April Fools Baby
April Fools Day six years ago I told my husband we were having a baby. Of course then it was just a bad joke, and we didn’t end up having our daughter for another four years. Now, I’m due to have a baby April Fools Day 2013.
I’ve been holding this in for six weeks! Which is crazy because I am not good at keeping secrets. But it’s also not been too hard because I’ve had so much going on at work, technical dificulties, and then of course dealing with nausea and fatigue.
So let me rewind a bit and tell you how it all went down
Getting Pregnant
I’ll spare you the nitty gritty TMI details.
I just knew July was a wash. It was our third month of attempting, but I was going on vacation during my “fertile days” and my husband wasn’t coming with. Anything is possible though, and for the heck of it, I brought some ovulation strips with to see if I’d ovulate half way through my trip, (which I thought would be the case). But the test line never got super dark.
On a random whim, I took an ovulation test the day I got home. Positive!
Woah.
It was a long trip and we definitely missed each other and Lil’ J’s had take a nap RIGHT NOW if you know what I mean.
The ovulation test was positive for another day then the line started getting lighter again.
The only problem was my cycle was 24, 25 days TOPS for the last several months–ever since I started and stopped taking birth control at the beginning of the year, where as before it was a typical and regular 28 days. Shorter cycles normally aren’t an issue, but since I was ovulating late (around day 16), my body didn’t have enough time to build up progesterone to sustain a pregnancy.
I read vitamin B6 could help with progesterone production, and a little progesterone cream twice a day could help. I went to GNC and bought some of each to try it. Meanwhile, I set up a pre-conception appointment for July 23rd with my OB to discuss my charts and maybe do some tests.
Over the next week I started to notice my boobs ached, and felt fuller. I also felt sleepy and woke up in the middle of the night to pee (which I never did before). I was hopeful for pregnancy, but after looking up side effects of progesterone cream, I doubted.
I’d gotten my hopes up so much the month before, thinking I did everything right, so I wasn’t testing early this month.
Finally, my period didn’t come. It was 3 days late. But maybe it was just going back to it’s normal 28 day cycle? Or maybe the progesterone was delaying my period?
I told a couple of friends who insisted I test the next morning. It was about 4am, my husband was walking in the door from work, and I was getting ready to leave for work. I peed in a cup, dipped the strip, then set the test aside while I brushed my teeth. Just like I did with Lil’ J, except this time I wasn’t tweeting the process.
When I finished brushing my teeth I glanced over the test and saw undoubtedly two lines. Shock struck me.
We’re having another baby!!!
Telling the Hubs
My husband was going on and on about his night, and it wasn’t the best one, so I decided I’d save the good news for tomorrow. Besides, he probably wouldn’t remember it as he was just going to bed.
I wanted to tell him in a creative way, so I spent the next day thinking about ways to tell him… With a fortune cookie? With a T-Shirt for Lil’ J? No wait, a shirt for me!
I remembered thinking before, that the next time I was pregnant I’d throw on one of my cute shirts with the pregnant wording on it like “Alien on Board” or “Knocked Up”. I went with the obvious and wore my bright pink knocked up shirt to bed.
I was off the next morning but I still got up to greet my husband when he got home. I always go in the office as he takes off his uniform and tells me about his day. I was thinking this time he’d notice my shirt and say something like “why are you wearing that?” And then I could share the news.
Instead it went like this…
He walked in, told me about his night, it was “ok” but there were some things that annoyed him, he went on about that and how he was tired. The more he talked the more discouraged I got because how could I bring it up when he’s already not in the best mood?
I did notice him glance at my shirt but he didn’t say anything of it. I stayed quiet and wondered when he’d mention it. But he didn’t.
We went to our room, climbed into bed and he turned out the lights and turns to me:
“What’s wrong with you?” He asked.
“Nothing.”
“Whatever, I know something’s wrong, why are you being so quiet?”
“Well, I got dressed up and you didn’t even notice my cute shirt.”
“I noticed,” he said. “You wore that shirt when you were pregnant with–” The room got bright with the light bulb that appeared over his head. “You’re pregnant?!”
“Yep!”
I may have taken a month two weeks to convince him we should have another baby, but he was definitely in on the memo, and was not surprised it happened, but I think he wasn’t expecting the timing to be so soon (so wonderful).
Then he said exactly what he said when I told him I was pregnant on April Fools Day, and again when we were expecting Lil’ J…
“I’m scared.”
That was more than a month ago and now he’s excited and keeps saying “I hope it’s a boy.”
But we won’t know until April if it’s a boy or a girl. We’re going joining team surprise this time around. … More on that later.
Telling Lil’ J
She was the first person I told. I told her she was going to be a big sister, and taught her how to say it. I’ve been trying to explain there’s a baby in my tummy and she says “yes, baby in mommy’s tummy and baby in my tummy,” as she lifts up her shirt and points to her belly button. So, she doesn’t quiet get it yet. But I think as she gets older and I get bigger, she’ll get the idea soon enough.
