Our holiday was extra special this year, because we shared the joyful news with our families that our fifth child is due to arrive somewhere around October 8!
Here is a sneak peek at Tiebreaker (our pet name for #5), from my ultrasound at 7w6d:
Thankfully, s/he had a strong heartbeat. We had a scare early on in my pregnancy caused by five days of red bleeding and clots. I had three blood tests to check my HCG levels (all doubled nicely), and then this ultrasound. Yesterday, at 12w6d, Collin and I were able to hear the baby's heartbeat via Doppler for the first time (153 bpm).
The news was received by our families with much surprise and some concern, so I've compiled a brief FAQ to answer many of the questions we've already been asked (and some I expect have been asked behind our backs).
Q: Five kids? Are you crazy??
A: Yes!
Q: Where will you put them all?
A: In bedrooms, with bunk beds eventually. If necessary we can also pitch tents in the backyard. Arizona's climate makes that a viable option.
Q: Was this planned?
A: When that becomes your business, I'll let you know.
Q: Don't you know what causes that?!
A: Yes, and we're very good at it.
Q: Are you trying to overpopulate the Earth?
A: No, just outnumber the idiots.
Q: Haven't you ever heard of contraception?
A: Of course we have. We simply choose not to use it. We've very pro-choice in that regard.
Q: You're done after this one, right?
A: We figure we'll stop once we get an ugly kid. Hasn't happened yet.
Q: Are you going to get fixed?/Is Collin going to get fixed?
A: No; neither of us are broken. In fact, our reproductive systems work perfectly!
Q: How are you going to afford five kids?
A: We plan to write a best-selling book in which we demonstrate how to deflect rude questions from nosy people. We've had a lot of experience so far.
Any other questions? Please feel free to ask! I can't guarantee you'll get the answer you want, though. :)
