The pregnancy and birth of our last child was very public.
I posted weekly updates, sharing my joys and concerns. My readers saw me every step of the way through that journey. It was a fun way to celebrate new life!
Creed’s pregnancy followed on the heels of 2 back-to-back miscarriages – something I had never faced before. I wondered if my body was failing me, if I was getting old, or if there was something wrong. My doctor was convinced it was none of the above and even sent me a card as I waited to miscarry the second time, telling me how she looked forward to seeing me under happier circumstances. (note: I miscarried both of those babies naturally. The wait was excruciating, but it truly is much easier to deal with than having a D&C.)
Creed’s pregnancy came at my favorite time of year to be pregnant and give birth. I prefer to be sick during the hot summer and relish the cool days when I feel well, and have baby shortly before or after the holidays when there is so much to keep my mind busy. Creed would make the 4th birthday in January – born on my grandfather’s birthday (he passed away when I was newly pregnant with Creed).
The entire pregnancy was pretty typical for me. Morning sickness, anemia, huge belly. His birth and the hours following were where the stress came in.
We had an hour drive to the hospital in the early morning hours of January 17, 2013. The contractions I was having at my appointment just a few hours before were piling on top of each other, and I was pretty much screaming. (Yeah, I can admit it – it was not pleasant.) Once at the hospital, they did not relax at all (usually I have a bit of reprieve once I get to the hospital, but not this time), and I asked for an epidural.
I’m going to take a second here to talk candidly…
I refuse to guilt people about how they choose to birth. I’ve done this birthing thing every which way, and you have to make choices based on what you need at that exact moment in time. I have birthed 8 babies, and if I want an epidural, I am allowed to have an epidural. That won’t necessarily be my choice every time. But this time it was. (You can read the first 2 parts of my birthing journey HERE and HERE if you are interested to read about all the different birth experiences I’ve had.)
I did have a bit of a blood pressure dip during labor. I have low blood pressure anyway and I got where I needed some fluids to get me perked up enough to push. And because of my diastasis recti, my doctor had to position baby by pushing on my belly to get him where he needed to be. But, a few pushes and he was here – all 10 pounds, 15 ounces of him!
And as you can see, a head FULL of hair!
The hospital I birth at has some awesome newborn policies in place – kangaroo care (skin-to-skin) the first hour, 2 hours recovery for mom without interruptions, no vitals if baby or mama is sleeping the entire hospital stay.
But, we did have quite a scare that came later that morning…
The pediatric resident came in and took a very long time listening to Creed’s heart. At birth, he had been a little wet on his lungs, so we figured that was what the doctor was hearing. However, we quickly realized he was taking entirely too long for that to be all it was.
And then he asks us the question…
“Have you ever had a child with a congenital defect.”
My heart sank as we relayed Emily’s story. Emily had malrotation of the intestine, and it is not uncommon for that malrotation to manifest itself in other parts of the body – the heart included. Even though Emily’s heart had not been on the wrong side, we wondered if Creed might be exhibiting a similar defect. The doctor ordered a chest X-ray as I sat there in shock. I am embarrassed to say I could not even look over at Creed. He looked so much like Emily – his fluffy, dark hair, his round little face – the pain was too much. My mind raced along all the possibilities as we waited for the results.
Emily & Creed – the resemblance in the early days was uncanny.
Ty stepped out to get me a drink, and for many months kept from me the fact that he saw Emily’s surgeon in the hallway. It shook him to the core, but he knew he could not share it with me. I am grateful he kept that from me. I don’t know if I could have handled it at the time.
Meanwhile, my children all came up to the room to see the baby. The fear on my face was all to obvious, and they were ushered back out and sent home due to the potential for sickness and the fact that we were dealing with something traumatic. They didn’t understand what was going on, and sadly, they would not hold their baby brother for another week. More on that in a moment…
Finally, the doctor came back in and told us he is rarely wrong, but this time, he was wrong. I bawled. The wetness on Creed’s lung had pushed his heart over a bit. It would return to normal once his lung dried out. I finally felt like I could relax and enjoy my newest little one.
