Quantcast

Bower Power

· 779 Comments

News

PERSONAL

I don’t know if anyone noticed lately but I’ve been more absent than normal.

Like face-down-in-the-rug kinda absent.

I don’t know how to go about explaining my brain right now…so I’ll just come out with one big thing in my head….

I’m pregnant.

And in complete and utter shock.

On one hand (let’s call this the dominant hand)….I am completely thrilled.  Happy beyond words and so so excited that I get to see our family take on this new step in our journey.  Both Jeremy and I decided that we would start trying immediately after having Weston and hopefully we would see that special line on the pregnancy test before the year was up.  So yes…this is definitely a planned thing.

But as planned as it was…it was not really expected.  Hence the shock.  In my heart I fully anticipated not even being able to get pregnant while still nursing.  My doctor told me that a period doesn’t necessarily mean ovulation…so to never start ‘counting months’ if I am still breastfeeding full time…basically he told me to not freak out over fertility issues until I know all the facts about my own body.  So in true ‘use-history-as-a-guide’ fashion, I pulled up my boot straps and fully expected another two years of trying.  Afterall…it took longer than two years to get my little Weston’s buns in the proverbial oven.  I always say hope for the best but expect the worst…and that is truly what I was doing.  I didn’t expect any other little sweet babes in my life.

And as happy and overjoyed and blessed as I feel…I still can’t help but ache for my friends…both in real life and online that I have been praying for.  The ones I lift up each day asking that God fill that desire in their hearts.  The ones that have been waiting for their own little ‘lines’.  Or for the news that they will be cleared for adoption.  Or whatever news that it is that will make them parents or give their children siblings.  I am so happy for me…I am.  Mostly because this is what we want for our family but I want so badly to be happy for all my friends too.  I want to share this celebration…but part of me holds back because I know that painful sting of “the wait”.  I hate that sting.  And I hate that wait.

So in the past two weeks, I’ve checked out.  Both physically and emotionally.  I am so freaking tired.  I literally am not able to keep my eyes open during normal wakeful hours.  I feel like I got hit by a parade of trucks full of bricks and then I pass out wherever my head falls.  And it hits really fast….like I was an endangered species hit by a tranquilizer dart.  I. go. down.   I’m trying to truck on with everything…literally doing the very best of what I can do….whether that be a lame post or edit three photos or whatever I can squeeze in while the eyelids are still up.  And that seems to add to my plate – my full plate of what feels like failing.  On top of the physical stuff,  I am so emotionally exhausted.  I’m confused, it’s like I needed this time just to gather my own thoughts….to sort through the emotions and to identify what is true and what is insecurities and lies and hormones.  I had to tell several very dear friends that I was pregnant…people that I cried with….because I know their own heart and they know mine and it just hurts.

I know that this news might hurt some folks out there.  I realize that and I want you to know that I understand and that I am hurting for you and I am so sorry if I was any source of anguish for you.  I truly feel like because I went through that, I understand that burn.  I am so hypersensitive to it now.  And if you want to punch me….I get it.  I do.

And on the other hand…this precious gift….this son or daughter….this beloved one still forming inside me….I am just as excited…just as overwhelmed with feelings of pure blessedness…just as eager to hold and meet them as I was with Will and Weston.  And I am so thankful that I have friends like you who give me the time and space I need to really process everything.  And that you accept me with open arms when I come slowly crawling back…exhausted and worn thin.  I am so thankful that you gave me this bit of time just to snuggle my boys a little more and dream about our future family.  A time that is filled with so many polar opposite emotions.  This thing called motherhood is quite the ride….one where I am still learning.  It’s these moments where I land face down in my rug and cry tears of gratefulness and tears of hurt for others all at the same time.

So thank you.  thank you for everything.

0 Shares

Comments

  3. njdofphwaundjsaipmnj! OMG! Congratulations! Not at all what I expected from a Friday post, but couldn’t be happier for you and your family. As someone who is currently 6 months along (with my first, so I know it’s not the same!) I can say I totally understand needing to take the time with your family and friends and all of the confusing emotions you’re going through right now. Know that anyone who truly “knows” you (even if it’s just from years of blog-reading) and appreciates you can understand that you’ve got other things going on and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that one day you’re back up and at it. But if not, I’ll cry a little for my own loss of entertainment and then do a little happy dance knowing that you are MIA for the best of reasons.

    Congratulations again and lots of love to you, Jeremy and the boys.

    Ann

  5. Congratulations!!!!! You so deserve at after the long wait for Weston! So exciting! Don’t let someone else’s life or struggles steal your joy! It’s not your fault or theirs. Enjoy this!

  7. Sniff. Congratulations, Katie! What a blessing! I am also pregnant with our second child after only two months of trying. Our first was a total surprise. So yeah….I feel like a jerk. I am freaking out about how to tell my friends who are struggling with infertility. This was a really nice, thoughtful way. I wish you rest and a solid stomach.

  9. Congratulations Katie! I’m so happy for you! Now put your feet up and rest as much as you can because I heard that going from the 2 to 3 kids is the most stressful (or so says my mom who had 11). God bless.

  10. Congratulations, Katie! Praying for a quick 1st trimester, and that you would be feeling 100% soon! Your empathy is appreciated by many I’m sure, you are so gracious! But truly, congrats.

  11. Congratulations! I love your sensitive heart, my toddler and I pray for our friends who have had infertility obstacles, and two out of the three are now pregnant! PTL! But my heart aches for my dear friend who is still waiting for her line too, and I know it is hard watching them wait. All you can do is love them and pray for them. One of our Sunday school leaders gave her beautiful testimony last night, telling her infertility and adoption story, it was so touching and amazing to see how God worked in her life despite of the pain in her heart! Wishing you a happy and well pregnancy!

  12. KATIE! Congratulations! I know you have such a bag of mixed emotions right now, but this is such a blessing and I just really hope that you enjoy the ride. I’m so excited and can’t wait to “meet” Baby B!

  13. So, so, so , SO, SO happy for you all. And such a sweet soul you are for thinking of others at such a blessed time. Congrats Bower family, can’t wait to see the little one join your family!

  17. not sure why people would be upset with you… child is a blessing and the most amazing miracle …Congrats!!!

  19. Katie,

    God bless you! You don’t need to feel anything other than your own emotions and your own cross to bear right now. I think it’s very sweet and shows your character for being sensitive to others pain or feelings, but you shouldn’t feel like you owe anyone that! Congrats! (I hope it’s a girl! :)))!!

  20. Katie, that’s amazing! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! I don’t think there’s any need to apologize, though. How can people be mad at you for getting pregnant? I never understand when people respond to a newly created life negatively. So, congratulations, again, and I can’t wait to hear more about this pregnancy!

  21. Congrats to the Bower family! When are you due? I feel for your friends out there that have had difficulties getting (or remaining) pregnant. My husband and I have been trying for a couple of years now and after a couple miscarriages, we are pregnant again. We are waiting for the 12 week mark (3 & 1/2 more weeks) to tell our friends. I know they feel that guilt what we have lost in the past and we don’t want to risk putting them through that again. Regardless of anything though, you deserve to be happy with your blessings!

  22. Congrats!
    You and Jeremy make the most adorable babies 🙂
    Thanks for sharing with us!

  23. Oh Katie, I am so beyond thrilled for your family! Take all the time you need; I remember all too well the complete and utter exhaustion on the first trimester and am learning all about the exhaustion of the third right now. Congratulations!

  26. Congratulations! When are you due? I am expecting a little girl in November, it’s been 8 years since I had my last baby, and we’re pretty excited.

  29. We’re pregnant too!! Due in April! Congrats! You make a fabulous mommy. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for this baby’s nursery!

  30. Katie, this is a very exciting time in your lives – savor every minute. Congratulations!

  31. Congratulations! I couldn’t be happier for you! I come from a family of 9 so we were all pretty close together and it is a wonderful blessing to have siblings close in age! Enjoy this time and I’m sure all of your readers will be understanding if you are absent a lot more- your family is your priority! Blessings!

  32. OMG congratulations! I don’t think you should really apologize. if anyone is sad or upset, it’s because of them not you. But in any event, how far along are you?? or rather, how many months was weston when you were able to get pregnant? so exciting!!

  34. You are one classy lady! I think this is my first comment on your blog after reading it for several years. I couldn’t help myself! I am just SO happy for you and your family and I just love how you conduct yourself with your blog. LOVE LOVE LOVE to you!

  35. Congratulations to the whole Bower family! I’m sure your hormones are wacky right now, but soon you’ll feel better and be back to your normal high-energy self! When are you due?

  36. Congratulations! I’m so happy for you! I’ve noticed you’ve gotten a lot of negative comments lately on postings and how they haven’t been up to some readers par but truth is, we all live busy lives and even if you go down to one post a week, you have such a following of readers that we would all still tune in. You have such a pure heart, loving spirit and great personality and are true to yourself, even in the negative comments people post. This is what gets you your blog followers and we would still tune in every week. I’m so happy to follow you on this adventure called life…and secretly hoping baby #3 is a girl. 😉

    p.s. my first child (baby boy Liam) was born one month after Weston and I am actually taking a pregnancy test once I get off work to see if baby #2 is on the way. It’s funny how I feel like I’m always a couple months behind you, which is awesome because I get to copy all your nursery decorating ideas!

  37. Katie, as someone who has suffered from infertility (I now have a two year old), I would NEVER want you to feel awkward or badly for sharing such beautiful and exciting news. While it’s true this news may hurt some people still waiting, a baby is something to be so very celebrated and loved. CONGRATULATIONS!

  38. That’s big, awesome, amazing, news! CONGRATULATIONS!!! At the same time, I am exhausted for you. Praying your energy come back with leaps and bounds. We’ll still be here, whenever you have time to do a post or two. YAY Bowers!

  39. I am overjoyed for you and your family. I completely understand your mixed emotions. I felt very much the same way with my third child. (For the record, I think it gets easier to get pregnant the second and third time around. My husband and I joke that we don’t even ‘remember’ how it happened with #3. It was that much of a surprise.)

    I wish you the best and recall the days of extreme fatigue and, at least for me, months upon months of extreme illness (‘morning’ sickness my @$$). The kind that requires medication.

    You are a tough cookie and a tender soul. Things will happen as they should. I am over-the-moon thrilled for you. Thank you for sharing your great news.

  41. how exciting!! Congratulations! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe pregnancy! 🙂 When are you due?

  42. Wow!! I admire your sensitivity towards those who are hurting, but congratulations, Katie!! You’re going to bring another beautiful Bower into the world!! And although I don’t know you in “real life,” I know that you will continue supporting those who are hurting, but my prayer for you is to have so much joy in your own victory as you pray for others to meet theirs! <3

  43. What a surprise AND how wonderful! I was wondering where you went 🙂

    You have to do what is best for you and your family. If you need time – take it! As one of your “cyber friends”, I’ll be excited to see posts and updates when they come.

    Woo to the HOO!!! 😀

  44. Yayyyyyyy!!! Any baby is a true gift from God. Congrats!! Are you going for another vbac?! My 2nd vbac had so many more emotions than my first. Happy and healthy 9 (or however many more you are!) months!!

  45. I was wondering what happened to you, but am completely thrilled for you guys. I completely understand that awful 1st trimester tiredness. I am due in 5 weeks (wahoo!) and I remember trying to explain the “coma stage” to my co-workers. I said it felt like someone had slipped me a sleeping pill with out my knowledge, and I was fighting to stay awake. I can’t imagine having to do it while watching over two littles. Kuddos to you, and congrats!

  47. You have no reason to be apologetic!! You should soak it all in because it is a blessing, and yes it’s tough when others are trying… But it shouldn’t take away from your happiness!!! Enjoy every moment!

  48. Congrats to you, Katie!! You’re a wonderful mother, and this baby is going to be so blessed to be a part of your family!

    Please don’t allow your sadness for others to take away from this special time for you and your family. You’re so sweet and kind to have your friends in the front of your mind like that, but you being pregnant isn’t causing them to not be pregnant. Remember that!

  49. Be happy! Even those waiting, want you to be happy. I’ve been on both sides. I did the long long wait (over 5 years) of thinking that I would never see a positive on a pregnancy test. I thought for sure that I couldn’t have children. Then out of the blue I got pregnant, and then when I thought for sure that I would only ever have one, without even really trying when my first was 9 months old I got a positive and 17 months after my first I had my second. It’s a whirlwind of emotions. Forget the being pregnant part, you will soon go into the worry of having two so close in age, and wonder are you being fair to them having them so close. There are so many things to worry about down the road, for now be happy. Yes, those waiting may not be happy at first, they may have anger and jealousy, but that is them in their situation. If it was them and not you they would be ecstatic.

  50. CONGRATS!! Very exciting. I am so impressed you had two and were ready to start again so quickly. Your body must be exhausted nursing one while pregnant with another. Take your time and rest you need it.

  51. Congrats!!! West and my son caleb are very close in age I wanna say a week apart if that. They were also similar in weight and length! Good lick with the new bundle of joy! I’m praying for a little girl for you!!! While I completely understand the struggle to get pregnant don’t beat yourself up. God has a plan for everyone!

  52. Oh my goodness, CONGRATULATIONS! I can imagine chasing 2 sweet boys while pregnant can take a lot out of a girl. We all obviously understand your absence. While I love your blog dearly, I completely 195% understand choosing to spend time playing with your boys or resting over writing a blog post. I think it speaks a lot of your character to be so considerate of others going through fertility issues when discussing your own great news.

    You are awesome, and I can’t wait to see your preggo pics, you are the cutest!

    Nicole

  53. HUGE congratulations to you all. You are wonderful parents, and have an amazing family and support. I had fertility issues too, and know that “sting” very well. But I also know how happy I was despite the sting each time a friend told me she was pregnant. It’s okay to be happy for someone else, but sad for yourself. So happy for you that you didn’t have to endure that long wait this time! Get some rest!

  55. YAY!!!! I totally thought you were going to say “just kidding”:) Congrats Bower Family!!!

  57. Dear, dear Katie! Congratulations!!!! This is amazing and wonderful news! I am waiting for a little line too, and do not expect it, but secretly hope for it. It’s been a long time. But in no way does anyones waiting need to take away from your happy news! You have shown nothing but love and understanding for your friends (real or us readers) in our struggles and your own. That makes us love you more and pray for you, too. Thank your for sharing your news and happiness with us. Trust me, we’ll want to know everything that happens in the baking of this baby, maybe your sweet little girl?!!!!!

  59. Katie,

    I’ve been a silent stalker of your blog for a couple of years and watched as you went through the pain of not knowing if you’d ever have more than one bundle of joy. I sent up prayers on your behalf and was so overjoyed when you announced that you were pregnant with Weston. I’m so excited for you, Jeremy and the boys and can’t wait to see your little family grow. This little one is such a blessing from God, almost like a reward for all the hard work, pain and emotional instability you’ve been through. I’m so happy for you!

