The Real Story--Announcing Baby #5 (and maybe #6)

Alright, so I realize today is April Fools Day and I realize that anything I say will be questioned.  I'm not usually a practical joker, but today I couldn't help myself.  This morning I posted this on FB.  

Went to the Dr. late this morning. In TOTAL SHOCK right now! 12 weeks, and we'll find out just how prophetic mi Rigoberto actually is. Totally willing to take whatever we get but kinda hoping for something missing between their legs, if you know what I mean. We were already talking girly names last night on our trip home from Spokane. SO EXCITED!!!!!!

 Okay...so while not ALL of this is true (including the ultrasound pic--courtesy of Google), there is some foundation to this information.  So here's the real story.

4 weeks ago, I hesitantly took a pregnancy test...and it came up positive.

Day of Positive Pregnancy Test (4.5 weeks)--Baby #5

 Deep Breaths Melanie.  Deep Breaths.

So much HOPE yet so much hesitancy.  It's hard for the two to co-exist peacefully.

I immediately fell to my knees and thanked my Heavenly Father for this little blessing.  I assured him that although my head has been wrapped up in the twin girls prophecy for years now, I was more than willing to let that go for one healthy baby....whatever the sex....just as long as, this time, things could work out and I would be able to cradle this little one in my arms when its time came. 

"Well, those lines are really dark," are the words that came out of Rob's mouth after looking at the little white stick.  A true testament to the many faint-lined pregnancy tests we've had in the last 22 months that have resulted in loss.

True to form we prepared to keep this little secret to ourselves.  It's just easier that way.  But I couldn't do it.  It was eating me alive.  I just didn't think we should do it alone this time.  We needed help.  We needed support.  We needed prayers.  So we told our families.  Best. Decision. EVER!

Unfortunately, because of my extremely large mouth, and a rapidly growing 5th baby (10th pregnancy) belly, I have had a really hard time keeping it to myself.  Sigh.  Too many people know, including you now.  It makes me feel vulnerable...and scared....and yet, not.

We're certainly not out of the dark but are weeks past the point I miscarried the last four.  Add that to the fact that I am sicker than I have EVER been, we feel hopeful this little one is thriving and will continue to do so.

Because of my "high risk" of loss, I have already been in to see the doctor, twice.  I've had two internal (aka wand) ultrasounds (now those are fun), have heard a heartbeat, and have a beautiful picture of the little blob.

Ultrasound @ 5 weeks 5 days--Baby #5

It's not much but it was relieving to see/hear anyway.

"So...there's only one in there, right?" I asked.  Doctor's response, "Oh...it's too early to tell at this point."  Yeah, he's totally abreast of Rob's "twin girl" prediction and my unfounded "hopes" of it actually happening.  He doesn't think it's all that unlikely and is totally on board with us (until proven otherwise...he he)  "I've heard weirder things, he said." 

Because there is only one outer sac (chorion) seen in the pic, if there ARE twins in there, it would be what is called a Monochorionic (same placenta) and either a Diamniotic (each has it's own amniotic sac) or Monoamniotic (share an amniotic sac) pregnancy.  In either case, they would be identical.

Hah....how cute would it be to have identical red, curly haired little female Gillespies running around. 

Sadly, both of these are really rare...so I'm not holding my breath.  Rob....now that's another story.  He's still holding on to the idea with gusto.  Won't let it go until we have further evidence it's just one  (oh..and he REALLY wants a girl this time.)  It's so cute.  :)



As for me, I'm just "grateful" to be feeling extremely sick, a testament to positive things giving me more and more HOPE by the day.

I'm growing HUGE so very fast and am too sick to even think about trying to "hold it in".  I realize it's my 5th but, sheesh.....look at this thing...... (taken today)

7 weeks and 5 days--Baby #5

compare it to my last pregnancy at 7 weeks......

Now you know why I feel like such a whale already.  He he he...

So there you have it.