Baby at Seven Weeks

Tired and no energy

I have no energy. Nothing. My go, go, go self is taking a vacation. All I want to do is eat, sleep, and lay around in bed. Brushing my teeth is so physically challenging that I am considering stopping. Just this morning, I left my water bottle on my desk across the room, and I whimpered because I had to hop out of bed and fetch it. I just don't want to move from my bed. I just want to curl in a ball and sleep, watch TV, surf the internet, and rest. I begrudgingly go upstairs, but only because I have to go to the kitchen so I can feed myself. It would be so much easier if meals were brought to me, but I live in the real world. I'm not even sure my husband will bring me my dinner. Life sucks right now.

Why I am waiting to announce my pregnancy

I am a private person. Putting together this blog is kinda a big deal for me. Being able to blog when and what I want about my pregnancy, is very satisfying. I have had many pregnancies and as soon as I tell people, I feel instantly awkward and exposed. People no longer talk to me, they talk to pregnant-me. And what they say to me can be rude, obnoxious, and plain irritating.These people are usually not coming from the same place I am, in regards to family size, pregnancy, and birth. So, I get a lot of unwanted advice and opinions. I hear the comment: "You know how this (my pregnancy) happens, right?" ALL the time. I also hear about the size of my belly, A LOT. My age seems to be a topic some like to bring up. (Rude, right?) I am a pastor's wife and by nature, I am treated like public property. No one seems to realize that I am an introvert and I do not appreciate being stopped by 50+ people every Sunday so they can touch my belly, tell me I look huge, and question my gestation status. One person may initiate one conversation and not realize they are overwhelming me, but I am forced to endure one conversation with multiple people and it is pure torture for me. Lately, I am avoiding going to church and it feels right. I am just delaying these conversations and I am hoping to do so for another month or so.

Morning time..blah

Rearranging Day!

It starts like any normal day, but then something clicks in my brain. It is like an overwhelming itch that I must scratch. The need to rearrange my space must be fulfilled! So, yesterday, I went for it!

1. I moved the TV, Playstation, and cable/modem boxes off the black cube shelf onto the fireplace mantel. 
2. I removed three of the colorful cube baskets and put baby books, paper, and the coloring basket on the shelves.
3. I moved the cube shelf to the right of the fireplace, took off the tea set and put a large black lamp on it.
4. I moved the maple server/game cabinet to the left of the fireplace and put the phone and a small black lamp on it.
5. I removed some candle holders and kept three and placed them on the left hand side of the fireplace mantel.
6. I moved both couches. The large on is against the wall, in  front of the living room windows. The love seat is facing the couch.
7. I took the white high back chair downstairs.
8. I took the throw rug off the floor.
9. I removed the coffee table and the side table.
10. I removed the desk and the plastic drawers and file cabinets. 
11. I took off the white lamp from the piano and removed other clutter.
12. I removed all but on vase that was on top of the craft cabinet.
13. I moved the craft cabinet to the left of the kitchen entryway.
14. I moved the high chair to the right of the kitchen entryway.
15. I took the floor lamp downstairs.
16. I rearranged downstairs and now I have a nice living room space in my large bedroom suite.
17. I even moved the maple drop table to one of the corners in the room downstairs and now I have a puzzle table!

Is running over for me?

It has been four days since my last run. Friday's run was a real wake-up call. I was over-the-top exhausted and wasn't able to get out of bed for the rest of the day. I wasn't running fast, but I knew while running that I was probably not going to run again for a while.

There will be plenty of time to run later. For now, I will let my body make this baby and rest as much as I need.

Morning sickness

This morning I did "fake-vomit." You know the type: dry heaving, gagging, incessant burping, and lots of saliva. That was me, hunched over the toilet, first thing this morning. (Now, I realize my toilet needs a good cleaning!) At any rate, I am officially starting the journey of "morning sickness." I typically just feel supremely nauseous and luckily, rarely vomit. The nausea is terrible enough, though, and I am dreading it.

Maternity Clothes, already!

Well, I am officially in my maternity clothes. After so many babies, my uterus is trained to go big...fast! I can feel the top of it just below my belly button. My entire belly is huge! I have always showed early and I always look big, but this time, I really look big! Like, 5 months big!! I am not fat, I am a athletic build. My extra belly fat from the last pregnancy adds a few inches, but truly, this is the normal look for me. Big belly!!