We ask her if she wants a little brother or sister and she says “brother” or “brother, sister” so I guess she’s impartial like I am.
Telling Family
A couple of weeks ago, after going to the doctor and seeing #2 in the ultrasound we shared the good news with our families via FaceTime. Lil’ J wore the most adorable shirt from Polkadot Junkie that says “I’m gonna be a big sister!” embellished with cowgirl boots and a hat, so naturally she had to match with her own accessories. I have a picture of her whole getup coming next week but here’s a mobile photo for now.
It was great watching the reactions from our families as they read her shirt and seeing how long it took them to notice.
My sisters said they noticed but didn’t want to say anything. Lauren actually said she thought it was my hint to my husband–another part of my 30 days challenge–not an announcement.
My in-laws squealed in excitement and surprise once they read the words, my father-in-law said “so we’ve got two cookin in the oven now?” since my sister-in-law is due January. She already knew, as did my sister Heather who is also pregnant and due in September!
Telling My Job
I didn’t know how I wanted to tell my friends at work because I’m not much of a “Guess what? I’m pregnant!!!!” kind of person. But I preferred people hear it from me-ish before reading it on my blog and it getting around on the rumor mill. But looking back, my blog is not a secret anymore, and it’s like my Facebook for pregnancy, and I think it may have been less awkward than the way things ended up going down.
Anyway, I had told a few close friends right away, but had them keep mum about it for a little while. When I told one of my friends a few other random dude co-workers overheard, which was kind of funny to have them in on my little secret. Then finally, this week, I told one of them, who was dying to share the news he could, and he “accidentally” congratulated me over the station’s messaging system–notifying everyone. Well not everyone, but the six or so people who were working that night, and enough to get the word going.
People weren’t sure whether to congratulate me, if it was a joke, or if he knew what he had done. It was pretty funny seeing people’s confused looks. I shared the news with my boss (who wasn’t there for the instant message ordeal) and she hugged and congratulated me.
So now that it seems like everyone I should tell knows, I can finally share where I’ve been dying to share this whole time… My blog!
I’m pregnant, and I’m so excited!
Next time (if there is a next time) I don’t think people will really care about a third baby, and I’ll just tell everyone to come read it here 😉
I couldn’t let this baby go without a fun photo project documenting his/her arrival and I’ve already had one under works. Here’s the first photo, though I have weeks 5-10 done so far.
I’ll be sharing that, and a bunch of other random stuff soon.
Congratulations!!!
You should make one of those Project Baby shirts so you can cross off the weeks. Those are so cute! 😀
yaaaay! congratulations!! as a devoted reader/cyberstalker…i’m ecstatic! lol
Yay…congratulations! I love the way you told your hubby…even if it didn’t quite go as smoothly as you had hoped…and your family too! Can’t wait to read more! 🙂
Congratulations, that is so very exciting!! I’ve been wondering/hoping that you would have “news” soon. I’m so happy for you and your family and can’t wait to follow along on your journey.
Aww… Congratulations! I wanted to do something similar with my pregnancy updates but I’m just too tired with the kiddos. Oh.. and I’ve yet to even mention it on my blog that #3 is coming and I’m already at 15 weeks. We’re going the surprise route too so everyone will have to wait until February!
Congrats again! I can’t wait for more updates. Lil J will be a great big sis and you and daddy got this!
Congrats…enjoy. Love love love your blog!!!
Congratulations! I stopped here just knowing I must have missed your announcement but I’m only a day late.
Congratulations! I just knew you would get there soon!
OMG, Congrats hon!!!!!
I’m really happy for you..I have been stalking your page for a while to see updates when you gave the great news…
Haha speaking of april fools. I pulled a prank on my two girlfriends 2 years ago that I was pregnant. Last year – I really was and now my baby will be 1 in October. I won’t pull that prank in a while.
Love that t-shirt, how funny!
So exciting and April 2013 can’t come soon enough for you guys 🙂
As you already know, I love the weekly check-in photos. Those are awesome.
Congrats Jen! I’m saying boy!
We are so excited that he’s excited…. We’ve been there from the very start, April fools day joke and all :). Sooo HAPPY that you little family is expanding. Maybe you will catch Sista Beehive, you pass’d Sista Laurel long ago~ lol, really lol, seriously lol!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 🙂 So happy for you and your family! I LOVE your weekly update idea! Looks like were pregnancy buds! I will be 7 weeks along tomorrow with out 2nd child too! We are so EXCITED too!!
Congrats! Look forward to following your pregnancy and arrival of the new little blessing!
You’re just so cute! Congrats again!
so congratulations. i am so happy to come following and reading about your second pregnancy journey. this project looks great.
