Monday, May 03, 2010

and God laughs

Here's the post that I hastily published on April 23, and took down 12 hours later at the urging of my beloved husband. Over the past couple of weeks, the people that needed to know, have heard it first hand from me.

So now, here it is for the world.

****************

Charlie and I struggled with infertility for years. We went through countless surgeries and procedures to try and conceive. It wasn't until our third round of IVF, in March of 2004, six years ago last month, that we were finally successful just getting two lines on the stick.

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When we conceived Henry, it was such a wonderful, incredible, miraculous surprise. For all that we had been through to get pregnant in the first place, I was in complete disbelief that I had conceived this child, naturally, until the moment they handed my newborn to me in the delivery room.

Henry has been such a wonderful blessing to our family, but especially to me. Because he is the baby that just happened. There was no looking at a calendar, scheduling appointments, having prescriptions filled, enduring painful subcutaneous and intramuscular shots and standing by the phone, quivering with anticipation and dread until the call came through.

With Henry, there was none of that. With Henry, there was a fun church service, a glass of wine, and a severely strained back. Nine months later, he arrived on his due date, weighing almost more than his triplet siblings did, COMBINED.

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Just before Henry was born, my OB asked if I would like to have a tubal ligation at the same time as my c-section and I said absolutely not. Because it seemed like such a final thing. What if at some later time we decided that we wanted to have more children?

Of course this sounded totally crazy coming from a woman who was going to birth four children in less than three years. But I wanted to keep my tubes as open as my options.

Whether or not we would ever really try for another child was questionable. Because all along, Charlie said NO while I said MAYBE yes?

My husband's argument was that we'd probably need a larger car. And we would feel even more crammed for space in our small house. And why?! Don't we have enough children, now? Could we ever give the same amount of love and attention to a fifth child? Why can't we just enjoy the beautiful children that we have? And really, could I handle another pregnancy and the associated 100 pound weight gain that always seems to occur?

My argument was that biologically, I have a very small window of opportunity remaining and I don't want to go through my life wondering what if? I'm from a large family and although we definitely have our struggles from time to time, I adore them and I've always dreamed of having a large family, myself.

Then there's the flip side, where I contemplate overpopulation and responsible parenting and all the things that can go wrong with an advanced maternal age and pregnancy in general. And there's also that bit of me that feels guilty and greedy for wanting more children - when there are so many without.

Those things definitely mean something to my brain - that component of my body that thinks and processes information. I consider the strain each additional human being puts on the earth and our natural resources. And I consider the strain each additional human being puts on our wallet, especially once they enter college.

But money and overcrowding mean nothing to my heart.

So about 20 months ago, we decided that we'd just see what happened. If, you know, we threw caution to the wind. After a full year and a half, nothing did happen. Which in many ways (and quite ridiculously, perhaps), made me incredibly frustrated with my body in a way that was eerily reminiscent of the feelings I'd experienced when we were struggling with infertility way back when. The primary difference being that now, I'd have four gorgeous children to scoop up and hug. Which meant the sting wasn't nearly as painful, although still there.

Eventually, and somewhat tearfully for me, we concluded that my spontaneous conception with Henry truly WAS a miracle. We concluded that we'd focus on our blessings and raising our four amazing children.

We concluded that we would move 3,000 miles cross-country this summer. We concluded that I'd accept this position in Virginia and work from an office. We concluded that sustaining my career was truly the best option for our family, now and particularly in the long term.

We concluded that Charlie will be home full time, working on his business part time. We concluded that this arrangement will be wonderful for all involved. We concluded that the triplets will be starting kindergarten in the fall at around the same time Henry will be starting preschool two to three mornings a week.

We concluded that the baby stage was firmly behind us and it was time to clean out our garage and give away our cribs and baby gear.

So that's exactly what we did.

We began fixing up our house for sale or rent, and we began looking at houses in Virginia within five miles of the office. And then, we truly experienced a feeling of peace as we focused on this next new and exciting phase of our life because (repeat after me) THE BABY PHASE IS MOST DEFINITELY OVER FOR US.

And well, as I learned on the night of my 39th birthday...



















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It appears someone disagrees.

