stephmodo: Fourth + Final

Fourth + Final

• 29 March 2010























I told myself that the moment I started feeling "better" (as in medicated, nauseated, tired, but keeping down real food!), I would share with you some big news. Yup, that kind of news. Crazy, right?

When pregnant with my third, and PICC-lined (HG was in full swing), I swore I would never become pregnant again. I didn't feel I could emotionally or physically sustain another pregnancy (if I could even conceive). But inside my heart I knew I wasn't done with having children. I've heard seasoned mothers repeatedly say 'you just know when you're done having kids' and I've often reflected on these words as I looked around at my own little family. I believe everyone has a different plan in life; and if that plan includes children--that we each have a different "magic number". My heart told me four was mine.

p.s. I am just over 15 weeks along, which is about 3 1/2 months along in case you don't feel like doing math today.

image by Rebecca Mudrick of Darling Art

108 comments:

  1. Congratulations! Your lucky 4 are so blessed to have you as a mama!

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  2. wonderful news! congratulations.

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  3. congratulations steph!!!
    xoxo, jenny :)

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  4. Such exciting news! Congratulations.

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  5. So great! Hope its a wonderful pregnancy!!

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  6. Congratulations! That's wonderful! I'm glad you're past the ickiness stage.

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  7. Congrats! What wonderful news!

    P.S. I'm having a little giveaway on my little blog, and I'd love for you to stop by!!!

    :)

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  8. congratulations! that's wonderful news!

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  9. Congrats! I am a friend of Cher's and therefore found your blog through her. Let me say, it's good to hear someone else out there is lucky to keep down food while pregnant! I am the same as you and I swear, if I hear one more person say, "If I don't eat some crackers in the morning, I feel like I might throw up" I'll scream!:) Congrats, again, and I LOVE that picture of you holding one of your babies. Precious!

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  10. Congratulations to you guys! I am just ahead of you...I'm 18 weeks today with number 5 (which I think is my magic number). I hope you are feeling better, it's so hard to get through the nausea.

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  11. Congratulations! That is wonderful news. I felt the same way with my third (and last). Can't say why, it just felt complete then.

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  12. Congratulations! What wonderful news! I'm baking your chocolate chip cookies right now!

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  13. Oh I'm so excited for you Steph. I'll have to call Lindsey and give her the good news! So.... are you feeling ok? Sick? Need help? I'd take your kids in a heart beat if you need a relaxing afternoon ALONE!!! Let me know. I know how hard it can be when you're EXHAUSTED!!!! Congrats though.... 4 is PERFECT!!!

    loves....

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  14. Sorry! Looks like I'm using my daughters account. This is Julie Pia, not Berkley and Kallie! Loves anyway!

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  15. Exciting news - congratulations indeed! 4 is a nice round number - best of everything, can't wait to follow along with you.

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  16. Hi Steph! Congratulations!!! I wish you the very best and have a wonderful pregnancy. :) I only have a few weeks left to go. Talk soon.

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  17. woooooooooooooowwwwwww! congrats steph! this is such beautiful news! thanks for sharing. so happy for you. FOUR! wow! amazing, awesome! xoxoxo love to you all!

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  18. Hurray! Congratulations!!! I really hope you get feeling much better very soon.

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  19. Congratulations! How exciting.

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  20. Congratulations! Wonderful news. And you're so right - everybody knows their magic number. People ask me all the time if I'm done, and they don't believe me when I say yes absolutely. I just know my little family is complete.

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  21. congrats to you and your growing family!

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  22. Wonderful news! I can't wait to hear about your pregnancy, see nursery photos (hint:), and follow your adventure! Congratulations Stephanie!

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  23. Congratulations!! I've just found your blog and love it :) Best wishes growing your new little one!

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  24. What a blessing! Congratulations! I'm so excited for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your life with us out in blogland. :)

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  25. Congratulations! What exciting news.

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  26. Very exciting. Congrats!

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  27. Happy, happy news! I really hope this time around gives you unbounded energy instead of sickness...

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  28. Wow, congratulations! I read your blog everyday and was delighted to see this. :)

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  29. Oh my goodness, congratulations! And best of luck for the coming months... I'll be eager to hear how you're doing.

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  30. I suffered through HG with both of my pregnancies as well. 'Morning sickness' doesn't even begin to describe what a pregnancy with HG entails, and I empathize with you completely!
    People ask how much I gained with each pregnancy, and I would say, "after the 25 I lost?"
    I digress...
    Congratulations and keep hanging in there!

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  31. congratulations to you and your family!! what a blessing! sending good thoughts your way!