    -Michelle
    Long time reader, first time having enough courage to comment.

    Ps- I feel creepy because I’m talking like I know you. I know I don’t.

    Pss- I’m sure you get that a lot.

  60. How wonderful!! I can’t wait to see the newest member of your already adorable family.
    Personally I can’t imagine having my kids so close together, more power to you!

  63. Congratulations Katie!! When are you due?
    You should try not to worry(don’t feel bad about yourself or being pregnant) as hard as it is, I tried for 7 years and had 15 early miscarriages in between my daughters and while I was always happy for my friends and family who were having babies, I was sad for myself. It was hard. Very hard. I am so happy now though, miss Olivia (now 3 months) was worth the wait! Charlotte is 8 and FINALLY has a sibling! We hope to have another 2 in the next few years-fingers crossed.

    I hope this pregnancy is nice and smooth for you!

  64. Congratulations!!! It took 3 years to get pregnant with my son (Will’s age) and I was so scared when we decided to start trying for #2. I was scared of that heartbreaking feeling that wouldn’t let go. I had the same attitude, pray for the best, plan for the worst. When I got pregnant after only 4 months of trying we knew this baby was just as much of a miracle as our son. Our baby girl is due in a month and even though I don’t know you I’m excited to be pregnant “together” again! I’ve watched Will, as closely as I can anonymously through a blog, and seen what kind of big brother he has been and it makes me so happy that I can give my son the chance to be the big brother. Then again, he just kissed me with a mouth full of food and tried to bend my credit card in half, so maybe he won’t be the best example to his sister. Haha! I love how compassionate you are toward women who are struggling (you are one of the most Christlike women I “know”) but remember that it is OK to be over the moon happy that your prayers have been answered and your vision for you family is coming true. Good luck with this pregnancy, with being a mom of 3, everything, and Congrats again!

  65. Hi Katie,

    I’ve never commented before, but I have been reading your blog for several months now, and I just wanted to tell you how happy I am for you! It really surprises me how much I have come to care for your family through reading your posts, and I’m so happy that you have generously shared your stories with us. You’re a fantastic mother, and it’s so exciting that you’ll have a third little one to love 🙂

    Wishing you all the very best!
    -Nicole

  68. Honestly, with your absence, I worried that something was really wrong. But I am so DELIGHTED to hear your news!!! It is so very evident, from your blog, how much you love your babies. Praise the Lord for this unexpected surprise. 🙂

    And Lord, may you comfort the hearts of those ladies who are still waiting for their own babies…

  70. Congratulations Katie (and Bower boys!)!! That is wonderful news! I pray you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.

  73. THIS is what we continue to come here for. Your honesty. Thank you. And congratulations! Big families are the best.

  75. As someone waiting and hoping and going to a lot of doctor’s appointments in an effort to get my own little line, I have to tell you that your words were so sweet, so intentional. Congratulations!

  76. First and fore most congratulations!! And secondly I know exactly how you feel having gone through this in this last year! Hope you feel better soon and keep your chin up!! It’s so exciting!!

  77. Congratulations Bower family! It’s so great to see you’re expanding your little family.

    Your Weston and my Rafael are only a day apart. It would be interesting to see how he will be with his little sibling.

  79. Congratulations! You are such a wonderful person to worry so much about other’s feelings, but you also have every right to be thrilled & excited for yourself! <3

  81. Holy crap. HOLY CRAP! I am so excited for your little family! I was completely not expecting this and am blown away. Congratulations and best wishes during this pregnancy!

  83. Congrats Bower Family! That is so exciting and i am so happy for you. When are you due??

  84. Awww, how amazing! Congrats to you all. I can’t even imagine how tired you are, but you are a strong and wonderful momma. So happy for Baby B!

  85. Congratulations on your new little blessing!!!!

    My first child had colic. She cried non-stop for months and I didn’t know what to do with myself. Then, at 6 months old, she suddenly stopped crying and became an amazing little human being who I wanted to spend all my time with. We decided to wait for more babies so that we could really focus on her. HA! Found out two days later that we were already pregnant 🙂 It was a rough time, physically and emotionally, just as you’ve said because on top of our nerves about how to raise another little one, so many friends and family still hadn’t been able to start their much-prayed for parenting journey.

    But WOW – my kids are best friends (now 9 and 8) and I hope they stay that close forever. All that to say, you’re in for quite a ride lol, but it’s gonna be amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing pieces of it with us!!! 🙂

  86. Wooohoo!!!! So excited for you!!!!!!!!!! Such a thoughtful post. While you may feel reserved about this pregnancy, I’m running right now to tell my husband that my “friend” Katie is prego again!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

  88. Congratulations Katie, Jeremy, Will and Weston! What truly exciting news. Thank you for sharing your honest thoughts and emotions about this experience. There is a plan for all of us, whether we are blessed with a family already, or whether we are still working towards that dream one day at a time. Everyone is on their own journey, and it makes us who we are. I am so SO happy for you and so very excited that as your virtual friend, I will get to experience this new and exciting chapter in your life! You are a beautiful person and a beautiful family, you are truly blessed. Plus, you make SUPER DUPER adorable babies, so cannot wait to “meet” the newest bundle of Bower! xoxo

  89. Aw, congratulations, Katie! Pregnancy can really kick your teeth in. Especially when you already have 2 little ones to keep up with! I hope this baby is a huge blessing to you and yours.

  90. Get out!!!!! Thinking in a best friend kind of way, it must have been nice to share the news in person with the Petersiks. Congratulations girl! Now I’m off to meet NKOTB in person which was my 8 yr anniversary present from my husband. I haven’t been able to sleep the last month. xo

  91. Congratulations, Katie! I felt the same emotions when after over two years of a battle with infertility, we were blessed by getting pregnant recently. It’s been a difficult journey to be happy for ourselves, but to see a sister and cousin going through that same struggle to get pregnant and not being successful yet. Just remember that God has chosen this path for you and that you can still be such a huge support system to your friends who are struggling! The best thing that I’ve found to do for our friends/family who are still struggling is to continue to pray and to offer a listening ear/support in any way that I can. Congrats again!

  92. Wow. Congratulations!! Such wonderful news. I’m pregnant with #3 too & are feeling very similar to you. It happened way sooner than I expected since both of my boys took over a year of trying. I also have friends that are “trying” and it hasn’t been easy. I look forward to hearing more from you on this pregnancy, although I know the feeling of exhaustion. Believe me…two boys, full time job, and everything else that comes with being a wife and mother. When are you due? I am due 3/5. Pregnancy twins?!? Anyway, I am curious to hear if you are having abnormal fears about Weston falling into “middle child syndrome”…because I have them for my second son and I hate being crazy alone.

  93. You are such a beautiful person, Katie. During this time where it is easy to be “me, me, me”, you are thinking about the others out there struggling to start their families; being humble in this day-and-age is a rarity.

    Congratulations and do not forget to celebrate during your waken hours!!!

  94. How exciting!!!! I breast fed my toddler throughout my 3rd pregnancy. But I feel ya on the tired part it was exhausting. 3 kids is a SUPER FUN adventure…but it definitely has it’s challenges especially having 2 close together.

    Hugs super mom and congrats!!

  95. Congratulations!!! 🙂 The people who are still waiting appreciate your prayers, trust me! I am one of them!! God has blessed you and I am super excited for your family!

  96. Congrats on your little blessing!
    I know your pain and it’s difficult when so many you love are struggling. After 2 miscarriages in the past year, we are pregnant again. I’ve been on both sides this year; where my dear friends and sister have to find the words to tell me they are expecting, when we both know how incredibly excited I am for them, but also how a part of my heart is breaking for myself. The most difficult was when my sister and I were pregnant at the same time, but then I lost our baby. Now I need to find the words to tell some lovely friends and (the hardest of all) my sweet SIL (who has been trying for over 2 years) that we were blessed with a positive. It is so difficult trying to find the words that acknowledge their heartbreak and their excitement. I wish the whole thing was easier. I love your soft and tender heart. I guess the best we can do is pray and continue to walk beside them on their journeys.

  98. I echo what Tracie said- God is good! ALL the time. Even in the midst of tiredness, chaos, and heartbreak. He is good.

    So congrats on the tiny one!

  99. What a gracious way to announce a pregnancy. I’m currently pregnant (due in Jan) with my second and with both pregnancies struggled with infertility issues. Your sensitivity is amazing. Congrats and enjoy dreaming about your beautifully growing family. I love your blog!

  100. Oh Katie! As an infertile lady, I can say that I love you. And I’m so happy for you. You are so sensitive to folks like me who are walking through the infertile battleground. You are a blessing.
    My favorite verse – Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those that mourn.
    We’re rejoicing with you, Katie! We can do both.

  101. YAY!!! I’m so excited for your growing family! As much as I was one of the ones waiting and waiting and waiting (3 years for us) I knew that anyone blessed enough to become pregnant at all was worth celebrating even though the sting was a bit tough at the time. it was all in His plans and totally out of our control. Since we’re finally expecting our little one we can’t help but be overjoyed and you should be too!!! Congrats mama 🙂

  104. So excited for you lady! I completely understand the mixed emotions of the situation. Although I am not pregnant, I have so many people in my life that have struggled {or are struggling} with trying to get there and it really does break my heart for them. BUT you were given this little blessing for a reason just as our loved ones that have not yet found their blessing are going thru their journey for a reason {even if that reason is not yet apparent}. Know that although it might be tough for some to hear, in time they will realize the purpose for their path and find peace. In the meantime you soak up all this joy! Sending you lots of love!!

    ~ J

  105. Congratulations! I know the mixed feelings you are having very well. My two sisters have fertility problems, & one of them has had several miscarriages. I was able to get pregnant five times pretty easily, though I lost one at nine weeks. It hurts to share joyous news with those who are struggling to grow their family, and hopefully they can be happy for you too.

  106. Congrats! So happy for you and your family. As a couple who struggled with infertility, but finally added two to our family, I still pray for all those who are struggling. It just never goes away. I always pray that they will be granted the grace and strength to deal with whatever comes there way.

  107. I have missed you and now I know why. Congratulations! You have always been so open and honest with us, and that is what we love about you. So if you are feeling both guilty and joyful I totally understand. God has blessed you again…soak it up and enjoy the gift from above.

  109. Congratulations!!! What thrilling, exciting and AMAZING news! You are a wonderful mom and God has big plans for you and all of your babies:) You have such an amazing heart and I know it hurts for those who are struggling, but don’t let your compassion cloud your happiness. We don’t know God’s plans for ourselves or others, all we can do is keep on praying and hanging on as the ride of life goes on. Good luck with everything, can’t wait to watch the journey unfold!!!

  110. Congrats Katie & Bowers! I have to say I know exactly how you feel. Just found out I am pregnant ( 7 weeks) and this happened pretty quickly- about 6 months, and not with any timing or ‘trying’ as it were, just if it happens it happens. And it did which is so awesome! But… my very best friend and her husband have been trying for a couple years with no luck and pregnant people keep popping up around her. All of her co- workers have gotten pregnant during this time and now her sister-in law is also preggers and due the same time as me, but I haven’t told my friend yet. I think I’m going to wait another 6 weeks ( if my body will let me) just to put some space in digesting this news on the back of her SIL’s. i pray so hard that she and her husband will conceive. I want it so much it hurts and takes away some of the joy I want to feel for me, but can’t because I’m sad for her. I want THIS for her. So yah, your pist totally hits home. But I know my friend ( and yours) will be/ are overjoyed because they are super awesome people. Hugs Katie.

  112. Congratulations! Literally this morning I was thinking of you and how Weston is so big and it feels like you were pregnant just yesterday and yet my current pregnancy (32 weeks) feels so loooonggggg.

    Don’t feel guilty that this baby is coming to your family so quickly. I tried for 3 years before getting pregnant and went through a miscarriage as well. It is painful but ultimately, we all have our own stories to live. They make us who we are. So feel your heart with gratitude and joy that all of us that have been reading your journey will rejoice along with you….and continue to pray for those still waiting that they find joy, love and peace with whatever the outcome is on their journey to motherhood.

    A million blessings to you and your family!

  113. So happy for you and your boys, Katie!! 🙂 I’m glad you have happy news to share, your cyber presence had been missed! I will rejoice and thank The Lord with you for this new little Bower.

  115. It’s not so much “people being mad” as it is being hurt when something seems to come so “easy” to someone else, while you wait and wait for your own miracle. Katie understands it, since she felt it herself while trying for baby #2… so I think it’s super-sweet that she has acknowledged the potential feelings of others here.

  117. Congratulations to you and your beautiful family! I’ve been a reader of your blog for quite a while now, and I remember your struggles with getting pregnant with Weston. You so deserve all the happiness in the world. I think this is a sweet gift from God. He is rewarding you for all of your patience and love! Even though I have missed reading your blog posts, I hope you take the much needed time to enjoy this special moment with your family. Congratulations and God Bless!

  119. Congratulations to you all! You are going to be one busy momma! I am pregnant with our first and am exhausted, cannot imagine how tired you must be! While I certainly feel for those who aren’t able to have children or adopt (my grandmother was one and adopted) please don’t let it take away from your excitement. I truly believe that for those who haven’t been blessed yet it’s only because the perfect baby for them hasn’t been created yet… but will be. I am sure the frustration is immense, especially when women have children they don’t love and take care of like they should. My heart goes out those suffering, but again, please celebrate your happiness! We all know you are sensitive to the issue, and that doesn’t go unappreciated I am sure 🙂

  121. OMGosh Katie – I’m doing a happy dance…at work…in the front reception area. What exciting news!!! Congratulations to ALL of you. I can’t wait to read about this pregnancy as you progress xo

  122. Congratulations! I think this post was amazing! As a woman who struggled with fertility issues for years and endured fertility treatments, I was one of those women who would have a hard time hearing everyone around me was pregnant! The looks of “poor Melissa” just made it worse. Four years ago the Lord blessed me with my miracle babies, twin girls!!!! I was overjoyed, but my heart broke for all the women I met through my journey who were still struggling to get pregnant.
    I just wanted to say thank you for all those who are currently struggling to get pregnant. Your sensitivity and understanding go a long way! I am not in that place now……but if I were…..this is a way I would want to hear from a friend……. so you can truly celebrate the gift God has given you!

  123. Congratulations Katie!! You have an amazing heart to think of others in this time. I think that this is God’s way of telling you that just as you have been trusting with “a little”, you can be trusted with more. 🙂

  124. Shut the front door! Congrats Katie! Sometimes I feel like a creeper, peering into your life as often as you let me, but I am so excited for this journey you are on! I whole-heartedly ached for you before Weston came along & I almost feel a sense of relief that you dont have to go through that again (as strong as I know you are, I can’t even imagine the courage you have). My husband & I are in the TTC chapter of our lives, and while it hasnt happened for us yet your story makes me SO happy!