Creed was a dream baby. After a colicky 7th child, it was a welcome relief to have a child who was calm.
Remember, I said his siblings did not hold him for a week? Well, unbeknownst to us, the 6 year old was coming down with a fever the day Creed was born. By the next day, nearly all the children were sick. They were at two different grandparents houses, and it took a week for them to be well enough to come home.
During that time, Ty and I were like brand new parents. It was just us and Baby Creed. It was bizarre, but in many ways blessed. My attentions were not pulled in 10 different directions. I had only baby and myself to care for. Ty was able to spend a lot of time with baby as well. And my recovery was much quicker.
In many cultures, mom and baby take up to 2 weeks shut away from the rest of the world. I would have told you prior to this birth, that that would have driven me crazy. But no more. I see the merit in time with just mom and baby. I see the merit in really taking it easy. Sadly, in our culture, this is not typically a possibility. The women of the village are not available for this type of aftercare. And so we muddle through the best we can.
Fast-forward to today…Creed is now a roly-poly 15 month old!
He’s a joy to have around (although, I really wish he’d stop climbing up on top of the table!). He’s all smiles and giggles as he trots through the house.
And he has something to tell you!
This birthing journey isn’t finished yet…
Coming December 2014!
Lindsey says
Yes! Being a night owl does have its benefits…lol! I get to be the first to congratulate you on your newest baby! How exciting! I believe I have overused the exclamation point but I am so happy for you all.
Amy says
LOL – Thank you!!!
Julie M. says
So so happy for you and your family!! Praying for a healthy pregnancy and baby!! Can’t wait to follow along with this amazing journey! Congratulations!!!!
Isabelle says
Congratulations!
I am due with baby number 3 on december 5th, so it will be exciting to follow your pregnancy at the same time as mine!
I wish you a healthy pregnancy!
Amy says
Congratulations!!!
HeatherHH says
As we neared the end and saw a 15-month-old Creed, I wondered if an announcement was coming! Congratulations!!
Heather (mother to 7 ages 12 and under, plus #8 due in late June)
Amy says
🙂 (and congratulations to you as well – coming very soon!)
Verna says
Congratulations Amy!!
Kari says
Wow! What a story! I am sorry it was so scary there for a while. Our 5th was born with the cord wrapped around his neck, not breathing or moving. After losing our 4th to miscarriage I was terrified! Laying there watching them do compressions on my newborn was the scariest moment of my life! We are so blessed not only that he survived but he has thrived! He will be 2 in August and there are no lasting effects from the lack of oxygen. Praise God! I am grateful for your healthy little guy today and so excited to hear you have another on the way! So exciting!!
Angela M says
Oh Amy, congratulations! God Bless!
Cecilia says
So happy to hear. 🙂 Congratulations!
Julie says
Yay! Congratulations, Amy!
Lisa Suit says
Yay!!! Congratulations!! So very excited for you and your family!!
Renee' says
Congrats! So happy for you and your family, will be praying for you all. 🙂
Lauren says
Congratulations!!! I am very happy for your family.
It was encouraging to read about all the different ways you’ve birthed. I had a horrid first birth in hospital, and then two (quite different) home births. I have felt conflict over whether to continue with the home births, and it is encouraging to have ‘permission’ if you will, to take things as they come and do what’s expedient at the time.
I am also expecting in December this year, after two back to back miscarriages, (also never experienced anything like that before) and would appreciate any prayers offered up on my behalf! I just want to be able to trust and praise God no matter the outcome of this pregnancy.
Thanks again for the blessing this blog has been!
Amy says
I will be praying! I had a little bit of scare with this one already, so when I pray for this little one, I will be praying for you as well! It is difficult to just relax and let go. Yesterday’s post was really very much where I am now and praying I stay there. ((HUGS)) and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Charlotte Moore says
Oh my that was a scary experience. I can’t believe how much he and Emily did favor in those pictures. I am sure it had to be bitter sweet at the time.
