For five years, my husband and I have debated having another child.

We hesitated for a number of reasons: my age (old enough to be “at risk”), the kids getting older (now 5 and 7 and a half), my flip-floppy heart valves.

Well, the debate is over.

Baby No. 3 is well on its way.

When we got the surprise – ok, SHOCK – delivered to us, I kept holding up the test saying, “Really? Really?”

Really.

I still just about fell off the medical table at the first ultrasound when I saw legs and arms flailing about (and my newest child sucking its thumb).

I was awestruck and instantly in love.

My kids can’t wait. My husband can’t stop smiling.

A year ago I gave away my maternity clothes. Months before that we gave away the crib, high chair, bouncy seat and swing.

Not to worry, several friends have already offered their hand-me-downs and we’re excited to take them.

I have a small bump on my belly… big enough that I can’t wear my jeans, small enough that someone may just wonder if I’m gaining weight.

My daughter kisses my belly each time I drop her off at school. My son declared “It’s a boy” when he saw the ultrasound photos because “there is no girl hair.”

The awful nausea has started to go away. My fingers have started to swell.

And my husband and I look at each other now and then and say things like, “Oh, I forgot. We’ll need diapers.” And “Oh, how much is childcare?” And “We need a bigger car.”

Then we smile, laugh, and sigh at this big surprise – in a small package – at this point in our lives.

Tags: baby No. 3, Being a mom, bonus baby, life with kids, mom time, pregnant