I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again. C has really taken over a lot more of the household duties, particularly on the weekends, since I got pregnant, and it is a huge relief. He does nearly all the laundry, and today he made beds, too!

(No Picture Yet- it's coming).

You know what else Deb said to me yesterday that meant a lot?  I just remembered this today...

After we talked for a long time about my anxieties about giving birth again, she said, "You signing up to do this again was an act of bravery. That's not something to take lightly, and you deserve a lot of credit for that."  And I don't know why, but she teared up as she said it. It meant so much to me, and somehow it made me feel more courageous to move on with what's ahead.

This picture has nothing to do with what I'm about to write about, except for the fact that we spent time in downtown Greenfield after my prenatal appointment today.

The kids stayed with friends, and C and I saw Deb Billings, who is the midwife who delivered both of our children.

Deb is amazing. She always listens so intently, makes me feel better about everything, and gives me a lot to think about. She reminds me that there are always options and ways to make things feel better.

I talked to her about the fact that it took me this long to get pregnant again, mostly because I'm so scared about giving birth again. We talked about the option of an epidural (something she recommended before I even brought it up) with it's positive and negative sides. She recommended that I go talk to a therapist trained in prenatal and postnatal counseling, which is something I have considered.

And after we talked for a long time, we got to hear the baby's heartbeat. C recorded it, too.

I left feeling better than I did going in there, and I have lots to think about.

As we get closer to the day when we'll tell the kids the news about our family, I'm excited for them to be able to tell their friends. One of the reasons I wanted to tell so few people is because I want them to share in the fun of revealing the news to people.

At twelve weeks, baby should be around the size of a lime, and what I'm reading confirms how I feel: better! Although I'm still tired a lot, morning sickness has subsided significantly.

I have still been exercising regularly- either doing my workout DVDs or walking. Once in a while (on the weekends), I get to go for a peaceful walk by myself, and it feels so good. My mind has been racing with being pregnant and anticipating this big change, so a walk on a beautiful night is often just what I need to clear my head.

With the day coming soon when we'll tell the kids the big news, I'm noticing myself doing a lot of thinking and some worrying about what the adjustment will be like for them. The fun part is fun, but the hard parts will be hard for them to understand- things like me being extra tired and busy.  I know it will all work out somehow, but I'm finding myself wondering how to prepare an almost eight-year-old and a five-year-old to the new addition to our family.