Our Family’s Next Grand Adventure: Welcoming Baby Number Four!
Life in our home is a beautiful symphony of joyful chaos, endless laughter, and an abundance of love. And it’s about to get even sweeter! We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredibly exciting news that will add another precious melody to our bustling household. Our wonderful boys, already the best of friends, are officially in training for their biggest roles yet: becoming big brothers once again!
Yes, you read that right – our family is expanding once more! We are over the moon to announce that Baby #4 is joyfully making their way into the world, with an arrival anticipated this November. The excitement is palpable, and our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and anticipation for this new chapter.
As you can imagine, with the announcement of another little one joining our already vibrant crew, we’ve encountered a few recurring questions from friends and family. Let’s dive into some of the most common inquiries, offering a glimpse into our journey and our vision for our beautifully expanding family.
Answering Your Burning Questions About Our Growing Family
Were you trying for another baby?
Absolutely! The dream of nurturing a large, loving family has always been deeply rooted in our hearts. Each child is a cherished gift, a blessing we’ve prayed for and welcomed with open arms. This little one is no exception. We feel incredibly fortunate and profoundly thankful that God has answered our prayers once more, allowing us to continue building the family we’ve always envisioned.
Are you sure it’s just one?
Indeed, just one precious little blessing this time around! Our first ultrasound presented a delightfully different scene compared to the memorable day we discovered we were expecting twins. While the memory of that double surprise still brings a smile to our faces, experiencing a single pregnancy again offers its own unique form of anticipation and joy. We are simply excited to meet our newest individual family member.
Are you hoping for a girl this time?
Our greatest hope, above all else, is for a healthy child. Whether it’s another spirited boy or a sweet little girl, our hearts will be equally full. We often joke that we’ve practically mastered the art of raising boys; we have everything ready, from hand-me-down clothes to beloved toys, and the thought of our current boys having another brother to join their adventures is incredibly appealing. Imagine the energy, the laughter, the sheer “crazy times four” that would fill our home! On the other hand, the prospect of welcoming a little girl is equally enchanting. She would undoubtedly be cherished and fiercely protected by her older brothers throughout her life, and we have no doubt she would have her Dada wrapped around her little finger from the very first moment. Ultimately, the gender truly doesn’t matter; what matters is the unique soul who will complete our family.
Will you be finding out the gender before the birth?
Nope, not this time! We absolutely adore the element of surprise. Discovering the baby’s gender at the moment of birth is, for us, one of life’s most exquisite and unforgettable experiences. It adds an extra layer of magic and wonder to an already miraculous event. We cherish that moment of pure revelation in the delivery room, making the big reveal a shared, intimate memory. So, we’ll all be eagerly awaiting November to meet our little one and discover if it’s a he or a she!
Will the baby have another ‘B’ name?
Ah, that’s a fantastic question, and one we’ve been pondering ourselves! It’s a fun family tradition we’ve established, and we enjoy the challenge of finding names that fit our pattern while also feeling unique and special. We’re keeping our options open for now, but we’re certainly exploring a few possibilities. Perhaps you have some creative ‘B’ name suggestions for us?
Are you absolutely, positively done after this one?!
Haha, this question always makes us smile! While we never say “never” in life, we feel a strong sense of completeness with the prospect of four children. This pregnancy very much feels like our last, and we’re embracing every single moment with this baby as such. There’s a bittersweet awareness that these precious baby milestones – the first kicks, the tiny yawns, the gentle coos – will likely be experienced for the final time. We intend to cherish each one with an intensity born from knowing it’s our last dance with babyhood. Yes, pass the tissues, because it’s going to be an emotional and beautiful ride!
Embracing the Beautiful Chaos: Life with Four Under Five
We’re already bracing ourselves for the playful comments that will undoubtedly increase once my belly starts to truly show. “Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” is a phrase we hear multiple times a day as it is, and we know that’s just the tip of the iceberg! I still laugh remembering my great-aunt’s reaction when we told her about baby #4; her immediate response was, “Do y’all know how this happens?!?” Oh, the joys of a growing family and the well-meaning, hilarious comments that come with it!
