and say, "yes they are." I'm happy that my hands are full because so is my heart. I hope that comes across when people are talking to me. I don't want to come across as aloof or disconnected when people try to start a conversation. Having children with me actually opens a door that isn't typically open when I'm at the store alone. Nobody starts conversation with me when I'm walking the aisles alone. It's only when I'm pregnant, or have all the kiddos around, that people open up. It's something of a blessing really. Imagine a society where people would openly talk and get to know each other, and not walk around in our own worlds. I think we would be willing to help each other a little more. Like the woman behind me at Target who cleaned up the ice one of my kids spilt, instead of looking at me like I was insane for having so many kids. If only the world had more people like her. They say it takes a village, but we often are too rude to even allow villagers into our lives. Too rude to start up conversation with someone just because they say something we find "offensive." I guess I'm just giving advice here to other mommas. Allow people to talk with you, to help you, and to share in the human experience. Kids ARE a blessing and generally when an older person is talking about how full your hands are it's because they are missing those times when they too had full hands. I'll have to think of something good to say when I start to show again ;).