Okay, I hate secrets. So it’s time to spill the beans about where I’ve been lately. (Or maybe you haven’t even noticed?? There have been plenty of contributor posts, whom I adore—–it’s just me who’s been around a little less the past few months.)
Some of you may remember me mentioning several times in the fall that I was unable to share as many Halloween costumes as I wanted to because I was so sick during October. I was so bummed about that. Well, the truth is I’ve had a mystery illness that has had me feeling pretty awful from September all the way to December.
The doctor’s have been pretty baffled by it too……but finally, after many different appointments and then finally doing a scan, they were able to find the problem.
They found a growth in my abdomen.
Crazy, right? There’s a tiny safety pin lodged in my abdomen. ;)
Ha. Yep, the Johnston clan is growing by one more member…..wow! These 4 kids now have to clean out a drawer or two to squeeze in one more little pal into this house!
And what are we having??? Well, even though it’s hard to tell……this is the ultra sound pic that supposedly shows that ——-> IT’S A BOY!!!! (Our ultra sound tech was no fun…..and hardly gave us any good pics. But that’s okay, I can feel him in there kicking around , so I know it’s actually a baby……and not just a safety pin! Ha.)
A few stats:
- I’m about 24 weeks along and due at the end of April
- I’m usually pretty sick during the first half of my pregnancy….and this time it’s no different. But hallelujah for Zofran, Diclegis, and Pepcid! :)
- I’m 35 years old and considered “high risk”. (And to think, some people just start planning to have babies at my age…haha!)
- I’m feeling good! Just still trying to process the thought of having 5 KIDS!!
Truth is, we weren’t necessarily planning on having any more kiddos. But you know, sometimes plans change a little bit. And now that it’s sinking in that we’re about to become a PARTY OF SEVEN (gasp!)…Steve and I are thrilled!
What do the kids think about this family of ours, growing by a whole other little body?? Well, let’s hear from them.
Ellie (age 10): “I’m bummed it’s not a girl because girls are way more fun to dress. Are you sure it’s not a girl?!?! But I’m excited to have another baby to play with. Do you think he’ll like me most?”
Connor (age 8): “I think it’s awesome! I’ll have 2 brothers and 2 sisters! I’m going to feed it mashed up food, like I did with Oliver. And now I get to share a room with Oliver…and that’s exciting because at night I get lonely. Oh, and are you sure there aren’t 2 babies in your belly?”
Chloe (age 5): “Babies are the cutest in the world! I want to feed the baby like my dollies and dress it up. When he cries, I’m going to give him his binky. And if that doesn’t work, I’m giving him to you. When he has a poopy diaper, I’m going to give him to Ellie. I still wish it was a girl though.”
Oliver (age 2 1/2): He’s clueless. Ha. (And when I tell him there’s a baby in my belly, he tries to lift my shirt….but can never find this “baby” we’re talking about. He probably thinks we’re a bunch of loonies, trying to convince him there’s some baby under my shirt, because clearly, there’s not. I think he figures his Mommy just ate too much over the holidays! ;) )
However, I caught him doing a bit of research this morning, trying to learn all he could about his new promotion we keep telling him about!
I always worry about my youngest the most, with each pregnancy. It must be such a shock to suddenly not be the baby anymore. But this kid has such an independent (and feisty) little soul, so I think he’ll adapt just fine! As long as the baby doesn’t even *THINK* about touching his balls. Or cars. Or his favorite blanky/stuffed pig (named “Bacon”) that he sleeps with at night. Haha! Oh Oliver, I can’t even believe you will be 3 this summer! Holy smokes! (P.S. Now, will you kindly sit down and get your shoes off my fabric ottoman?!! Yeah, thanks bud!)
And now we will officially be one of those “big” families. At least it feels that way. 4 kids seemed like quite a few kids….but 5 seems like a TON! Haha! ;) But I really do love these babies of mine more than anything else in this whole big beautiful world! Being a mom challenges me, pains me, excites me, thrills me, frightens me, exhausts me…….but there’s nothing else that fulfills me as much as being a mother does. I do have other hobbies that I squeeze into my life (ahem, this blog!) and I regularly have to find time to do other things that stretch my brain and abilities, other than mothering. And I know every woman is very, very different…and that’s a beautiful thing, but for me there’s something in my soul that is drawn to motherhood and raising children sent straight from heaven.