So, I am comfy in my maternity clothes and happy!

6 week Embryo

Embryo at Five Weeks

Seriously, my emotions are Cr@zA!

Oh, my...I am pregnant with emotions! I cry every morning, after breakfast, like clockwork. And, it's ugly. Sobbing, whining, pitiful, tight-fisted air pumps! I just let the emotions flow, then they subside, and I go about my day. Then, the emotions come back a couple more times, throughout the day.  At odd times, too, and for strange reasons. I am a emotional person by nature, but these emotions are coming out of nowhere and scaring the crap out of me. I am not depressed. I am not worried. I am not distressed. Perhaps I am so fatigued, that common every day issues are magnified and feel insurmountable. I know that my hormones are also playing a big role. I guess I need to just let them ebb and flow...

What is making me "lose it:"

• My husband reading a book.
• Spilled corn.
• Laundry.
• Needing spell check, like I need oxygen.
• Feeling tired.
• Children asking too many questions.
• Lost sunglasses.
• Any type of mess (pretty much anywhere my eyes rest).
• Leaking garbage disposal.
• Stubbing my toes, bumping my elbows, and shins (I guess I am clumsy?).
• Recognizing weakness in my character.
• Acknowledging my need for God, since I feel so weak.
• My husband laughing at me when I told him about the corn.

God & My Expectations

I sure do expect a lot from people. It is part of my personality type, so I count it as a strength. Yet, even good things can go awry when it isn't tempered with wisdom and humility. The ideals I have for myself, my husband, and children are what bonds us as a family. I strive and uphold the expectations for godliness and love. In return, our family is connected by a commitment to love and support each other with Christ as the center.

But not every ideal I have for myself and for my family is healthy. A lot of what I expect of my loved ones can easily turn into resentment and discontent, in my heart. Good expectations are that my husband will always love me and be faithful to me, that he provides for his family, and is a Godly man. I have good expectations that my house be some-what clean, and my children are loving and obedient. When I began to raise the level of my expectations to a higher ideal than I should be striving for, I become easily angered and frustrated. My disapproval towards my husband and children is evident by my lack of joy.

I lack of gratefulness and joy, because I am too busy grumbling and complaining over unfulfilled ideals I set for my loved ones. I find that if my ideals of a "perfect marriage," "perfect mom," and "perfect  kids," cause fraught and worry, I need to reevaluate my thinking. I am a dreamer and a risk taker, so often times I aim high for higher ideals. But, reality and my fantasy ideals are often miles apart.

I love how God steps in for me and takes over for me. When I surrender "my rights" to achieve my ideals;  a perfect marriage, a clean house, totally obedient children, etc., I can finally praise God and be a joy to my family. I don't need to be in control and force a perfect image on my family. I look to God, who simply wants me to love and obey. When I do, I feel free to live and love my family.

Video is powerful!

My First Video Blog!

Prenatal Vitamins

I bought the expensive stuff today! No more over-the-counter freebies from the grocery store. I refuse to feel sick and languish in a blah-state. I usually stopped taking prenatals or just never took them, because my symptoms were so bad. I'm pretty sure I was digesting very toxic ingredients. I may have actually decreaced my bodies own absorption of other vital nutrients, too. After all  when I took prenatals or any vitamin, I had these symptoms:

• All-day malaise
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Belching
• Heartburn
• Headaches

So, I broke the bank and spent $45 on a 60-day raw Prenatal Vitamin Code vitamins by Garden of Life. It is time to be as healthy and loving I can be to myself and baby.

I wanted something with whole foods (nutrients taken right from fruits and vegetables) and no questionable ingredients, even something as mundane as food coloring. I didn't want chemically manufactured synthetic vitamins. I don't eat margarine or artificial sweeteners, so why would I want "fake" nutrients?

Farmer's Market

I took all the kiddos to the Farmer's Market today. They just opened last week. It was scantly stocked, but the selection was good and we left with an abundance of fruit and veggies. The strawberries (we bought them ALL) were so darn good. It was like a party exploded in my mouth. It literally tasted like jam. So sweet and juicy. Mmmmm...I did buy one item I never have before: large Chili's. I think I will stuff them with rice, sausage, and cheese and bake them. Yum! (Of course, I will check with Google, first!)

