Ryan and I have a secret...

...and a little miracle to share (soon). We have another baby.

Today is Wed the 13th of July, 2016. I went to the Via Christi clinic at 135th and 21st yesterday to get my hcg (human chorionic gonadotrophin) level checked. Once it's at 5,000 they will schedule an ultrasound. I am waiting for the doctor to call today.

I couldn't believe it. I went to Dollar General last Friday to get a couple of their dollar tests, but I did not expect this. I told Ryan on Sunday. He took us to Hardee's and ordered the biggest burger on the menu, "The Heartstopper" as he called it. :) But he is excited. If it is a baby boy he will be Zebedee for sure! Maybe Zebedee Simon Francis. If a girl, we don't know yet.

I was afraid to tell Ryan at first. We love kids and want them but have to keep an eye on space. But Lee's reaction was golden: "Mama, I'm really happy you're pregnant. You can have as many babies as you want". What a wonderful son I have.

As with Elora, we are fervently praying, and asking Sam's prayers, that this tiny little baby God has given us (3-5 mm!!!) will reach full and vibrant growth in my womb, and will be born safely to us. O Lord, thank you for this baby.

I don't know how far along I am for sure. I had what may have been a period from June 4-18 (while we were at Silver Dollar City). But I chalked it up to increased estrogen during breastfeeding causing a deposition of blood. It was mostly spotting each day, and was brown or pink, not the bright red flow I have always had during a period. If it was a period, then baby may be about 25 days old (or about Carnegie Stage 12). Already our baby is so complex. The organs are growing, and the limb buds may be also. Sweet baby.

Right now I am working on getting prepped for a full-time course load this Fall. I will be teaching 6,7,8,9 grade science. Jim Schmidt is teaching Chemistry again. I am excited to have a freezer that Amy Henry is giving me to keep dissection specimens in. I am also blessed that Becky is building a sink for me to "wash turtles in" :) Lisa Segard and I may be trading classrooms for this reason.

I worked 8:30-11:30 today at SSEC. I am going soon to nurse Elora at mom and Pop's before I go to a Northfield faculty meeting at 1 pm. Lee is at Totus Tuus.

Thank you Lord for all the blessings you give us.