Made in America: The Baby Edition

Secondary title: FAQs about Baby Maurer #2.

Due Date: June 8, 2018. I'm mentally prepping to go late, so probably some time in mid-June. I'm hoping to try for a VBAC, so the timing is a bit tricky. My C section with Lando was great and I'm not opposed to a repeat one, but at the moment, the plan is to wait for labor. 

How's Landon doing?: He is THRILLED. All his friends have little siblings, and he's now convinced that he's a big brother to every baby. He was slightly concerned that I ate the baby in my stomach, but I cleared that up quickly.

Did I know I was pregnant when we moved: Yes! I found out at 3.5 weeks. I had been crying angrily that Stephen was cruel enough to buy me mittens (true story), and wanted to take a pregnancy test before I got my flu shot. And..I threw the test away before the two lines appeared. Pregnant, impatient ENFPs for the win. For whatever unknown reason, I dug that pregnancy test out of the trash and saw two lines. Naturally, I did what every rational woman does after digging a positive pregnancy test out of the trash can: I peed on another stick. Still in disbelief, I texted my line expert friend and she told me it was likely a positive. It's an anti-climatic tale for sure.

How did I tell Stephen: like this!

Pinterest is agog over my creative method of surprising my husband. I'm sure the ol' scientific text and picture via FB messenger will soon be trending.

How far along was I when we moved: We moved out of our home in Yuba City at exactly 4 weeks, and then we landed in London the day before six weeks. On that note - if you ever need to bring about morning sickness, I highly recommend jet lag. Works like a nauseating charm. 

Wasn't I just pregnant: Yep. From June 2017 to June 2018, there will only be a tiny four week window where I wasn't pregnant. God bless Stephen for his patience.

Will the baby be American: Oh yes. Just a sweet little expat baby born to an American serviceman and American citizen on a military base. There's some extra paperwork to complete, but baby will be as American as they come--just with an exciting birth location. 

Boy or girl: We won't know until January. We will be thrilled with either sex, but Maurers tend to run male. I like to pretend my pregnancies are girls until further notice, though.

Am I sure it's not twins: Despite the high HCG numbers and early bloating and belly popping, we have  had two ultrasounds confirm that there's just one Maurer babe swimming in there. Apparently this one is my over-achiever. 

How am I feeling: Pregnancy-wise I feel fine. This  first trimester was technically more symptomatic than Landon's, but it's hard to compare full time school + almost/full time on my feet work to being the laziest W/SAHM--to a preschooler no less--on the planet. I've done exactly two hours of paid work this entire first trimester. Again, God bless my sweet husband. He is the best. 

Was I shocked when I found out: Not really, but I was amused. I knew I didn't want to move in the first trimester and I had planned my earlier pregnancy so carefully...and then God laughed and here we are. But it's a happy shock. As much as I struggled with becoming a mother with Landon's pregnancy and birth, I'm eager to hold my two children in my arms. Being a mother is the hardest path I've ever journeyed, but I adore my children. 

I'm 13w, 1d today, and with every passing day I grow more attached to this baby. Even with two ultrasounds and a beautiful heartbeat, there are so many nerves attached to pregnancy. Normal nerves, post miscarriage nerves, Susie struggling with extreme anxiety nerves--all of that. We appreciate any and all prayers for health and safety, and we are anticipating this June baby with great delight.