To be completely honest, the idea of having four children under the age of five doesn’t faze us in the slightest. We’ve weathered more intense storms, having had three children under the age of two at one point, all of them in diapers! If we survived that whirlwind of constant diaper changes, feeding schedules, and managing three tiny humans simultaneously, then facing just one in diapers feels like it will be a breeze. Of course, logistics will require a little more planning and coordination, but we’re already outnumbered as parents, so what’s one more addition to our incredible team? Kidding (mostly)! Our previous experiences have armed us with a unique resilience and a deep well of patience, making us confident and excited for this next adventure.
One common concern many parents express, especially when expecting their second child, is whether they can truly love another child as much as the first. This was never a worry for me. I’ve always trusted that my heart possesses an infinite capacity for love, and with each new arrival, it truly expands. The moment we discovered we were expecting this little one, I felt my heart double in size once again. There’s an immense, unconditional love that already flows for this baby, even before we’ve had the chance to meet him or her.
Big Brothers in Training: The Boys’ Excitement
We’ve been chatting a lot about the baby with the boys, and their reactions have been nothing short of adorable. Baker, our eldest, truly “gets it” and is incredibly inquisitive. His questions about how and when the baby will emerge from my belly have led to some hilariously honest and tender conversations. Our twins, on the other hand, are absolute baby magnets. They light up with glee every time we mention “the baby” and eagerly anticipate their new sibling. Now that my belly is becoming more prominent, they love to pat it gently, whisper sweet words, and shower it with soft kisses. It’s incredibly heartwarming to witness their burgeoning affection. There’s no doubt that this baby will be absolutely smothered in love from the moment they are born, surrounded by three doting big brothers.
Pregnancy Unveiled: Symptoms and Cravings
Every pregnancy brings its unique set of experiences, but for me, there’s one symptom that has been a consistent and unmistakable sign across all four of my pregnancies. Prepare yourselves for this revelation: I develop a strong aversion to sweets! Yes, you heard that correctly – sweets! We’re talking cookies, brownies, ice cream, donuts, anything sugary. The mere thought of them can honestly make me gag. It’s truly bizarre, especially since I normally have the biggest sweet tooth imaginable. The moment I find myself repulsed by something sweet, I know for certain that I’m expecting. While I’ve managed to stomach a few sweet treats here and there for social occasions or for recipe testing purposes (a necessary evil for a baker!), my true preference shifts dramatically towards savory delights. I’m slowly starting to regain a faint desire for sweets, but my savory cravings are still overwhelmingly dominant. It’s a fascinating and rather inconvenient pregnancy quirk!
Currently, my top cravings are a diverse and distinct list: crispy french fries, savory peanut butter-stuffed pretzels, refreshing baby carrots dipped in hummus, satisfying lean meats, and unsweetened iced tea with an abundance of fresh lemon slices. The iced tea craving is particularly new for me, as it’s something I rarely ever drank before. But now, it’s a daily ritual, and I’m absolutely loving it!
Navigating the First Trimester and Embracing Wellness
The first trimester was, admittedly, quite exhausting this time around. I suspect it’s a combination of being a little older and having three energetic boys to keep up with! For a few weeks, all I wanted to do was sleep – I’m talking 17 hours a day! It definitely threw my routine off, but I’m incredibly grateful to report that I’m steadily gaining back more and more energy each day. Hooray! To help me power through, I’ve started prioritizing earlier bedtimes and making sure to squeeze in an hour-long nap each afternoon. These small adjustments have made a huge difference in my overall well-being.
When I’m pregnant, I tend to be quite laid-back about most things, but there are three non-negotiables: protein intake, hydration, and regular exercise. My personal goal is to consume 100 grams of protein daily, drink at least 100 ounces of water, and aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. I followed this regimen during my previous pregnancies, and it truly made a significant impact on how great I felt, right up until the boys were born. Maintaining these pillars of health helps me feel strong, energetic, and mentally prepared for the demands of pregnancy and motherhood.
Looking Ahead: Our November Blessing
So, there you have it – our incredibly exciting news! So far, everything is progressing wonderfully. Our little baby is growing right on track, and my belly is certainly not shy about showing its presence. We feel overwhelmingly blessed and incredibly thankful for this precious miracle. The anticipation of welcoming him or her into our loving family this fall is almost unbearable, and we count down the days until we can hold our newest bundle of joy.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your continuous love, support, and encouragement as our crazy, beautiful family continues to grow. Your well wishes mean the world to us!
xoxo,
Maegan, Brandon, Boys & Baby!!!!