4 in 48

Four babies in forty-eight months, that is! Labor Day Weekend, David and I learned that we were going to be blessed beyond measure once again with the opportunity to be parents of another precious one. Yes, Baby O'Dell #4 is due to arrive May 17, 2010. Yes, we know what causes this and yes, this was planned! (You won't believe the comments and questions we get.) We are over the moon for this little one actively growing in my tummy! Having gone to the doctor twice now, we know for sure there is only one :) and we know this one is quite active. At our 9 week check-up during the ultra-sound our little one put on a show. He/she was kicking everywhere, putting his/her hands up to his/her face - it was absolutely amazing and precious! At only 9 weeks, can you believe it? At our 12 week check-up, Dr. B. had a tough time finding the heartbeat (which can be nerve-racking) because this little one was moving all over the place. I was able to hear lots of kicks and movements and finally a strong heartbeat; it was precious! Here are some sweet pictures of our little one. We were amazed at how much detail is visible at only 9 weeks! The One who created our baby is something else, wouldn't you say?

Profile shot, you can see the little feet in the air.

Another profile shot, this was during the "show." You can see the hands reaching for the feet. It was just the sweetest thing to watch our little one moving around so full of life already!

We waited a while to share our news because we wanted to be certain all was okay with our little one. Though, sometime after we knew ourselves Carter asked me out of the blue, "Mommy, do you have a baby in your tummy?" I was stunned and it took me a minute to come up with a truthful answer. I stammered, "Well, what made you think of that?" Thankfully, he was already on to the next thing! We did tell our children after our 9 week appointment and they were so precious! Carter fully understands what is going on and several times a day asks about the baby. One morning on the way to school he says, "Mommy, can you take a shower with your baby?" Another time he says, "Mommy, the baby is in your tummy right, not in your heart? So, Jesus can't get to the baby, right?" I said, "Well, buddy, Jesus will take good care of the baby because He loves us." He was okay with that response.

Carter was SO excited to find out he is going to be a big brother, AGAIN! It was really precious! He continues in his quest to be the most precious son ever with his random thoughts and questions about the baby!

Carter looking at the sonogram pictures of Baby O'Dell. We have lots of sonogram pictures around our house :) so he knew what this was a picture of, but he was not sure who was in the picture!

We bought a present for the new baby and had Carter, Summer, and Tilly open it along with the sonogram pictures. This is how we shared the big news! It was so much fun!

Our three little people together on the couch opening their "surprise!" As you can tell, Carter took charge of the situation; he usually does :)

Carter and Summer - they are BEST buds. This week Carter said, "Summer, you're my best friend, right?" Melted my heart! I pray they are always so sweet together.

This would be our first "congratulations on baby" present from my sweet co-teacher, Erica and her roommate, Amy. She was one of the first to find out, as I was freaking out just a little bit and needed to share! She and Amy, sent this edible bouquet to our family. I had never received one before and it was DIVINE! Thank you for rejoicing with us in our gift! We are so thankful!