165 comments:

  1. What??! Oh My - how totally awesome! I was 39 when I had my trio. Age is just a number! Wow!
    God is good.

    JO

    www.teensandtriplets.com

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  2. If there's one thing our God is, it's DRAMATIC.

    Perhaps not the adventure you had planned on, but...it'll be a better one!

    That's so awesome and congratulations!!!!

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  3. Oh. My.

    Congratulations!

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  4. Congratulations! It couldn't be more complicated but what a blessing this baby will be to you all.

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  5. Congratulations to you and Charlie! That little blue and white stick brings the most wonderful news for your family!
    Plus, you and Charlie make the most ridiculously good-looking children!

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  6. What an amazing present! Congratulations!

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  7. Long time reader, second time commenter. I just had to write in to say this:

    OH MY GOD!

    I cannot even begin to imagine all the emotions you must be feeling. Congratulations!

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  8. I knew it! I saw your tweets and know the power of your children's births and what they do to the Red Sox. Congratulations!!

    Also, I think you had to have known this would happen. You got rid of all your baby stuff. That action fetches these results almost as well as tracking ovulation.

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  9. Congratulations!! I am thrilled for you all and wish you all the best.

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  10. Jen - how wonderful for you and Charlie! Now a new adventure begins . . .

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  11. Aaaahhhhh! Congratulations! What wonderful news and what a wonderful blessing.

    From reading your blog for some time now, I truly cannot think of a nicer family for
    this bundle of joy to to be born to!

    Well done!!!

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  12. Congratulations!

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  13. Your life is like a novel!! I love this ending--I suppose now you will look at your move a little differently!

    I think your news is exciting, because you get to mother a newborn again...and I think, as you know, that you shine at this motherhood thing!!

    Hearty best wishes--I think your news is just marvelous...and I'm smiling from ear to ear over it, partly because I think you got a pretty loud answer to prayer in a totally unexpected way!!

    Will be anxious to read your next posts!!

    Your blog is never boring!!!!

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  14. OMG Congratulations. I'm so happy to read this because I KNEW you weren't done with babies yet LOL

    Cackle

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  15. Congratulations, what amazing, wonderful and fantastic news!!!!!!

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  16. Oh my god! That awesome! I'm so excited for you guys!

    What does thisean about the move? Aren't CA maternity leave laws the best in the country?

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  17. WOW! Congratulations and hope it all goes well for you all. God certainly like to suprise us sometime doesn't he?

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  18. Ooh, awesome! How exciting! Congratulations! :-)
    Along with I suspect pretty much all your other blog followers, I will check back to see what implications this has on your geographic location, etc.

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  19. Congratulations

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  20. Oh my God, I didn't expect that. I am crying over here with joy. Its just wonderful, another miracle. I am just delighted for you. Yay. CONGRAULATIONS!!

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  21. Wow! Wow! Wow! I have been reading your blog for just under a year, and all I can say is wow! A big congratulations to you - and it is true lightning does sometimes strike twice:)

    Best wishes;

    Emily

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  22. OMG God is not the only one laughing. I have been reading (and loving) your blog for a few months now. I have to tell you I literally laughed out loud when I saw the pg stick!

    Congratulations are in order, I hope you don't have too much morning sickness and will wait with baited breath to see just how hard God is laughing, it may just be more than one heart beat :)

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  23. I am so thrilled for you guys. It's almost as if I'm getting a new grandbaby!

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  24. Oh wow! That is SO EXCITING! I've been following your blog since the triplets and it makes my day everyday, I wish you all the best!

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  25. Oh my goodness! Congratulations! You are so blessed and so is this baby! Enjoy the next 9 months - you have so much to look forward to!

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  26. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :) Such fabulous news!!!

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  27. WHOOOOOOOOT!!

    I am beside myself with excitement for you guys.

    HOW EXCITING!!!

    Congratulations and Happy Birthday and oh my gosh, what are you all going to do now??

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  28. OMG - that is fantastic!!!.

    I'm so happy for you and your family.

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  29. OH MY WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations :)

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  30. Wow!! Congrats! That is so thrilling. Had to delurk to comment on this wonderful news.

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  31. Oh my goodness! Congratulations!!! How far along are you?

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  32. HOLY CRAP!!! Congratulations! I have four and I would secretly love a fifth. Hope you have a great and easy pregnancy!