How did Creed get to be this big so fast?? That was a shocker when I saw him and he doesn’t look like a baby.
I was not expecting that last news. HA!! PRAY all goes well for you and the baby.
BLESSINGS!!!!
Amy says
Creed is a little man! It is unreal how fast time flies! Right now he’s chasing his brothers trying to do everything they do!
Kate Gold @ http://majesticgoldenrose.weebly.com/ says
Time has flown! I cant so much Creed’s birth, except for the “lets lose baby weight challenge” after 🙂
All the best!
raisingcropsandbabies says
Congrats! I totally agree about how wonderful it is to be just the baby and Papa and Mama for a time! By the time I had my 4th baby, I stayed in the hospital as long as possible (4 days because of c-section) so I could be rested and just have that bonding time with her (I only stayed 2 days post-op with my 2nd, 3 days with my 3rd, and I finally got smart with my 4th!). It’s crazy how much better you feel by day 4 vs. day 3 even! I knew as soon as I got home that sweet quiet would no longer be and I’d start having to save the baby’s life all day long (“don’t lay on her!” “quit licking her head!” “don’t touch her head!” “don’t poke her eyes!”).
Amy says
LOL – exactly! I wish hospitals would let mamas stay just a bit longer if they want. My doctors have always been very accommodating to “order” a longer a stay for me, but the being at home with just us was something new for me.
Anna Mary says
I think it is so funny how different mothers are. For example you guys would like to stay longer in the hospital and I always tell my dr. if I could give birth and go home to my family 2 hours later I would be thrilled. I don’t like being in the hospital I get bored and clean my room. I would rather be home in the hustle and bustle of my family. I have never had a c-section so not sure I’d feel the same if that were the case. It just goes to show pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum are not one size fits all.
Amy says
LOL – I have a friend just like that. For me, it’s a vacation! Someone fixes my food and all I have to do is play with the baby and sleep!
Angela says
I have to agree entirely. The longer I am in a hospital bed the longer I have to recover from the hospital stay not so much the birth… uncomfortable bed, nurses checking up at all hours, limited privacy, bad food… maby you all just have nicer hospitals to birth in, but the sooner I am home the better. That said though my mother has always been so wonderful to be here so that I can just focus on the new baby, couldn’t do it without that help.
Andrea says
Amy,
I have enjoyed reading your blog over the years. Congratulations on your new pregnancy!
Michele says
Congratulations Amy! So excited for your family and look forward at a beautiful birth story in December!
Lari says
Congratulations Amy!!! I found your blog about the time you announced your pregnancy with Creed. I was pregnant at the time. My Silas was born Jan 4th so I enjoy your updates. Hope you’re not too sick!!
Jacki McGinnity says
Congrats! Will be praying for you.
Anna Mary says
Congratulations Amy and Family! How fun and exciting! Your little Creed is only a few weeks older than our little Kent. This is such a fun age.
We are expecting our 9th in Sept. and I keep telling my husband I love the name Creed. However, we would spell it with a K because all our kids names start with K. Not something I would recommend, it is getting very hard to come up with names!
Anyway, congrats!
Amy says
All our of kiddos have 5 letter names – I understand! Yay for #9s – I never in a million years would have thought the Lord would give us 9 (or 8 or 7 or…well, you get the idea 🙂 )
Alene says
Congratulations!! So happy for the whole family!
Sarah says
Thank you for sharing your story. I absolutely love reading birth stories. My husband and I got a laugh at the end because we were chatting a bit about when we wanted to share our news about baby #5 (also due December 2014) when I got to your announcement. We’ve been holding off because we know our families are going to be less than supportive and we’re trying to enjoy everything and celebrate within our family before the questions and criticism start rolling in. Your blog has been a haven of support for me having a larger than average family with no one who really shares my perspective on family in my immediate acquaintance. I look forward to following your journey with this baby. Congratulations on your expected new addition.
