There, I’ve said it aloud, and it feels real now. My partner, Ethan, and I weren’t exactly planning for a third, but we hadn’t completely ruled it out either. While I was still contemplating, Ethan had made up his mind the moment our second son arrived. To say this revelation is a shock would be an understatement.
A few weeks ago, I found myself anxiously waiting in a Walmart restroom for a pregnancy test result (no judgment, it was the nearest place to check). What seemed like mere minutes stretched into an eternity, and when those telltale lines finally appeared, I was frozen. How did this happen? Okay, I know the mechanics, but still—how did this happen?
In the ensuing thirty seconds, my mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts:
- Check it again. It must be wrong.
- Look at the instructions.
- This can’t be accurate.
- What does a smiley face even signify?
- How?
- Did I remember to take my pill?
- Ethan is going to lose it!
- I’m still shedding baby weight from number two!
- What if it’s another boy?
- Can I manage three boys?
- I need a new car! Three car seats!
- Can we afford vacations? Party of five?!
- No more guest room.
- How far along am I?
- Oh no, I just had that girls’ weekend and indulged a bit too much!
- I need to find a new job.
- Ethan might need to look for another job too.
- Two in diapers!
- What if it’s a girl? WHAT IF IT IS A GIRL?
- I absolutely need another job.
- Wait… I’m still in a Walmart restroom.
- I should call Ethan.
- Pull yourself together.
- You’re pregnant.
- I’m pregnant.
- I can handle this.
Once I concluded my internal dialogue, my hand instinctively rested on my belly, and a smile broke through. Here we go again, but this time as a family of five. God help me.
Resources for Expanding Your Family
If you’re considering expanding your family, you might want to explore options like the home insemination kit available here. And if you have questions about when babies can start enjoying muffins, check out this guide on baby-led weaning. For those seeking more information about pregnancy and home insemination, you can find a wealth of knowledge at this Cleveland Clinic resource.
In summary, discovering I’m expecting my third child was a mix of emotions and overwhelming thoughts. Despite the initial panic, I’m embracing this new journey into motherhood once again.