Things I want to remember about this pregnancy

We found out we were pregnant on our anniversary getaway- in Canada.

The pregnancy test I took was confusing: the results it gave us were not pictured on the box or pamphlet: (super dark first line, nonexistent second line).

The news of this pregnancy was a direct answer to prayer. And a miracle. (Like all of our children have been.)

I felt stunned for the first several weeks (months?) Just a happy wonderment of, "Really?"

During that first trimester I went to sleep really early. Like 8pm early.

I've also wondered aloud at times to God, "What were You thinking?" (Especially due to challenges with our child-with-special-needs, and my being already so taxed with that every day, and then Adelia... so little; a baby herself.) But I trust that He knows *exactly* what He's doing. He does all things well.

People audibly gasp (or say stupid things) when they discover this is our fifth child.

We love it that this is our fifth child.

I was sick the first trimester. No throwing up (thank you, Lord!), but I didn't eat much, lost weight, and nothing sounded good. [Even ice cream, which is saying an awful lot.]

I've craved apples nearly every day of this pregnancy. I must have apples in the house. Gala apples.

I've also craved slushy, icy drinks. (Those Arctic Rushes at DQ? The old "Mr. Misty"? Those. And virgin margaritas. Lemonade blended with ice. Anything with blended ice.) During the summer I had several snow cones.

I've also had heartburn or acid reflux during this pregnancy. Never had that before. Taking TUMS every other day or so... eating smaller portions, gaining less weight. And feeling slightly crabby that I haven't gotten to take advantage of the "Eat whatever you want and as much as you want!!! You're eating for two!" mantra that I've so happily embraced during my previous two pregnancies.

I think it's a boy.

Mark thinks it's a girl. (Mark is usually right.)

It was really hard for us to settle on a girls' name this pregnancy. We had decided on one, and then around month 7 we both decided we didn't want that name, so began the search all over again.

Ella officially chose our girls' name.

It was much harder choosing names this pregnancy because all of our kids had an opinion, too.

I feel old this pregnancy.

And uncomfortable- in the evenings, especially. I can't sit comfortably, I feel like I'm constantly short of breath, my back aches... etc. [I don't remember these things in my other pregnancies.]

I feel complain-y in the evenings. Mark assures me that I'm not, but I feel grumbly about my discomfort. And then I immediately feel guilty because I am truly SO thankful.

My heart continues to ache for those who want so much to be pregnant and are not.. yet.

The time has gone by quickly. (Must be the four other little ones running around the house!)

I have been tired throughout this pregnancy. Every trimester.

Adelia has loved bouncing on my stomach.

Isaac, when saying "goodnight" or talking to baby, usually speaks to my boob. Which makes me laugh every single time.

Ella tells me I'm cute a lot. Which I love.

I love buying-- and wearing-- maternity clothes. And I can't remember what clothes I used to wear before switching to these ones.

I have worn the SAME pair of jeans nearly every day of this pregnancy. I have other maternity pants, but... this particular pair of jeans was so comfy that they were always my first choice. It's all about comfort for me.

So far --39 weeks-- no new stretch marks!

My belly button has never poked out before.

Mark is a wonderfully indulgent husband: late-night trips to the grocery store, back rubs, foot rubs, happy to let me get an entirely new wardrobe of clothes at Motherhood Maternity, wonderfully attentive and supportive.

I'm genuinely excited about delivery. Bring it on.

I'm so glad we haven't found out the gender. I so look forward to that surprise in the delivery room!

My wedding ring still fits.

This baby is REALLY active. REALLY. Mark says he can see it moving around more than he was able to with our other two.