So, here we are again! This is amazing. The shock has worn off, and we are so excited to be expecting baby #4. I had a very early positive test on September 23, and took about 5 more to see the line darken. On Friday (10/2), I went for my first OB appointment. The doctor seems to have ruled out ectopic pregnancy, since my tubes and ovaries were unremarkable. He saw the gestational sac, and said everything looked good so far. I went home and obsessed over the dates for a while (I'm not sure when CD1 was, but it was no earlier than 8/28). It seems this was right on track to start seeing the sac. I had an HCG quant. that day, and another today. I haven't received the results from either test yet, and I am so nervous. I hate the anxiety of waiting for blood results, and I have many memories of bad ones. In case you were trying to count, this is my 10th pregnancy, and our 11th baby!

I have another appointment in just under 2 weeks, at which time they'll do another ultrasound. I just desperately want to see that little heart beating and get a measurement. That is the moment when I will take a sigh of relief. It seems like I am the only person who is nervous about pregnancy loss. Micah and our families are so confident and happy about this baby!

I should be about 5 weeks, 3 days pregnant today. I've had headaches, some stomach problems and I feel kind of run down. All of those things are good signs, so I welcome them. Anything that makes this baby healthy is a good thing.

My bloodwork came back! The doctor said on Friday that it should be between 600-1200, and it was 905. On Monday, 3 days later, it was 3925. I expected it to be between 1800 - 2700, based on the first test. I am so happy that it is so high! Micah took the biggest sigh of relief when I got the call.

I looked back at my old journals, and apparently the highest quant. I ever got during my failed pregnancies was around 1300. The number always slowed down at or before that point, then started to drop. It feels like a good sign that I've made it this far already.

I have started to let myself look at baby gear online. Thinking our family was complete, we sold everything on craigslist a while ago. We don't even have an infant car seat or a crib anymore. I won't start shopping for a while, but it's fun to look in the meantime!

It's been a few weeks, and everything is still progressing as it should. I had a second ultrasound that showed the fetal pole, but it was still too early to see the heartbeat. I would have worried, but the same thing happened with Will. They were going to push back my due date, but after today's appointment they decided to keep it at June 4th. The twins were due on June 2nd. I guess this is just the time of year for me to have healthy children!

The ultrasound today was great. The baby measured 8 weeks, 3 days. I was able to not only see, but hear the heartbeat! Tiny arms and bent legs were visible. I will have a nuchal translucency scan in about a month, at which point the baby will be moving! It will always remind me of what we went through with the twins, but this is the safest way we can rule out some chromosomal abnormalities early on so we can relax.

This finally feels "real" to me. I am going to be a 30-year-old mother of 4... and the oldest will be six! That still seems strange, but we both agree that it will work out! It is amazing that, after all these years and the problems we faced, we ended up with a large family. I am so thankful for that. Micah tells everyone we see. I have never seen him so happy about a pregnancy!

I am almost 12 weeks pregnant. The morning sickness was horrendous, but it finally calmed down at 10.5 weeks. That has been such a relief. I still get very tired, but luckily Will has started napping a bit during the day. We love to take short naps together on the couch while the twins are at school.

It is pretty quiet here, so there isn't much else to add. I found my maternity clothes in a box in the attic, which took me by surprise. I thought I had donated them, but I must have forgotten. It's a good thing, because I may need to start wearing some of the items in a few weeks.

I am in the 15th week and feeling great. I called for my AFP results, but they changed the procedure and require two separate blood tests. I will have the second test in a few weeks. The NT ultrasound went well, though.

We still haven't made any purchases for the baby, but we're waiting until we find out the gender. We're also very busy with Christmas coming up in less than two weeks! The kids are so excited.

I felt the baby moving a few days ago. It was amazing! I don't know how I forgot that feeling, but I knew right away what it was. My next appointment is in one week, so I will update soon.

The last few weeks have been very exciting! My bloodwork came back normal, and we find out in 3 days whether we are having a boy or a girl! We are going to celebrate after the appointment by going to Cold Stone Creamery, then Kohl's to look at baby clothes.

I am still tired and need to go to bed early, but otherwise I feel fine. The baby must have just gone through a growth spurt. All of a sudden, the kicks have gotten a lot stronger. I'm sure Micah will be able to feel them soon!

We have been busy at work around the house. We put down laminate flooring throughout the lower level, repaired and painted all of the walls, and set up Molly and Mia's new bedroom. They love it! I am still amazed at how well it turned out. Micah is in their old room right now painting the baby's room a neutral beige color. It's such a great feeling to know we're prepared in advance, and that everyone has a bedroom set up. I will be 20 weeks on Friday, so we're already halfway there! It's time to make our traditional 20-week cake too!

We're having a girl! Her name is Lily Mercia Sateriale. She already weighs about 14 ounces, and her measurements are right on track for 20 weeks. The only concern is that the placenta is 2 cm from my cervix, and they like to see it at least 3 cm away. It will probably move on its own over time, but they will do a follow-up ultrasound in about 8 weeks. If it is still a problem, I've been told I'd be placed on modified/pelvic bedrest at that point (which I had to do when I was pregnant with the twins). The doctor said this is only a real concern when it comes to delivery, which does not apply here because I need a c-section.