So yes, even though we never specifically planned on having 5 children (and yes, we know how children are made ;) )…..I’m excited for the added joys that having another child adds to a home. So hang in there with me as I adjust a bit with juggling this pregnancy and then a new baby boy! But don’t worry, I can’t help but still love what I do here on this blog…so I’m not going anywhere! Blogging is one of those things that stretches me in a different way and is also good for my soul. Plus, it has introduced me to so many friendships and opportunities that I couldn’t have done otherwise. So if you’re one of the few who actually made it to the very end of this post (hi mom!), thank you! And if you’re someone who has been reading for years (and years!)…..thanks for hanging out with me and my family while I share (and sometimes overshare) the projects I’m making, updates on our family, and a whole lot of babble that sometimes comes from my my brain and out my fingertips. I adore the support here and can’t tell you enough times how much I love this space on the web. And now, before my pregnancy hormones take over more than they already have…..I better sign off!
Now please, go and enjoy your day!
Ashley
P.S. I have a really fun sewing project that I will post either tomorrow or the next day. But it’s all ready to go….and begging to be shared!
How exciting! Congratulations Ashley!
Thanks so much Kelli! Still waiting for it all to sink in completely! :)
Oh, that is so exciting! Congrats!
Thanks so much Crystal! Muah! :)
Congrats! I too get terribly sick for the first 4 months of pregnancy it is hard to even function. I have taken zofran with my first and it helped. With my second I just pushed through without any meds. I am thinking of having another now and wondering how these drugs have helped? I’ve never heard of Dislegis. It’s encouraging to know you are getting reliedf from these.
Oh Melissa, I feel ya! I think the combination of the 3 have helped me the best. I tried going off of the diclegis but I still felt bad, so I tried just going off the zofran….but same thing. So, if zofran doesn’t give you good relief….try asking your OB about diclegis…..the combination has helped me a ton! Good luck!
Congratulations! We have 6 girls, and despite the busyness I still find time to sew, I love your little projects. God bless you!
Oh yay! I think I’ll always find time for it too….I really do love it that much! Thanks Michelle!
Congrats! I had our number 5 baby when I was 35, too. It is so much fun to have a big family! I love seeing your projects and hope all goes will with this pregnancy and delivery of #5.
That makes me so happy to hear! Thanks Diana!
Congratulations! I wondered if you were pregnant again. :)
Haha…..you guessed it! Thanks Christel!
Yay! So fun to get the full scoop :) . I’m totally excited for you! I bet your kids are thrilled too and can’t wait to have another “doll” around the house to play with!. Congrats!
Haha…..that’s what they’re most excited about….the live baby doll! :) Thanks Dana!
Congratulations! I’ve got my own little safety pin in my abdomen at the moment – due in April too! And it’s a boy! I hope you have a couple of boy projects lined up – health depending! Congratulations again and wishing you a smooth journey from here on out!
Yay for safety pins! ;) And yes, you bet I do!!!!! Congrats to you as well!
I am soooo excited to hold that baby! I can only imagine how cute he is going to be. Welcome to the 5 kids club. It’s crazy but sooooo fun!
I was just thinking about you and your 5 yesterday at church! You make it look so easy! Thanks Kelsey! :)
This is one of my most favorite blogs (for years, ha!) and I’m so excited for you and your adorable family!
Oh my…..maybe you’ve read my other pregnancy posts too! They just keep coming! ;) Thanks so much Erin!
Oh how exciting! Congratulations…this baby is very fortunate to have you guys as his family!
How sweet are you! Thanks Rachel! :)
Congratulations!! I am a mom of 4 whats one more after 4 right?! ;) Best of luck with the pregnancy!
Haha…..we have joked about that exact thing! You kind of start to understand how the Duggars do it. Well….kind of. ;)
Thanks Dana!
Jealous and congrats!!!
Awww, thanks so much!
Wonderful news! Congratulations to you!
Thanks so much Pat!
Congratulations! We, too, have five children — all girls. I joke that we’re the Bennets. Five kids has its challenges, but honestly, after the third baby, what’s one more? Or one more? Or…
Ha….exactly, what’s one more?! ;) And I love it…….I come from a family of 5 girls (plus 2 boys) and I love having my sisters! :)
Congrats on baby #5!! Love your blog and your cute family!
