Expecting Unexpectedly - and my Sabbatical from HubPages -- I'm Alive! ;)

You may, or may not, have noticed that I have not been active on HubPages for the past couple of months. Why? I have been extremely fatigued, a bit nauseous, on top of administrating a home of seven people and assisting with our business.

The fatigue crept in at the end of June/beginning of July. At first, I thought our hectic schedule and the Gulf Coast summer heat were getting to me. Certainly, they contributed to my exhaustion -- but even my toenails felt tired! ;)

About mid-July, two days after my husband and I ordered an 8-seater Honda Odyssey, I was taking our kids to a summer morning movie when nausea hit. Disctinct nausea. Nausea that I've only known five other times in my life -- could it be? I scarfed the movie popcorn, desparate to fill my belly and deter any unpleasant trips to a public restroom. Thankfully, the popcorn worked.

After the movie, I darted into Target for a couple of things - and bought a pregnancy test. We went home. I took the test, texted a picture of the results to my dear husband. His reply, "Huh?" Mine, "What do you think it is?" His, "Well, I wasn't sure if you were joking or not." Mine, "No joke. Good thing we got an eight seater!"

Dear hubby bought some sparkling grape juice on his way home that evening. We poured each child a glass. Jeff (my dear hubby) lifted his glass, the children and I joined him as he spoke, "Tonight we are celebrating family. We are so thankful for each of you. Family is special and important." We all clinked our glasses, the children's eyes beaming with joy. Next was my turn, "Tonight we celebrate Life. Who is the Giver of Life?" The kids chimed, "God!" I replied, "That's right. We are thankful for Life, and we are thankful for each of you in our lives." The glasses clinked again, more giggles ensued. Jeff closed the toasts, "And Mommy and Daddy want to announce that we are being blessed with another Life in our Family." The older three kids immediately understood. Our 13 year old exclaimed, "REALLY?" and laughed joyfully for a minute. The ten year old and seven year old chattered excitedly, shooting questions, "Is it a boy or girl?" Our six year old caught on, "Mom, are you pregnant?" Which I answered in unison with the older three children and my hubby, "Yes!" "Yay!" Discussion of names soon came.

When I explained to our four year old that a baby is growing in my tummy (I don't think I have to be anatomically correct and say "uterus"), his eyebrows popped up, and his eyes widened, "You mean, I get to be BIGGER?" Thankfully, each family member is excited about our addition.

I am in my last year of the 30's, and will turn 40 three days after the baby's due date in March. Admittedly, pregnancy this go-round has been a bit more taxing than previous pregnancies. Hence, my absence from writing. I simply have not had the energy to do much more than feed my family and do laundry! Although, I did manage a trip to Florida to pick up my van (which I love) and spend two weeks visiting friends and family. By the end of the trip, the fatigue had begun. Driving 8 hours home with five kids and no other adult was a tad trying, but we made it!

My energy is returning a bit more daily. I am now 12 weeks and expect to be running at 85%, then 90% and so forth in the coming days and weeks. As I regain my energy and ability to administrate life (baseball, piano, school schedules, clients and running our home), I will resume writing. I have still visited HP occasionally - reading hubs, questions, etc. This is a great online community and I enjoy participating in it and look forward to returning.