    Kelly(Houston)

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  33. Congrats!!

    susieg

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  34. Yes, God does have His own plan. Congratulations.

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  35. Oh My Goodness!!! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you (and jealous too). I have followed you all the way from the old Resolve boards, and have nodded and sighed with you all this time. You drove through my town on your big cross country trip, and I wanted to run out and flag you down. This is such a wonderful thing, and I am truly happy for you.

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  36. OHMYGOSH! Does this mean I have to get pregnant too, since our lives are supposed to mirror each other? Good God, you are going to KILL me.

    I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU. Congratulations, Jen and Charlie. I think this is perfect. Henry NEEDED a sibling. He would be SO LONELY when the kids are in school all day. Now he will grow up with a best friend too.

    But, oh gosh, now the baby will need a best friend TOO. Good Lord, when does it stop?

    Okay, this is going to be fun. I totally didn't see this chapter in your life story coming.

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  37. HOLY MOLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    You are so blessed!!!

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  38. Congrats!! I would take this as a sign as to what choice you should make. Or, at least you have another year maternity leave to decide. I hope you have a happy and healthy 9 months

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  39. What wonderful news!

    Kari in Georgia

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  40. OMG!!!!! :) That's amazing and wonderful news! Did you fall off your chair when you found out? Congratulations! :)

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  41. ahhhh.....amazing!

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  42. Yay! Congratulations! I'm a lurker, but read your blog all the time. I can't wait to hear all about the new little bean.

    Have you told the kids?

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  43. OMG Jen!! Just goes to show how little control we have over our lives! Congratulations!

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  44. OH. MY. GOD!!!!

    That is incredible news! Congratulations Jen and congrats to the rest of your family. WOW! I had some other amazed expletives when I was told to come over here and check your blog because I hadn't read it in a few weeks...I think it was HOLY S*#@!

    Congrats, congrats, congrats!

    LisaB/MA....Carolyn's...

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  45. Jen! How amazing and exciting. I'm thrilled for you. Congratulations :)

    michellev

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  46. Oh my... Congratulations! I can't wait to see how you handle this curveball. Given how much I respect and admire your parenting style (and hope to one day emulate), I think you all will be just fine.

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  47. Congrats! What exciting news:)

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  48. OH MY GOSH!!!!!! I have the chills, I'm all teary eyed, I'm SO EXCITED for you and your family!!!! Reminds me of something I read, "Want to hear God laugh? Tell him your plans!" Congratulations Jen, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!

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  49. I felt where this was going, and yet I am still sitting here with my mouth agape. Congratulations!!!

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  50. Congrats!! God's timing is always perfect, even when we're not so sure about that.

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  51. I was holding my breath as I read through this post. I just KNEW it! How awesome! I am so happy for you guys! Congratulations! I just did the cross-country move thing last summer (and again this summer) from VA to AZ to GA and now to WA. And I have my six children, so I understand the desire to have a large family too. It's such a blessing! My only thought now is... what if it's twins? ;)

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  52. And I am laughing with God. Wow I never expected that. I can just imagine the turmoil this has tossed into the picture. With "your" companies amazing pregnancy leave, can you stay where you are, take a year off of work and then see where you stand? Just when you "know" you have everything figured out, your ducks in a row and you are in control of everything...God laughs and shows us exactly who is in control;)

    Seriously I know that you two are thrilled to be adding to your family and I wish for you a very healthy pregnancy.
    Kathy

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  53. HOley Moley! I mean some curse words could come out but WOW! so I guess you are replanning everything you planned AGAIN.
    Well so far 8 years of infertility have struck us 5 series of IVF plus other stuff before and only one pregnancy that I lost, even after the long adoption process no surprise pregnancies, even tried naturalpath stuff, and now patiently waiting and hoping to adopt again. Can't wait to hear what you are all going to do now, I have never seen a stick change yet, I wish I had peed on one when I got pregnant but I was so terrifeid of losing the baby and jinxing it I couldn't.

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  54. Congratulations. This must be so exciting. Enjoy your pregnancy.