    Congrats again!!!!!

  125. Congratulations! I’m so excited for you guys… If it was a shock when I read those two words, I can only imagine what you guys are feeling!! Your words gave me chills, your honesty is amazing and your emotion is raw. Thank you for sharing – it is a pleasure to be included in your life events…

  127. Congrats! A new life is always a cause for celebration. It’s very sweet of you to be sensitive to others hearts but also I rejoice with you because God is good and his purpose is always perfect. My little guy was born right before your Weston, so I will always remember his age! Here’s to a girl for #3?

  129. how amazing our God is! what a blessing! Congrats. I totally get ‘ya mamma, though I only have one (for now) it truly can get hard sometimes but just keep trying, take some time away if you much, we wont judge, take care of your darlings and hubby, and for goodness sake, take care of yourself. Don’t forget that you need you time and we can wait. love you girly (praying its a girl) and I’ll be waiting for your next post…when ever it will be 😉

  130. Congratulations! I was afraid your absence was due to something bad, but instead you have this wonderful news! You’re doing a fantastic job, so know that your readers love and support any time you need to yourself. 🙂

  132. Congratulations Katie and Jeremy! So happy for you guys. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

  133. Congrats Katie!
    I know how you feel when others around you struggle to get pregnant but it would take a pretty crappy person to not be able to put aside their feelings and feel genuinely happy for you. This is a special time for you and you should feel nothing but overjoyed (and exhausted!)

    Congrats again!!!

  134. That is WONDERFUL news! Don’t begrudge yourself the chance to celebrate, to give thanks, to be excited. I’m certain that anyone who truly cares for you-while they might feel a tiny twinge of jealousy-wouldn’t be anything less than thrilled for you. As for the exhaustion-I had twins and I know how you’re feeling, but just remember, “this too shall pass.” 🙂 So excited for you and your beautiful growing family. Congrats!

  135. Congratulations Bower Family! What a wonderful surprise! Little lives are the greatest gifts from God and you deserve as many as you can handle 🙂

  136. Congrats Katie & Bower Family.
    Don’t ever feel you need to apologize for the good things in your life! A true friend will always be happy for you no matter what. I understand your sadness for others, I’m the same way. But hooray for you and your family!

  137. Talk about HUH? lol Congrats!!!!!WOW!!! I wasn’t expecting that. I checked for a post this morning and realized it had been a week and figured you had your hands full right now. Get some rest… love on those boys. Your going to have 3!! Kids that is.. lol

  138. What an exciting and kind and super sensitive post. You basically rock. As a recent adoptive mama (my son is only a couple of months older than Weston), I definitely know the sting of infertility and waiting. I have been an avid reader for awhile and your time waiting for Weston really resonated with me. That being said, every life and every pregnancy, deserves celebration. God has sent this tiny human to your lives and it is exquisite. Enjoy it. Dance. Rejoice. God is good. I know those conflicting feelings of being happy for yourself, and sad for someone else, just as I know how it is to be happy for someone else and sad for yourself. You have touched my heart today. Your kids are lucky to have you for a mama. Congrats!

  139. Yay!! Congratulations!

    My daughter is about a month older than Weston, and I’ve been seriously considering getting going on #2. I’m nursing her too, so now I’m writing myself a mental note to be, um, more careful if we’re not completely ready to get another little buddy! 🙂

    Seriously though – CONGRATS!!!!!

  141. Oh My God, Katie!
    I’m so happy for you and the boys!

    I have no children, nor will I have any, but it makes me a bit sad that you feel the need to say sorry, just because your blessing came earlier than you antecipated… No one should be angry, frustrated or sad with your good news, because one doesn’t simply control these things.

    I wish you all the best, and can’t wait for the little one!

    Ana.

  142. What a heart you have.

    So sweet of you to be so sensitive to both spectrums. I’m so happy for you Bowers! What a great family this little one will be born into.

    Love,

    Nicole B.

  143. Congrats Katie! You should never have to feel guilty about exciting things happening in your life! I haven’t had any children so I can’t really relate to the tiredness and the busyness that children bring, but have you tried yoga? It might help you relax and feel better. Just a thought! 🙂

  144. Katie, many many congratulations! Don’t think so much and take so much load… everyone has their own journey to travel, enjoy yours…. Very happy for u…. why is that I feel all emotional reading all the posts when u bare ur heart. U are a very brave woman, it takes a lot to open up to faceless strangers from around the world… I am writing from Bangalore, India.

  145. First off congratulations!! So incredibly happy for you!!

    Secondly, while it shows your sweet genuine nature, there is no need to apologize. I suffered through 4 losses over 2 years before I got my son. Yes finding out other people are pregnant stings but it should not take away from your joy. Having been there yourself you know what not say so take this time to relax and enjoy your growing family.

    Big hugs!

  146. Congratulations Bower family! Thank you for sharing your beautiful family and adventures with the world! We have been impatiently awaiting a little line to appear at our household as well. God has a plan for everyone:-) Congratulations again 🙂

  150. Congrats to you and your family, KB!! Our second daughter showed up shockingly after 2 years of trying for her sister…they are 17 months apart and BEST friends. Now pregnant with #3 (after 2 1/2 years of trying again) I am scared to death of what this age gap will be like. I also know what it’s like to be sad and confused and have my heart break every month there’s only one little line on a stupid plastic stick….Blessings and prayers over you and your family, hoping you feel better soon!

  151. Congratulations! God has his timing for everyone and everything and this is your time. Enjoy it and I hope you get some energy back really soon. I understand how you feel torn right now. When I was pregnant with my first, so was my good friend (they had fertility issues but came up pregnant the same time as me, who did not have issues). Our other friends who had been having fertility issues were very hurt (can’t blame them) and I am sure they felt “left out” even though it wasn’t our intention. They actually ended up moving to a nearby town and building a house and joined a different church (same denomination) there with lots of married couples without children. I think they felt they were being left behind at our church even though we never tried to make them feel that way. As soon as they got settled into their new home and town….about 3 of their close couple friends there found out they were pregnant for the first time. 🙁 I really hated it for them but the happy ending is they finally were able to conceive through IVF and have a beautiful little girl now. God had his own timing for them.

  152. You are so sweet, thoughtful and sensitive. Your friends are lucky to have you. Congrats! 🙂

  153. Oh my goodness, Katie. What wonderful news! Congrats to you, Jeremy, Will, and Weston! Take it easy (easier said than done) and worry about what MUST be done. We all understand if you don’t have the energy or time to do blog stuff right now. You’ve got your hands full!

  154. Congratulations! I am pregnant with my 3rd too- a big surprise! Mine are all close in age; the first 2 18 months apart and the 2nd and 3rd will be 22 months apart. I know where your heart is. I recently told two of my friends, both struggling with fertility for almost 2 years, I am unexpectantly pregnant. It’s hard when you feel for your loved ones so much but it is your time to be excited, too! Congrats again!

  156. Congratulations!!!!! Do everything you need to take care of yourself and your family and don’t feel guilty about being pregnant or it happening quickly. That baby & every baby is a gift from God and if we let fear or guilt take away that joy, then the devil is winning! It sounds like you’re channeling those feelings into prayers for those struggling, which is the best plan!! You understand like not many do, so those prayers are powerful. I wish you all the blessings in the world with your new one on the way!

  157. As someone who struggled with infertility for four years, I totally understand what you are saying! When I did finally get pregnant, it was bittersweet because I knew how it might make some friends feel. But I think it can also provide hope to people as well. It can happen and it does happen, even when you least expect it. Congratulations, Katie! You deserve to feel excited and happy. xoxo

  159. you are so sweet to feel others’ pain so acutely, but shouldn’t let that dampen your excitement! i’m so so thrilled for you all! revel in your blessing and feel no guilt. and bring on those baby bump pics!

  162. so, so so excited for your little family!! 🙂
    …and even if you’re absent, I still check your blog daily! I wasn’t even mad that you weren’t posting 😉 And now that I know why…!!! I couldn’t be happier that you are taking time to take care of yourself (attempting to survive) and your men. Virtual hugs to all!

  163. Katie- As someone who also suffered for years (I now am lucky enough to have 16 month old twins), I can appreciate the situation you are in. Feeling completely split in two. Every post you write I become more in love with you. The empathy that you put into this post, made me tear up. I wish that some of my best friends had the tack that you have. But also know this – any infertile, is always happy for other infertiles. Because it gives them hope. Yes, we are extremely jealous. But given the choice, we would pick hearing someone that has suffered is finally pregnant, over someone who just got pregnant on their first try any day 🙂

    I am so excited for you and your family. It will be a wild ride, but a fun one. I am hoping for a girl for you – or more so you can see your boyfriend with your baby girl – it is the most precious thing ever.

    Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, and hope you start getting your energy back!

  164. Many congratulations and hopes and prayers for a smooth and blessed pregnancy/birth. I love your blog and after reading your post I know why, because you are so sincere and wonderful. Too take the time and apologize because you know hearing a friend is pregnant is hard for those that are trying shows us just the wonderful and caring person you are. Because its true, only for a second the evil feelings of jealousy and sadness creep up, but they are so very quickly replaced with gratitude and happiness. Thank you for sharing your amazing news. Congratulations again! I couldn’t be happier for you and your family.

  165. Katie, I was there too. My second (now 8 mo) was a COMPLETE shock, as my first was only 4 mo old when we got pregnant with his sister. I had to tell my best friend who physically could NOT ovulate (radiation from cancer killed her eggs), and I felt like I was stabbing her in the heart. I felt like it the FIRST time I got pregnant, then even worse when I was pregnant the second time, since she still didn’t have one. I know exactly where you are, and it took me a LONG time to process it and let it sink in.

    Congratulations 🙂 So happy for you!

  166. Wow!! I can’t believe it, but that’s awesome news – Congratulations!!! Every child is a gift and I know you see it that way also. Thanks for sharing with us so early on! Praying you get some rest. I have two ages 2 and under (Chipotle…remember?) and am SO exhausted and not even pregnant! So get some sleep whenever you can, accept help whenever you can (I need to listen to my own advice) and I can’t wait to hear more about it! I’m thinking its a girl this time 🙂 Time to use all those cute girl baby clothes you bought!

  167. First, I want to say congratulations! Really, I do. I am one of those who has been waiting for over two years for that blue line. We don’t have any kids yet and are in the middle of our first round of IVF. The waiting is unbearable sometimes. But I don’t think you can say you “get it”, not completely. Not until you’ve gone to your doctor to get poke and prodded every which way up to 4 times in one week. Not until you’ve paid thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. Not until a huge box of drugs and needles arrives at your door and your evenings are scheduled around the multiple injections your spouse has to give you (or pack in a cooler if you can’t be home). Not until you get pregnant, not at your home alone with your husband, but in a clinic surrounded by strangers and bright lights.

    But your sensitivity means so much. You do get that. You do get that it’s not all rainbows and sunshine for everyone and that often people suffer in silence. Just knowing not everyone is ignorant to infertility helps the sting. There are so many people around me that are insensitive. They are the ones that make stupid and hurtful comments because they assume we don’t want kids or assume getting pregnant is easy peasy because it has been for them and everyone that is close to them. That’s what stings. I’m a pretty private person and don’t blog about infertility or broadcast is on Facebook, and unlike suffering from an illness like cancer (where the whole world knows you’re going through a hard time), with infertility you suffer in silence. No body knows you’re in pain.

    The other part you don’t get is the feeling that you’re being left behind. All my friends are having babies and most of these women are younger than me. I’m 30 and feeling like my time is running out and I haven’t even started yet. Not only do I fear that having one (just one) baby could take several more years, 35 is fast approaching (medically called “advanced maternal age”) and I don’t want to be having babies in my late 30’s. The fear of being too old scares me. Also, I fear losing friends. Babies and play dates help you make friends and bond. All my friends are on a different schedule than us. We eat late and don’t have to be home early (like they all do). I fear that by the time I have kids, theirs will be too old to play with and we will lose that connection. No play dates. No reason to get together. They are moving on without me. I just want to be a part of “the mommy club” so badly. And get tired of people telling me that I “don’t get it” because I’m not a mom yet. I’m watching our parents age (who are 60) and don’t have a single grandchild yet. I want them to be around to watch them grow up and want my kids to have strong memories of my parents (who are at least healthy). This journey has made me feel like life is so short and fleeting and it scares me. It’s all happening too fast.

    Thank you for your prayers and consideration. When I read the title of this post, I braced myself for what I thought it might be. And you’re right, I love you, but I kinda want to punch you. I hope this comment doesn’t come off sounding too harsh. That’s not how I meant for it to sound. But there is so much more to the sting that you haven’t experienced and I want people to know that. I want people to be more aware of their words, like you are. It’s so hard to be happy for the people around me to keep getting pregnant. I don’t even try now. I don’t go to baby showers or mother’s day services. But I am happy for you (i think) and wish you the very best.

    P.S. We have 5 frozen embryos right now and waiting for the right timing to have one implanted. We lost 8 of them who stopped growing within the first few days and was quite an emotional blow. Praying for the health of the remaining 5, and that we can bring as many of them home as we can!

  168. Congrats Bowers! I did notice that you weren’t ‘around’ much & wondered if all was ok. Hope you feel better soon. Blessings!

  169. Congratulations! What a nice little Friday morning surprise. 🙂

    I pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy and birth for you and your newest addition.

  170. Of course we noticed you were gone. I thought it was because the Petersiks were visiting. At least it appeared they were from Instagram. Your hormones are probably just going crazy. Don’t feel bad about your blessings. Not everyone gets to have the fairy tale. I’m 43. No children and never married. I had 3 bad boyfriends. I never thought this is where I would be at my age. I thought I’d be just like you. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. I still find joy in the children in my extended family. I’m the cool Aunt. I also enjoy being able to follow your journey. Believe me, anyone who has followed you for a while knows that you are humble and thankful for all you have. So, keep posting your happy stories and pictures of your beautiful babies. It brightens our day.

  172. Congrats, Bowers! My jaw dropped I was so surprised! I’m so happy for you guys! Praying for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby!

  174. Katie- I am so happy for you and completely understand your mixed bag of awesome and confusing emotions. I just wanted to say that you give so much to each of us, your readers; people you make feel like your friends each and every day- you deserve every moment of happiness – because you give so much happiness out into the world!

  175. Congratulations, Bowers!

    The fact that you bear the burden of the sorrow of others shows just how kind and godly your heart is. Thank you for caring kindly and deeply. Bless you in this journey! A mama of 3!

  176. I am thrilled for you Katie, even though I am waiting on my own! You are such a great mom with a beautiful family, and I couldn’t be more excited for you

  177. Katie! Congratulations! We have three under the age of 5 and it is challenging, but it is worth it. I will be praying for you in this pregnancy and I hope all goes well.