Thanks Katy!
Congratulations!! I’m just behind you, due the first week in May! (And still taking Diclegis or I cannot function. Or eat anything that isn’t a carb, if at all.) I’m one of five myself! Though this is my third and I am done.
Oh yay…..congrats to you too!!!!! And ugggh, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that too! And I had to laugh at the carb comment…..because it’s SO true!
Congrats on the new little one, :))
Thanks Dee! :)
What happy and wonderful news! Your children are all beautiful so I am certain your next little guy will also be super handsome! Such a wonderful time of your life!!!!! ♥
That’s exciting! Congratulations. I just had my 5th baby 2 months ago. My other kids are 10, 8, 4, and 2. It is an adventure most days, but having a big family sure is fun.
I had wondered about you AND wondered about a possible pregnancy. You and your kids are so adorable; I enjoy your posts so much. Congrats.
YEAH!!! Congrats! Wishing you all the best for round #5! Children are such a blessing! <3
Lucky you! – the more the merrier!!!
Exciting news! Congratulations to the entire family!!!
How exciting! Congratulations!
Congratulations Ashley and Family! I had my suspicions….???. Happy you are healthy! May the rest of your pregnancy go smooth and easy!
~Monica~
Congratulations! I have five children, too (two girls and three boys). It’s fun, chaotic, and expensive to travel, but I wouldn’t change a thing. You’re so blessed! Hope the rest of your pregnancy is smooth sailing.
Congratulations!
Congratulations! You are very brave, I stopped at 3 children. I grew up in a family of 7, 5 kids (all girls) and my parents, it was hectic, but now that we’re grown and have kids of our own, it’s awesome when we all get together.
Congratulations and Blessings!
Congratulations!!!!!
Congratulations!! I had my second baby at 37. She is now in college. (How did THAT happen so fast?) I follow your blog for ideas for the great-nieces and nephew. :)
Congratulations! I also had 5. Ours were all girls. Our last name is Ditto. Sigh. Not related to Pricilla but, know where she is coming from. Wouldn’t trade it.
Yay! Congratulations!
Yes!!! I was hoping that was what was going on. Congratulations to the entire family from one of your longtime blog followers :)
Congratulations on the new baby. They are so precious. They grow up so fast so enjoy them to the fullest when they are young. God bless you and your family! <3
I’ve been following you for years and have been so excited for you with each baby, and this one is no different. I don’t know you, but think you are an amazing mom and you inspire me both as a mom and creatively. Congratulations (and I can’t wait to read more about this baby and all your cute new baby ideas along the way!)!!
Congratulations!! I love it! I always hoped youd have more. I had 7, and each one is so needed. (I told you once about our middle son trying to get into med school. You were a huge encouragment to us. Well he did get in. Pennsylvania. Took his family all the way there from Washington. We’ve gone to see him once and hope to go again. God has a plan for all of is. Just remember…man can plan but its all gods affair. )
OMG! Congratulations dear! I love big families n ur kids being so adorable is an added bonus. Can’t wait to see ur new born’s pics. Meanwhile take care n congrats once again! N thank u for bringing us wonderful projects while being such a busy n wonderful mom :)
Oh my! Congratulations 5 times over!!!!
Wow, congratulations!! I am pondering #3 and it has me all kinds of anxious. But you make it look easy with a big family! Good luck!
I read one of your posts not long ago, and you mentioned you had been sick. I actually thought you might be expecting. I am so very, very happy for you! Babies are the best! My dad is one of five, three boys and two girls. Sounds just right to me! :-) Congratulations and enjoy your very special surprise.
Oh my goodness congratulations!!! My brother and sister-in-law have 6 children and one on the way. It’s always noisy when the come to visit and too quiet after they’ve left!
Congratulations!! How very exciting! There’s nothing quite like the excitement a new baby brings. I’ve been reading your blog for years (yours is the only one I allow updates from sent straight to my inbox) and it’s been so fun watching your family grow. I’ve got three kiddos of my own (4, 2, and 9 months) and I am already planning ahead for my next one, lol. Maybe someday I’ll get up to 5, too. Thanks for being such a wonderful inspiration!
Congrats on the new edition?