We are thrilled! Our families are really excited too. My parents will be staying for a visit when Lily is born, and Micah's family plans to visit soon after. I can't wait! The twins get along so well with their cousins. Having family around is priceless. My sister is also trying to plan a visit from Texas.

My next appointment is in 4 weeks, and the glucose test falls around that time as well. I've never had gestational diabetes, so I'm not too worried about it. I am just happy to see that the baby is growing well and healthy. She was moving around so much that the technician couldn't get any good photos! I'll post what I have anyway!

This is week 24. Lily is already so strong! She kicks so hard that it wakes me up at night. Her most active time is always around 10:00 PM for some reason. Micah and I were watching my belly shift back and forth a few days ago. I don't remember the twins or Will doing this until much later in the pregnancy.

My doctor was not very concerned about the placenta at my last visit. He seemed very confident that it will move away on its own. He also said the placenta was located at the back of my uterus. This is much better than if it were in the front, near the scar from my previous c-sections. I have an ultrasound at the end of March to follow up on this.

I have been checking craigslist every day for good deals on the things we need. We have just about everything now, with plenty of time to spare! I found a great bassinet in like-new condition for $50.00. It converts to a changing table, bouncer seat and co-sleeper. I love it! I also found a high chair on clearance for $29.00. I decided to get a portable crib to save money. It seemed like such a waste to buy a full size crib, mattress, and bedding (even used) when all of our kids were out of the crib by 15/16 months.

My c-section will be scheduled about 1 week before it is performed, but the doctor guessed it would be May 27th or 28th. It should be that week, regardless. Just 15 weeks to go!

Everyone seems to think this pregnancy is going by so quickly, but it isn't for me! I have been experiencing indigestion and heartburn that is barely tolerable. I've had occasional contractions, and my hands and feet feel swollen sometimes. It will all be over in 10 weeks!

We have been waiting for so long for the follow-up ultrasound. It's finally coming up in 8 days. It will be a relief to see that the baby's measurements are on track (and get another confirmation that she actually is a girl)! I'll also most likely get a surgery date in the next two weeks.

We had a great sono. Lily is about 3.4 pounds, and her measurements are perfect. The placenta moved away from the cervix on its own, so there is no longer a concern about placenta previa. We also got verification that she is definitely a girl!

I found a dr. in Syracuse who offers 3D ultrasounds. I wasn't planning on having one, but Micah suggested it as an early birthday present. They charged $75.00, which is less than half of what most 3D centers charge. It was worth it! I think she looks a lot like William. It sort of strengthens the bond you have with your baby when you can see his/her face for the first time. I have another appointment with my doctor next week. My visits are up to every two weeks, and will soon change to once a week. I'm feeling tired, but excited. 9 Weeks to go!

Lily has been flipping around a lot today. I've also been having a lot of BH contractions. This has been an issue for a few weeks now, though it never lasts long enough for me to go to the hospital. My belly hardens and I feel a cramp-like pain, and today it even radiated to my back. However, it didn't last for long. If this keeps up, I will let my doctor know about it at my next visit.

My 30 week appointment went well. I have gained 22 lbs. total, which is a lot less than I gained last time. That is very good news! I also passed the GTT.

I don't have much to report, but I am here and (thankfully) still pregnant! Every passing day brings a sigh of relief. The contractions have not been happening as frequently, so I finally feel like I will make it until delivery day. Surgery is scheduled for May 28th. Pre-admission will happen on the prior day. I am really looking forward to that because there are so many things I forget. Micah will have to stay home with Will because it's a long appointment.

Will's delivery was so perfect. I never got sick or had any complications. That should put me at ease, but I'm afraid to assume the expiernce will be as easy this time around. The idea of a third cesarean in itself is scary. I also need to remember that my doctors are not concerned and there are no health concerns for Lily or myself. I need to learn how to relax and enjoy every minute of the next six weeks!

Just 5 1/2 weeks to go. I've concluded that Lily is sort of a wild child. She kept me up all night yesterday! It seems like she can't decide whether to turn head down or breech, so she keeps trying to flip. Every time I lay on my side, she kicks even harder, as if she's mad at me! It reminds me of Mia. She was always so anxious and couldn't wait to get out!

I'm getting anxious. My hormones are out of control, and I am very emotional. I'm also in extreme nesting mode. I have always been obsessive about to-do lists and having everything clean/organized, but now it's even worse. Thankfully, Micah is very helpful and supportive! He has been counting down the days until Lily arrives, and now the twins are too.

I can't believe that one month from today, Lily will be here! Today marks 34w5d.