    I know that this is cliche… But God has a plan for you and for those families whose heart breaks for a baby. You are thoughtful and considerate to ache for them. I don’t understand that pain 100% but I know the heartbreak I see in the faces of couples who desire that line… But you know, God delights in doing amazing things. We were just learning about John the Baptist’s father, zechariah, who prayed for a son with his wife, Elizabeth, .their hearts were breaking for a baby…for years and years and years they prayed for a baby but Elizabeth remained barren. then one day, he had a visit from an angel who told him that “God has heard your prayer. Your wife will bear a son.” God’s timing is not our timing, but it sure is perfect.

  179. Wow! Congratulations Bower Family! I was awaiting a new post all week and was completely shocked when I read “I am pregnant.” How sweet of you to have sympathy for others that are struggling. I hope you find happiness in these special moments; this is such a blessing! Can’t wait to see what is next to come for your Bower Brigade!

    -Cali-

  180. Congratulations…I found out I am pregnant with our 4th! This pregnancy has been sooo rough, hyperemesis is no joke! Taking is hour by hour.

  181. Congratulations!! I am THRILLED for you, but also so sad to see you not as happy as you should be about this new bundle of joy. I love that your heart is in the right place that you care about telling others that are struggling, but a baby is a joy, embrace it and be JOYFUL! Everything happens in God’s time and for His reason!! 🙂

  184. WAHOOOO!!!! Congratulations!!!!! And I hope someone babysits those boys of yours so that you can get some rest!!! We love you so much and are praising the Lord for your news and your heart.

    Winnie. Willow. Waverly. Wren. <3 <3 <3. Never knew I loved W names so much until Will and Weston.

  185. Congratulations!!! Enjoy this moment and continued blessings to you and your family. 🙂

  188. Congratulations momma!! This is wonderful news – thank you for sharing it with us. I hope your exhaustion passes soon! xoxo

  189. Oh my goodness, CONGRATULATIONS! I’m so excited for you, Katie, and I completely understand the exhaustion. I’m 14 weeks along and am just now feeling like I can stay on my feet for more than 5 minutes at a time!

  190. Congratulations!!! Such exciting news… my little one was born within a week of Weston, and I can’t imagine expecting another right now. You are superwoman! Good luck, and can’t wait to read the updates to follow!

  191. Congratulations Jeremy and Katie!!
    What an exciting adventure!! I pray that you would be able to fully enjoy this pregnancy, with no feelings of guilt. God has placed you in this time for His glory. Your compassion for others is a gift from God! Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 about The God of comfort.

    The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26
    Blessings!

  193. Congratulations! You are so gracious and thoughtful. Your friends are blessed to have you. Praying for happy, healthy pregnancy and baby! Babies bring hope to the world.

  194. Katie, I am so happy/excited/overjoyed for you! My husband and I haven’t started trying yet and so I’ve been bracing myself for the reality that it might not happen right away. I’ve been reading your blof for a couple years now. I can only imagine the anguish of waiting for Weston so you are so deserving of this. Everything happens for a reason. Bless you and your beautiful family.

  195. Congratulations! This is sooo exciting. I can only imagine how tired you are being pregnant AND breastfeeding… I was exhausted with them individually. I’m so excited for you and your family and I can’t wait to see how this adventure in your life unfolds.

  196. Such exciting news! Congratulations, Katie! When I was pregnant w/ my first (a girl) I could hardly keep my eyes open I was SO tired. With my son I didn’t experience quite the same zombie-fatigue, but it could be that I was already pretty accustomed to exhaustion at that point…or maybe it’s a boy/girl thing? 🙂 Best wishes for an easy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and a smooth transition for Weston from being the baby to being the middle child! He seems like an easy-going little guy who fits the stereotype for middle kid (this coming from a middle child…middle kids rule!).
    xoxo

  197. Congrats Bower Family!!! I’m one of the ones waiting. 4+ years and I just had a miscarriage in May. But please know that my happiness for you & your lovely family is genuine. I am so very grateful for the way you gracefully acknowledged the pain for those of us who still wait. Here’s hoping for a Baby GIRL Bower this time!!!!!!!!!!!

  198. Holy cow! Congrats! 🙂 I’m truly happy for you and your family. You are so sweet to be sensitive to those struggling with fertility – thanks for that. Praying that God gives you as much rest as possible and blesses this new little soul y’all have been given.

  199. Oh it’s so hard to rest and take naps with two other little ones to feel guilty about…but do it anyway! It’s a phase, one they most likely won’t remember. Congratulations! So happy for you!

  200. 1.Congratulations!! 2. Whoa. Was not expecting these news today. 3. You have such a sweet and thoughtful heart for thinking of others during this time of joy, I’m sure that your friends know how much you care about them. 4.I had been missing your posts, but thought you were busy with the Haven conference, take as much time as you need, we really, truly understand your need to relax and be with your precious boys. 5. Crossing my fingers that it’s a girl 😉 Congrats!!!

  203. Ohhh Katie. I am so happy for you, in yet so heartbroken. This should be a time when you and Jeremy are celebrating, but I understand the dilemma. Just know that the good Lord works in mysterious ways and it will all work out – for you, and for your loved ones!
    xox
    PS – When’s your due date?

  204. Congratulations, Katie! I’ve never commented before, but felt I needed to today–my husband and I have been suffering through a year and half of infertility treatments, surgery, and doctors appointments trying for #2, while watching friends and family conceive and have healthy babies. Right or wrong, I admit I would have been one to be negatively affected by your news. But this week I found out I am (finally!!) pregnant, and though I’m extremely nervous this time around, I feel so blessed. I just wanted to thank you for being so sensitive to your readers and for your prayers. Your honesty and openness about this rollercoaster of trying to conceive and endlessly waiting have helped me a lot – I sincerely hope everyone who’s still waiting will eventually get their happy endings!

  206. First off, congrats! Second, I hope the people asking for more content like the taste of crow.

  207. I have to agree with Lindsay M.! I’m one of your peeps who is currently struggling, but the ‘sting’ never overrides happiness for a friend. New life is always a blessing! Never feel guilty for being blessed- God knows what He has planned for each of us. Give thanks, and if God put it on your heart to remember those of us who are struggling, then thanks for the prayers 🙂 Lord bless you and keep your pregnancy safe, Katie! This is truly wonderful news! Congratulations! xoxo

  208. Ahhhh! I am so happy for you! This was a beautiful post too. So considerate. But truly, I think all your readers are THRILLED for you and your family. Don’t worry about the blog, we will support you no matter what! Congrats again! Xo

  210. Congratulations!

    And, as a woman who has been trying for three years to have our first, let me say that I am truly ecstatic for you. Also, as cute as your little guys are, I’m really hoping for a girl this time. 🙂

  211. Congrats! I totally understand the feeling. We tried for over a year and I had just about given up when we found out we were expecting. It is so hard to hear everyone getting pregnant easily but after that fleeting thought you can’t help but be happy! Every baby is a blessing, some just come sooner than others (I swear this one is going to teach me patience). We are due in March! It will be fun to watch someone else be pregnant too!

  212. Katie,

    First off congrats to you and your family! I’ve been a long time reader. I want to thank you for this post. I am one of those waiting for my “two lines” . I’ve been one of those for the past 3+ years. I wept when you announced on your blog your pregnancy with Weston. You were and are so sensitive to those of us who are still waiting for our miracles and I want to thank you for that. My heart aches EVERY.SINGLE.DAY to become a mother. I’ve been through a lot of medications, treatments, counseling, etc. My hope is that one day, I’ll get to hold a baby of my own in my arms. Thank you for sharing your tender heart. Congrats again! I cannot wait to read your journey with this pregnancy.
    Erin

  213. Congratulations, Katie! I am so impressed with your ability to take care of two kids, run this blog, work on the house, AND be pregnant all at the same time!

  214. Oh sweetie! I read the post! 😉 Woo hoo! You look amazing, and I never would have guessed that you’re so tired. PLEASE have a girl and name her Wilma! hee!

    Love you.

  215. Congratulations Katie!

    I have been reading your blog for YEARS. I have read along with you as you have welcomed Will and Weston into your family. When you were going through your infertility issues, although I sympathized with what you were experiencing, I was not ready to start trying to have children, so I didn’t know exactly how you felt. I have now been dealing with infertility for about a year now, so I know the sting you talk about feeling when others became pregnant while you were not able to. Both of my sisters-in-law are either pregnant or have just had a child, so having 2 preggos in the family when you are not able to get pregnant is especially tough.

    This journey has definitely made me practice what I have preached to others in the past – that God is in control; that we need to give it to Him instead of worrying; you know — the things that others said to you when you were waiting for Weston…

    I just want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your infertility struggles. Thank you also for sharing that you became pregnant this time so quickly. I don’t want to punch you — I am so happy for you!

  216. Katie,

    CONGRATS.
    You deserve this wonderful news especially since you have struggled so much before Weston. It is well deserved so please try not to feel bad but enjoy this pregnancy. Clearly this was the plan for you and your family all along and I wish you nothing but the best.

    Thank you for the honest post and sharing with us. Love of love from NJ.

  217. So excited for you and your family! Congratulations and thank you for being so honest with us. I have missed your posts this week, but take all the time you need, we will be here!!

  219. Congratulations! I wish you all the best! And I totally understand your feelings when you say your happiness comes along with a pang of sadness for those who are struggling. Don’t let it get you down. It’s 10000% ok to be happy about your pregnancy.

  220. SO excited for you and your family!!! I love how considerate you are, but you also need to enjoy, celebrate & rejoice in your own miracle!! I wish you a safe and easy pregnancy. When are you due???

    Loads of love from Canada!!!!

    Amanda

  221. Congrats! So happy for you! I’m pregnant with my first and pretty dang tired. I can’t even imagine how you must feel taking care of a toddler and a baby too. Hope you’re feeling better soon!

  222. Katie this is wonderful news! And you are so kind to remember those who are struggling and might find this bittersweet to take… but try not to let that dampen your joy. Sometimes the hardest thing is to trust in God’s timing. Congratulations to your growing family and try to squeeze in a nap!

  223. Wow, congrats Bower Family! What exciting news!!! And I totally get the “trying-but-shocked-to-conceive” feelings as well. I was told by several doctors that I would not be able to conceive naturally so I was totally surprised after 2 months of trying. Bodies can do amazing things! Looking forward to following your story as your family grows!

  224. What a joyful blessing! Congratulations!!! Enjoy this amazing, special time! So, so happy for you!

  226. CONGRATS! They say when you’re not really “trying” is when it happens. Live and let God they say. Try to get some rest. We’ll be here when you’re up and running again. XOXO

  227. Also, I was just rereading your announcement (what can I say? It’s big news!) and I have a quick question. Aren’t Will and Weston only 2.5 years apart? Just curious because you said you struggled to conceive for 2+ years. Maybe pregnancy brain has already gotten to you! I know mine is still here 3 months post partum with no sign of letting up 🙂 Congrats again!!!

  228. Congratulations!!! I hope you cut yourself some slack and take mini breaks wherever your two little boys will let you. It is okay to FEEL for other people, it is kind and sensitive and make you a better person, but you don’t need to live through their pains as your own. Find a way to compartmentalize your happiness and their sorrows so they’re not all on one bucket. It’s hard to figure out, but so necessary for you and your friends to do! Best wishes!!!

  229. Katie, with two recent losses and months and months of trying, I teared up reading your post. Not only because I am SO SO happy for you, but because your sensitivity is one that I’ve been searching for for a long time.
    This post has made me consider reaching out to friends that I haven’t yet told about our struggle, in hopes that they’ll open their arms as you have to your own friends and even your readers.

    Do not worry about us – we’ll all have our blessings in the end. Congratulations again and best wishes for a beautiful pregnancy!

  230. Oh my goodness! Yay for new Bowerness! Congratulations, you five! Thank God for such a blessing. That is so cool. I pray you find that illusive balance, rest, and keep centered.

  231. Katie Bower, I am so excited for you! What a blessing for your sweet family. Out of all the blogs in my feed (and I read a lot), you are the blogger I feel most emotionally connected to, like we could be friends in real life — so I just love it when good things happen to you. Get some rest!

  232. Yay! So super exciting. Each pregnancy was harder energy wise for me. Hang in there, girl! Your normal is me on hyperdrive, so I’ll be praying for you.

  233. Congrats Katie! Did it really take you over 2 years to conceive Weston? Wouldn’t that bring you back to when you were pregnant with Will? I thought you started trying in early 2012.

  235. Congratulations, Katie! I’m sure that just as you are so happy and simultaneously feeling that empathy for your beloved friends, they are able to find joy in your new blessing while struggling themselves. And as much as we miss you on the blog – don’t think we don’t – we all want what is best for your and your sweet little family. ***crossing my fingers to “see” you with a baby daughter***

  236. Yay! So excited for your family. I wish my husband wanted a third child but we will have to settle for two. Our two Re only 16 months apart and it has had it’s challenges, but I think you will do just fine. Will is a great big brother so that has obviously set the example. Your sensitivity is amazing too. So hoping for a little girl for you.

  238. KATIE BOWER!! This is awesome!!!!

    Congrats you saucy lil’ minx!!! Trilled for you! Get the feelings of sadness for friends! Been there before.

    I adore you lady. Congrats and get some rest.

  239. Congratulations, mama! I am beyond happy for you, your man and your sweet boys to be adding another little angel to your family.
    Think of it this way, the number of people in your life (friends/blogreaders) that adore you is insane. And yes, some of those people might still be waiting on even one little miracle to happen. But if they can’t have this joy for themselves, they would surely want it for you, which is the next best thing because I can’t think of two wonderful people who deserve all God’s blessings more than you and Jeremy.

  241. I thought ‘she hasn’t posted for a while, she’s probably pregnant and falling asleep while washing dishes.’ My 1st and 2nd were 13 months apart and my 2nd and 3rd will be 16 months. You can do it and you’ll love it 🙂

  243. Congratulations!! I just found out I’m pregnant again (a surprise for us, we thought we were done haha but are super excited) and with an 11 month old running around I feel you on the exhaustion. It is tough, and I too am an emotional wreck right now. You are so gracious and caring to think of those who are having trouble conceiving. My heart aches for my best friend who may never have a baby. I felt guilty telling her I was pregnant when I wasn’t even planning it – it felt like I/mother nature was slapping her in the face. I wish I could so something to ease the hurt she is feeling.

  244. OMG! You really know how to surprise a crowd! The worry wart in me is relived that you were absent due to good news! I’m so happy for you and your family! Congratulations!!

