Here We Go Again

Thursday morning, January 21st, I woke up at 2:00am from a very real dream. In the dream I was pregnant, but it wasn't the most peaceful dream and I couldn't get back to sleep. I had seen a pregnancy test in the bathroom drawer the day before when cleaning out the bathroom. I decided if I was going to be awake I may as well take a test and put my mind at ease. I waited and squinted at the test in my hand and kind of thought that I saw the shadow of a second line appear. I kept thinking my eyes were playing tricks on me. It took us a year to get pregnant with Jacob and that was so frustrating, this go around we were on month two. I had been trying to prepare myself that we would have to wait a while to add a third kiddo to our family. I went back to bed tossed and turned for a couple more hours then fell asleep until Allan got up for work. I got up took him the first test and asked him if he saw a second line too...he did. I wanted to be sure so I went bought a test that actually says the word pregnant on it and by Thursday afternoon it was confirmed.
We were and remain so excited. I had thought that we would not make any big announcements for awhile since I found out at 4 weeks and it would be another 8 weeks before I was out of the "danger zone" but it became evident pretty early on that we were not going to be able to keep it from Claire and once she knew the news could spread pretty fast. Telling Claire was SO much fun!! She danced and screamed and jumped up and down. Jacob followed her lead which was funny because he has no idea why they were so happy. We decided to call our families that night as well and let Claire tell them the fun news. We also told a few of our closest friends right away knowing that they would be praying for a healthy pregnancy from the beginning and we will take all the prayers we can get.
I went to the doctor on Monday of this week and he said all looks well as far as he can tell and I am scheduled for my first sonogram on February 17th. I always feel such a sense of relief during that first ultrasound when I see the heart beating. At the moment the estimated due date is September 3oth.
This has already felt different than the first two pregnancies. I am really excited but I don't feel that urgent need to plan out the next nine months like I did the first two times. I guess I just feel a little more laid back this go around...granted I am only five weeks pregnant ;) I am feeling really well at the moment too which is so nice. I had one day that I felt really nauseous but it was the day I tried a prescription pre-natal vitamin and I think that kind of tore me up. I have felt a little tired by about 9pm, but am doing great during the day. I am really hoping and praying that I will feel this good for the next 33-35 weeks.

Seriously, this girl is a BLAST! She is so incredibly excited about another baby coming to live at our house. She is asking so many more questions this time and is doing things to "take care" of the baby.
A few fun Claire The Big Sister memories so far:
** "How do babies get in your tummy if they aren't already in there?"
** "Can the baby sleep in my room when you come home from the hospital? I will just come wake you up if the baby waked up."
** She will just come up to me and kiss my tummy or rub gently
** When Jacob is playing rough she says "Jacob you have to remember to be very gentle with the baby." Then she will look at me and say "Don't worry Mom, I will teach him how you are supposed to take care of babies."

Jacob is pretty much oblivious other than the fact that when I say "Where is the baby?" he pulls my shirt up. He has no idea what is coming, but I have no doubt he will be a wonderful big brother. The biggest concern is that he will love this baby a little too much ;)

Yesterday we were doing some art stuff and Claire asked if she could draw a picture of our family under a rainbow. I LOVE it!! I actually thing I will frame it. The picture kind of takes my breath away, I cannot believe that we are a family of FIVE.