I am really trying to eat as healthy as I can these days. I am running every day (up to four miles) and I am eating lots of protein, dairy, fruits and veggies. I just bought raw prenatal vitamins from a health food store. I never could tolerate the regular Rx vitamins. Crossing my finger these will not make me want to vomit! I am going to bake some yummy-healthier desserts for the kiddos tomorrow. Much excitement, since the main ingredient is dark chocolate. Ya, baby!

I bought another ball for Michael. He loves them so much and I have been wanting a dodge ball for the kids for ages. Having a child who has a deep love for balls makes me so happy. It is pure entertainment to watch a toddler carry around an 18" bouncy ball or throw a heavy basketball. (love!)

Emotions will no longer control me, dang it!

I can get pretty emotional and I spiral into a huge pity-party fairly quickly. Of course, I have all the "right!" I justify my emotions and reactions. After all, it is always someone else's fault. I cling onto the hurts I've endured like I am a suffering martyr. If Chris didn't do "a,b,c..." than I would be sniffing the roses and singing praise songs, and joyfully loving and serving my family.

I am "so over" with my predictable reaction when I am hurt. I am sick of how I act and the choices I make when I am hurt. From today on, I am ready to start living a life full of joy and faith, instead of one based on the "magnificent-controlling-world-of-Susie!"

I am not trying to bash myself. Actually, I need a swift kick in my arrogant, selfish ass. But, mainly, I love myself and I realize that I alone can make the choice to be happy or not.

I shouldn't wait around hoping my circumstances, people, or things will make me happy. I just need to do it! I have so much to be grateful for and so many things that which brings me joy.

If I want peace and love with my husband, I will forgive him, show him love, respect, and humility. I will let God handle the rest (you know, my husband's sin...never was my job!).

I will stop being such a lazy butt, full of pity, and get back to raising these kiddos, managing my home, and cooking this baby in my belly!

This was good....getting that out...I feel inspired and free...

Nutrition

Foods I will focus on:

1. Protein - 80 grams of protein every day. This will help with reducing morning sickness (haven't had any yet) and prevent preclampsia and other complications.

2. Fats - Red meat, butter, eggs, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, and dairy. Consuming adequate fats is absolutely vital to baby's organ and brain development.

3. Vegetables and Fruit - Variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber all important for pregnancy. Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables will raise my vitamin K levels which will help to prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

5. Water - My blood volume will increase by 50% and my body has to provide fluid to replenish the amniotic fluid the baby is in. Drinking a gallon a day can help fight off morning sickness, prevent constipation, and keep baby and I hydrated.

My Diet will include:

• Whole Milk
• Greek Yogurt
• Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and Avocados
• Cheese
• 2 or more eggs, daily
• Salmon, 2-4 times week
• Beans, ecspecially black beans & hummus
• Red meat & Chicken
• Sweet potatoes
• Fresh colorful vegetables and fruits
• Dark green, leafy vegetables
• Walnuts and Almonds
• Berries

Happy Mother's Day

I never get breakfast in bed, but I sure do get a lot of love showered on me. I'd rather have their love & homemade gifts and cards than burnt toast, sour orange juice and rubbery eggs anyway. My husband is a pastor, so Sunday will never be a proper Mother's Day, so we usually do something special on Saturday instead. We drove 45 minutes to the only decent mall and spent several hours having a blast. We went to our favorite place first: the bookstore. I bought two of my favorite children's board books: "The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear," and "Goodnight, Gorilla." We read those two books so much over the years, they literally fell apart. I always wanted to replace them, so I did! Brianna, my teenager, was reminiscing the days when I would read "goodnight, Gorilla" to her. She said she could hear my voice when she read the book. It was one her all-time favorite books. Now, my other little ones will enjoy it, too! After the bookstore, we visited the toy store. Michael loves balls, so I pulled out bouncy balls for him to play with. Then, I had to take Zoey to the bathroom, which of course was all the way to the other side of the mall. That was just fine, because I got to walk hand-in-hand with one of my favorite people and talk! After having a fun trip to the toy store and purchasing a deck of cards, we decided to go on a Merry-Go-Round ride. Emily was my buddy and she was a bit nervous, but I calmed her down and she had a blast.  After the fun ride, we went to the overcrowded play area where Michael, Zoey, and Emily got to run around and try to avoid being knocked over by boisterous little boys. Brianna, Paul, and Summer played a game of cards while the little played. (I knew they would need something fun to do, and I was a genius!) Chris found a Vietnamese Restaurant on his phone, so we packed up the kids and headed out. The Restaurant was great! We love Pho and it was a treat, indeed! It was a fun and special day. I love adventures the most with my family.