  245. Congrats Katie!! I’m so happy for you that baby #3 came easily for you after the struggles waiting for Weston. 🙂 You are so sweet to be thinking of your friends at this time, I know what you mean about feeling bad and being worried about telling them. I know that despite the pain they may feel, they are truly happy for you and this new blessing. Rest up honey- I hear the jump from 2 to 3 is a big one! 😉

  246. I thought you might have been ill, on vacation or just taking a blog break to be with your boys…. but ANOTHER baby!!! Wowweeee! Congratulations to you both. Listen to your body and pace yourself. Don’t worry about us nosy blog readers. We can and will have to wait until your back up to your usually self. Trust me we all will wait.

  247. Congratulations! I’m hoping you have a girl! heehee
    I have to say I totally understand where you are coming from. When we were trying for our second it took 9 months and then when we tried for our third, it happened right away and it through me for a loop because I had all these plans for in the meantime and I never got my in the meantime. So I feel ya girl! Hang in there, it’ll will get better.

  249. You always write from the heart, and that’s why so many people adore you. I am so thrilled for your entire family.

    Congratulations and God Bless! 🙂

  250. Congrats! I also had a baby in November and although I’m not pregnant (or trying), a tiny part of me misses the anticipation of labour. Enjoy it all!

  251. Congratulations! I’m often a lurker, infrequent commenter, but I loved this sweet post. Fertility is a crazy journey but I am very glad this worked out for you. I hear you on the incredibly exhausted part. I’m thinking they should re-name the first trimester the “Faceplanting Into the Couch Trimester.” That’s allllll I felt like doing. I can’t believe my own little girl will be here sometime this month. You are a very kind soul to acknowledge what you and others go through. I think everyone can appreciate that. Congrats to you and your family. 🙂 Rest up!!

  254. Holy cow, that’s unexpected and amaaazing! Thank you for sharing, I missed reading your blog while you were away. So extremely happy for you and your boyfriend!!!!

  255. Yay! How exciting. I just found out I’m pregnant too. We have been trying. I miscarried the last pregnancy, so I am praying this one stays put. We want our babies close together. Our 16 month old has no clue what’s going on. So, congratulations! You might want to finish Weston’s room, and I can’t wait to see it!

  258. Oh girl, i feel you about the total wall of exhaustion thats hits like a tranquilizer dart- I’m just coming out if my first trimester (and have an almost 18mo old toddler who is a sweet dollbaby but BUSY. B.U.S.Y.). When the bone-tired thing peaked at 8weeks i literally enforced a self-imposed nap for me when babygirl took her nap. It is brutal. Super super excited for y’all 🙂 I’m due late feb and not just a little happy to be “going through” a pregnancu with you 🙂 hugs and prayers for you abd fam and prayers and tears for those waiting (i know many, many).

  259. Congratulations! I hope that you don’t anguish too much for your friends and truly enjoy the thrill of your miracle. 🙂 you are kind to think of others! Rest, rest, rest! We can survive a month or two with less posts. 🙂

  260. Katie!

    First of – CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’m SO excited for you and your family. In true web-stalker fashion, I’ve followe your blog for a while now, but I’ve never commented (call it laziness, fear, whathaveyou). But this post, you’re obviously so conflicted and trying to rationalize being so baby-happy while still hurting for others…this is why I read your blog!

    I know this may not apply to everyone with fertility problems, but from someone who’s been through 2 miscarriages, and NO births to balance them out, I can honestly say that this post did not hurt me ONE bit. You are a fantastic mother and a wonderful, caring person, that much is obvious, and while I DO want children, and I’m hoping it happens in the somewhat near future for me, that in no way makes me any less happy for you and your newest little blessing-to-be. I just thought you should know that.

    Keep being the amazing, awesome person you are!

  261. Congrats to you and your family, Katie! Can I just ask a question, though, and I don’t mean to be snarky or critical. I just don’t understand how you can write that it took you over 2 years to get pregnant with Weston. I thought you announced in March 2012 that you were pregnant… Two years prior was when you were pregnant with Will… I guess I’m confused.

  262. Congratulations, Katie. I’m so happy for you. I even texted my husband at work to tell him your news and he goes “This is the blogger you really like, right? The one with the two little boys?” Even my man knows how much I love you and your blog!

    Enjoy this time. You deserve it.

  264. First, I am SO SO SO excited for you!! I am also a mixture of sad/amazed at how much you are thinking of others first in this announcement. I just hope you don’t feel like you have to be that way for people to continue following you and loving you…as if we all only follow you because we like your relatable struggle. It make me sad that you can’t dance in the complete joy that you are feeling because you are so worried about everyone else. It is sweet of you to pray for them and be cognizant of their feelings, but please please don’t let that overtake your excitement and joy.

    Congratulations on this very special news! Be well! Take time for yourself and care for your physical and emotional needs all that you need to. We will still be here reading whenever you have time to post!

  265. Aww, I teared up when I read your news! So happy for you and excited to see the changes to your family/house/life.

  266. Your heart seems too big for your body with how much emotion you carry for other people, and not just yourself. It’s a really beautiful thing. Congratulations!

  267. Katie, I’m so happy for and your family. So much congratulations.

    But will you do something for me? Pretty please?

    Please realize that while it is kind and empathetic of you to think of your friends who are having trouble conceiving at this time, you should *not*… and I repeat *not* let yourself stew in feelings of guilt. The very friends whose reactions you worry about would not want you to do that. Give both them and yourself some credit. This is a joyful time 🙂

    Much love.

  268. Congratulations! Hooray for you, Jeremy, Will and Weston! From a woman who’s been dealing with infertility for the past five years trying to give my son a little brother or sister, I am thrilled beyond words for you. How can I (or anyone, for that matter) be angry or upset about the gift the Lord blessed upon you? A little sad, perhaps, but not angry… never. When I hear about a new baby on the way, it pleases me to no end. We all have a path on this earth and God has amazing plans for each of us. I’ve come to trust His plans and realized I was meant to be the mother of one. My son is healthy, happy, smart and always smiling – he is truly my greatest gift. So from another Katie in the blogosphere, best wishes on an easy pregnancy.

  269. Congrats! I just love your blog and this post made me cry. Thank you for understanding the heart of us dealing with infertility. It is utterly heartbreaking but the hardest part is not having people understand. So happy for you though!

  272. Katie, I am beyond words and so thrilled for you and know that everything happens for a reason. God has a plan for us all, and this was his plan for you. You are an amazing momma to two sweet baby boys and this next child, be it another son or a beautiful daughter, will fit perfectly into your family. Take care of yourself and enjoy this time.

    Hugs & best wishes for a happy and healthy 9 months 🙂

  273. Okay here goes. I’ve had a rough day to start with so my head is probably filled up as it is but I’m sitting here across the world from you crying – and smiling because I’m one of those that so desperately wanted it to be me seeing those lines and your news felt like a slap in my face. (Sorry about the honesty) On the other hand I’m smiling because this is such wonderful news for you guys and I’m so happy for you. I’m so glad that you will have another child to shower with love. Just don’t ever feel guilty because you’re blessed with children. They are such a precious gift.

  274. Wow!!! Big congrats to you!! I can’t believe my little dude is only one month older than Weston and you are already right back on the train. I can’t even imagine, but you go girl!!!

  275. My husband and I always talk about taking a trip to ATL to visit some friends and I was thinking of the different people to see and I kept thinking, who is that other friend that lives up there, needless to say I was thinking of you. Hah. So from this virtual friend to you, a HUGE congratulations! Hope you’re able to find some moments to rest. 🙂

  276. Important question time! Did You keep with tradition and tell Sherry before your husband?

    Congrats!!

  278. Love reading your blog and was completely shocked when I checked it this morning! Could not be happier for you! My husband and I have been discussing beginning our family and seeing how happy you are with your little ones makes me so excited!!! It truly is a blessing from God!

  280. Congratulations, such wonderful news. I have 20 month old and can only just about cope with the baby whirlwind. I find myself thinking ‘if Katie can, I can’ you manage theblog, your business and your family so well you Inspire me to push myself more. Enjoy your pregnancy xxx

  281. Congrats, Katie! I am pregnant with our first (coming up on 16 weeks) and my first trimester was PLAGUED with extreme, other-worldly fatigue. I could barely keep my eyes open at work. It was awful and I totally relate. Blessings to you, the boys, and the little miracle.

  282. So so so happy for you and your growing family! I cannot wait to follow along on your next journey!

    PS I’m rooting for camp girly girl!

    Happy Weekend!

  283. Wow congratulations! I have noticed less activity on your blog but honestly I just assumed you were spending more time with your family and I am totally cool with that. It makes every post of yours more special. You don’t need to post every day or every week for that matter. Take care of yourself , take care of your family, make memories. Your fans will wait if you choose to keep blogging. And if you don’t well keep posting pics on FB I just can’t get enough of you little cuties. You make beautiful babies.

  284. Just because I was one of those sharing in a long wait…there is nothing to be sorry for! If these people are truly your friends they too will be happy for you. Yes, jealous, but only God knows the right time for everything. And guess what…my time FINALLY came too!!! Sharing your extreme tiredness and insane joy! Congrats and God bless your family.

  285. The first post I ever read of your was when I was searching through Google about finishing basement ideas and stumbled upon your blog post about finishing the stairs that lead to the basement in your first home. I casually read your blog here and there, but more often since you purchased your new home and update it in ways that make me jealous. I never expected you to be posting about being pregnant again even though I am just a ‘creeper’ on your blog and it makes me so happy because I feel like I was just reading your letter to yourself and getting a little teary-eyed about your frustration with getting pregnant. I myself am pregnant now with my first and understand about feeling kinda guilty when telling those who have had hard time with it. I just wanted to comment (for the first time!) and say that I am glad that it did happen for you and I think you’ll be a wonderful mom to three. Good luck!

  286. Me and my husband are expecting our first child, in early April too! Congratulations!

  287. AHHHH! Crazy good news on top of Haven. Congratulations! This is so exciting. I also wanted to applaud your tact. You have such a kind heart, which is an amazing quality for a mama.

  289. Congratulations! That’s SO exciting!

    It took us 2 years plus some help getting pregnant and we wound up with twins. They’re 10 mo now. My husband and I aren’t “trying” for another, but we’re not actively trying to prevent it. I figured if it happens then that’s good. If not, then we’ll get help again!

    Also, the breastfeeding thing only really works if you’re nursing on demand around the clock. Like every 3 hours. Especially night nursing. That’s what my midwife told me.

  290. Congrats Katie. Beautiful post. It helps those with the burn, the wait, the hurt, and the anxiousness. I know that all too well. Your heart is so kind and loving. I am so incredibly thrilled for you. Hang in there – and please give yourself some grace. Be present in the minute and call that a victory. The world can wait. It’s ok. 🙂

    I’m not sure what you and Jeremy want, but I hope it’s a girl. Can you imagine the protective big brothers that Will and Weston will be? Just precious. 🙂

    God Bless!
    heather

  291. Wow! Congrats! I was wondering what was behind the less-frequent updates and I’m just relieved it’s because something wonderful happened and not something terrible.

    I’m am 100% with you on the exhaustion. I didn’t have it in my first pregnancy too badly, but this time, it’s like I’ve become narcoleptic. Stay strong and take care of your self and your growing family!

  292. I was wondering what you had been up to lately… 😉

    Congratulations! I say that you should take this time to just be thankful and happy for yourselves – not worrying about hurting others. I so miss being pregnant and meeting a new little one, but can’t have anymore (*sniff*). Not that I am complaining – I have 5 ages 7 and under. Right now is just the time that I am used to getting pregnant again… so, I am just going to hitch a ride on your pregnancy, mmmkay? Please share! (And, I am rooting for a girl this time around, too!)

  293. Congratulations to you all! I was starting to get worried (I’m new to the blog; this is my first comment; I thought I’d make it count) that something less than amazing had happened to you and/or yours and am thrilled it’s the exact opposite!

  295. Wonderful – congratulations! I call myself a “former infertile”. It took us three years and two rounds of IVF to have children. We had twin girls, and now I’m pregnant with a “surprise” myself. I never thought in a million years that would happen! I went through all of the emotions you’ve mentioned here…so happy for us, after all we’d been through, and still my heart is with all those still hoping and praying for children. You have a good heart. Enjoy your blessing!

  296. Congratulations! Just know that no matter how hectic and tired you get, those children are blessed to have a wonderful mom & role-model. You are so sweet to think of others while you celebrate the wonderful news.

  297. Congratulations!! I understand your shock well. We got pregnant with our first son pretty quickly. #2 was not so easy. Many months, an end-of-the-first-trimester miscarriage, a D&C and more months of waiting to get the go-ahead to try again, we finally welcomed our second son. What a blessing and joy! We decided to start trying again right as he turned one. I, like you, fully expected a long wait and was still breastfeeding. Lo, and behold, a matter of two months later, and BAM! we were pregnant! I was thrilled and shocked too. #3 is a girl due in November and we are so thankful for God’s blessings every day. Praying you have a healthy pregnancy!

  298. Amazing news! So happy for your and your family! And give yourself some slack- growing another entire human being is a lot of work! Take care of yourself and your family! 🙂

  299. congratulations, bowers!! i had a feeling. i hope it’s a girl. you can name her wellesley and call her welly for short. 😀

  300. Congratulations to the Bower Family! What a blessing a baby is and a gift straight from God! You never know what he has planned for you. 🙂 A healthy and happy 9 months to you!!!

  301. Congratulations! I know I felt nervous telling my sister when I got pregnant with baby #2. They have been trying for years for a second baby, and we had no problems at all. You know what though, she was truly happy for me. I love watching her with my baby boy now, as she is especially sweet with him. I know it’s hard for her, but she really loves my son too. I pray for her every night, and so hope she can get pregnant again.

    It’s very exciting news and you should be nothing but thrilled.

    I hope you have a little girl!!!

  302. So excited for you guys! We would love to add a third, but things are so crazy right now! I love how kind you are to the ladies that are trying. My cousin is kind of in the same way as you guys. She thought it would take her forever to get pregnant, because of her advanced maternal age. Her 2nd is due on her sons 2nd birthday! Crazy!

  304. Congrats! Knew this was coming as soon as I saw this post’s title. 😉 My husband and I are officially “done” (although I’d keep having babies Duggar-style if it was financially possible – ha!) and my youngest just potty-trained (so she’s kind of, officially no longer a “baby”), so I’m living vicariously through blogs. Ha. 🙂 Congrats, congrats, congrats! 🙂

  305. Katie – yayayayayayayayay! So happy for you. Totally not what I thought I would read this morning. This is amazing news. Congratulations! Now go take a nap 😉

  306. Congratulations Katie!

    I am so excited for your family! I don’t know how you do it all

  307. Congratulations! What wonderful news! I also wanted to say thank you for an email response you sent me a few years ago about how to make it work as a stay-at-home mom. I have a 17-month-old little girl now and am so happy that I am able to be home with her. Your advice really helped! Best wishes for a smooth pregnancy! 🙂

  308. Katie, as someone who has been through a lot over the past 2 1/2 years of trying to get pregnant, thank you for your deep sensitivity. People who have never struggled can’t begin to know the sting of longing for a child and often forget themselves. It’s not that people like me are angry about someone else’s blessing of life. It’s that we are angry it’s not happening for us. It’s a confusing and emotional roller coaster and it leaves you unprepared for how you will react to other people’s news. No one wants to diminish your joy….happy for you but sad for them. It’s exciting and yet another reminder of what you may never have. I’m sure you know all this and that your friends that you have cried with have been honest and lovely. But no one would ever want to punch you in the face….maybe the mom that complains all night and day about her kids …..but not you. :-). Feel better soon and I hope you find your energy…I’ve missed you on here.

