How are we already at this point, about six weeks to go and then we’ll meet our FOURTH baby!!! It’s incredible to think my body has grown and carried four little ones, such a blessing especially because prior to Maxwell we struggled for over a year to get pregnant. Zack and I took a huge leap of faith and travelled to Tanzania, Africa with Compassion International and then a couple of months later were so excited to hear our family was growing. Maxwell changed our family in so many wonderful ways. I like to think back to the mustard seed faith we had six years ago and how far it’s taken us with that one simple “yes” to traveling to Tanzania.
I have not shared about this pregnancy as much as previous pregnancies, mostly because this one includes three other little ones ~ I am definitely spending a lot of time WITH my children (verses only thinking about what life will be like post birth), so my day to day routine is quite different. For a fun trip down memory lane, here are some shared moments during my pregnancy with Maxwell, Natalie, and also Marigold.
Also, as shared before, I’ve noticed a natural decrease with wanting to keep these little people’s lives a bit more private. Staying home with them has given me a front row view of their interests, strengths and challenges, and even with all of this time with them I can feel a little bit of sadness when I think about how much they’ve grown since birth. It’s a good thing we have our memories and heart connections to hold on to, because these really are precious, hard years!
With this pregnancy I have felt the most anticipation whether our baby is a BOY or a GIRL. Zack and I have chosen to not find out with any of the pregnancies, and so this baby will either grow our tribe of girls or even out the genders ;) However, let me just confess I have had so many dreams and late-night worries about my water breaking because the pressure is real, folks — ha! Emotionally, I feel amazing! Physically, I feel absolutely super uncomfortable.
We are down to about six weeks left, and aside from installing the baby’s car seat we are ready to go! There are a few things we want to do with each of the kids rooms, like build bunk beds for Max & Natalie’s bedroom, install wall shelving in both kiddo bedrooms, and switch the gallery wall art in both rooms. Aside from that I feel as prepared as can be ;)
Newborn diapers bought, check. Nursing bras + pads washed, check. Hospital bag packing list, check. Recovery supplies for mama, check. Baby clothes, blankets, and burp cloths washed, check check and check.
I’m eager to see all four of my children together. My realistic expectations for life with four little ones include a giant stack of paper plates, the comfort of summer near for lots of outside play, and reassurance that I can do this because God will equip me.
I mean, all of my children are walking and know how to communicate, which is far more advanced than we’ve been in the past when a newborn came home ;)
Mamas of many littles — what would you suggest as we prepare for our fourth baby? I would love to hear your wisdom and nuggets of encouragement.
Good morning Maggie! I am on my porch reading your memories of your babies and now new baby so close to making your family even! I pray for each of you every morning and this is a highlight to hear from you! Please give Papa a hug for me and tell him I LOVE his family! Grambarb
Thank you Grambarb! Please pray for my discomfort and an extra dose of patience for me as our family grows, I know this is something our other children are doing their very best to transition to. ♥
Isn’t she just the greatest, Gram? She’s such a good mama, and an even better wife. Will you add thanking God for her to your daily list? I mean it. ❤️
I certainly did pray for your lovely wife when she shared yesterday about her discomfort at this time and will continue until little babe arrives. I love to tell people here of you Zack, of your accomplishments and your little family and the beautiful woman you chose to be your wife. Your new baby will be my 12th Great Grand! I hope to be able to travel to Michigan when the time is right and with you in Michigan now that simplifies for me! I love you sweetheart and am so glad you are my Grandson! Grambarb
I will pray that your recovery with baby #4 is the best you’ve had yet!! Our first baby was born in Sept of 2013, and baby #4 arrived in the beginning of February. And my recovery was AMAZING. I was aware of needing to sit down as needed, and we all have adjusted to Mama needing to tend to baby sooner rather than later.
That your other kids are walking and talking is a huge gift! My kids are able to sit on the couch with me during nursing, and the big boy holds the book and I’ll read. I think Max is a little older than our Weston, but we have all adjusted.
The paper plate are a YES! Bless you Mama in the coming weeks of waiting.
I certainly will remember you Maggie as I pray! I had three little girls ages 5,2,&1, and then 5 years later had my little boy. I was one busy Momma but loved every second of those days! You are such a fantastic Wife and Mom and I love to see and hear what is happening in your life! Love you all bunches. Grambarb
Give yourself LOADS of grace. Soak it all in because with each new child, time literally flies by in a blink… no joke. I thought time flew before, but, my youngest, Ember, is almost a year old already! June 15th. I am slowly beginning to be a bit of a wreck just thinking about it. My oldest will be 16 on May 20!!! Totally insane how fast time flies. Let your little ones help. They love that because they then feel involved. My littles absolutely loved helping and doing whatever they could for their baby Ember it made them feel less secluded and it made me feel happy because I was able to find ways to spend time with them and not feel like I was ignoring them. I never wanted for my kids to feel like they were being replaced by the new baby, so I made a big effort. There are times, however, that you may feel like you are drowning in breastfeedings, diapers and zombie mom life. This is where the grace comes in. It won’t last forever. I had to remind myself that the first 4 months when nursing takes forever and I literally felt like I did nothing but feed my baby. LOL! You’ve got this girl! Can’t wait to see that new Whitley. :)
Sweet Maggie, Please know Jesus is walking with you, your 3 beautiful babies and the precious one we have yet to meet. Thank you for loving each and every one so well. The countdown is on!!! Love you all. Mom W.
Grambarb made me tear up when I read her comments.
These days are long, but the years are short. As we finish up the 10th grade with my last baby I am always aware these are the last days of many things. I look back and realize when they were happening I didn’t always know this particular event or moment would be marked as the “last.” Like when Ethan decided he didn’t need to sleep with his stuffed animals anymore. Or when he was fine to walk into Awanas on his own after four years of not wanting me to leave his side while he participated in the opening assembly. (I may have grumbled a time or two about that. :( ) Then he announced, “I can go in by myself, Mama” and just like that it was over. All that to say, enjoy all of it. Every mess, every fingerprint, every diaper (yes, that, too), every giggle, every tear, everything. You’ll cherish these memories for the rest of your life. It’s so good you are living them fully right now.
I can’t wait to hear the news of this babe’s arrival! My daughter had a 7yo, 5yo, and 2yo when she delivered her fourth baby in November after a rough pregnancy. Hudson was born at 27 weeks and was 60 days in the NICU. He’s 6 months now (3 months adjusted age) and doing fabulously well! I guess after all the things we’ve been through with Hudson it has made me even more aware of how precious this life is!
Praying for you!