Ten Weeks

(someday soon I will figure out how to take a picture in the bathroom that is not blurry)

The Baby: Little Sprout is now about the size of a kumquat. Amazingly tiny little fingernails are starting to form. Already, the little one has "arms" and "legs" and has started to kick, although I won't be able to feel it for a while yet. Little Sprout's vital organs are all there, although not fully developed yet. And that peach fuzz is starting to grow all over the skin. :)

Me: "Morning sickness" is letting up a little. Some days it hardly shows its face at all, and other days it comes back with a vengeance. Oh well. The cravings have started. Currently my must-haves are spinach, little gerkin sweet pickles, and potato chips. Unlike my other pregnancies, which I basically used as an excuse to eat whatever I felt like and not exercise, I am determined that this is going to be a much healthier pregnancy over all. (despite the potato chips!) I have been going to the gym every week day, which has actually been somewhat helpful in giving me some of my energy back. That, and the Drama Queen is done with school, so I am not running around so much!

The Belly:Is definitely pushing the limits on some of my clothes. I will probably have to give in to maternity clothes soon, which means I will have to get maternity clothes first. :)

The Siblings: My belly daily receives a lot of hugs and kisses from the other littles. The Beast is usually the one that remembers to pray for the baby at family devotion time. I asked the Beast if he had a baby in his tummy too, and he said, "No there's french fries in my tummy!" Not to be outdone, the Spud announced that there were chicken nuggets in his tummy. So cute! The Drama Queen refers to the baby as a "she" constantly, while of course the boys "just know" it's another boy.

Just a couple more weeks before I enter the second trimester!

Nine Weeks

So. It's been officially announced now and only the johnny-come-latelys are asking, "Oh are you pregnant? I had no idea?" For me, it's a huge relief to not have to cover up the growing belly with baggy clothes or pretend that I am fine when in reality I feel like puking all over you. :) And, of course, it was even harder to hide the excitement and joy we were feeling!

We were able to use Mothers Day to tell my mom and mother-in-law. We gave them each a big collage picture frame with five photo openings. One contained a picture of Chris and I, three more contained a picture of each darling child, and the last opening simply said "Coming in December 2011."

The Baby: Is currently the size of a grape and is about an inch long. This information is proudly shared by the Drama Queen with whomever she encounters. As far as we know, there's just one in there!

Me: "Morning sickness" hits about lunch time and doesn't let up until the evening. Super strong ginger beer, ginger chews, and sour candy have all been helpful for this. I miss my morning coffee a lot, but have found that some caffeinated teas are okay. I am also super tired and have been trying to sneak little naps in here or there.

The Belly: Is sticking out already. I guess that happens when it's kid #4. The kids kiss it every day and say "good morning, baby." The Beast also likes to lift up my shirt to check if the baby is ready to come out yet. haha

The Siblings: I told the Spud first - it was a little secret that he and I shared for a while. He would point to my belly and whisper, "Baby!" It was and is still so adorable. The Beast is REALLY excited. He loves babies and is fascinated by the fact that there is actually a baby inside me. The facts are what interest the Drama Queen the most - the baby's size, does it have arms and legs yet, etc. She is also fervently praying for a girl. We'll see!

and them there's the facts, folks. The (sort-of) due date is December 11, 2011 - but a dating ultrasound in June will be able to pinpoint it a little better.

happy times!