    XO Christine

  309. Congratulations, Katie! So excited for you and your family! Whenever I read your posts about your boys, it is clear you were born to be a mother. This next little love will be SO blessed! And have two awesome big brothers to protect him/her.

    Please take some time for yourself and your family. You deserve it!!

  310. Yayyyy, congratulations! It’s so sweet of you to be sensitive to others’ hurting hearts, but I’m sure they’re excited for you – just as you would celebrate with them. God bless you, and may he give you a wonderful, glowy pregnancy! 🙂

  312. wow! Congraulations! You can never know what life brings next! 🙂 We waited for 5 years for our first daughter and everybody told us the second will be easier… and I thought, OK, they are just beeing nice – and I got pregant with our second girl super fast, due within a week! God bless your family and those who are still trying!

  313. I never comment on any blogs that I read (I think I’ve commented on yours one time before, and that was a first for me!), but this post touched my heart so much that I wanted–NEEDED–to tell you that you have such a sweet, sweet spirit (this post is such evidence of that!). And I am so excited for you!! Take all the time you need to process, and I will be here reading when you get back. My family and I will be praying for you and your growing family. I’m pregnant with my second, and trying to keep up with a super strong-willed 2 1/2 year old has been incredibly difficult….and I know it’s not the same as keeping up with two and being pregnant, I just wanted you to know that I kinda sorta understand about the lack of energy and all of the crazy hormones (and not being sure if it’s pregnancy hormones or true feelings!). So…TAKE CARE!!!!!!! 🙂

  314. This is wonderful news! As someone who just went through a miscarriage and is worried about when and how soon I’m telling you to feel nothing but joy. I was talking to a friend about what happened to me and she said she had been pregnant at the same time as a close friend and since that friend had miscarried she often felt like it was hard to completely enjoy her own blessing. The compassion and love is evident but letting any of that make you feel bad about what God is has given you is not love, it’s the enemy robbing you of basking in such a tremendous blessing. Seeing God work such wonderful things in the lives of his children makes me trust and hope in Him more and more.

    I hope you are surrounded by people who are overjoyed for you 🙂 I am and I don’t even know you lol

  315. oh i so get all these emotions! but first of all congratulations! we recently welcomed our third baby home, but it was such a mix of emotions- i never expected to get pregnant again without heartache (we’ve lost three and it’s always taken a while to even get pregnant), and i always felt “bad” for being so excited, while we have so many friends aching over babies they want, or have lost, etc…. thanks for such an honest post, and praying that all goes well for you!

  316. Don’t you apologize : )
    Enjoy the gift of your 3rd child…..every single moment of it!
    Congratulations, this is wonderful news! Cant wait to virtually meet the little girl or boy

  317. ahhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Is it weird I can’t wait to tell my husband?? He will probably feign some sort of enthusiasm and go back to whatever but I have to share your joy somehow!! And I know you know the twinge of pain that others will hear in your good news but please [for the sake of them and yourself] enjoy and revel in your happiness!! We are all so happy for you.

    Wish I could’ve made it to Haven to celebrate with you, virgin style 😉

  318. KATIE!!! CONGRATULATIONS!! As someone who was preggo last year with you (had my 2nd son on 12/18/12/, I remember very well how TIRED I felt chasing 1 toddler — I can’t imagine having 2 to chase after — I really feel for how VERY tired you are right now!! I really can’t imagine!

    I am so touched by your compassion for all the other ladies out there trying for their “lines” –I too, know that feeling — it took over 2 years to get pregnant with our first, and another 2 1/2 years for our second! Ugh – that waiting is TERRIBLE! You are truly a lovely and kind person for thinking of them! I am so aware of how lucky I am to have my 2 beautiful boys, and am also praying for all those waiting to meet their little miracles (in whatever way they come)!! I am soo excited for you and your family — SOO EXCITING ! Since I am done bakeing, I will live vicariously through you!!! CONGRATS again, we certainly miss you on here, but this the best reason of all to be absent!! Get as much rest as those crazy boys will let you have!!! I am truly so happy for you!!

  319. Congrats to you guys!! 🙂

    I have always been a lurker, pretty much, but I’ve definitely been around long enough to remember Weston’s announcement – and yes, I totally followed along on Instagram during his birth. So HOORAY for your new little one!

  322. I’m crying. I don’t even know you and I’m crying. I guess I should mention I am also a super emotional, hormonally charged 8 week along prego myself. Crying for you because I cry all the time lately ( I mean it. I cried the other day when my husband randomly brought me home a Wendy’s baked potato)….but also because I am so happy for you and your family; especially after the struggle last time. God is so flippin’ good!

  323. Wow! Congrats!!! I was definitely not expecting this announcement when I read your blog today, but I am SO HAPPY for you and your growing family 🙂

    Now, please stop apologizing for this pregnancy. Don’t let the pain of others take away from your joy and God-given blessings. EVERYTHING happens in God’s time and only he knows the “why” and “how” of pregnancy and conception. It is not our job to weep or question Him; let’s just trust in His will and know that everything is part of His plan. We don’t know the circumstances of other people or why things happen (or don’t happen), but we know that we are blessed and every baby is a special delivery. He chose to grow your family and this is exciting and amazing and, yes, overwhelming- but He’s in control. Enjoy your babies and delight in the Lord. Again, congrats!!!

  325. Hi Katie! Congratulations! I have been reading your blog for a long time, and I just want to tell you that you are amazing! I appreciate so much your sensitivity to women who are struggling to conceive. My husband and I waited on The Lord for three years for our daughter, and we were given a 1% chance of conceiving. We now have a beautiful 7 month old. When I found out I was pregnant, my heart grieved so deeply for women struggling with infertility, and I was so cautious to celebrate with reckless abandon the way I wanted to. It’s such a strange and unique grief that infertility brings, and unless you have walked through it, it’s not possible to understand. Thank you for the prayers for women still struggling–I have such a place in my heart for those women, and your understanding and sensitivity is such a blessing.

    Congratulations! Praying God’s continued blessing over your little miracle.

  326. First of CONGRATS!!!! SOOOOO happy for you and your boys!!! While I’m sure everyone trying (and even those taking a break from trying, like me) are beyond happy for you, it is appreciated that you are sensitive to what others may be feeling but please please please don’t let that take ANY joy from your blessing. You are meant to enjoy every single second of it and I know you will. Lots of love your way!

  328. Yay for a new baby! Take the time you need to process and take care of yourself. You’re a wonderful mama and I’m excited you’ll be blessed with another sweet one. Thanks for sharing the news!

  329. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

    There should be no inch of you that is worried with sharing such amazing news. A baby is truly a miracle and this is such an exciting time for you. We are still trying to get pregnant after having had a miscarriage but that doesn’t mean I am not thrilled for you and your family. Happy dance all the way!

    Thank you for being willing to share such personal and precious news as well internet friend 🙂 xoxo

  330. Congratulations, this is wonderful news!!!!! Enjoy and rest, your post was so sweet!!!

  331. I’ve bed a fan for a while (and am not hiding behind ‘anonymous’)but this Post has me confused. How can you act all sensitive to people ttc but say you tried for over two years to get pregnant with Weston? You “pulled the goalie” in feb 2011 according to the blog and were pregnant a year later. Not two years. 12 is within the normal time to fall pregnant. I totally get that it feels like forever when it’s not happening but you aren’t even “infertile” if it takes you 12 months. It’s really insulting to those of us that have worn that crappy title.

    And, I’m going to say it, the blog has died in the arse since Weston was born so I don’t hold much hope for it now. I get it, I’ve been there. But at least admit your not keeping up and stop posting nothing but crappy sponsored posts, it’s just embarrassing.

  333. How special! I’ve been trying for the last 3-4 months, and it’s really encouraging to hear that it happens, but that it does take some time. AND you have such a pure heart, thinking of the weight that this news might bear to others. Rest your fears, we are all SO happy for you!

    Time to pop some sparkling cider!

  335. I feel like you were just pregnant!! Wait, you were just pregnant! Congratulations to your growing family! I can’t wait to read the “What’s in Katie’s Car?” blog post with three kiddos 🙂

  337. Oh do I get that feeling of mixed emotions. So so happy for you and your family! A sweet new life is always welcome. As someone walking my own lonely infertility journey let me just say that while your tendency might be to hide away from those who struggle to have what you have been blessed with, please don’t. If there are no babies for me I will be forever grateful to the friends who let me touch their bellies, cradle their infants and love their children. If they want to come, let them in, even if they cry a little. If God’s plan is that I never have a baby of my own, than at least I will have had a chance to love a child and to “mother” because someone was gracious enough to share with me their greatest gift.

  338. Hi Katie,
    First of all congrats to you and your family! Wow, I can really relate to your surpise. I was told it would be nearly impossible for me to have a child the “natural way.” Lo and behold I am a newlywed and 12 weeks pregnant. A surpise like this – whether it is your first or third child is a lot to process – both emotionally and physically. I spent so long emotionally preparing myself for the difficulty of infertilityso that I am now equally overwhelmed by this lovely surpise pregnancy. Kudos to you for your sensitivity in announcing this pregnancy, I am sure your thoughtfulness means so much to your friends with infertility problems! Hope you get some rest!

  339. Congrats to you and your family!

    As someone who has experienced infertility and has been waiting to adopt #2 for over 3 years, I definitely appreciate your sensitivity. I find that I am truly happy for others, while sad for my own family wondering when it will be our turn. There is definitely a kind and thoughtful way to share the news, and you nailed it.

    Hope you get your energy back soon! Have you tried bacon?!? 🙂

  340. Great things happen when you least expected! Congratulations! (long time follower, first time “commenter”)

  341. Congrats!
    I kinda thought you would get pregnant quickly after Weston- Babies are like buses wait for ages and two come close together!
    Looking forward to names and nurseries 🙂

  342. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for another Baby Bower!!!! Feel better soon! 🙂

  343. No freaking way!!! 😀 I did the whole cartoon bug eyes thing when I read this lol. I’m so happy for you! I can’t imagine being pregnant so soon after and yet reading this made me want to try again now. My little Elizabeth is only 3 months… You’re my inspiration 🙂 congratulations!

  345. YAY! Congratulations! I’m so stupidly happy for you and Jeremy! Such exciting news (and I LOVE how you let the cat out of the bag during Haven). Both you and Sherry are so adorable! Congrats again!

  346. You are such a beautiful person in and out. Your sympathy for others during such a joyful and exciting time in your life is awesome. Everything is meant to be and this is just your time! Wishing you a very happy and healthy nine months and hoping you finally get to put those cute dresses to use that your “neighbor” keeps dropping off! Congratulations!

  348. Congratulations Bowers!! I can’t believe that you are still not face down in the rug. How exciting that your wish for a large family is coming to life, in the best way. I want to be part of your extended family, with all those new bubs around. The love & joy must be overflowing. Such fantastic news. Happy. Happy. Happy. Thank you for sharing, and as always, I can’t wait for more. (when you’re ready).

  350. I don’t have kids and now past the age where it is ideal for them but so what!?!? I am THRILLED for you! You shouldn’t feel bad, sorrowful for anothers situation? Yeah maybe, you’ve been there in their shoes, but not bad or remorseful or any of that other stuff! Congrats! I hope it is a healthy baby girl this time around! And may she get your hair!

  351. Congratulations Katie!!! You are such a kind, amazing person. Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy. Thank you for your prayers for those of us still waiting.

  352. Katie, I’m so happy for you. And yes, you made me cry. I have a little boy Will’s age who is the love of my life, but I have been trying and trying for years to give him the sibling our family dreams of. Today I started my third cycle of IVF so I’m probably a bit emotionally and hormonally challenged already. Thank you for being so sensitive and I pray this pregnancy is smooth and happy for you. Get some rest, girl.

  353. Congratulations!! I understand your concerns. We have a girl and a boy (2 and 8mo) and my sister-in-law hasn’t spoken to me since I was pregnant with our first. I was also pregnant at the same time as a friend and she lost her baby. It’s hard to think that something so joyous for us can be so hurtful to another person, especially family and friends. The guilt can be huge. All I can tell you is to remember that it’s not in our control and any anger or hurt is not really directed at you but at their situation. Doesn’t help much but a little perspective is always good.

    Enjoy your newest blessing!

  354. Congratulations! I totally understand how you feel…I have one son who just turned 1 and I am 22 weeks pregnant with my second son. They are going to be 17 months apart! I had an easy time getting pregnant both times and I always feel so guilty about it when I speak to my friends who have had trouble. You are very sweet to worry about others.

  355. Hi Katie I think this is wonderful news! And you are sweet to think of your blog friends who are hurting in some way. 18 months ago my heart and life were shattered when I lost my adult son in an apartment fire. Things like this cover your heart in a thick layer of darkness. Ugh, not easy for someone who is a forever optomist! But then…..you hear news like this…..new life…..and that thick layer gets punched in the gut and you start to see light again. Praise God! So…..news like this makes me so hopeful. Truly hopeful that God is showing me that rejoicing is the way to put joy back into my heart. I will always mourn my loss but for 24 years I was blessed beyond measure to have Jonathan in my life. I am not a frequent commenter on your blog but I love reading it and am truly happy for you and your sweet family! God really does answer prayers. I thank him for the gift of faith he has deposited in you. Congrats!!!

  356. Congratulations Katie! My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over 5 years now and while it does sting when others announce their pregnancy, it doesn’t take away the joy that I feel for you and your family. You are so sweet for being understanding, respectful and sensitive to those who are struggling with fertility. You are so full of grace and I’m so happy that you received such wonderful news.

  357. Congratulations!!!! That’s so exciting! You are so sweet to be sensitive to those who are struggling. I struggled for 2 years to get my son. Two years later and still no baby #2. As painful as it is, God’s timing is perfect. Congratulations on a new addition to your family!

