It's a...

It's true.  Baby Moses #6 is on the way!  I am due at the end of June.  I wanted to keep it on the down low until I felt like things were going well before we made our announcement.  I know there are never any guarantees, but after I had heard the heartbeat twice (and when my belly began making the announcement for me) it was time to spread the news!

On Christmas morning each of the kids had a small package that contained a few puzzle pieces.  They put the puzzle together, and on the back was a message from the baby.  It was a poem that said...

"I just wanted you to know that we have the same mother.
I'm your baby sister or brother!
I can't wait to meet you very soon
I'm due to arrive at the end of June"
Love, Baby Moses

I know it's not poetic genius, but I wrote it after midnight on Christmas Eve and I just wanted it to rhyme and get the point across.  The kids were very excited!

Darin's nephew is an ultrasound tech and fit me in for a sneak peek this afternoon (it's so nice to "know a guy").  Thankfully baby cooperated!

To announce the gender to the kids, I gave each of the children a black balloon filled with helium and a teeny tiny bottle in the gender color (blue for boy, pink for girl).  I had the bunch of balloons on the table while we were waiting for all the kids.  The heat from the lights popped one of the balloons, but thankfully I was able to find the bottle and cover it up before any of the kids saw it.  (Briggy and Liv shared a balloon)

ONE, TWO

THREE!!! 

(I love their faces in this photo!)

It's a.........

BOY!!!!

My thoughts...I am so grateful for this little guy to be in our family.  I know it's not a mistake that he's a boy. 

When I was wandering around the store thinking of ideas to announce the gender I walked by the shoe section and saw little glittery ruby slippers.  I teared up.  And then I wondered why.  I am really not disappointed that we're having a boy.  I am so grateful for each of my children and I would never trade any of them for the other gender.  Their personalities are so diverse, and I know that this new little guy will be just as unique and special to us.  I think the tears came because I know that my kids all wanted a little sister and I was worried that they would be disappointed.  It is no secret that Liv has wanted a sister for a VERY long time.  I was very surprised that all of my boys said that they wanted a baby sister, too.  That's a lot of pressure.  We are fairly confident that this baby will complete our family, and I guess it just felt so final...a baby sister will be an unfulfilled desire for my kids.  I know without a doubt that this little one will be loved A LOT (he already is).  I don't want people to be disappointed for us because we really are very excited (and he's a cutie.  I can tell from the ultrasound photos)!

I was so proud of my kids.  There were smiles all around and no tears.  I pulled Liv aside and asked how she was doing.  She didn't even have a hint of sadness.  She said, "I really don't care what it is.  I'm just excited that we're having another baby." 

Half a dozen offspring.  I hope we're up to the challenge!