    -Signed Mom of two year old triplets

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  55. Dad and Kathleen4/24/10, 9:34 AM

    boy (or girl) oh boy! What wonderful news as we have watched over the years....your love and devotion to another child will be jsut perfect!
    God bless you both and we will celbrate May 2nd on the beach with you in Mission Bay! Can't wait to hug you all.
    Love: Dad and Kathleen

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  56. Awesome news! (I think, right?) I admit that I skipped to the end of the post once I thought I knew where it was going, and then went back and read the rest.

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  57. OH!! HOW EXCITING!!!! I couldn't help but hope that that was where you were going with this post when I started reading it!!!

    WOOHOO!!! Big families are a good thing!! God bless you and this pregnancy - and guide you in the decisions it sounds like you may have to reconsider! ;-) God does have a sense of humor! :) :)

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  58. Oh, and you've made me feel a bit better this morning. I've been sort of wanting a third baby but for a variety of reasons, it just hasn't happened or seemed like the right time. (I have a great new job, husband deploying for a year in October and my cycles have been off, plus I just turned 36 and feel like my child-bearing years are coming to an end.) But maybe not!

    I used to follow lots of blogs of pregnant women or infertile women and over time, they've all had their children and now we mostly talk about potty training and preschool. And starting kindergarten. So I'm glad to have a pregnant woman back on my blog-reading!

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  59. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I've known you from Carolyn's boards since before this blog, before Henry - wonderful!!!!!!

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  60. Congratulations! I don't think I've ever commented on your blog but have loved reading it. I am a triplet so I love to here about your triplets. Are you still planning to move to the east? I live in New England and I love it.

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  61. joyful congratulations!
    I too had a 39th birthday surprise after my own infertility path (I was on Resolve boards with you in 04/05) My second child is my husband's 5th, as he/we has/have an older tribe.

    Wish I could send you some baby gear, but we too have emptied our house of baby things.
    best wishes, I could not imagine a better home for that new little sprout.
    Jill

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  62. THAT IS SO EXCITING! LOOK, EVEN MY CAPS LOCK KEY AGREES!
    Congratulations from the random occasional commenter :)

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  63. Congratulations!

    Did you conceive this one a similar length of time after weaning Henry, as you conceived Henry after weaning the triplets? I have heard that in the timeframe soon after stopping breastfeeding, fertility can get a significant boost......

    But whatever the cause, congratulations!

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  64. Oh my goodness!!!! Lol, that's awesome and I couldn't be happier for you guys. This blog is gonna get REALLY good now. :)

    Mazel tov!

    D

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  65. Congratulations! So happy for you!

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  66. Congratulations!!! There are always TWISTS and TURNS in the roller coaster of life and this is one to make you smile...

    I am thinking that the Trips will probably be 6 by the time this bundle arrives and they can actually be helpful(!). Henry, on the other hand, might take issue with having to share his "apples" - but he will adjust :)

    So--- Are you still off to VA???

    NT in Northern NJ

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  67. OMG! Congratulations!! (from a long time lurker)

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  68. Delurking to say Yippee! Babies are always a reason to celebrate. Congratulations to ALL of you and just think of all the help you'll have. I am so excited for you.
    Congrats again,
    Mary Stewart

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  69. wow! that should be exciting.Children are a real blessing! Hope everything goes well.

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  70. That is by far one of my favorite sayings...an old yiddish proverb. "Man plans and God laughs."

    Jen, I am sure you do not know what to think right now...or maybe you do. Either way I am thrilled for you and your family. And as always I am excited to follow along on your adventure.

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  71. Susan Pearce (Missouri)4/24/10, 10:28 AM

    So you are pregnant again?! I hope this is good news for you? I have followed your blog and posted occassionally over the past 4 yrs, but I have been "absent" due to some issues beyond my control, so I haven't had time to read your blog in the past year or so...until this morning, I decided I had an extra hour I would catch up and see what your beautiful babies have been up to since I was gone. lol! I think it's fantastic news, so CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! :)

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  72. I just about fell out of my chair. Wishing you a happy pregnancy!

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  73. WOW:) Congrats to you and your family!!!:)

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  74. OH MY GOD!!!! I'm shocked AND at the same time happy for you...despite all the new challenges heading your way, congratulations!!!!

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  75. Oh my gosh. Congrats! I am so happy for you guys. What an absolute amazing blessing. :)

    This makes me happy for selfish reasons too. First of all, we all get to read about your sweet family embracing another baby. You are also an inspiration to individuals, like me and my fiancee, who know they will have to deal with future infertility issues. God is so great and can do amazing things.