Amy says
Congratulations, Sarah! And yes, we held off a bit this time too. It just seemed like the thing to do. 😉
Emily Ryan says
Wow! Congratulations Amy!! Many prayers and blessings over you and your family!
Cheryl Smith says
Oh, Amy! CONGRATULATIONS!! What wonderful news! So thankful God is seeing fit to bless you again and trusting Him to give you a stress-free, uncomplicated pregnancy with many moments to enjoy the miracle growing within you! Perhaps this is why you have been feeling led to pull back from this blog…God knew what was up ahead for you. What a dear blessing!! Looking forward to reading about and walking arm-in-arm with you on this journey!
Amy says
Actually, when I wrote that I already knew I was pregnant. 🙂 It was confirmation that the direction God was leading us was precisely what we needed. 🙂
Julie says
You brought tears to my eyes and my heart smile all in the same post! 🙂 such a blessing!! Praying for a healthy pregnancy and sweet baby growing. You are a woman I look up to in so many ways. Thank you for your journey!
Jillian says
I’m so happy for you guys! 😀 December feels like forever away!
I love hearing about the details of your pregnancy/births. I’m a big natural birth fan, but even more than that, I’m all about doing what works for you. I’m the natural birth supporter who’s had 5 medicated births! lol! Whatever.
Amy says
LOL – I had great natural birth experiences, but there have been pregnancies that I just didn’t feel “up to it”.
Coby says
Awww! Congratulations on your new little one!!!
Gillian says
Eeeeek!! I am SO thrilled for you and your husband and all your children, who will, no doubt, be so happy to have another little on to love! I’m so excited for you guys! Wonderful, wonderful news! The Lord is blessing you!! I will pray for strength as you walk through this next pregnancy …. ((hugs))
Amy says
Oh Amy, Congratulations to you and your family. 🙂 YAYYYYY for another little blessing.
Mona says
I wondered if there was going to be an announcement at the end of this post?!! Congratulations! Hope you have a wonderful pregnancy! 🙂
Sarah says
I loved how you said ” you can have an epidural if you want one ” :). That is my point too. I have had 1 C-section( my first baby) several natural births ( VBac ), then 3 with an epidural. My husband always says to me ” you’ve earned the right to an epidural 🙂 “.
You really do need to make decisions based on each pregnancy. All are so individual.
We are now expecting baby # 10 in September. It seems crazy that we will have 10 kids. Guess we will really be a big family then ..right 🙂
Hope all goes well for you this pregnancy! And that you will have the energy needed for each day.
Amy says
You know, a big family to me always seems like 3 or 4 more than I actually have. I would have said 10 was outlandishly huge, but this is #9 and now 10 doesn’t sound huge anymore. lol
BlessedMamaof6 says
Congratulations!! 😀
Katherine says
Congratulations! We have never met but I cannot stop smiling for you and I am so happy for you and your family!
Kelly says
Congratulations, Amy!
Sarah @ My Joy-Filled Life says
I actually came over here to see if I could find where you buy your pregnancy tests (I thought I remembered you mentioning it before), and I come upon this post. I read the whole thing wondering if this is where it was going! Congrats on the next leg of your journey!
Amy says
LOL, Sarah! You guessed right! 🙂
Molly says
Yay!! I am so happy you shared and we are excited to travel along with you again. What blessed news! Congratulations!
Keira says
That is sooo awesome about the new baby coming!! Congrats!!
Allison says
All the best to you Amy! I’m so happy for you and your family!
Devoni says
Congratulations, Amy! That’s wonderful news! All the best to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing your birth experiences. I find them to be a real encouragement. We are expecting our 4th son in July. 🙂
Hugs for you!! 🙂
Kelsey says
Yay!! Pregnancy buddies. I’m due January 2nd. Thanks for sharing the news with us, Amy. I’ll add you to my pregnant lady list to pray for. 😉 Hope you’re not too sick. I broke down and ordered Zofran this morning.
