life's little (big) surprises

blogging has been put on the back burner over the past couple of months, if you haven't noticed.  we have been so busy around here that i barely have time to think, it seems.  you see, the middle of january, we got some big news at the shafer household.  we are having a baby!  praise God, we are having a baby!


we are still in shock.  i am 12 weeks, due october 10, which happens to be my mom's birthday.  pretty cool!  oakley is so excited to have a baby at our house.  of course, "after we go camping and go swimming the baby will be here."  we told him the baby will come after the hot summer is over. :)  i am thinking it's a girl this time, as is most everyone else, including oakley.  brian is determined it's another boy.  of course, we will be so excited either way!    i had my 12 week appointment today and the heart rate was 169.  not sure what that means, but the doctor said it's a good healthy heartbeat and that's all that matters. 

most of the reason i'm leaning towards thinking it's a girl is because i have been so miserably sick this time.  i was "sick" for about 3 or 4 weeks with oakley--weeks 7-10.  at least, i thought i was sick.  this baby has sucked the life out of me.  i have severe morning sickness from morning to night...and through the night.  it's insane!  i am praying it will end as i enter the second trimester.  it's all worth it, but i am ready to enjoy meals with my family again (a lot of dinners, i end up laying on the couch halfway through) and i am really ready to have the energy to be more attentive toward my sweet, patient boys.  they have been so understanding and supportive through this time.  i am so lucky!

well, there's the update.   no pictures this time...i will soon have an update of other things we've been doing besides reading books on the couch!