  358. Congrats Katie! It sounds like what you really want is to be over the moon excited about how quickly this happened for you. You should celebrate that! It reads a little strange to be so apologetic to those who are having trouble. I honestly doubt that anyone (fertile or not) would read this post and feel “hurt” that you’re pregnant. A big congrats to you and your family!! Take good care of yourself 🙂

  359. Yay!!!!!!! Sooooo excited for you and your family!! What wonderful news! Bless you for being so sensitive to others! You are awesome and wonderful!!!! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

  360. I’ve TOTALLY been checking for new posts from you this week, too! LOL This is great news! You are so kind of heart to be so considerate of others trying to conceive. Bless you and your family. I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy, and remember God has a plan for everyone. Do not feel guilty. A child is always a blessing. 😉

  363. Katie, you shouldn’t feel bad about sharing your news! We are all so happy for you. Congratulations on another addition to your beautiful little family!

  364. Katie, what fabulous news for you and your family! Absolutely made my morning reading this….nothing like a random stranger across the world getting all gooey on your behalf 😉

    It took us three years (and a lot of help) to fall pregnant with our first. Our second needed a little bit of help. Our third was a blessed, delightful, most wanted surprise. Like you, I am hypersensitive to the sting of the longing and the wait and, like you, I couldn’t believe my luck when I fell pregnant unexpectedly. I know you’re processing right now and brewing a baby so you’re physically knocked out…but please don’t beat yourself up for the blessing you have received. Those who wait may have wanted to punch you for a moment or two, but having been there yourself, you know they are truly happy for you at the same time as they feel misery. It’s a most bittersweet situation.

    I have a lot of respect for someone who can be so aware and thoughtful of others during such an exciting time for herself xx

  365. What a wonderful blessing!!! If this precious little one is a girl I vote for the name Winnie! lol…Congratulations!

  366. So happy for you and your family!

    And I just wanted to say thank you for being honest with your feelings. I know a lot of people are saying that you shouldn’t let someone else’s struggles dampen your good news, but I know how you feel. I got pregnant very quickly and found it so difficult to feel total joy because one of my best friends and her husband cannot have children. It’s good to have empathy for others and I appreciate you voicing your happiness and hurt simultaneously.

  367. You had me fooled. I constantly read your posts and wonder how you have the energy and time to do all that you do. You and I were pregnant last time together (Oct 2012 baby) and I wish I was pregnant again with you. And p.s. I really have no energy to do anything for no reason, so if anyone is lame here it’s me. I am glad this is what you want and it will be amazing for your family. I’m sure it’s hard for you knowing the struggles of so many and that is so thoughtful of you but be sure to enjoy this special time. Best wishes to you!

  368. Congrats!!! And I totally understand and appreciate your sensitivity but no one should hopefully want to punch you!! Ha ha! We tried for a year and after a second miscarriage to get pregnant with our third, which I currently am and am due in October, and all I could think of once I got pregnant, even after all that, was how to tell my friend who has been trying for years to get pregnant with her first. So I totally get it, but I hope nothing (or maybe I should say no one) has diminished your joy and your heart as you let this miracle sink in. ENJOY!!!!

  371. Congratulations!!! Was wondering where you’d been.

    The very first thought I had was that its a girl! Hope you get some rest and feel good soon. You are so kind- hearted to think so much of others too. Wish more people in the world were like you.

  372. So sweet of you to feel for others, but don’t apologize for your own blessing. Celebrate this wonderful gift and share your joy with them. At least they have a wonderful and understanding friend who will be there to give them the biggest congratulations when their time finally come!!

  373. Wonderful, happy news! You are a true friend and prayer warrior for those you’ve prayed for, but don’t let it diminish your own joy. I’m speaking as a woman whose children are 12 years apart. Hannah syndrome. I totally get it.
    I wonder if baby 3 will be a little girl? If so, will she have a “W” name? My 7 month old, had he been a girl would have been Nora Wren…but he’s a Westley (Dread Pirate Roberts anyone?).
    Congrats!

  374. Congratulations sweet daughter-in-law! The Lord is so gracious to our favorite couple. Maybe Will and Weston will have a sister…maybe. We love you all! Dad & Vicki

  375. Congratulations! And as someone who has gone through infertilty, Please stop feeling bad! While anyone who has had trouble getting pregnant may feel those horrible pangs of jealousy (even though they don’t want to admit it) or why doesn’t it happen for me…. Each and evry one of them/us know what an amazing gift each pregnancy is! Enjoy and cherish that baby from the second you see the magic line on the stick till its in your arms and everything beyond! So happy for you! (It feels semi stalkerish to be welling up with tears of appreciation while reading this entry!).

  376. Congratulations Katie, sincerely! I’m one of those folk who won’t ever have one of those lines in her life. I appreciate your prayers do work in that God gives what we’re supposed to have. In the mean time thank you for sharing your family with us. Thank you for birth stories and pregnancy stories and stories about renovating kitchens whilst filling little boy’s bellies. I read your news with such joy and gratitude that you’re sharing it with us all.

  377. I thought something was up Katie!! Congrats to you and to your gorgeous family.
    Don’t ever feel guilty mate you have truly been blessed. Just make the memories
    and enjoy every moment. I was lucky to have one son and I am truly grateful
    for him and that blessing has been past on to a grandchild due in December/January.
    Take care I’m so happy for you xoxo

  380. Congrats!!!
    Hang in there momma…. I’ve been there. It is so much at once. Such a blessing and such an exhausting task! We will survive without your regular posts. Take your time, enjoy your family and rest when you can! xoxo

  381. Congratulations Katie and Jeremy!!! This is very exciting news! Enjoy these moments, enjoy this pregnancy, enjoy your growing family.
    Same thing happened to my husband and I. Pregnant while nursing my 2nd child, and before we announced to the family we found out that his cousin was pregnant and had been trying for a while. I was afraid to tell the family because we (I) didn’t want to steal her thunder. The cousins are 1 week apart in age. It’s awesome.
    Get your rest and grow that perfect little Bower baby. God has big plans for your family.
    Many blessings!!

  382. Congratulations! What a great surprise to read and I’m thrilled for you that it happened faster this time.

    Please don’t feel guilty though. It’s lovely that you are thinking of others still waiting for their baby but this really is great news. I also understand your shock at it happening quickly. I had 2 miscarriages before #1 stuck so we decided to try early on and I got pregnant with #2 when she was Weston’s age. The 18 month gap was brilliant for us and I would have loved that again but other factors (including another m/c) didn’t allow that. We got our much loved third though and she was born the day after Weston. So I also “get” how freaking exhausting that third pregnancy is. I worked full time and in that first trimester I was down for the count by about 7.30pm and slept like a dead person but NEVER felt rested.

  383. Congrats! As someone who experienced a miscarriage for no apparent reason, I get the sadness. I have a beautiful 4 year old daughter and a son due in 3 months. I’ve had friends experience the ups and downs for years, spending their life savings on various treatments. You need to take care of yourself and your beautiful boys. Hopefully everyone else will experience their own joys soon.

  385. Katie, I have never commented before on your blog but I just had to congratulate you and the Bower boys! I have been where you are. I had my 4 kids in a very short 3 years 9 month time period. I don’t remember much of 2006 or 2007 because I had the youngest two on the same day. A year a part. Yes, it was crazy. I had my share of guilty feelings because many friends were struggling with the opposite fertility issues I seemed to have. There were women in my life I felt more worthy and deserving of the blessing and was sad to have to tell them. I felt with each new pregnancy I was singlehandedly crushing them. One wise saint at our church told me that “God does not want us to apologize for his miraculous work.” I can sense you are humbled by the news of your unexpected blessing. You have done a beautiful job of expressing your heart for those struggling and I hope you can lay that burden down. Now, go rest. You will need it sister! I don’t like to give advice but 3 seems to be the hardest transition! ; )

  386. CONGRATULATIONS, KATIE!!!!! So happy and excited for you! Can’t wait to follow this pregnancy on your blog. You’re the reason I got on instagram, to follow Weston’s birth! Hopefully, you’ll do that again for your loyal readers! Wishing you a wonderful pregnancy!

  387. Congratulations! While I have my own struggles with pregnancy, thankfully I am resting in God enough to be truly truly happy for my friends blessed at different times than myself!

    I went through the same thing when we found out we were expecting at the end of May. It would be #3 for us, and we were “open to it but not expecting anything” at the time. We had a rough go, however, and what seemed to be a miraculous baby with complications that resolved completely and quickly even quicker took a nose dive and we miscarried 6 weeks ago today. While I was suddenly no longer in fear of all that “#3” brings with it (being outnumbered, is it too soon after #2, etc), I was heart broken and continue to deal with the grief that brings. But we are hopeful that God will reveal to us what He has in store — another kid, not, boy, girl, now, later…. whatever. We wait and watch and pray and heal.

    And I can’t WAIT to see another one of your beautiful beautiful babies! 🙂

  388. What happy news! We were missing you the last few days and are glad it was for such a wonderful reason 🙂 I want to thank you for your deeply kind, sensitive heart that understands the unique struggle some face. I am one of the “not yets”, in my tenth year of infertility with no pregnancies. Oh, what I would give to experience the joy of seeing the positive line on a pee stick, and to feel a new life growing inside of me. But out of six siblings I am the only childless one, and am the only childless one in my amazing group of dear friends, so although at times it can be bittersweet I have been able to celebrate many beautiful babies, be a part of their precious lives, and watch them grow. I feel honored that you share this part of your life with us and that we can celebrate with you. Be joyous and be free, and know that we are all praying for a happy, healthy pregancy and birth. I’m so thrilled for you, Jeremy, Will, and Weston!!! Congratulations 🙂

  389. Congratulations to you and your family! What a complete blessing!

    I too know what that wait feels like but to all those ladies out there, there are so many people praying for you to get your own special arrival. We received ours this year and she is completely amazing. Don’t give up hope! Once it happened for us I too struggled with feeling bad that it finally happened for us knowing that my friends were still waiting. A friend pulled me aside and said she is truly happy for me and know that her day will come. God has a plan for everyone and you may question that plan some days but please believe me that it all works out. One way or another.

    So Katie, I want to be your “friend” even though we don’t “know” each other… (Although secretly I think of you as a friend ) Enjoy this beautiful, magical moment. Embrace pregnancy and all the joys that come along with bringing a life into this world. You deserve nothing but happiness. Rejoice in this life you are creating, it is an amazing process. Be happy for yourself, for your family and for this child. Don’t avoid sharing your happiness! We are all happy for you.

    To the strong women who are still waiting- Hang in there, your time will come and I promise (speaking from experience) when it does you will love your child more than you will ever be able to put into words. I tear up every night when I check on my sleeping daughter- tears of joy; happiness that she is finally here; disbelief that after all the years of trying she is actually here and the strong unbreakable love I have for her. Hang in there! I know it hurts at the moment but it gets better. Even when you think it won’t ever happen.

  390. Congratulations! I understand your struggle. I became pregnant with baby #2 in May about 2-3 wks after one of my sisters-in-law lost her baby at 16 wks and my other sister-in-law had a miscarriage at 5 wks. I felt very sad when I had to tell them but they were happy for us. I also have a friend going through infertility and although she cried when I told her, she appreciated my telling her privately before we went public. On a very sad note to my story, I lost our baby at 13-14 wks due to major health issues with the baby. Now my sisters-in-law grieve with me and we pray for each other. My friend is doing artificial insemenation and I pray she gets her line. Be happy for yourself, but I think it’s a true testament to your character to feel sad for those who are waiting. Good luck and I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!

  391. (Infrequent commenter coming out of the woodwork to say…)

    You have a kind and gentle heart, Katie Bower! Congratulations on your wonderful news and bless you for the sensitivity you’ve shown towards others struggling out there. I’ve been on both sides of this- waiting for my time while friends went on to start families, and also being the friend having to share pregnancy news with those still struggling- and it is quite the rollercoaster of emotions! I hope things start to feel more even-keeled for you soon, and that your energy comes back quickly. It’s wonderful news and we’re all here in happiness and friendship and in support for you!

    ~Heather

  392. Beautiful Kaite B. You are such a beautiful soul. Bless you for being so sensitive to others. Congratulations on your bundle of joy baking away. After a year of trying I am so thrilled to be 31 weeks along now. I too know the burn and try to be so careful around friends who are still trying, all while being over the moon for us. Praying health and energy for you sweet Mama and of course to the newest little Bower!!!

  393. Congratulations! You and the boyfriend make such cute babies, maybe it’s time to make a cute baby girl! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy. and thank you for your gentle, beautiful heart and empathy. You get it. And that means a lot to me…even if you are technically a stranger 🙂

  394. Ahhhh…so fun! Seriously second time this week I had to re-read something to make sure I read it right! Congratulations…after all our infertility if be ecstatic if it happened so quickly again:)

  396. Congratulations Bower family!!! I have to say, this totally and completely took me by surprise!! But in a good way 🙂 I hope it gets easier for you as time goes on. And I’m pulling for a girl this time 😉

  398. beyond surprised to hear the news and SOOOOOO excited to hear the news! Congrats a million times over:) Give yourself all the time and rest you need!!! Can’t wait to hear the details!

  399. Ahhhhhhh! Congrats! Soooooo exciting! I am on my honeymoon right now and just saw this wonderful news through Instagram and freaked out on the beach! Looking forward to following another well written journey through your motherhood experience!

  400. Oh, Katie, I’m so happy for you! And the fact that you’re so sensitive to other people, even in your time of joy makes me like you even more. 🙂

  402. Congratulations! I spent a lot of time laying on the floor in the first trimester of both my pregnancies, it’s crazy how much it takes out of you.

  403. First, CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO EXCITED to watch you go through another pregnancy!! 😀
    Second, I read this THREE TIMES thinking it wasn’t a recent post. lololol

    I’m STILL not sure I’m reading it correctly- even though there are KEY WORDS like, Weston. Who I know is VERY recent. LOL!!

    Sending lots of love and many blessings! <3 <3 …andpinkvibes.

  406. Congratulations!! Don’t ever apologize for being able to have or for having a child. I get that you have been in the wanting-but-it wasn’t-happening place that so many women unexpectedly find themselves in (including me) BUT no one who loves you will ever hold your ability to have children against you. I’ve been trying for 3 years for my first, every single one of my friends has had at least one baby, most have 2. That is their story, their journey, and infertility happens to be mine. But not once would I ever expect any of them to apologize for having something I so desperately want. It’s not their fault. It’s not my fault. It just is. I love each and every one of their kids and one day my friends will love my kids, or maybe they won’t. But you don’t need to apologize to anyone. No one should be anything but happy and excited for you and your family. Period.

  407. KATIE!!! Huge congrats…this just made my day. As always, you write with sensitivity, honesty, humor, and courage. I am so happy for you and cannot wait to watch and read as your journey continues! As a mama of two under three, I feel you (tired) pain…hang in there!!! Sending lots of love!!

  409. That is fantastic news! I’d noticed your absence and I am thrilled it was due to something as fabulous as adding another baby to your already lovely family! Hang in there and enjoy the little moments along the way…I know you will x

  410. So happy for you and your boys!!! Loved reading about your awesome news and completely in awe of the sensitivity and grace you used to deliver it. You are such a sweet soul. Best wishes for an “easy” pregnancy and hope you get that much-deserved rest! Looking forward to meeting Bower Baby #3!!!!!