I meant edition!
Congratulations! You have such beautiful babies! What an absolute blessing :) From someone that has never been blessed to be a mom, I love to see moms who embrace and care for their children so beautifully!
Congratulations Ashley! Now you get to join our elite club! My baby #5 just turned 15 this past December!! Gosh those babies grow up so fast!
As a mom of six, I say, “Welcome to the club!” and the first things you must practice saying are “Yes, I have my hands full (of love), yes, they’re all mine, and yes, we know how it happens.” all with a smile because they are so worth it! Congratulations!
Many congratulations to you all. You had me worried at the beginning saying you had a growth but it all turned out well. Hope you feel good or the rest of the pregnancy.
Congratulations to you all Ashley… How exciting! There were 7 siblings in our family and it’s wonderful!
Ashley!! Congratulations! Your family is adorable! We have 6 kids (4 girls, 2 boys in that order). You are going to have so much fun! And so are your kids! It’s worth every bit of sickness and sleeplessness. But this time you have a 10 year old to help you:)! Enjoy!!!
Congratulations! Been following you since Chloe was born, so happy for you. Take care
Congratulations! ?
Congratulations! I thought you were going to tell us you had been writing a book! Babies are much more fun. ;)
I just bought those neat basting pins TODAY!
Congratulations! What a blessing for your family. I can’t wait to see how cute this one will be. :)
Yay!! Congratulations!!! I’m so happy for you. I think this will be the third of your babies I’ve been around for (most definitely second). I know he’ll be as cute as the others!
Congratulation, Ashley … hopefully you always stay healthy until the day baby born…
xo,
Congratulations Johnston family! Ive been enjoying your blog for years. Love the content and have loved watching the kids & family grow!
Yay!!! I love babies! And I’ve been a follower for years. So I feel like I’ve watched your family grow for at least the last 5 or so. It’s so fun. I love your charming, your creativity, your honesty, and your happiness. Congratulations!
Congratulations! I remember when we brought our fifth home; all five were on the couch and I looked at all of them and thought, “that’s a lot of kids!” But each is a joy! Hope things are smooth sailing from here on out and the time goes by quickly til you get to hold your new little one!
Congrats! I was one of those who waited until I was AMA (advanced maternal age) to begin having kids. Had my first at 37 and my second (and last!) at a month shy of 42!
Woo Hoo!! Congratulations!!! So excited for you!!
Congrats Ashley! That is great news! And I love your thoughts about crafting and hobbies vs. the fulfillment of mothering. :) It’s so hard to make it all fit and work sometimes, and so I love learning / watching how others do it. Best wishes; hope it’s a smooth transition for you all! And….baby projects are my favorite, so maybe there will be some of those back up on the blog again?!
Oooooh, congratulations Ashley! When do told our (almost) two year old (now 2.5, she was actually born pretty close to Oliver!) about her impending brother, I think she got the impression that my belly was now called brother ;) oh well, she loves him now!
Congratulations! Glad all is well and you don’t have a safety pin in your belly!
Dear Ashley,
Congratulationssssssssssssssss!!!!!! That’s a wonderful news! Very happy for your kiddos- They get one more baby doll to play with.. How fun and exhausting both at the same time!
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you and your family!!
Congratulations! I’m one of five kids and loved growing up in a big family.
congratulations hunni – i had guessed that you might might be having another little one from your last couple of posts – as i have been here reading for a few years now (and my little boy is almost exactly the same age as oliver) i hope everything goes well for you – are we taking bets on the size yet?!?!? maybe 11lbs!?!?…..lol – oh and by the way you still have a way to go to catch me up we are almost exactly the same age and i have 8 kids!!!! definitely no more for me though – love the kids comments – mine would have been more like ” urggghhh not another one” ha xxxxx love to you all lindsey x
Very exciting news….so happy for you Steve and all your kiddos….Congrats
Congratulations!!! So exciting!!
Hello I write from France. I wish you and the baby and all your sweet family, the best ! Patricia
Hello I write from France. I wish you the best for you for the baby and all your sxeet family. Patricia
I am so gullible, I thought you might hace swallowed a pin. So happy it’s a baby! Many best wishes to all of you.
I have been following you since you just had the two babies, it has been so fun watching your family grow and I still love all of the clever things you come up with. Thanks for sharing yourself and your sweet family with all of us. Congratulations and best of luck!