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  32. Congratulations to you! I think 4 is the perfect number. Hope you are feeling wonderful!

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  33. Congratulations!!! So happy for you and your family :) :)

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  34. Oh, this is such happy news Stephanie. Congratulations to you!

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  35. Aw, congratulations. And here's hoping you feel great.

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  36. Congratulations! and I love the photo, it makes me smile.

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  37. Congrats to you guys! I think four is a lovely number.. Hooray for growing bellies!

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  38. Congrats! More power to you. Two is definitely my number, but I celebrate those with more in mind! Here's wishing for a smooth pregnancy.

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  39. Felicitaciones, m'ija! You're a brave woman!

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  40. Congrats! What wonderful news! I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well!

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  41. Each day I come to your blog I am met with such goodies - and this is the best! Many blessings to you and your growing family. May God grant you health and lots of energy!

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  42. Many congratulations!! What wonderful news for your family.

    Incidentally, thank you for posting this. I've been nervous about a fourth pregnancy after emergency surgery during my last pregnancy to repair a pregnancy-induced hernia and all the veins in one leg. This gave me the "I can do it!" feeling! As always, you're an inspiration. :-)

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  43. Oh how wonderful!! Congrats, Stephanie!

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  44. Hi Steph, I am on my third round of HG (though I just had to have my PICC removed due to a nasty allergic reaction to the dressings. I had oozy, scabby nasty rash.) I am 17 weeks and hoping that I am out of the woods though I still can't make it downstairs yet or be near most food and smells.

    I know all about the magic number. I now have the peace of knowing that this 3rd child is the magic number. I am thrilled about not ever having to go through this again. Of course, I didn't mention yet that this was a very surprise pregnancy and that due to HG we had been in an adoption process for the last year. And we just got a referral of a little boy in Ethiopia. Which we accepted. So, babies 3 and 4 will be about 9 months apart in age.

    We may be done with biological kids, but the fun of being adoptive parents is just beginning. :) Good luck! Surviving HG is no small feat. 4 times is darn heroic.

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  45. congrats steph! this is exciting news!

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  46. Congrats! I'm 5 weeks ahead of you with my first. Glad you're feeling better...

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  47. Congratulations, Steph! I am so excited for you and sending lots of good thoughts your way. Our fourth was our final and yes, I knew. ;)

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  48. congratulations. I have awful HG and with our fourth I was in the hospital for several stays, the last one being two months long. I am so glad you are feeling better, I truly know how awful it can be. Hope you continue to feel better.

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  49. yeah!!!! great news! geez, that HG sounds horrible, hope this pregnancy treats you better!

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  50. Congratulations! My wishes for wonderful pregnancy and easy delivery!! Be Blessed!

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  51. Congratulations - wishing you a healthy pregnancy!

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  52. Congratulations. I'm glad you're feeling better.

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  53. Oh wow, Steph! That's simply so outstanding and exciting!! Congratulations to you and all of yours!

    So... need a babysitter anytime soon so that you can take an afternoon off? :-) Give me a call!

    - Christine

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  54. you're such a trooper, steph. and amazing to still be doing all that you're doing with how awful you feel. I'm glad things are looking a bit better! I still wished I lived closer and could bring over good magazines and gatorade.

    I love your little family and am so excited that it's growing! and a bit jealous that you're done. congrats again..

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  55. Congratulations! That is so fantastic. I am so happy for you and your family. wish you the best pregnancy ever.

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  56. Stephanie! Congratulations! Hugs to you! And hang in there -- hope you get back to feeling like your old self soon.

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  57. Congratulations!!! That is the best kind of news :)

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  58. What exciting news for you and your family!! Congratulations!

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  59. Lovely story. HG hit me in severe form for all of my pregnancies too, up to the 6 month point or so...my husband thought I was a complete kook when I suggested trying for a third. In my heart I knew I was not done at 2. With fortitude (and fantastic medical intervention!) we made it through. And three is wonderful...

    Congratulations to you Stephanie! No easy task, but clearly worth the reward.

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  60. Congrats! What a thrill. We have one so far, and I always wonder how many others we'll be lucky enough to have if possible. Here's to a wonderful pregnancy and a special little baby!

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  61. Happy news!

    I'm in the same boat - 15 weeks pregnant, happily medicated & keeping down most of what I eat - finally.

    But it's just my first. So I'll have to look to you as an example when I consider having more someday. :)

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  62. That's fantastic news! Happy pregnancy! - Marian

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  63. so exciting for you, steph. congrats!! what a fabulous li'l adventure for you. enjoy every minute of your final pregnancy.

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  64. i am one of four and love having such a big family! congrats!

