Hey guys, it’s Miranda. (Just want to be clear so everyone knows it’s me and not Janessa.) As you probably know, Mike and I have five great kids. They range in ages from (almost) 7 all the way up to 16. But guess what!?!?!?!
We’re Pregnant!
It feels a bit like we’re starting over (which I explained a bit about in my 7 Year Space Post – Here’s Why) but we are SO excited to be expanding our family again!
How We Told The Kids
I went to the doctor when I was 9 weeks, 2 days pregnant for an ultrasound. (We’ve had 6 miscarriages throughout our marriage so we didn’t want to tell the kids until we saw that heartbeat.) All looked well so we decided it was time to tell the kiddos.
So after Bible time one evening, we announced we were going to play a family game. This isn’t unusual in itself as we play games quite often. Sometimes it’s Uno but other favorites are Out Of The Loop and Catan. So when we said we were playing Charades, the kids were pretty confused as we’d never played this particular game before. We went over how to play and sent Hannah (the 16 year old) up for the first round. I said to pick an easy phrase but no….. she ends up going with ‘the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’. THAT took awhile for someone to guess. Mike and I wanted Mike to get it so we could do the announcement but Alex figured it out instead. He goes with ‘the dog chases the cat’ which, thankfully, Mike was able to figure out before anyone else.
Mike heads up and holds up 2 fingers (meaning 2 words). He then grabs a pillow and shoves it under his shirt. The kids immediately yell ‘dad’s pregnant’. So I jump up and shake my head no and act out ‘mom’s pregnant’ by gesturing to a big belly on my. One of the kids guessed it pretty quickly and was super excited about ‘winning’ the round but we were like NOOOOOOO. So they all sit down and I act it out again and they guess it again. This went on a couple more times before they realized we weren’t acting. Lucy teared up and asked if we were serious. The younger boys kept asking if it was for real. Our oldest son was in shock. (Hannah already knew as I had told her about 2 weeks prior when I was throwing up and needed some extra help.)
Overall, it was such a fun night and the kids immediately asked a ton of questions and were especially curious if they could help with naming the baby. Of course, we said yes and they started a list that evening and have continued adding to it over the last several weeks.
Our due date is January 2022 and we just can’t wait! (PS> I’ve now made our announcement of what we’re having here!)
Some Of My Baby Product Favorites!
I’m now 18 weeks pregnant and so excited to start gathering some baby gear and products. Here are a handful of favorites that were top on my list of first things to get!
Must Have Baby Items - The First Things I Got After Finding Out I Was Expecting!
Check out these baby items that I grabbed up shortly after we found out we were expecting!
Equal parts stylish and spacious, the TWELVElittle Peek-A-Boo Satchel is made for moms who do it all—just like this gorgeous bag itself.
Don't be fooled by this beauty. While the bag is purposely designed to look and feel more like a fashion bag, it has all the features and functions of a true diaper bag hidden inside, including plenty of pockets. You can carry the Satchel with the vegan leather top handle or wear it as a crossbody via the padded long strap.
And don't forget to take a 'PEEK' at what's under the front flap as there's a pocket specifically designed to fit a pack of baby wipes and an opening to easily pullout a wipe when needed. Truly every parents dream!
Available in three great color choices: black, camel, and mauve; this is one diaper bag I'm looking forward to having when baby arrives!
Cut from Kyte Baby's silky smooth bamboo rayon, these soft and snuggly footies come in a rainbow of modern, earthy colors. The stretchy material gives you the option of a snug or looser fit, while keeping baby comfortable and stylish.
- 97% Bamboo Rayon, 3% Spandex
- Dual zipper
- Breathable material
- Sole grips for 6-12 months
I love this gorgeous muted rainbow design but there's lots of other footie options to choose from too including other patterns as well as solids!
These knotted caps are crafted from buttery-soft bamboo rayon and perfect for baby's first days, weeks, and months.