Happy Mother's Day!

Loving my babies and making babies are my favorite things to do! I am truly blessed to have six amazing children. They are kind, loving, fun, smart, exciting, curious, generous, encouraging, determined, and devoted to each other. I am enriched by being their mother! I can't wait to meet this little one and share in the joy and wonder of her/his life, too!

I will plan on watching as many home birth videos as I can today! It will be my Mother's Day Present to myself. :)

Week Five Belly Pic

So much to write, so little time!

I would love to write more, but I find it a challenge to think of something interesting verses just writing about my daily life. I will commit to writing everyday, even if it is a little blurb of my life. I want to use this blog like a journal. So, I will just sit down and write!

It is raining today and even though I loved the bright sunny week we had, the rain makes everything so fresh and alive! I am an outside girl. When the sun is bright and the sky is blue, I find it difficult to do anything but be outdoors. The children and I spent this week mainly outdoors. The bigs also did all their school work outside, too. I am enjoying how much Michael loves the outdoors. The first thing he does in the morning is grab his shoes and run to the backdoor. It breaks my heart to tell him to wait. He doesn't understand that I am sin my pjs and haven't even had my morning cup of coffee!

Because the weather has been perfect, I was able to go running outdoors, again. I have been back into running daily for over a month now, but I have been putting my mileage mostly on my treadmill. I enjoy treadmill running, but when the weather is this perfect, I can't stay indoors! I love taking Michael and Zoey along with me, in the double jogging stroller when I run outside. Their company is precious. They love the ride and pushing them through my neighborhood is a great motivator. Sometimes they even find time to snooze off. Today, I will be back on the treadmill. I am not a run-outside-no-matter-what-type-of-person. I don't run in the cold, in the rain, in the snow, in the dark, or in the blazing heat.

Last night, I finally decided to not nurse Michael when he woke up at midnight. He is almost 18 months old, and I need a full night's rest! Can you believe that little terd fought me for five hours! He was NOT thrilled with the new arrangement. I finally was able to sleep for three hours before he woke up at eight. He is one stubborn dude! I am praying that tonight won't be a terrible. I am not holding my breathe, however.

Last week, a itchy rash appeared on the top of both hands. It has spread to my forearms. It itches pretty bad! I had PUPPPS in my first pregnancy, which was THE WORST! Unlike this rash, PUPPPS only manifested in the third trimester and spread from my belly, hips legs and torso. I have eczema sensitivity, so I did some research and discovered I have Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP).

I found this article at:

http://www.eadv.org/patient-corner/leaflets/eadv-leaflets/atopic-eruption-of-pregnancy-aep/

Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy (AEP)

What is Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy?
Atopy is the term used for the tendency to develop eczema, asthma and/or hay fever.

Atopic eczema is an inflammation of the skin causing dry and itchy skin. It can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas most commonly affected are the flexures of the elbows, knees, wrists and neck. It affects both sexes equally and usually starts in the first weeks or months of life. It is most common in children, affecting at least 10% of infants. It can carry on into adult life or, after a silent period, may recur in the teenage or early adult life. Many ‘environmental’ factors can make eczema worse. These include heat, dust, contact with irritants such as soap or detergents, stress, and infections. Also during pregnancy, eczema frequently gets worse (see below).

Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy includes women who already have eczema but experience an exacerbation of the disease (which accounts for approximately 20% of AEP patients) and women with their first manifestation of eczema during pregnancy (which accounts for the remaining 80% of cases). These patients present with atopic skin changes for the first time during pregnancy, but they often have a history of sensitive skin with a tendency to dryness and irritation (so called atopic diathesis) and often have first degree relatives with eczema, asthma, and/or hay fever.
Atopic eruption of pregnancy usually develops during the first half of pregnancy (75% before the third trimester). AEP was previously also known as “prurigo of pregnancy” but this name has been abandoned because it did not cover the whole variety of skin changes that may be seen.

