About six weeks ago Brian and I took the kids on a popular hike up Little Cottonwood Canyon to a place called Cecret Lake.
Alpine spring was at its peak; as Eleanor put it, “Mom, there are dillions of flowers here!” The trail was busy, but the lake was still peaceful. Jeffrey had fun watching some other kids catch salamanders.
But, on our way back down, the weather changed from sunny to cloudy, and it began to rain.
And then hail.
As we scurried to take cover under some trees, Jeffrey turned back towards me. “You’d better keep that BABY warm!” he shouted, all concern.
Jeffrey wasn’t worried about William, but the baby in my tummy. For those of you who haven’t heard, I’m expecting a baby on January 19.
Yes! Number four, our winter baby (since we’ve already had spring, summer, and autumn babies). We just found out this week that it’s a girl! Eleanor was so excited that she hopped up and down at the news.
“Mom, don’t worry, I know all the best baby games, like Peek-a-Boo and This Little Piggy,” she said.
All three of them enjoy singing songs to my tummy, and William will frequently give the baby hugs. If I put my arms around him during a baby hug, he gets annoyed. “No, Mom. It’s the baby’s hug.”
I’ve been feeling fine — oddly, I haven’t experienced much morning sickness with this pregnancy, just extreme fatigue. (My current motto is “Napping Towards Glory.”) Although most of my summer was spent crumpled up in a state of continual exhaustion, I suppose I’d rather get hit with the Fatigue Stick than the Nausea Stick, anytime.
My attitude towards the baby is kind of mixed — I’m happy and excited to have another person in the family, but I dread, dread, dread that first year of infancy. I had recurring breast infections with all three of my other kids, and I was just getting used to not having to drag a stroller with me everywhere I go. Augh, and doctor and dentist appointments. I won’t be able to do them during the daytime anymore. But let’s not ruminate on this stuff. A baby girl is a great thing to snuggle, cuddle and watch grow. This is what I wanted — I certainly had to jump through enough medical hoops (what with my heart and all) to get this far. Enough with the whining.
Unless she’s a blonde. Then I won’t have the foggiest idea what to do.
(There are no blonde women in my immediate family. Or my mother’s family. And so on. Augh.)
Casa Camisas 
HOORAY! Congratulations1 Ours is due in December, so they’ll be about the same age. That’s awesome! (I’m with you on the first year of infancy, though. Yuck.)
Congratulations! We are so happy for you!
Congrats on the new baby! Laura told me a while ago, but I’m glad to hear it from you. And I’m so glad I’m not the only one who hates the infant stage. I’m so sleep deprived right now I’m just glad when I remember to get dressed before I leave the house. And don’t forget the daily loads of poop, pee, and vomit stained clothes. Ahhhh the joys. But then there’s the sweet bald head and the sweet little soft cheeks. God definitely knows how to keep you having more. 😉
I was wondering when this post was coming. 🙂 So excited for another lil girl in the family. 🙂 I hope she is blonde… we do have red heads in the family now… just need some blonde girls. 🙂
Whoa… little crazy on the smiley’s this morning. Hehehe
Congrats! That’s wonderful news. Hope you get lots of naps~
That’s very exciting news (OK, so I knew about the baby, but not the girl thing!) . I can so understand the excitement about the baby while also dreading the attending, um, baggage. Even while I’ve been craving a little one lately, I’m also scared stiff by the idea of another. So sweet that your kids are so excited about her. And just think how neat it will be to have family close by this time.
Congratulations! The first year certainly is quite a ride. We’re almost done with that this time around! Good luck!
If she’s a blonde just leave it to me. I know all the best blonde games.