Friday, April 16, 2010

And one more makes FIVE!

Let me tell you a story. Yes, this is a true story. One night, not too long ago, a very tired momma (me) was picked up by private van to attend an FDA study and have a night out with a friend. The study was for the Milkscreen strips (strips which tell you if your breastmilk has low enough alcohol content to feed your child). The Details: Milkscreen employees give the participants one alcoholic beverage per hour, then test pumped breastmilk for alcohol levels and the effectiveness of the Milkscreen strips. I was looking forward to spending the evening with a friend who I don't see often enough, plus the pay was $100 and I was helping a product that advocates breastfeeding! 

When I arrived at the study, my friend had not yet arrived. I filled out my paperwork and received the instructions. Then they sent us to the restroom to take pregnancy tests, as a precaution since they were about to serve us alcohol. As we are walking into the restroom, I say to the 3 strangers who are with me, "Here's hoping for no surprises!" I pee on my stick and immediately 2 lines appear. I think it's strange there are 2 lines, check the wrapping paper to see if there are any pictures of what a positive test looked like (I thought maybe a positive test would be 3 lines, but definitely NOT 2). However the wrapper was very clinical and had no words or pictures written on it. I didn't think anything of it, and walked out to the section of the restroom where the other 3 women were washing their hands. One woman says, "Oh, thank God I only had ONE line." I freaked out and said, "WHAT!?!?! I had 2 lines on mine!" They were in shock and one of the girls said, "Well then you're pregnant!" I was in TOTAL shock. My period had yet to return, which I didn't think much about since I had been training for the marathon, and obviously we weren't using birth control, but I still didn't think this was a real possibility. After a few minutes in the bathroom with these 3 strangers asking me questions and making sure I was ok, I went to tell the Milkscreen coordinator. I seriously thought the pregnancy test was wrong, so I asked them to give me another one so I could retest. Surprisingly to me, the 2nd test also revealed 2 lines immediately. This made me suspect I was fairly far along, but really I had no clue. 

So here I am at this study with 50 women participants. At this point I had texted Ty and asked him to come pick me up because I "didn't qualify for the study. The word is getting out that someone discovered they are pregnant. " As I waited in the hallway for him to come get me, all these women are walking up and down the hall. I overhear many comments: didn't she know how to use birth control? didn't she know breastfeeding isn't a form of contraception? how awful to find out you are pregnant here amongst a bunch of stangers? I'm so glad there were no surprises on MY stick, and on and on.

Anyway, the Milkscreen coordinators were really cool about the whole thing. While we were waiting for Ty they were chatting with me about parenting, and one of them ran around getting me $50 to compensate me for my time. They asked how I planned to tell Ty the news, and I was still in major shock, so I really had no idea. One of them suggested just asking him, "So why do you think I didn't qualify for the study?" I thought that was a simple enough sentence that I could spit out in my state of shock, so when Ty pulled up in the Expedition with Colt and Levi in tow, I climbed in the car. Ty started driving off and I spit out, "So why do you think I didn't qualify for the study?" He joked back, "You're pregnant." And I said, "YES!" Ty slammed on the brakes and we just sat there in the parking lot for a bit. I start crying, which confused and worried Colt. It's not that I wasn't happy about the news (I am), it was just hard to be so strong around all those 50 women and I was very overwhelmed, and so it was nice to finally share the news with my confidant and best friend. 

When we were finally calm enough to drive, we hopped on the highway in rush hour and drove to church for Wednesday night huddles. This was a great in that it gave us lots of time to process. Ty went through the typical male financial thought process ("We'll need a bigger car/house." "How are we going to afford this?") and I went through the more emotional process ("Why God? I can't handle this!") It took me about 3 weeks to come to peace with the idea of having our third kid so close in age to the other two. About 2 months prior, I had really been thinking about if we should get pregnant again now. After several thought sessions on this topic, the conclusion was always a resounding NO. I just didn't think I could handle having 3 kids 3 and under, as this last year has been pretty stressful just having 2. I guess God is going to show me otherwise! 

I scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN and found out I was already 8 1/2 weeks along! Due date is October 22nd. I was pregnant when I ran the marathon and didn't even know it. Since I've had very few and minor pregnancy symptoms, I wonder how much longer I could have gone without knowing I was pregnant, if I hadn't gone to the Milkscreen study. As of today, I'm 13 weeks along and out of the 1st trimester. Next week we go for another ultrasound, so I'll update with a new baby picture then and with details as this miraculous story continues! 

23 comments:

Wendi said...

You can do it! You will be a great mom of three. And hey, maybe it's a girl! :)

Shiva said...

Both of us thought this post was about twins at first glance

Ryan & Mary Beth Davis said...

Wow, congrats! I can only imagine how you feel...2 boys are a lot to handle as is. You can do it though. The way you found out is hilarious-what a story! :-) How nice that you haven't been sick! Praying for a healthy, easy pregnancy.

cheryl said...

Such a wild story! But so exciting too! You'll do awesome, and how nice to not be super sick or anything.
Praying for energy, patience, and wisdom as you become a family of 5! :o)

Briana said...

You will do great! And as a Mom of 4 "unexpected blessings" ... I know what your going through. It's wonderful and terrifying, especially when you are not sure you can handle it. I just keep thinking of what another mom told me. God would never give you more than you can handle with HIS help. :)

Kelly said...

Wow! Congratulations! Love how God works in our lives and gives us so many wonderful surprises along the way. You will be a wonderful mommy of 3:)

Julie T said...

God has special things in store for your family! We were excited to hear your news, and will be praying for you in the coming months.

Raena said...

Yay!!! That is such a great story! Maybe this time I can come up there and be your doula. Are you thinking about trying a homebirth or birth center this time?

Yobany said...

Woohoo! Give Ty my congrats.

annalee said...

what an incredible story! and this baby will be another one blessed to be raised in your home!

Anonymous said...

Hey!! I thought the short version of the story was good, but hearing it first person is even better!! Thanks for sharing the details. I hate that the ladies at the testing place were so loudly vocal with their comments. How rude. They obviously weren't putting themselves in your position, so as to have compassion or encouragement for you.

campers said...

Congratulations! What a miracle! and fun story!

Amanda Quraishi said...

On behalf of everyone here at UpSpring Baby--CONGRATULATIONS! We wish you the very best with your pregnancy.

twarpula said...

Wow that was quite a story girl!! You are going to do great with 3 kids, no worries. I had 4 under 3 1/2 it is do-able so don't worry. :)

Jacquie said...

Oh my goodness! What a story! Congrats!!!!

Danielle said...

Congratulations you guys! Wow, what a memorable way to find out ... thanks for sharing the story! I know God will continue to give you all you need to be a wonderful mommy to your growing troop!

Jesse Petersen said...

One of the best narratives I've ever read. You had me LOL'ing for realz. "Doesn't she know how to use birth control?" - awesome what strangers assume, eh?

Chez said...

I loved reading the full long story from your perspective. This is going to make a great story one day for baby #3. I can't wait to hear his/her reaction when you share this story with him/her one day. :) Love your family of 5!!!

Colleen said...

What an amazing story to tell your kiddo, someday! Congratulations! I know it is probably daunting to think about now, but of all the women I know, you seem like the best equipped to handle an unexpected bundle of joy. :) Love you guys!

Kristen said...

What a great story! :) Love it!
I am about to have 3 kids 2 & under...You can do it girl. :) Goodluck.

-Kristen (trout) cooper

Anonymous said...

Grandma's and Grandad's can't have too many grandkids! Each one is so very special and will always be loved, cuddled, kissed, and prayed for.

Mom and Dad will also be loved, supported, and prayed for in triplicate.

Summer is almost here! Time for Grandad and Grandma Camp! No parents allowed!

Kiss Colt, Levi, and Miss October for us!

Love to All the Dishmans!

Grandad and Grandma Dillman

Charis said...

Thanks everyone for all of the encouraging comments! It really does take a village to raise kids, and it's nice to know you are all supportive during this time.

Allison Connor said...

Wow! That is quite the story. Congratulations! You will do fine and you are a great mommy!