Congratulations! I’m 38 weeks along and it’s always exciting to hear of someone else getting good news like this 🙂 BTW, my sister is due with her 4th just a few days after you and her wedding anniversary is April Fool’s Day (I know, right?)
Awww Congrats!!!! 🙂
Congrats, Jen!!! I’m so happy for you. Carson was born at the end of March and I love his birthday.
(Doin’ the happy dance for you!) This is a great story. I am so happy for you. My daughter was due on April 5, but secretly I wanted April 1. She choose March 30th.
Congrats! I am very happy for you and your family! I’ve been following your blog for a while now (even though it’s a little strange as I’m a black woman married to a white man who is a police officer 🙂 ) and I just love your blog. We had our daughter first and our son came about 2 1/2 years later. Enjoy your pregnancy!
Congratulations! And being on team surprise is the best! I look forward to following along…
Congrats !!!!! I’m so happy for you and I can’t wait to read about this new journey.
Congratulations, so happy for you guys. I’m pregnant with my 3rd due in January. I was pregnant with my 2nd the same time you were with your first.
Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations!!! Last I commented here both you and I were hoping for a positive test, and glad that we both got what we wished for. I’m due on 17 April 2013. Congratulations to you again!
Congratulations! The second time around is a lot of fun. Having Lil J to share the excitement with makes it even sweeter! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Congrats again! Love your pink dress btw =)
Oh girl I am so happy for you and so jealous! I so wish I could have more babies….yay for you. Can’t wait to hear everything that’s going on. Hugs to you, hubs and baby girl!
Congratulations! I am a new reader, but I am looking forward to following along on your journey… enjoy!
WOO HOO! So happy for you! 😀
congratulations!!
Congratulations! I kind of had a feeling that you would be making this announcement soon! You went radio silent on the topic. It was a great surprise. Can’t wait to see the updates. Congrats once again.
So super excited!! I have been waiting for this news. We were first time preggies together and I am due in March and have been waiting for you to join me! haha. Congrats again!
CONGRATULATIONS. I am so excited for you guys. I can’t wait to hear more. Reading your last pregnancy materials was so fun and also interesting. Looking forward to see what you have up your sleeves for his pregnancy 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS to you, hubby and Lil J! I’ve been a follower for while but never commented. I was in stitches laughing when you were talking about the 30-day Challenge so I was excited to see when it would all go down! I had a feeling you were expecting. I thought to myself, “Wow she hasn’t said anything baby-related in a while. Something’s up!!” 😉 I’m so happy for you!
Aw Congrats Jen! I can’t believe I missed this the day your posts and I won’t be joining you this time like I did before. 😉
Congrats again and I can’t wait to follow this pregnancy as well!
Wow! Congrats!!!! Haven’t been on the blog for a little while. Pleasantly surprised and very very happy for you guys!!!!
Pure love and excitement over here, down south in Houston!!!! 🙂 Much love lady bug.
Totally missed this post, but the next one caught my eye in my reader, LOL. Congrats!!
Aw I’m so happy for you! How exciting! Looks like I’ll be joining you this time! You’re due almost a month after me! (I’m due March 10, 2013) May God shower blessings upon you, your family, and your unborn baby! 😀
I am so happy for you!!! I been following you like forever!!!!
Congratulations!
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!
YAY!!!! I am so happy excited for you! Finally your BFP! Congratulations Mama!
Congrats!! I’m so happy for you guys!!! Love the pic/letter at the end. I wish I was crafty enough to design stuff like that.
I am so excited for you!! Congrats!!
Congratulations to you both & of course to the Brand New BIG Sister – to – be.
Super Happy for you!!! Well am also trying for my first one..since 7yrs now…hoping to be a mommy soon!!! Could definitely use some baby dust… :0)
Have a healthy & happy pregnancy.
Hugs,
Riti Poddar (India)
Congrats, sweetie!!! I look forward to reading all through your pregnancy.
Congrats mama! I absolutely love your little ones cowgirl big sister shirt. I am tucking that idea in the back of my mind for whenever my little one is going to be a big sister 🙂
How exciting!! I’m due April 10th so will be following your blog very closely.
Praying for healthy pregnancies for us both!!!
Congrats!
Hey I am so glad I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now and
would just like to say thanks for a fantastic post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
Please do keep up the fantastic work.
Greetings my friend, I’m a hip hop producer your article was great, it really heleped me. I hope my mixcloud song will be better after reading this.thank you!
Howdy! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal
but I can figure things out pretty quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin.
Do you have any tips or suggestions? Appreciate it
I actually do confidence all the strategies you have offered for the write-up. There’re seriously genuine which enables it to definitely perform. On the other hand, this articles are way too quick education. May just you want expand all of them just a little through following time frame? Thanks for the particular post.
luke pharmatex We have practice a very few ideal information listed here. Unquestionably benefit bookmarking to get revisiting. We big surprise how much hard work you put to really make the kind of terrific educational website.