The smooth, breathable fabric is ideal for a little one's sensitive skin, while the stretchy material accommodates a range of head circumferences.
Available in a rainbow of modern colors, these caps are the finishing touch for any Kyte BABY outfit.
We all know baby's little nails can be SHARP! So be sure to grab some Bamboo Scratch Mittens to help protect your baby's delicate skin from those sharp fingernails.
Cut from soft bamboo rayon, these mittens are designed for babies with sensitive skin. The stretchy material allows for a snug fit and each pair of mittens coordinates with Kyte BABY products, so you can mix and match for the cutest results.
This Welcome Sweet Baby - Layette Gift Set is the perfect way to welcome a new baby bunny to the bunch!
Perfect for a baby boy or girl gift, this sweet gift set features our best-selling lovey, book, and a sweet baby's first outfit with a rattle too!
You can even add custom embroidery to create a personalized gift to be remembered for a lifetime, although we don't know what we're having yet so we chose not to do that.
Get ready for cozy -and adorable- toes! These sweet baby slippers are the most darling way to keep babies feet warm and snuggly that you ever did see. Who knew baby feet could get any cuter?
Made from super soft and rich gray velour inside and out. The adorable embroidered bunny face on the top of the feet and adorable perky bunny ears on top of the snap closure are the perfect details to make these a unique and memorable gift. The adjustable closure is thoughtfully made to keep these little slippers from just hopping off! Plus, they match perfectly with the Stephen Joseph Gift Set above!
- Size 0-6 months
- Double Snap Closure to Adjust Snugness
- Ready-To-Gift in Signature Illustrated Box
- 100% Polyester and Baby Safe
Muslin blankets are the perfect sidekick for every parent and the Stephen Joseph collection of adorable, super soft and oversized muslin blankets is no different.
Made from 100% cotton and designed to be extra lightweight and airy without sacrificing any of the durability. These blankets are machine washable and get softer with every wash.
Use them for swaddling, feeding, as a stroller cover or as a grab and go to help clean up messes on the go.
- Lightweight and airy muslin with beautiful designs.
- Oversized and perfect for swaddling but tuck easily into diaper bag. Make a great gift.
- 100% cotton muslin
- Approx 47" x 47" [119cm x 119cm]
Soft and absorbent burp cloths that contour over the shoulder will work hard to keep you and your baby clean and dry.
Drape over your shoulder for the ultimate comfort while helping babies eat, burp, or snooze.
The soft cotton material is soft on baby's face and gentle on parents clothes. Made of durable, 100% cotton muslin that will soften with each wash.
These Stephen Joseph lovies are extra soft and have unique embellishments like velvet and tulle that make them feel super special.
They have also been designed with knotted arms and legs to make it easier for little hands to grip. Designed to coordinate back with the rest of the Stephen Joseph Collection, they make an incredible baby shower gift.
As you can imagine, I didn't keep any of my maternity clothes! So I grabbed some great pieces from Kindred Bravely including this Ribbed Bamboo Top.
This minimalist maternity top is an everyday essential: it’s cute enough to go out in and cozy enough to sleep in.
Made of an ultra-soft, ribbed fabric that keeps you cool and comfortable around the clock, it will quickly become a favorite! The curved hem means you can wear this maternity tee throughout your entire pregnancy, and it’s so flattering you’ll love it for postpartum too.
With a slim fit and a perfect amount of stretch, it looks adorable on its own or as a layering tee, and it pairs well with jeans, joggers, or even jammies.
Leela
Tuesday 31st of August 2021
Congratulations! You have a beautiful family.
Sarah L
Friday 27th of August 2021
Congrats! Happy for you and your family. Cute way to tell the kids.
Marion
Friday 27th of August 2021
Congratulations to you Miranda and family. Wishing you all the best. Marion
Marilyn
Friday 27th of August 2021
Congratulations Miranda and family. Marilyn
Peggy Nunn
Thursday 26th of August 2021
Congratulations Miranda. I am so happy for you and your family.