Also, thank you for not guilting us over birthing styles. I have really long labors from 18-26 hours, all intense. I did the last labor naturally (all 26 hours of it) after the epidural I asked for didn’t work, but I really hope it works this next time around.
–Kelsey
Amy says
Congrats, Kelsey!!!
Laurie says
I get EXTREMELY sick with my pregnancies, and I felt really guilty the last time around taking Zofran. You know what? My baby turned out healthy as could be! I was still quite sick but at least I wasn’t throwing up every two hours around the clock and losing a ton of weight.I was also able to be a parent to all my other little ones. I have also had many different types of birth, and I got over that epidural guilt. Good for you! Although with my last baby I planned to have one, and just made it to the hospital to have her. No time for anything. They hardly got the gloves and gear on by the time she was out. Oh well…
Amy says
That was my #8! Barely made it!
Diana says
Oh, boy!!! I have been waiting for this!! Seriously, we’re due in late November and it came to me that it was just time for you to be posting something along these lines. I’m so excited for you!!!
Diana
Amy says
LOL – I can feel my baby days beginning to wane, so I wasn’t sure there would be an announcement any time soon. Thrilled to pieces though! 🙂 (and congrats to you too!
semone says
Yayyyy!!! Super congrats to you and your precious family 🙂 This is such an amazing blessing to watch unfold. Praise God!!!
Susan says
Congratulations!
Cathy says
Congrats! I am so happy for you, I watched your journey with Creed and look forward to this journey.
I do have a question for you, I just experienced my first miscarriage. Why did you think miscarrying naturally was better than a D&C, did you mean personally? I did opt to go through a D&C because the baby was 11 weeks along, I just couldn’t handle what my body would go through or what the baby might look like when it came out. We had two ultrasounds, so we had no doubts, we were able to say goodbye in the ultrasound room. For me it was good closure to walk in and have the procedure done. I was just curious your thoughts or others thoughts that have gone through a D&C. For me I feel a peace that we made the right decision.
Another part of the story: I have two older children and while my husband has always been satisfied, I have always wanted more. I figured that was our answer from God, I was devastated to learn we lost the baby. One answer to prayer, through this, my husband is now willing to at least talk about having another one, something he wouldn’t have done in the past
Amy says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My OB is a big advocate of letting your body naturally miscarry because it involves less trauma physically (as opposed to surgery). I was able to safely get pregnant again quickly. With a D&C, you need to wait to let your uterus heal from the scraping involved in a D&C. But, it is definitely a personal choice. Don’t second guess your choice based on my own. Like I said about epidurals – I’m not one to judge based on these types of decisions – there is no right and wrong. ((HUGS))
Cathy says
Thanks for taking the time to reply. All that your OB said makes sense to me. I think their are pros and cons to both and I am glad that in most cases we can each make our own decisions!
CW says
Such good news! Congratulations!
Christina Scott says
Congratulations!!! I am so very thrilled for you!!!!!!! 😀 😀 😀
Blair says
Oh Amy! I didn’t expect an announcement at the end. Congratulations!!!
Kacie says
Happy for you! I have two December babies and I’m glad to hear you *like* that time of year for birthin’ :). Maybe you live somewhere warmer than me, hehe. Anyway, yay!
Ashley says
Praise Lord Jesus Christ!! That is amazing and wonderful!!!
I just found out I’m due Jan 13!! Funny how many women seem to be getting pregnant around me haha!
Amy says
It’s contagious 😉
Dawn says
When Kendra mentioned on Facebook the other day that you were expecting, I scoured your past few posts thinking I must have missed something!! HAHA!! Congratulations!!!