Congratulations, we just had #5 in September. Our oldest is 9, so very similar to your crew (except we have 4 boys & 1 girl)! You are right, 5 does feel like a ton of kids sometimes. I love watching how the older ones interact & help with their siblings & see how much the younger ones adore the older kids. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, it will probably fly by since you are so busy with the others (I know mine did)!
Congratulations! And FYI I was 30, with a boy and a girl, and thought for sure I was done. Well how silly of me! At 38 I had another girl…. and then at 40 had ANOTHER girl. Neither was planned but both are absolute blessings and I don’t know how we lived without them. So very happy for you and the whole family :)
Oh WOW! When I saw the email talking about your secret, my first thought was a baby. Then I thought, no, it can’t be another baby, so it must be another book or some other special sewing-related event. Haha! So exciting and congratulations!! :) Lisa
Oh wow!!!! Great news!!!!!!! 5 kids!!!! how amazing and a bit scaring I would admitt…. I have 2…. and only the thought of having one more pretty scared me…let alone 5!!!
Wish you the BEST for the whole family!!!!!
Congratulations! What wonderful news!
Congratulations. What wonderful news. Best wishes to you all. xx
Congratulations to you and your family. Such a great post
Congrats Ashley, Steve and kiddos!! Great New Year news for your readers, very happy for you! I was just reading your “About” page; I think it’s time to update the pictures and the missive lol. I count three and you say 1 on the way, now would probably be a good time to update the tally!
May God Bless you all!!! xxx
Fantastic news, congratulations but sorry you have been so sick.
Awesome sauce.. God Bless You and Your Beautiful Family!
Hello! :)
Congratulations!!! I hope that everything will be okay and I am sure, you will handle your fifth angel really well without problems. :) Best wishes from the Czech republic. :)
Congratulations!!! I was dying about Chloe giving a poopy diaper to Ellie… hilarious! And could Oliver look any more like Conner? I mean, seriously, it’s like hitting rewind on this blog! And just a little tidbit I once heard (if you happen to be feeling anxious about the “high risk” status) Apparently you are at a much higher risk for complication if you are post-35 and having your FIRST baby, but if you’ve already had children, then there really isn’t much to worry about. Your body already knows what to do, or something like that.
Many congratulations Ashley!! please don’t worry about your age = I ‘ve given birth to my first and only child at “old” age 40 = nothing is impossible with our God’s Blessing!
Congratulations! That’s so exciting! We recently found out we’re in the same boat! At 35 too?. And we thought we were done too, but are excited/nervous to be a family of 7. I’m glad you’ve felt better on the meds. I’ll have to check into that. Thx!
Congrats!!! I knew it. I wanted to out you in October, but decided it was your news to share. :)
Yay! Congratulations! Chloe’s response is hilarious! “I’ll give him to you… I’ll give him to Ellie”!
Aww! Congratulations Ashley! That’s wonderful, what a great surprise. I had to laugh, I’m 22 weeks along with our 5th “I thought we were done” baby too. 5 does seem like a LOT of kids ;-)
Thanks for sharing the pics and the cute kid responses. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly!
Ha Ha! Congrats from an LDS mom of 7! I already suspected it though!
By the way, #6 and 7 were twins at age 42! What a joy!
Congratulations!! That’s so exciting! 5 kids is awesome, everyone has plenty of support, love, playmates, shoulders to cry on, ears to talk off, etc., etc. haha
Hello I write from France. I love your blog. Thank you. And i wish you the best ! Congratulations ! Patricia
congratulations! I had #4 at 37 years. My great niece told her mother: “I wish the storks were still around so they could bring the baby and you wouldn’t have to get so big.” God bless you and your lovely family.
Boy, did you scare me when you said you had a growth in your abdomen! Very excited for you and your family…congratulations! Your blog is the very first blog I followed and I have learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing your talents and your life with others. Happy mothering!
Congratulations! Love all your posts and look forward to them.
Congratulations! I’ve been reading for a while now and remember when Oliver was the new baby on the blog. Can’t wait to meet the newest little addition to your beautiful family. Thank you for sharing, you are an amazing mom and God knows what he’s doing.
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BUNDLE OF JOY!!