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Large Family Update

We have some fun news to share about our big family! Baby number eight is going to be here the beginning of January!

I’ve been meaning to write up this blog post for quite awhile, but haven’t had a moment to sit down to gather my thoughts. We are so excited to welcome a new little life into our family. I’ve always wanted a big family, but never thought I would be a mother to EIGHT! We know this is a tremendous blessing and this little life is one that is already so treasured and loved. I always struggle sharing these announcements because I know there are so many out there who so desperately want to have children and aren’t able. It’s one of the things I’ll never understand this side of heaven.

We told the kids the week after we found out. By baby number eight, my older children are pretty keen as to when I am pregnant. When I’m not pregnant, I never take naps. But when I’m pregnant- the first dead giveaway is an afternoon nap. When they see me laying on the couch they know I’m either A. sick or B. pregnant.

I thought I would answer some of the questions I typically get after announcing a pregnancy. In years past I haven’t shared a ton about pregnancies, but I wanted to document it a little better this go round to hopefully encourage younger mamas out there!

LARGE FAMILY FAQ’S

When are you due?

 I’m due Jan. 8th, which is the exact same due date as our 7th little guy. He was born on January 2nd, so I’m hoping for maybe birthday buddies?! My brother and I share the same birthday exactly a year apart. I think it would be sweet for my two youngest to share the same birthday- we shall see!

How many weeks are you?

I’m 14 weeks.

Are you showing yet?

Yep! By the 8th baby, my body knows what to do and my belly instantly pops around week 6. By now it’s near impossible to hide the belly, which is why I needed to get this post up in case anyone saw me out and about ha!

How have I been feeling?

The past few pregnancies I’ve struggled with some pretty intense morning sickness (more like all day/night sickness). This pregnancy is no different and I was sicker than a dog the first trimester. I finally turned the corner a few weeks ago and am so grateful!

Did anything help with your nausea/sickness?

 I tried some prescription nausea meds the past few pregnancies because my sickness was so bad. Some pregnancies they worked but this pregnancy they didn’t even touch the nausea. I did find a little relief from this product that a friend recommended. I took it morning and evening, and could tell that it took the edge off a little bit .

Are you going to find out the gender?

We actually have already found out the gender through a blood test. I’ve done the blood test the past few pregnancies (they can see the babe’s DNA through a blood sample taken from the mother) and it’s always amazing to me that you can know gender within that first trimester! I’ll share in the next few weeks whether babe is a boy or a girl!

Will you share a blog post with baby favorites?

Yes! I already have a list going of my must have baby items like car seat, stroller recommendations, diaper bag favorites and such. One of which is my Solly Baby wrap. I did a tutorial on how to use it here.
I’ll also be putting together a list of what I pack in my hospital bag (for myself, Travis and the baby).

Are you done after baby eight?

This question always makes me smile because it’s a running joke in our family that I was done after the fourth baby. And here we are, expecting an eighth. I’m pretty sure this will be it. But- then again, I’ve always said that. After the fifth child  everyone stopped believing me haha!

Were the kids excited?

YES! We are a house full of baby lovers and they’re all on cloud nine about a new baby joining us after Christmas. My favorite part about having a new baby with older siblings is the excitement that comes with them anticipating a new little one coming as well.

Will you have a home birth?

 Nope! I love my hospital births, adore my dr. and am so grateful for the amazing nurses that I have always had (some of whom I’ve kept in touch with). I have had wonderful experiences with my hospital births and am so grateful for the care I have received.

How many kids did you want when you got married?

Travis and I both wanted a big family when we got married. We never really had a set number of kids that sounded right, but we both knew that we loved large families  and wanted built in close friends for our children. I think initially we thought a large family to us looked like four kids, but here we are at eight kids and it officially feels like we are large family status. My own childhood was filled with four other siblings and growing up with them was/is a gift.

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66 Comments

  1. Congratulations! I love you blog, the mother & person you are too- I can’t wait to see pics of the new baby, so sweet!

    Reply

  5. Congratlations! that is exciting!! I was so sick my last pregnancy as well. It tapered some in the middle but picked back up at the end. It was really hard and I know exactly how you feel. Prayers for you and baby.
    On a side note I am absolutely in love with the gold overalls with the huge pockets. Can you please tell me where I can find them? I need them in my life and could see them becoming my uniform! Thank you and blessings

    Reply

    1. They’re from Free People! HIGHLY recommend the splurge! They’re super well made and so comfy!

      Reply

  7. Congratulations!! I actually thought about you about 2-3 weeks ago and realized I hadn’t seen you on Instagram in a while, and just had a feeling you were pregnant again! I searched for you and found your new page! So happy for y’all!

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  9. I have enjoyed and taken great inspiration from watching your fanily grown over the years! Im probably disproportionatly excited for the pregnancy of a stranger haha congratulations!!

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      1. I love this so much, Ashley! Congratulations!! Thank you for sharing with us, and for always being an inspiration to us other “large families”.

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  16. Congratulations!! So excited for you and your growing family. Praying for a smooth rest of the pregnancy.

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    1. That’s so exciting!! Those after Christmas babies are so fun!! Congratulations to y’all too!

      Reply

  22. That’s wonderful! I’m so happy for you!
    I would never minded a large family myself, but we stopped at 3, well #3 was a surprise 😅 You definitely have a beautiful family!

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  25. Well you know how excited I am about this!!!!!! And you are DARLING in your dress and sneakers and that bump. Congrats to you all, sweet Ashley!

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  32. You are so cute! Congratulations to your family!! So excited for you! (I’ve love a link to that comfy mustard jumper/overalls in one of your pics too!) 🙂

    Reply

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