Kimberly says
Oh I am so happy for you and your family!!! Creed is just adorable! He is right in between my Caleb and Silas and I am expecting our 6th in late October. I love what you said about the epidural. Thank you! I have had my first 3 with epidurals and our last 2 without. Every birth experience is been different. I also read one of your comments about how 10 children doesn’t sound so big to you now. When people tell us we have such a big family with 5 going on 6, I laugh and say, maybe if/when we get to 10! Again, congratulations and I will be praying for you.
Amy says
Congratulations, Kimberly! And there was a time when 5 was a lot of kids. Now when I just have 5 at home with me, it’s a slow day. 😉
Laura says
Congratulations! What exciting news! We recently found out we are expecting our seventh in December as well 🙂 Such a blessing, especially after losing a baby in February.
So happy to share such a joyous time with you <3
~Laura
Amy says
Congrats!!!
Christa L says
I am so happy for you! I have followed your blog regularly for a few years and it has always been my favorite. I was pregnant with our seventh child at the same time you were pregnant with Creed. Ours was born on January 10, so only a few days before Creed. Now I am pregnant again with our eighth child due in mid November, so it will be fun to follow along with your pregnancy again for a second time! Congratulations!
Amy says
Wow – seems so many of us have been pregnant at the same time! Congratulations!
Jackie says
Congrats!!!! I had my 4th child in January, 3 days after Creed was born, also after 2 miscarriages. I am due again in August with #5 🙂
Amy says
Congratulations!
Deanna F says
My second is only a day younger than Creed. : ) Congratulations on another little blessing! Prayers for a healthy baby and smooth pregnancy!
Angie | Real Life at Home says
Congratulations, Amy and Ty! How wonderful!
Amy says
Thank you, Angie!
Melinda says
Congratulations!! I recently found out that I am pregnant with number 4, so we must be due pretty close together. I loved hearing about your journey with Creed and can’t wait to make this journey with you! I’m praying for a healthy, happy pregnancy for you.:)
Amber says
Congratulations! We just found out we’re expecting number six! I haven’t told many people yet, but I thought I’d share it with you 🙂 Hope all goes well for you. By the way, I love your website; it’s very encouraging.
Jennifer says
Congratulations Amy! That is wonderful news! I’ve been following your blog for quite some time and I’m glad to see happy things happening for your family. I will be praying for a healthy pregnancy and peaceful birth for you.
🙂
Anita says
Oh yay!! Congratulations Amy, what wonderful news for you and your family! Ooh, another sweet baby blessing! 😀 May the Lord bless you in abundance as you enjoy this time of just you and baby together (while he/she is inside you and only tangible to you) xxx
Jamie says
Yeah!! Congratulations! That’s wonderful news.
We just found out we are expecting baby number five in December. We were blessed with baby number four after three miscarriages and I was certain I was being punished for being a bad mom. Now, non-grieving self realizes that was absurd, but when you’re heartbroken sometimes you are just irrational. I feel like I’ve been holding my breath this pregnancy rather than finding peace in quiet prayer.
Amy says
Congratulations! And yes, it is hard to let go and be peaceful. ((HUGS))
tamela says
AWWW… 🙂 <3
Mrs. Sarah Coller says
Yay!! Praying for a healthy and peaceful pregnancy for you! What a blessing!
Tiffany DeOs says
Congrats!!!!
alexandra says
Congratulations! I am thankful for this blog and a few like it! I always knew I wanted a large family in my mind that was about 5, but when I got pregnant with my third (who is now 10 months) I cried. I cried because I was going to have three kids in less than 37 months and this wasn’t my plan on spacing. Since my sons birth in July God has really been working on my heart and showing me that my idea of a large family might just not be large enough. I really feel led to give my years of fertility up to Jesus and to rejoice with every pregnancy. My husband isn’t quite there yet; he loves children and looks at them as a blessing and says he now wants six lol. My children are a blessing and a joy and are used to sanctify and make me look more like Christ. I am thankful for the few blogs I have found where women rejoice in birth even when it is counter cultural.