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  65. Oh, congratulations Stephanie!!! Pregnancy is the pits, but having our fourth has been unbelievably joyful. There is nothing more wonderful than a baby. I hope you feel good!!!!

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  66. I am so happy for you. There is nothing more fun than a baby. I hope this pregnacy treats you a little better though!

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  67. Congrats! I just had my fourth! So fun!

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  68. Congratulations Steph!
    I know what you mean about knowing the magic number.
    Hope you feel better!

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  69. That is wonderful news - Congratulations. Here’s to a healthy and happy pregnancy!

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  70. wow! congrats!

    i hope you get over the sick part soon, i know the feeling...

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  71. Congrats Steph! I hope you have a great pregnancy and have a healthy, happy baby to add to your lovely family.

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  72. Steph,
    You are a brave woman.Congrats! I remember how sick you were with #3!
    I just had #3 and I know we're still not complete. Good Luck with everything!

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  73. congratulations! what wonderful news. health and joy to you.

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  74. Congratulations! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!

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  75. Congratulations! I am going to have #4 ANY DAY NOW, and I will say I know that 4 is my magic number. I am done, I know I am done, and I am happy. Good luck on a smooth and happy pregnancy!

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  76. congratulations...hope you are feeling better, I can't even imagine being that sick!! this baby is lucky to have one incredible mommy :)

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  77. YAY! four is your magic number ;-)
    i'm glad you're feeling better friend!

    xox

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  78. Congratulations! You're such a good mom - I'm happy you're adding one more. (L is still one of my favorite nursery kids.) :) Incidentally, I'm 6 months along with baby #1.

    Carrie O

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  79. congratulations! That is so exciting!

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  80. oh congratulations! that is so exciting. whenever a woman says "i haven't been feeling well" you have to wonder...i admit, i did wonder when i got that email from you :)

    feel better soon!

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  81. Congratulations on your wonderful and exciting news!

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  82. Oh wow congratulations! What wonderful news indeed!!

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  83. Congratulations! I am very impressed that you have kept up with regular posting! I hope you are feeling good. :)

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  84. Oh, how wonderful. Congratulations! Four is our magic number too.

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  85. Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! I'm so thrilled for you ... you bring such beautiful children into the world and do such an incredible job raising them. xoxo

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  86. congratulation! You are very blessed.

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  87. Congrats on baby number four! Very exciting.

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  88. how very exciting. congratulations!

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  89. Congratulations :) What a wild ride.

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  90. How wonderful!! Simply, beautifully wonderful!

    ~ Jess

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  91. Congratulations! You are such a great mom.

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  92. I'm so late in reading this, but wanted to say I feel your pain. I'm sick months, still sick. I also have HG. No pic line for me though. I run too high risk for clots so I get to stay in the hospital A LOT. It's hard. I try to understand when all my friends complain and complain about their tiny little bit of nausea. I know trials are different for everyone. Doctors don't think we should try again since my weight goes so low in the 80's etc. (Although I didn't have a feeding tube this time!! hooray for prayer) We will see what the future holds. This is number 2 for us. Again, I so feel your pain.

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  93. Just realized I hadn't taken the time to tell you Congratulations! I'm super excited for your wonderful news.

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  94. Oh goodness! You are all so lovely. Thank you for helping me be more excited when I'm not feeling well. It helps a lot!

    For those of you with HG, feel free to email me at any time with questions or for an empathetic ear :)

    Thank you all again!

    xo

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  95. congratulations!! that is so wonderful. four feels like a good # to us too...but we'll see. i'm due with #3 in july!

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  96. Congrats Steph! That's amazing :) Glad you're feeling a bit better.

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  97. Congratulations! What great news. So happy to hear you are getting by a little better. I can't imagine, the standard morning sickness is enough for me. Truly you are a hero. Feel better.

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  98. Congrats!! How exciting!! You'll do an amazing job :)

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  99. Steph, you are heroic to go for a fourth baby when you suffer from HG. I had it for the entire 9 months of all three of my pregnancies and it is a horrible thing to endure. I'm sure you'll get another delightful darling for your sacrifice. Congratulations!

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  100. Congratulations! I am sitting around, killing time reading blogs, waiting for my #4 to come out. He isn't due until the 17th, but it would be awfully nice to have him while Jer and the boys are off work and school this week for spring break . . . Glad you are keeping down food! Pregnancy is the pits, but the babes that result are worth it. . . :)

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  101. Oh Steph congrats!!! I have been away with my family, so I am finally catching up with all your posts that I missed. I am so excited for you and your family! Too cool!
    Kate

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