    You totally made my day with this post. Seriously. Thank you. :)

    Marla @ www.asthefarmturns.wordpress.com

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  76. OH WOW!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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  77. bzz bzz bzz . .. . that is the sound of my brain short circuiting . . . . all I have to say is . . . CONVERSION VAN . . . .HERE YOU COME!

    OK - you better check in soon before I drive down there and appear in your doorway . . . .

    Yours - Jessica

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  78. wow!!!!! that's amazing! congratulations :)

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  79. OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! Congratulations!!!!! & WOW!!!! It always seems to happen that once all the baby stuff is given away another one comes along, but this is truly awesome & AMAZING!!! I am just so happy for you guys :o) (and a wee bit jealous too!)

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  80. I started reading your post and said "She's pregnant! From the very first second! Congrats! I know that you guys will be fantastic parents again! Now if you can just figure out what this means for you all!

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  81. Congratulations and what an incredible birthday gift!! I am so thrilled for you... it's funny (and random), but I've been thinking there would be a new announcement from you guys for a little while, and here it is. I am grinning (my hubby just asked me what I'm up to)... isn't it always the way, as soon as you get rid of the baby gear--it's happened to so many of my friends. We just got rid of ours, too, so I'm half expecting a surprise.
    Wishing you a very happy, healthy 9 months... and I think it's a girl ;>

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  82. Awesome! I knew it after your last post. Congratulations!! See what happens when you relax? :D

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  83. Amazing! Congratulations!

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  84. I can't believe noone else has commented?? Congratulations!! How far along are you? I'm 6weeks, so I'm looking forward to sharing this journey with you.

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  85. Um, wow. I had a feeling this might be the case when I read the title of your post......assuming this isn't some belated April fools joke :) congratulations Jen & Charlie, that is awesome!

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  86. OH MY GOSH!

    Congratulations you crazy kids! :)

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  87. enjoy, enjoy enjoy!

    another miracle on the way!

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  88. That put a huge smile on my face. Congratulations!!!! If you have to have a crazy wrench thrown in your new plans, this is an awful fun one to have.

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  89. Well, My mom just called and said to click on your blog...I guess it just goes to show you...Even the best laid out plains are can change.....Happy, Happy NEWS!!!

    YAAAAA!!!!!

    I am so VERY excited for you all!!!!

    xoxox, lisa

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  90. Ohhhh, my!! Congratulations!! And wow. You guys have as much change ahead of you as we do - we're doing everything on your list BUT the new behbeh! Good luck with everything ahead of you!

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  91. Oh my gosh, I am so excited for you!! Having been through the infertility merry-go-round myself, I know how painful and depressing it can be. To conceive spontaneously is truly a miracle. Two times over! Congratulations and may the next 9 months pass happily and healthfully :)

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  92. Congrats Jen! How far along are you? I'm 5 weeks, 2 days, so excited for you!

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  93. Congrats Jen!! I knew from the title of your post that you were pregnant and that is so exciting! So what does this mean for your family now? Hope all goes well =]

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  94. Wonderful news!The Amazing trips will be just a little bit busier :)

    I really enjoy your blog.

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  95. Long time lurker coming out of hiding to say Congratulations!

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  96. Congratulations! How exciting!!!

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  97. OMG- that is SOOOOO AWESOME!!! sure does throw a wrench into your plans! LOL - I am so excited for you!!! - An old Carolyn's board friend- Lori Korn

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  98. O.M.G. You're the talk of babysteps right now, LOL.

    Many congrats. Maybe a horse farm in VA is in order - plenty of room!!

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  99. Congrats!!! That is sooo exciting!

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  100. Congratulations!!!

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  101. Wow. WOW! Congratulations! I have no words other than WOW!

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  102. OMG! HOW WONDERFUL - God may laugh but He is still AWESOME!

    ~Mad(elyn) in Alabama

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  103. OMG.
    OMG.
    OMG.
    OMG

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

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  104. This is wonderfully unexpected news! Congratulations to both of you. Can't wait to read what you write as you progress in the next year on so many different fronts.