alexandra says
I was wondering if any women could relate to this. Where they felt God working on their heart before their husband? By the way we do not use any form of hormonal birth control or something that is abortive, so I do not feel like we are actually in sin, so I submit to my husband in this area unless his heart is changed
Cathy says
I can relate to you. I have always wanted more children (we have 2) My husband knows I have this desire, but has never shared it or wanted to pray about it. For him it is settled. I got pregnant in January and thought “great, God decided it for us.” We lost the baby in April so now we seem to be back where we started. My husband said he is willing to talk about another one, but as time goes by, I think he becomes more content to just let it be. All I can do is pray for God to change his heart or give us a miracle baby again 🙂
Ashley says
I had the desire to have more children before DH. God answered my prayer by softening my husband’s heart and giving all our fertility to him!! I don’t think it’s a sin to use the pull out method or NFP, but it is no longer for us! We got our BFP about three or so months of actively “trying”. We had just been using the pull out method before that. I think God just wanted my husband to give it to him and be faithful to him that whatever happens is in his hands and he will take care of us. And he did and we got pregnant! Every child born is a blessing from God he knitted them and knew them before they were ever born!
Psalm 139:13-18
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Amy @ Finer Things says
Confession: I skipped to the end. 😉 Yipeeee!!!!!!!!
Savannah says
Congrats!
Bethany Hudson says
I’m getting ready for my 4th birth (5th child) any day, and this was such a blessing to read, Amy. Thank you for so candidly sharing your journey.
and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Amy says
Congratulations, Bethany! Happy birthing to you!
Jenifer says
Congrats!
Erika says
Congrats Amy!!!! Yay we get to be pregnant together again!!! I’m cooking #11 and was pregnant at the same time when you were with Creed. Wishing you and your family many blessings.
Erika says
Oops mistake :D. I’m cooking #12. I was pregnant with #11 in 2012.
Amy says
That’s ok – you’re allowed “pregnant brain” 😉
Emily says
Amy, Congratulations! I hope you are feeling well! Blessings on your pregnancy and family 🙂
Sarah says
Congratulations!!! And what a beautiful journey it is.
Joy Pitroff says
That is so exciting! Congratulations and thanks for sharing your birth stories. I have had a variety of births, too (some with epidurals and some without). Thank you for being so open about that.
I just found out last week that I am due with baby#8 on Jan. 16!
Amy says
Congratulations!
Joy says
Congratulations, Amy!! I loved reading about your birthing journey! ?
Joy says
Oops, sorry about that question mark at the end of my comment! It was supposed to be a heart! Maybe this will work <3 🙂
Sage Eastman says
Congratulations!! Very exciting news!! <3
Sarah says
Congratulations! Our adoption will be finalized in November! So we will be “due” around the same time! 🙂 I am praying for a healthy and safe pregnancy for you.
Amy says
Congratulations!!!
Katherine Holley says
Congratulations! I am so excited for your family, and can’t wait to see your story.
Misty says
WHOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!!! SOOOOOO excited for ya’ll!!!!!!! <3
Josi says
What fun news. Congratulations!…..so when do you start the little fruit ticker thingy? I really liked that last time! 🙂
Amy says
LOL – Hadn’t thought that far, but I do plan to do weekly updates, so I guess I better get tickin’ 😉
Victoria says
Happy for you!
Rach D says
Oh my word!!! I am so, SO happy for you Amy 🙂 I almost cried tears of joy reading your announcement (for some reason, I thought that’s why you might be sharing a birthing story…maybe it’s my blogger brain, I digress!)
So exciting! I hope you keep us posted on your journey, as you feel up to it 🙂
Stay well rested, as much as you can,
Rachael @ Diamonds in the Rough (http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com)
Amy says
Thank you, Rachel! I realized my old birthing story was really behind and people would find it and comment on it as if my last c-section was my last birth. So, I decided I better update. Then, I found out I was pregnant and thought – PERFECT! lol Yep, blogger brain. 😉
Michele says
Congrats!! So happy for you!
rebecca says
CONGRATS on a wonderful announcement!!!
