In mid-February, we hosted family and local friends for a little sprinkle at home to celebrate our baby girl on the way. Since it was just after Valentine’s Day, the theme was “She will be loved.” Indeed she will be, honestly, she already is so, so loved. Her brothers are constantly asking about her and expressing their excitement about her arrival.

I know baby sprinkles can be controversial but we have wanted to celebrate each baby of ours. For our firstborn, we had a baby shower celebration at a garden restaurant. For our second baby, also a boy, we decided to keep things simpler. We had just moved into our home, after all. So, we had a baby sprinkle and housewarming in one. For our third baby, we decided to celebrate as a combined baby sprinkle and Mother’s Day luncheon at our home.

For this baby, everyone was excited to buy baby girl clothes and gifts for us for a change, and it showed. Even though it was a “sprinkle,” we have been showered with love, support and presents. At first, I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by how many presents we received but once my cousin and I separated her clothing by sizes, it felt much more manageable and her closet is all set up. In fact, it was one of the first little projects I finished for her.

I just recently finished her nursery nook and packed our hospital bags so we are pretty ready.

Now, we just wait on her but we know for sure she will be here by next week!

A few months ago, during the summer when we were deciding whether to try for one more baby, I posed the questions: How do you *know* when you are ready to close the chapter of growing your family?  Was it up to you or a medical condition? Was it your and/or your partner’s primary desire? My husband and I knew we wanted another child for a few reasons.

It is such a big, sometimes bittersweet, decision.

The decision process of whether to have more children looks different for everyone. 

Boy or girl, we knew this would be our last baby… But how did I know I was not done having kids?

Well, for starters, I have always wanted two or four kids, more-so the latter. My husband wanted three kids but was open to four.

Then, one day a few months ago, I looked around to account for our kids, and I thought one was missing… but I was not yet even pregnant. In my heart, I knew I was longing for our 4th baby and that it was meant to be for our family. After discussing with my husband, we knew we wanted another child.

The biggest reason it felt okay was because I didn’t feel like we’d reached our complete capacity. While motherhood is sometimes hard, it’s also amazing. Our careers are successfully growing, and we do not feel as if we are stretched too thin. Tim and I are both very hands on and involved, and my family is nearby so whenever he or I do feel burnt out or overwhelmed, we are able to have help. (To be honest, just knowing we have a village helps and is something I try to really appreciate.)

Health-wise, since I have had c-sections, I voiced my desire to have a fourth baby during my last pregnancy. I was told to check-in with the OB surgeon during my C-section to get the OK. The surgeon had to make sure my scar tissue was not excessive, and informed me it would be safe to have a fourth C-section.

That being said, having a fourth child will definitely be an adventure and while we are a bit nervous, we are even more excited! 

How’d you know whether or not you wanted more kids?

*Sending love to everyone wondering, wishing, waiting, expecting, or done.*