We are thrilled to announce that we are expecting Baby #6 sometime in February! This is all according to God's wonderful plan for our family and we are ready to embrace every part of it, the joys as well as the challenges, knowing that God will use it to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ!!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are you crazy???
Pretty much! David got up at 4:30 am to run 13 miles to the beach and back. I take all five kids shopping with me everywhere. Craziness abounds in this family! Adding a bit more with a sixth child will be indistinguishable.
When are you going to stop having kids?
Well, we believe #6 will be the caboose, provided she is a beautiful red-head. No, seriously, our van will be at maximum seating capacity and I will turn 40 two months after the baby's birth, so we do believe there are logical reasons to be more proactive in limiting the growth of our family after this child is born.
How are you feeling?
Well, I feel pretty nauseous most of the day and have trouble eating much until the evening. I also feel really, really tired. Once, I went to bed right after dinner. Yes, that left clean-up and baths and bedtime in David's hands. I admit it. I am a really crummy mom.
What can't you eat/drink?
Well, I try to avoid the typical no-nos, like soft cheese and sushi. I have no reservations about drinking caffeine while pregnant, but a horrible effect pregnancy has on my body is that I detest the smell of coffee. My stomach churns even at the thought of my typical espresso style beverage of choice.
What kind of cravings do you get?
Milk tea with boba is my number one craving. Number 2 is udon noodle bowl (yea, I hang out with lots of Asians, ha, ha). Number 3 is popcorn with LOTS of salt!
Are you still nursing Josiah?
Yep, the little guy is still nursing about once a day. I take an extra calcium supplement and plan to continue nursing him until he's ready to be done. I'm guessing that's going to be soon as pregnancy causes the taste of the milk to change, but I'm really in no rush to wean him.
Where is the baby going to sleep?
Initially, with us. Then, in our walk-in closet. Then, wherever he/she belongs. We have three bedrooms, one for the parents, one for the boys, and one for the girls.
Are you going to find out the gender?
Yes, we are. I hate that we won't be surprised this time, but we've got to be practical, so that we can plan for the future arrangement of rooms before we become really sleep-deprived. Sometimes practicality trumps all.
Do you have a preference?
Honestly, we just want a healthy baby, but it would be icing on the cake if it was a girl. Then, we'd be symmetrical again, four boys and four girls!
How are you going to do it all?
With God's grace! Practically speaking, we are working on teaching the girls to take over more of the cleaning, so that some of their chores can be passed off to the twins. Many hands make light work. The girls have plans to make dinner for six weeks post-partum, too. Mac n cheese and brownies -- the meal of champions.
Where are you going to have the baby?
We are again planning to birth the baby in the comfort of our own home assisted by the wonderful team at South Coast Midwifery.
Hopefully, that covers it for now!
I think it is exciting that you are having baby #6. I hope too that it is a girl. Mary and Maggie will be delighted to have another baby in the house and I am sure they will be your helpers. Mary has already shown how competent she is at baking, cleaning, baby care, helping the boys to bathe and dress. Maura you are not a crummy mother. You push yourself beyond belief and if you went to bed after dinner you must have been exhausted. You need to take care of yourself and the baby you are carrying.
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