And thanks for sharing your story. Every birth really is so different isn’t it… my last few have been similar so I was all prepared last month that all would be the same and then our latest addition was a completely different labour/birth then I expected- threw me for a loop!
And I’ve always had to battle sickness and anemia too-
I am nursing my new little son as I read this. We now have 6 little ones (the oldest is 8) and I recently started reading your blog (when I have time- not too often… lol).
We miscarried the first time (very painful!)- it was hard work to overcome fear after a miscarriage- but then God blessed us with 6 in a row!
Thanks for keeping it real!
May God bless you richly
Amy says
Congratulations on your new little one! (and thank you for reading when you can 🙂 )
Samantha Hatcher says
When you said that we will want to read to the end for a surprise, I just knew you were pregnant. I’m so excited for you and your family. What a blessing!
Caroline says
What wonderful news! Congratulations!
Tracy says
So very happy for you and your family!
sarah says
i’m crying tears of true joy for you!
Tara says
Congrats! I just found out I’m having #7, due in Jan. So I’ll be growing along with you.
Amy says
Congratulations!!!
Katy (Kukula) Henry says
The #8 kid is my favorite!! (And I tell myself it’s my parents’ favorite too!!)
Rejoicing with you and your family, Amy!
Amy says
The baby ALWAYS gets to be the favorite! (says one who knows 😉 ) Of course, our #8 is getting ready to not be the baby anymore. He’s still awfully cute though!
Susan says
Congratulations!!! So exciting!!!
Mama Mirage says
Oh Amy I’m so excited for you! Congratulations! 😀
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
Congratulations!
I was wondering if that’s how this post would end, and also wondering when you’d have another. 🙂 I know your last couple have been 18 – 24 mo. apart and I knew Creed was getting well past a year old. So YAY!!
Amy says
Going to be linking to you on Monday – I have some rather interesting news that involves you. 😉
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
Okay now I’m really curious! 🙂
Reonna Faller says
Congratulations!!! Praying for healthy and easy pregnancy for you, Amy!
Amy says
Thank you, Reonna!
Thaisha says
Wow. how exciting. I just announced that I am due with #10 on CHRISTmas day! 😀 so we are due about the same time. how fun. I have been following you for a while and love what you post. I am usually a quiet follower, but had to share and congratulate you also. 🙂
Amy says
Wonderful! Congratulations!
Carla says
I loved your comment that you will judge no one on the choices they make in birthing their children. I am a firm believer that every woman is different (not to mention every birth) and has different needs. My sister honestly and literally had no pain during labor (with no meds). The monitors showed she was having very large contractions and she could only really tell by looking at the monitor. My experience, on the other hand, was to be incredibly scared that the hospital would tell me these were not “real” contractions and send me home. They hurt so badly that I knew if these weren’t real, then I literally could not handle real ones.
Full blood sisters’ experiences so different? No one is in the place to judge another woman’s birth choices.
Christina says
Give your body a rest, mama!!
Seriously… traditional cultures wait 2-3 years between pregnancies and with a diastasis severe enough to need an epidural and manual positioning you need rest, not more babies back to back. Clearly that isnt an option now but please, consider wisely SPACING your next babies!!
Mom of six says
So nice to read about another mom of many who has decided to have an epidural if she feels she needs it. My 1st was a c-sec. Had 3 unmedicated after that. But 5th spinal and 6th epi. All except c-sec very alert, no difference. Would have epi again!
Maribee Kuhr says
Oh goodness it is almost 2020 where’s the rest of the story???!
I’ve had 2 csections then 3 vbacs then another section
Love reading your stories
Thank you
Amy says
Oh my! I really dropped the ball, huh?! I need to update this, but I ended up having a little girl via emergency c-section in Dec of 2014 and another little girl in 2016, also a c-section. And with her birth, our family is complete. I definitely need to update!