    KarenM in NC

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  105. Congratulations!!! A baby always happens just when you least expect it! This has recently happened to me as well! It will be fun to follow you along on this road!!

    Julia

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  106. Oh my goodness!! Congratulations!!

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  107. THRILLED for you...what an exciting little twist. If there is one thing I've learned from following your blog for so many years is that is ANYONE can handle it's you Jen!! You are an amazing mom...Good Luck on a happy healthy pregnancy!!!

    Jennifer

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  108. Wow! Jen, that is incredible news! Congratulations!!!

    KathyG

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  109. Hehe...SWEET!!!!! Many, many congratulations to you guys - that is seriously fantastic news. :-) I love how we make plans...and God laughs. We had a fun little surprise just like yours last year - we're about to have our sixth kid and couldn't be more thrilled. Wishing you blessings and peace during this new transition!!

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  110. Whoo hoo Congratulations and best wishes on your 5th! We look forward to your journey as you plow through a hopefully uneventful pregnancy.
    5 kids is very cool.

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  111. This is FABULOUS news Jen! Congrats to you. You know the saying "God laughs while you plan" I hope it is an uneventful 9 months ahead - pregnancy wise that is.....

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  112. congrats Jen! Im hoping for nothing but the best for you and your family. Warm hugs from Argentina =)

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  113. Oh WOW!!! You don't even know me, but I am so happy for you! I know life is crazy, and the best way to ensure something happens seems to be to make a decision to go the other way. Congratulations and good luck! I know you can do it!

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  114. Well CONGRATULATIONS from Croatia! I don't know why but I am extatic for you :) YIPIEEEE!!!
    You are brave. But you do it so well and you will be great big family. We are all so happy for you (except Tomi my husband who is really worried :) - men)...

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  115. OMG...that is incredible! Congrats and happy birthday, indeed!

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  116. Jen~

    Lump in throat. Tears in eyes. I couldn't be happier for you and Charlie!! I look forward to cheering you on! Yeah!

    Peace~
    Karen

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  118. Courtney in Crete4/24/10, 2:37 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  121. Congratulations!!! How awesome for you and your family!!! What a wonderful 39th birthday!!!

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  122. Congratulations!!! Awesome news.

    OK, I am a lurker. But dude, I just knew it. I had not read this original post that you had up. But yup, I guessed. :)Those teasers you threw out were enough ;)

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  123. HO-LY CRAP. HOLY CRAP. WOW! Congratulations! God's timing is quite interesting. HOLY CRAP.

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  124. Oh what fantastic news!!! Congratulations!! I can't wait to read about your incredible to journey to come!! I feel like it was just yesterday that I was reading about the trips on Resolve-WOWEEEE!!!

    Deanna in NJ

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  125. Congratulations!!!!! I bet your kids are thrilled!
    You'll have to start your knitting tutorials so we can make you booties, hats, blankets, etc.!
    Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy. So happy for you and Charlie!

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  126. Ps: forgot to add... a long while back you hinted about a Favorite Thing that you might feature if the situation arose (or something like that). My 1st thought was that it had something to do with pregnancy and I thought to myself "she's going to try for a 5th!). If you remember this, was I right? Is there a Friday Favorite Thing that has to do with pregnancy?

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  127. I knew it!!! The second you said "No wine," it was a dead giveaway. :) You are amazing, Jen... congratulations!

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  128. JUMPING UP AND DOWN.........so excited for you and Charlie!

    Murphy's Law -- you got rid of the 'stuff'.

    I knew it; I just knew it :)

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  129. I don't know how I missed this post the first time around! Somewhere a long the way I read a little hint, but I was still shocked today! Being the exact same age as you, I have to admit I am a little jealous--having little ones just makes old age that much farther away! You get to snuggle a newborn while I send our youngest off to school! Congrats to you!

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  130. CONGRATULATIONS!! I'm so glad you reposted this so the rest of us could share your joy, instead of just suspecting.

    I can't wait to hear what you do next on the job front. I'm really thinking staying put through maternity leave might be a good idea.

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  131. Love the post! LOVE the title! Life is just crazy sometimes! :) Congratulations!!!!

    Kim

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  132. Well, God answered your prayer now to get to be a SAHM for a while again. I am guessing next up will be an unexpected work opportunity for Charlie. How many square feet is your house? No wine now but lots of chocolate!! LOL! Congrats!

