Otter Pup to make appearance around Halloween!

We are excited to announce that we are having our fourth baby due on Halloween.  You may remember that I was also due on Halloween with Jonas 2 years ago so they will be exactly two years apart.  The kids are thrilled.  I have yet to be thrilled because I have to think through the exhaustion and nausea that accompanies being pregnant, but Jared is being really supportive to make up for it.  I showed really early with Jonas (had an acquaintance ask me at 10 weeks if I was expecting) and this time I had an acquaintance ask me at 9.5 weeks.  So not fair!!  

The kids are thrilled and are trying to be good about "keeping the family secret" but in 3 and 5 year old ways.  For example, Jocelyn came home from school the other day and told me: "Mom, don't worry, I didn't tell anyone the secret, I just told Mrs. Berry that you might not be able to help out with the field trip because you've been throwing up" or "Don't worry mom, I didn't tell my friends you were having a baby, I just told them I had a big secret that I could only talk about with family!"  Gotta love them for trying! 

My friends around here are being very supportive and doing everything from bringing dinner to watching my kids, or switching me weeks of teaching preschool so I can get through this horrible couple months.  I am 11 weeks right now and looking forward to 16 weeks when I usually feel a little bit better!  I put myself right on the Unisom/Vitamin B6 combo that helped so much during my pregnancy with Jonas and that at least keeps the throwing up under control.  I still feel nauseous all day, throw up sometimes and feel very exhausted, but not having to throw up every morning REALLY helps.

This took us all by surprise and I’m wondering how in the world we will all survive with such little kids close in age?   Jocelyn will turn 6 the month before this baby is born.  It all sounds very daunting but, at the same time, I have faith that it will all work out.  Jared and I were so fortunate to have siblings that we were close to (in friendship and age) and I hope this will provide our children with the same opportunity.  I guess we’ll take it one day at a time and enjoy the small moments amidst the chaos!

We’ve been having a lot of these dance parties

And these reading parties…The girls and I are usually crowded around Jonas while I read a big stack of books, but this is the only recent picture I had on hand

Reading on the couch

Snuggling/Napping on the couch

As they are simple, and at home so I can rest while the kids entertain each other.  We’ve been having simple dinners, occasional take-out and I try to nap most days while Jonas is napping.  Hoping for a healthy pregnancy and  baby...