Hey y’all! It’s long past time for a Blog Your Heart. Here’s what it’s all about.
1. Blog whatever is authentic. Whatever is truly on your mind and in your heart.
2. It can be serious, silly, short, long. NOTE:No one said it has to be serious. But it should be authentic.
3. No judging allowed no snarky comments, no making fun, no passive agressive digs.If you are going to read the blogs linked below, don’t be mean. Nothing here is whining, though I can’t help it if you perceive it that way. It’s me honestly sharing my feelings. if you feel that it’s whining, then you don’t have to read. 🙂
4. If you BYH, link back here. I’ll add an Inlinkz tool at the end of the post. I always read and comment on every single post.
5. Feel free to use the graphic above. Just make sure to link back to me.
Okay, here goes.
1. I’m terrified to have baby #5. You’d think I’d know what to do by now but it feels like I’m starting all over in so many ways. I’m scared about everything, from trying a new childbirth technique to adding a 5th child. I know it will be okay, but I’m feeling really overwhelmed. At the same time… I know this baby will be loved beyond all measure and spoiled ROTTEN.
2. I sneezed while walking and peed my pants twice yesterday. Pregnancy is very glamorous.
3. We have our names picked and I love both of them so much. They are both family names. The girl name has a witty Italian connection that I love.
4. People keep assuming I hope it’s a boy and that’s just not the case.
5. In America, I’d be classified as advanced maternal age (I turn 38 this month)…but here in Italy they have literally never even mentioned it once. This is the age most women are having their first child.
apparently this is my face when jimmy is taking my picture. he probably said or did something pervy.
6. I really don’t like hearing “Any day now!” or the worst —> “You are about to POP!!!” I sure hope not. I’m 32 weeks pregnant. I don’t know if I’ve said these things to pregnant women before. I sure as hell hope not, but I for sure won’t ever make that mistake now.
7. I love that I’m having a baby in Italy. I’m curious to see how the experience is in the Italian hospital. I have heard that they are very receptive to the mother’s wishes and that they are minimally invasive. I like that lots.
8. My mom is coming at the end of September and that makes me so happy. Everyone needs their mom. 🙂
9. My Italian plumber calls me anguria which means watermelon in Italian. He always points at my stomach when he says it and I love it so much.
10. At the ultrasound yesterday the OB told me she could see lots of hair on the baby’s head. This fills me with joy because all four of my girls were born with full heads of black hair and I think there is nothing cuter than a new baby with hair.
11. My heart is overjoyed at the thought of seeing the girls be big sisters. They are going to be SO AMAZING.
Oh it’s so exciting isn’t it, I’m excited for you. You look absolutely amazing, I’m glad you’re doing so well and I hope you manage to have some rest and relaxation over the last few weeks. CJ xx
You look amazing! And yes this baby will be very loved and maybe a teeny but spoiled (I’m #5 in my family and the only girl). I was 42 when I had my only child. I was referred to as a geriatric mother! 🙂
Thinking of you and praying for you! It will be utterly adorable to see your current littlest girlies get to be big sister. And Harper and Sadie have the big sister thing totally in their wheelhouse by now. Linking up: http://bookworm.typepad.com/blog/2015/08/linking-up-with-stephanies-blog-your-heart-post.html
#9 and your Italian plumber made me smile BIG!
Haha, this is the best. Made me laugh several times. I’m not sure why people say those things to pregnant women, I think its because they can’t think of anything else to say and somehow they think its not offensive or even complimentary. Its particularly astounding to me when it comes from another woman…. baffling. We can’t wait for your little guy/gal to arrive and no matter what sex he/she is, they are going to be absolutely beautiful, hysterical and smart just like your girls because they will have the best parents ever! Part of me hopes J gets a “mini J” and part of me just thinks he’s so cute in a tiara, why break a good streak! 🙂 LOL.
You look absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!! How awesome that your mama is coming, wishing you all the best and your baby is so lucky to be part of such a wonderful family with adoring and loving parents & sis-tas!
Absolutely Beautiful post. I only read a few blogs, but this morning I connected the dots that two of the blogs I read are of mama’s of four ( I’m the fourth child) and it always gives me insight into what My mother must have gone through much of the time. The other blog is called “A Wide Mercy” and today she was talking about the big lie about parenting. I just want to say kudos for your, and her honesty. it’s refreshing as I’m not that brave. Praying great blessings for you, and the arrival of your new “watermelon”!! so cute!
You look so pretty. I’ve been wondering if your mom would make the trip. That will be emotional I’m sure. What a blessing having her there. I can not wait to see your new little bundle. I always wonder about people wanting a boy or girl specifically. Are they actually really disappointed? I never cared but I also couldn’t picture life without any of them. I guess I’ve also never needed to want the other because I have 2 boys and a girl. I can’t really picture you guys with a boy but if that’s what you have you’ll both be awesome I know.
You do look amazing. I am excited to hear how it goes in an Italian hospital. I adore Italy, only spent a month there, but I adore so much of it. Hugs xx
I am soooo excited for you!!!!
You look so beautiful!
I come from a HUGE family and I love everything about it!!!
Can’t wait to hear your baby name!!!
You are beautiful : )
Great post! I bet your kids will love their new brother or sister. A friend has 4 girls and her 5th is a boy. The older sisters are so protective of their little brother! She says their is no way her son will ever be allowed to date. Any possible girlfriends will have to be to get approval by 4 older sisters first and that isn’t going to happen! haha!
Stephanie – you look so BEAUTIFUL! You’re a wonderful mother and this baby is so blessed to have you. I will keep you in my prayers. Big huggy from TX. – Vicky
I’m turning 35 in September – due in February… and I’m advanced maternal age… get to do all the AMA things…. woo-hoo… ha ha. this is baby number 6 for me and I was a little overwhelmed with the thought of baby #5 too… and now…. WOW… can’t imagine life with out him. HE IS A JOY!!!!! I’m so excited for you.. girl or boy!!! Can’t wait to see 🙂
So excited for you Stephanie! Can’t wait to see what you are having! Congrats! and you look lovely!
Wow, you do look glamorous! Thank you for being so honest. Yes every pregnancy is scary. But you’ll be fine. It will be very exciting to give birth in Italy. I worked in the labor ward for 12 years when I lived in Italy. (but that was many years ago now) and they are just as competent as anywhere else. Their English speaking skills might vary though. How’s your Italian?
I wish you a very happy and healthy rest of your pregnancy. (and like everyone else I can’t wait to see what it’s going to be. Oh the girls are going to be sooo excited!)
Lisca
you look awesome! So excited for you, can’t wait to see what you are having!
you look awesome! So excited for you, can’t wait to see what you are having!
You are super cute and I am soo excited to see this new addition to your Family. I have really enjoyed following your IG through Italy. You have made it so real and full of color adventures and life!
I can’t wait to see the baby!!! I’ve loved watching your kids grow up and share in your life! I’m so excited. You look fabulous!