    Nonna2trips

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  133. So f.ing awesome. So happy for you. I'm 38 and pregnant with my second, after a long time of trying and I think I know how happy you must be.

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  134. "Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans for the future." SO true!
    Jen and Charlie, what happy news. Congratulations! I look forward to following this pregnancy too!
    BIG hugs

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  135. Holy Cow. That was unexpected. God does speak. But what is he saying???? Congratulations!!!!

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  136. Yippeee!!!

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  137. I think your prayer for a definite sign was answered...except that it wasn't a message written in the sky...but on a little stick!

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  138. congratulatioins! That is what I thought you were going to say, any I DID see that post on my reader but had not read it!

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  139. I've been reading for such a long time but have never commented. I just got goosebumps! Congratulations to your family! :)

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  140. I think you will be glad you signed the triplets up for school! Congrats!

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  141. See, this (and your sweet Henry miracle) are exactly why I will be insisting upon a tubal ligation after these twins are born*!! My friends who know about our struggles with infertility don't understand why I would even need birth control at all after what it took to get pregnant in the first place, but they clearly don't know about how infertility can work sometimes!

    Congrats, congrats, congrats on your wonderful news!

    *just to clarify in case that comes across negatively, what I mean is that due to our ages and financial circumstances, my husband and I see our family as very much complete with the upcoming addition of our twin boys. We have no intention of having more, and if the mood strikes us and we change our minds, we're lucky enough to still have 3 embryos on ice, plus insurance coverage to take us through another round of IVF, if we so chose. I mean no judgement at all about the presence of Henry and your new baby! I only mean that, for us, we would like to avoid a surprise, and that your story clearly shows that infertility is no guarantee that a sweet surprise wouldn't happen!

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  142. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! What a blessing I am so happy for you. I remember when you fell off your seat when you read I was pg with claire and the twins were 6m well this time I fell off mine!! :)

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  143. Congratulations! What an exciting birthday present :-)

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  144. Yes God has a sense of humor!!! I FINALLY made a plan in my life and watched him throw it out the window......every single solitary page!!! I like his plan better I have to admit!

    Congrats I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for you!!

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  145. As someone who is currently 15 weeks pregnant with baby #4 AFTER going ahead and having her tubes tied due to high risk pregnancies, I certainly agree - somewhere, someone's laughing...but goodness, can there be any better surprise than a baby? Congratulations!

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  146. So happy for you! CONGRATS!

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  147. Congratulations! Even though I don't "really" know you guys, I'm very excited.

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  148. Dancing in the streets, I was one of those lucky few who read the original post went to comment on it and wait, what it was gone.

    I am so happy for you and actually for our world as well. Yes there is overpopulation, yes having numerous children in college will be hard but having YOUR children in the world is a blessing to all of us.

    You and Charlie are the most amazing parents raising the most amazing kids in the most amazing fashion (just had to get that in there 3 times). You are teaching them to be responsible caring people who care about other people and the world around them at a very young age. I can only imagine the adults they will become. Yes the world is blessed with another sibling for the amazing trips and Henry.

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  149. Congrats! De-lurking to say that I have to admit I did see this post the first time around and it is still a beautiful one.

    =)Christine

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  150. I KNEW IT!!!! Just knew it. So happy for you! And yes, God laughs at us all the time.

    Blessings to you Jenn and Charlie...y'all are my heroes.

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  151. See, I knew it! I saw the first paragraph in my reader and by the time I got here you had deleted it, but I knew it! Congratulations. I always dream that will happen to us, but I don't hold my breath. Very excited for you and sending lots of prayers that all is OK in regards to your more recent post. ((HUGS))

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  152. I thought that this was the 'personal' issue too. I'm so glad to see it confirmed and I'm so happy for you. I am a mum of five too, only the reverse of you I had two singletons first - they were 2 and 3 when the triplets arrived. It hasn't stopped us at all, we still travel a lot. I also read your more recent post and I think you have done the right thing.
    sandie

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  153. So exciting! Haven't been on here in ages. Boy, sure glad I came by to see how things were going :)

    Congrats!

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  154. I'm on a marathon on catching up with your posts. I just wanted to add my congrats to you here. Can't wait to read the the next posts.

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