What causes Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy?
This is still not fully understood. Atopy runs in families (see below) and is part of your genetic make-up. Atopic people have an overactive immune system and their skin easily becomes inflamed (red and sore). Their skin ‘barrier’ does not work well, so that their skin may become dry and prone to infections. During pregnancy, the immune system changes considerably, which may lead to worsening of pre-existing eczema or to a first development of atopic skin changes. These changes are usually reversible after delivery; however, a small number of women may continue to have eczema in following pregnancies.

Does Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy run in families?Yes. Atopic eczema (as well as asthma and hay fever) tends to run in families. If one or both parents suffer from eczema, asthma, or hay fever, it is more likely that their children will get it too. Similarly, due to the genetic background, your sister or mother may also have experienced AEP during pregnancy. The probability is high that AEP will recur in successive pregnancies.

What are the symptoms of Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy and what does it look like?
The main feature is itch which can be bad enough to interfere with sleeping. The severity of the rash depends on the type of AEP. If you suffer from worsening of pre-existing eczema, it is likely that your skin will be red and dry. When the eczema is very active (during a ‘flare-up’) you may develop small water blisters on the hands and feet or your skin may become wet and weepy. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken in response - a process known as lichenification. If you experience AEP for the first time during pregnancy, the rash is usually much milder. Two third of patients suffer from red scaly itchy patches (so called eczematous type or E-type AEP) in sites typically affected by atopic eczema such as the neck, breasts, and flexural parts of the limbs. The other third shows tiny red papules (1-2mm) or slightly larger nodules (5-10mm, at times with small open wounds (excoriations) due to scratching) on the abdomen, back, and limbs (so called prurigo type or P-type AEP).

How will Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy be diagnosed?
Worsening of already existing eczema is usually easy to diagnose by investigating your skin and taking your history. However, first manifestation of AEP may be more difficult to diagnose, it can be confused with other skin diseases such as scabies or a drug eruption, and other special skin diseases occurring in pregnancy. It is helpful to tell your doctor of a personal and/or family history of atopy and signs of the tendency to be atopic (so-called atopic diathesis, see above).

Will the baby be affected by Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy?
No, the mother’s rash causes no harm to the baby. However, due to the genetic background of AEP, the child may develop some kind of atopic disease (eczema, asthma and/or hay fever).

Can Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy be cured?
Not really; due to its genetic background, it cannot be cured as such. But there are many ways of controlling it. Especially the first development of AEP usually responds well to therapy and can easily be controlled.

How can Atopic Eruption of Pregnancy be treated?
The primary aim of treatment is to relieve the itch and to reduce inflammation / redness of the skin. It is also important to use treatments that are entirely safe for both mother and the unborn child. The treatments used most often are moisturisers and topical steroid creams or ointments.

Moisturisers (emollient creams and ointments) should be applied several times a day to prevent skin dryness. Many are available, and it is important that you choose one you like to use. Bath emollients and soap substitutes are also helpful in many cases. You should not take baths and showers too frequently; this will make your skin dry.

Topical steroid creams or ointments will settle severe redness and itching of your rash. They come in different strengths (potencies), and your doctor will advise you which type needs to be used at which site and for how long. In general it is advised to use low potency steroids for as short periods as possible. Topical steroids are usually applied once daily and should always be used in combination with moisturisers.

Most patients will respond quickly to mild or moderate steroid creams/ointments. However, if the rash can not be suppressed sufficiently, stronger topical steroids may be worth trying for short periods. Topically applied steroids are less likely to harm the mother and the unborn than steroids by mouth. It is difficult to know which are the best topical steroids to use, we know betamethasone and some other steroids cross the placenta easily so you should discuss with your doctor which preparation are best in your situation.

Steroid tablets are a last resort to control the condition, they should only be given in low doses and for short periods. Prednisolone is the steroid tablet of choice during pregnancy, it may be required for severe flares of eczema. Some patients may also benefit from additional ultraviolet light treatment (UVB), which is considered safe in pregnancy.

Antibiotics may be needed if your rash becomes wet and weepy, which may mean that it is infected by bacteria.

Topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus (Protopic®) and pimecrolimus (Elidel®) must be avoided as they are not licensed for the use in pregnancy.