My appointment went well today. I have gained 28 lb. total. I'm still happy with that. I told my doctor about the symptoms I've been experiencing. In addition to contractions that cause my belly to harden, I've had cramp-like pains and lower back pain. He said that as long as they aren't at timed intervals it isn't a big concern. I also learned that if I do go into labor at any time, they would no try to stop it. I am still able to walk 4 miles every day at about 5 mph. Oddly, I feel worse when I stay off my feet and rest too much. Keeping active is good for both of us, and I'm not under any restrictions.

Today, I am 36w3d pregnant. I've been experiencing cramps all morning, but I am not too concerned. I feel ready for Lily to arrive, but we only have 2 1/2 weeks to go. I've had so much false labor!

My next OB appointment is in a few days, and then I'll switch to weekly visits. I've done some research on the doctor who will be on call the day of surgery, the house is in order, and my bag is finally packed. I have managed to stay active. I walk 4 miles six days a week.

She will be here before we know it, but right now it feels like months of waiting!

My appointment went well. I haven't gained any weight since my last visit. The doctor said the baby's head is very low, which explains some of the discomfort I've been experiencing. Nothing has happened with my cervix, though. Two weeks from tomorrow is the big day!

I've gained 1 more pound, which is fine. The doctor measured my belly, and immediately commented that I have "a really big baby in there". He said I was measuring large, so I'm going back for an ultrasound in two days. It may be that I just have a lot of amniotic fluid. He said it would prepare him for the surgery next week.

I've had a lot of stomach problems, but no severe contractions or other problems. With just 9 days left and all the details planned, I'd like things to stay this way!

Yesterday was crazy. I had a dull ache very low in my abdomen that went around to my back. It felt like a bladder infection to me. I called the office and asked if I could get checked out. They did a urine test, which was negative. They didn't do anything else, and sent me on my way. They sent my test out for a culture. The results wouldn't be in until at least Monday.

That afternoon, I returned to the office for my scheduled ultrasound. The baby looked great, her measurements were correct, and the technician estimated her weight at about 7 1/2 pounds. I mentioned what happened earlier in the day. She didn't want me to leave until she talked to the doctor on call. The doctor was worried, and told me to come in for a NST and to get IV fluids. I called Micah, who was working over an hour away. I planned on waiting until he got home, but they wouldn't let me wait. I had to go straight to the hospital and bring all of the kids with me!

Micah got to the hospital a lot faster than I expected. The kids were on their best behavior, so everything worked out. I was having some minor contractions, but nothing was progressing. We went home exhausted and relieved. I realized that while I am ready for Lily to be here, I am still not mentally prepared for surgery. The clock is ticking, with less than 6 days to go. I need to get ready.

She's here! Lily Mercia arrived at 1:49 PM on May 28, 2010 as planned. She weighs 8 lb., 6 oz. and is 20 inches long. The doctor and all of the staff were wonderful.

I had been running around so much with last-minute errands that I forgot my last prenatal appointment on Wednesday! There was no point in rescheduling, because I had pre-admission at the hospital the following morning. On Friday, we arrived at the hospital around 11:00. Panic struck me a few times when I thought about everything that was about to happen, but I was visibly calm. I had a smooth delivery with William, but this time around was even better. The IV and catheter went in with one try. We were ready to go, but the doctor was assisting another birth and doing a repair. That held us back for 20 minutes or so.

My spinal was very easy. I wasn't quite as numb during surgery this time, but obviously I felt no pain. There was so much pulling and prodding going on that I became very nauseated on time. The anesthesiologist gave me a couple of different medications through the IV that helped tremendously, and I got through surgery and recovery without getting sick.

Lily was delivered much faster than I expected. It seemed like the second we heard the fluid getting suctioned, she was pulled out immediately. She screamed right away and continued to scream the entire time they were cleaning up! She has a good, healthy set of lungs. We couldn't believe how much hair she had. Micah was really beaming. He was very soft-spoken and sweet through it all. That helped so much, and it kept me calm.

The doctor had said the procedure may take longer because of the previous surgeries, but didn't end up running into problems. He said everything went very well. They wheeled us into recovery, where I felt very tired. I was losing my voice and couldn't speak very loudly. Micah called everyone with the news, and we got to spend some time with Lily before they took her back to the nursery.

The pain has been tolerable, though I don't remember it being this bad when William was born. I was able to eat a small dinner about six hours after surgery, which was also about the time I got out of bed for the first time. By midnight, they had removed my catheter and the leg cuffs. It was such a relief! My IV came out a short time ago. It's great to be free from all of the cords and wires. I will be able to shower and change today, at about the 24-hour mark.

Lily has a strong cry, but it is so soft and sweet! She has been sleeping a lot. I started pumping late last night, and she's starting to take her bottles. I love the way she tries to focus on me when she opens her eyes. She's absolutely perfect.

As long as Lily continues to do well, we will be able to go home tomorrow, which will be about 48 hours after her birth. I can't wait to get home to my kids! I miss them so much already. My parents are here for a visit, and Micah took 5 days off from work. They're at the zoo today, so at least I know everyone is having fun. I can't wait to be at home, settling in as a family of six!