We are expecting another baby later this fall and we couldn't be more excited. However, a lot of the excitement was over shadowed by my severe morning sickness. I was sick with all my other pregnancies, so I expected to be spending a lot of time with my head in the toilet, but I never expected to find myself in the hospital time after time. Truth be told it took all the joy out of expecting another baby. I felt so guilty and ungrateful especially since we lost a baby in November. I have never in my life felt so sick. I didn't want to see anyone, talk on the phone, snuggle my own children, or even look out the window. I just wanted to survive. I couldn't keep food or water down, and over a three week period I lost 14 pounds. Because I was so dehydrated I went to the hospital 3 times to get an IV of fluids. That would help for maybe a day, but then I would be right back where I started. Finally when my doctor and I realized that I wasn't getting any better, and and in his own words stated that I was in a state of starvation, he admitted me into the hospital for 3 days. That 3 day period was an answer to our prayers.
My body was able to get back on track and start retaining nutrients. In the next weeks that followed I slowly regained my health and strength. I couldn't have done it without the love and support of my friends and family. My mom would come down on the weekends and watch the kids and clean our house so Steve could catch up on work. My sister came over to help fold laundry. My dad stocked my fridge with all sorts of drinks loaded with vitamins and electrolytes. I had friends take William for the day so I could rest and recover. But I have to give the biggest shout out to my husband. He was amazing during all this. He was at my side at all times. He held my hand and hair while I threw up, he washed out my puke bucket without grimacing. He even helped me take baths since I was too weak to wash my own hair. At one point he moved his office from the basement to the kitchen table so we could help keep an eye on William. He sacrificed so much for me and he continues to help me along the way. I'm blessed beyond measure. My heart over flows with gratitude and love for this man!
Now that I am 21weeks the sickness has subsided and I can start getting excited about the baby. Not to mention I finally have the energy to visit with friends, go to the park, and play with my kids. I'm looking forward to a summer full of camping, swimming, and road trips. This week we have an ultrasound with my doctor and as long as the baby corporates we'll find out if we're going to have a boy or girl! I can hardly wait! Both Samantha and William are excited about the baby too. They'll wrap their arms around my belly and give the baby hugs. It's the sweetest thing ever. Although William has on occasion laughed and mentioned "mama's fat tummy." Gotta love the honesty of a three and half year old. And of course Samantha wants a baby sister and William wants a a baby brother. Either way someone is going to be disappointed. As for me and Steve, we don't have a preference. We just want a happy, healthy baby. Again I just want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us during my first trimester. For the text messages of encouragement, the prayers, the extra help with William, all of it. I don't know how I would have survived without all the love that was poured out on me and my family.