In addition, oral antihistamines may help to relieve the itch. Antihistamines considered safe for the use in pregnancy are the non-sedating antihistamines loratadine and cetirizine; old, sedating antihistamines are usually considered safe, recommended areclemastine, dimethindene, (dex)chlorpheniramine (hydroxyzine should be avoided).

Is the treatment safe for the baby and mother? Is any special monitoring required?
Mild to moderately potent topical steroids are considered safe during pregnancy and your doctor will advise you in detail. Short courses (around 2 weeks) of prednisolone, the steroid tablet of choice in pregnancy, do not usually affect the unborn. However, high doses (above 10mg/day) of oral prednisolone administered during longer periods (more than 2 weeks) during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy seem to harbour an increased risk for the development of oral/palate clefts. Longer courses of steroid tablets (which are usually not necessary for the treatment of AEP) may also affect the baby’s development in general, in particular its growths. The pregnant women, like other patients taking steroid tablets, may for example develop diabetes (raised sugar levels), hypertension (raised blood pressure), and more striae. In such cases, careful observation of the blood pressure and urine checks are needed; ultrasound scans can monitor any changes regarding the baby’s development.

More Spotting

Once again, I woke up to discover a scant of brownish tinge of blood mixed with a bit of cervical mucus just visible on the toilet paper. It is a very small amount, but it worries me. Last night, I was having cramps and it felt like my cervix was also cramping. My thoughts is that my cervix may be the culprit. Extra blood flow to the cervix is normal now, so perhaps the stretching and growing of the uterus and extra blood flow is causing mild spotting. It could also be the old blood from the implantation of the egg. It is still within the normal time to actually see this type of bleeding. Praying that this is normal and I have no reason to be alarmed.

Baby White at Four Weeks

*Baby's brain and spinal Cord have begun to form.
*Baby's heart begins to form.
*Baby's arm and leg buds appear.
*Baby is 1/25 inches long and is now an embryo.

My Symptoms at Four Weeks:

1. Extreme fatigue
2. Dizziness
3. Increased thirst
4. Stuffed up nose
5. Break-outs on face and chest
6. Euphoric feelings
7. Cervical cramping

Implantation Bleeding?

This morning, after going to the bathroom, I wiped to find a mixture of cervical mucus and a tinge of brownish blood. I quickly prayed that it was not a miscarriage, but just a tinge of implantation bleeding. I went to the bathroom an hour later and I saw nothing on the toilet paper resembling blood. It makes since that this is just the tinge of blood that occurs when the egg burrows into the lining of the uterus. It is reasonable to guess that the sperm didn't fertilize the egg the same night I had intercourse. I know that my body was fertile that night, but I have no know idea when conception actually took place. Sperm can live up to seven days in the right conditions. I am praying that this is all normal and the baby is fine. The faint positive pregnancy line is more likely to resemble an early pregnancy, too. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Test # 2 (Morning Urine)

It's official (again), I am pregnant! The line is a beautiful light shade of  pink. Perfectly lovely.

Interesting, my symptoms are very intense!! My fatigue is so strong, I could barely keep my eyes open and HAD to sleep. This fatigue makes me feel lightheaded, and elated. It would be easy to misunderstand this physical change and succumb to despair and distress. Wisdom and experience has shown me to embrace this change and welcome these sensations. It is a wonderful sign that a baby is being wonderfully created inside me.

My husband already suspects that I am pregnant. It is really sweet and delights me that he is also intuitive. He will be so excited!

Two Pink Lines!!

It is so exciting to be pregnant again! This baby will be my 11th baby! Four of my babies never made it past the first trimester, so this will be my seventh child. I am an advanced age (older than 35), grand multipara pregnant woman (delivered more than five babies). I am 37 years old today and delivered six wonderful children.

By my calculations, the due date is January 10th, 2014. I am pretty confident when I ovulated and I am positive when I had intercourse.

I strongly suspected I was pregnant, and it gives me so much pleasure to confirm the pregnancies with a plastic stick & two beautiful pink lines! The "confirmation" pink line was just barely showing at the 1 min mark. In five minutes, I could definitively make out a faint line. In ten minutes, I didn't have to squint! I could hold it out at arms length and see the two lines.