  412. CONGRATULATIONS! What a blessing! I really appreciate your tenderness with those of us who haven’t been able to have kids yet. You don’t need to feel bad or apologize to anyone, but it just shows what a kind heart you have. My husband and I have been trying for 8 years and had our first pregnancy end in miscarriage in January. My heart is broken, but I have true joy for those who are pregnant and new mamas, and I always have. I’m grateful that I don’t have the bitterness that usually accompanies situations like these. I am truly, truly so thrilled for you, and I absolutely love your blog. Now try to get some rest! (Ha ha, like that’s easy for a mama of two.) Take it easy! 🙂

  415. Congratulations!!! It took us almost a year to get pregnant with our Miller and this time around it only took us 3 cycles to get pregnant with our daughter. While I was overjoyed with how much quicker it happened for us this time, it did cause a rift between a friend and I. We had bonded over our struggle to conceive our first kids and the second time around has not been easy for her. I understand how you feel this pain for your friends. Hopefully they will all understand and can be happy for you as they continue their journeys.

  416. Oh, Katie, congratulations! As someone who is struggling to get pregnant right now, I can still honestly say that I am so sorry that you even have to think about the idea of hurting others with your news– I wish this could just be a time of pure excitement for you, mixed with nothing else!

    God has been working in my heart to make me more at peace with my struggle, to be content and joyful with where He’s placed me for now– in this time of waiting. This change in my heart is actually really recent…. And you know, God’s providence is a funny thing– just this morning, I sat down the my sister-in-law– who gave me the news that she was pregnant with her second (after only one month of trying; and her first child was also after one month of trying). She had tears in her eyes when she told me– she just felt so bad for having to tell me. In some odd way, I felt like it was a test from God to see if I truly was at peace, and if I could truly rejoice with others. I’m thankful that I was able to assure her that my tears were tears of JOY for her, and that I am 100% thrilled, ecstatic and so, so happy for her…. as I am for YOU now. 🙂 (God is sure testing me. 😉

    Really, Katie, your gentle & empathetic heart is beautiful. I’ve never commented on your blog before (even though I’ve been a reader for a while!), but I just had to share my happiness for you and your little, tiny one. He or she already has a wonderful mama. 🙂

  417. hi katie, i’ve read your blog for a few years now and wanted to comment for the first time…

    in this blog post you demonstrate the compassion of Christ. you can almost hear your heart breaking for those friends and other people who read your blog who have experience that “sting of the wait” like you mentioned.

    you are honest about your own joy at this new adventure, yet at the same time sorrowful at others’ heartbreak. it’s sincere.

    so, just a little encouragement to you that you are living out God’s love through your blog to those who can or can’t identify with you in this particular post, or just as a casual (yet addicted) reader.

    i so appreciate your heart coming through here and showing others what God’s love looks like.

  418. I’ve been following your blog for ages, and when I read this post I legitimely squeeled for joy. Congrats to you and your expanding family! <3

  419. Oh, Katie, your transparency is refreshing. Praying blessings on you and your growing family!

  421. Congratulations!!!!! How exciting and exhausting for you. I wish you all the best and pray for a happy healthy baby. I can’t wait for the birth story. Weston’s was written so wonderfully, I was constantly checking for the next instalment. I pray this baby doesn’t take as long. Congrats again!!

  422. I’m thrilled about this news — there’s never a bad time to add another Bower to the world!

  425. Wishing your family health, love, and and lots of laughs.

    You are humble and appreciative of your blessings and so very deserving. I hope you start to get your energy back fast and can enjoy your pregnancy.

    What great news!

  426. Great news !!!! I feel so so happy for you. And you shouldn’t feel guilty to be happy too, you totally deserve this. Congratulations !!

  427. What amazing news!! Congratulations to you and your family!! I’m currently Pregnant with my 3rd too, enjoy! X

  428. Love your sweet spirit and so enjoy your blog. Blessings on your wonderful news! We experienced yrs of infertility before the joyous adoption of a son just before our 13th anniversary… Thinking I’d caught a bug from our adorable 10-month old, actually a “home-grown” daughter was on her way! TEN YEARS LATER, we were blessed to privately adopt a 2nd darling daughter at birth…..and, yep, you guessed it: another surprise/shocking/stunning pregnancy brought another son, just one year & 4 days later!!!! Prayers answered x 4!
    Now celebrating July birth of a precious granddaughter! We tease that God has a crazy sense of humor, but HIS timing fulfills our dreams. Savor your joy & God bless your sensitivity…

  429. Congratulations! I had boys 15 months apart after years and years of trying to get pregnant! And I successfully nursed through my whole pregnancy and am now tandem nursing. It can definitely be done 🙂 God bless you guys!

  431. Just yesterday I thought, oh Bower Power is quiet… And what a wonderful reason why! Wheeeee!!! A baby! Congratulations to all four point three of you, we are sending love and prayers for you from sydney. Here’s to an easy preganancy and some well needed rest.

  432. What wonderful news! Congratulations!!

    Bless you and thank you for your sensitivity. Infertility stinks, and it is almost impossible for those who have not walked down that path to know the depth of the pain in can inflict. That said, please don’t deny yourself the unbridled joy to which you are entitled. You have been given the most wonderful gift, and that is cause for celebration.

  435. Congrats!!! Don’t ever think twice about sharing your wonderful news. It’s kind of you to be sensitive to others, but don’t let how others are going to feel take away from your own joy. True friends would only share in that joy! I hope that those friends that you had to share your wonderful news with are worthy of your friendship! Hope that you start feeling more like yourself sooner than later!!!

  438. Hi Katie!! First off Congratulations!! Babies are always exciting and an enormous blessing. I myself am still in that ‘waiting’ stage and sometimes I do get that ‘why isn’t it happening for me’ feeling but you should never be fearful or feel guilty for wanting to share this blessing. As Christine said thank you for your deep sensitivity, some people don’t care and aren’t empathetic. But nevertheless I am extremely happy for you bc you are a great mom and I really hope that it’s a girl! 😉

  439. Hey Katie,
    Congratulations! I have been praying since you struggled with getting pregnant with Weston that God would grant you as many healthy babies as He sees fit. Thank you for sharing an answer to prayer. I will continue to pray for a healthy pregnancy.

  442. Congratulations!!!! Hugs to you all!!!! I feel your heavy heart though and after reading, felt a whirlwind of emotions for you and what it must be like to share your life with us and yet feel some sort of guilt when it comes to those that are still struggling or waiting. I was one of those people in the past that tried and tried for ten years, while my friends were getting pregnant at a drop of a hat. And even though the “news” of their pregnancy hurt to hear I was more than thrilled for them that they were getting this gift. We all have one life to live and their is growth with that life no matter what the challenges are. Be more than happy for yourself and family Katie!!! And to those that are facing challenges…keep at it! Don’t give up hope…I have two amazing children after all my struggles and growing from my struggles has made me a better parent for them. BTW-When is your due date??

  444. That is wonderful news! Congratulations! I would love to hear how you survive being pregnant while having two little ones at home. I’m trying to decide if that’s possible!

  445. Congratulations! I am so excited for you, Jeremy, Will, and Weston as you bring another member into your family!

    I think it’s wonderful that you are thinking of others who are struggling, but I hate that it has dampened your celebration. This baby is a gift. And I think (hope) that any woman that hears that you are pregnant would celebrate with you instead of being upset that you got what they wanted. When they get their own line, you can celebrate with them in return, about all the precious babies you are bringing into the world! But I do appreciate your sensitivity. I have had friends who have had difficulty getting pregnant, so I am always careful to never ask friends who have been married for awhile, because you never know someone else’s struggle.

  447. Katie!!!!!!!!! Super SUPER excited for you!!!!! I’ve been waiting on my line for 2 years now, and while that sux, it in NO WAY makes me want to punch you! lol I have learned to completely enjoy every moment with my 3 year old and not miss a thing! You take sweet, wonderful care of yourself right now and hug and kiss on those beautiful boys. 🙂 You deserve every good thing you are getting! 🙂

  448. Katie, a huge congratulations to you and your guys!!! I am so happy for you! That being said, it is so kind of you to ache for those going through their own trials and tribulations (and to feel guilty that it was so “easy” this time), but don’t let it drain the happiness from you. Allow those feelings, but allow yourself to experience the joy that God has given you — I think He must have thought, after your difficult experience last time, you deserved an easier “gift” this time; and who are we to question? 😉 Take all the time and rest you need, we’ll all be here for you (excitedly waiting for the awesomeness that is YOU). Lots of love…and bacon! (Just had to throw that in there.)

  449. Congratulations Katie! That is so exciting, and I’m glad it didn’t take you so long this time around! Can I ask how far along you are, or when are you due? We’re going to start trying this month for our first, and it would be fun to be “with child” during the same time as you!

  451. I am so thrilled for you and completely understand where you are coming from. We just told four of our dearest friends who are having trouble getting pregnant that we are expecting.

  454. Congratulations! It is always so surprising how nature works. I makes you wonder why it took so long for little Weston to come about and now baby #3 happened so quickly. Truly, proves we don’t have complete control over how things happen.

  455. Katie,

    Bless your sweet, tired heart! While I haven’t experienced the sting of trying (#1 was a welcome surprise), I have struggled with how to tell dear friends who have about our surprise. It makes your heart ache for them even more. The only thing I found to do was thank God for our gifts and lift up friends to Him in prayer.

    This post sums up why I love your blog, it’s open, honest, sensitive, and inspiring. Thank you for sharing with us the amazing mom and friend that you are. As we are trying to decide when to start trying for #2 I’m scared of the sting, but knowing your journey, and that God chose the perfect time for #1 and will for #2, just as He has for Will, Weston, and your #3 helps me and will hopefully help others as well. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

    XOXO,

    Nikki

  456. God’s ways our never an easy thing to understand, especially his timing. But it always seems to work out the way He plans it. You should be so thrilled with the growing of your family but I understand why you feel so sad for your friends that can’t seem to get pregnant. It just shows you have a very kind and sensitive heart for others. What a fun and exciting time for you and your family. Praying for you that you get your strength back. Really enjoy reading your blog but also know that your family comes first, so don’t beat yourself up. God will continue to strengthen you and bless you. Congratulations!!

  457. So happy for you and your entire family. You are sweet to think of others, but these others are happy for you.

  458. Hippy Hoo-ray! Quick, have your struggling friends over for a happy vist or two. Pregnancy is contagious. It’s one of those things that happen in threes or fives.

  459. As always when I read your posts, I’m either touched by your empathy or laugh at your humor (or sometimes both!). I also want to share my congratulations — and appreciation of your considerate and thoughtful delivery of the news. I hope your pregnancy goes smoothly and when you get the chance, update us along the way!

  462. From this long time blog reader and mama of two, CONGRATULATIONS! I’m excited to see what life with three little people will be like for you- lots of adventures I’m sure. 🙂

  463. Thanks for articulating what I was trying to voice myself. Infertility is a confusing and heartbreaking and overwhelming journey and while I don’t feel anger at those who are experiencing the blessings of pregnancy, the sadness for what I may never have for myself can be suffocating. Truly something that until you go through it yourself, you really can’t understand the depth of it.

    Thrilled for you Katie and touched by your extreme sensitivity!

  464. I’m one of “those” people that had the wait too…a very long one, with a single precious child at the end. Your post was very sensitive to those in that painful wait, and that is sweet. Those that were sensitive to my pain when I was still trying to be happy for the others really, really made it easier to be around them. So thumbs up for your understanding.
    And for you and your family….a big congratulations! Nothing is more precious than a new life, and your success doesn’t take away from anyone’s else’s pain…but your compassion truly bridges the gap.
    Feel better!

  465. Yayyyy!!! So happy for the Bower Clan!! Gods plan is to give you to meet tiny feet to kiss, a new tiny heart to love! So over the moon for you!

  466. Two years married and every month there’s that sting, but your news is BEAUTIFUL! I’m so excited for you and your family. Enjoy this pregnancy!

  467. As a mother of three, I will tell you that it was only in the second year of the second baby that I truly required my husband to show up fully – until then I could sort of take care of my boyfriend and take care of boys. Boy three (yes, i got three boys, explained this was the close of the golf foursome and. stopped. ) was the one where my dear husband really. stepped. up.
    Because pregnant mommies need more sleep, and toddlers and babies need care. So, draw on your resources – grandparents and start now discovering that sweet neighborhood 15 year old girl who can come and play while you nap. Find some source of being able to hand off Will so you and weston can nap together – that alone will help you feel better. And remember, at 13 weeks your energy will rebound (baby unplugs from your power source a bit then as they have built more internal capacity).

    KATIE – this is wonderful, but of course you are overwhelmed. Don’t give up because you are overwhelmed – this creative stuff is the part of you that will help you feel you are still in there – the photographer, the writer needs an outlet that feeds back to you. Use your income to get help – slow this down, and build in some “mommy resting time.” This is what you would prescribe for a working mom of two your age who was expecting – big time. You can see it clearly then, but for some reason, boundaries to take care of yourself are harder to judge.

    Congratulations – rest and ponder and revel.

  468. KB> I am beyond happy for you, but am VERY appreciative of you being aware that there are MANY MANY women out there who are struggling with infertility and loss. Yet those women still seek refuge in the world of our internet friends…when they get pregnant, even when we don’t know them IRL, it stings. The internet is a little safe haven where you don’t have to see and hear about pregnancies unless you knowingly click on it! BUT I know you were so careful in telling your readers about Weston, and also about this new special child! You truly have your readers in your heart KB!
    With Love,
    Lynn
    PS…any due date????

  470. Such wonderful news!!! We were blessed with#3 the first try after trying over 2 years (including 1 miscarriage) for #2. So very happy for you and I can not wait to see how your family grows!!!! Rest up Dear:)

    XX
    Amelia

  471. Congratulations! I’ve heard that pregnancy can be kind of a biological reset, so sometimes the problems that existed the first time won’t exist the next time.

  472. Congratulations!!! I know its a shock, I hope you can adjust and enjoy this pregnancy, and know your two younger ones will be super close, it’ll be fun to watch (I have 2 14 months apart.)

  473. WOW! Super exciting news!! I just witnessed the birth of my first nephew and it was incredible!! Although I’ve had two babies, nothing quite like watching a child be born!! Congrats to you, sweet one! Rest up, looks like you’ve got your hands full!! xoxo

  474. SO thrilled for you! I’ve never commented here before but I want to express my sincere joy at your news. You are my favorite blogger and I love reading about you and your family. So many congratulations.

  475. congrats! found you through YHL. it’s always exciting to hear this kind of news! praying for a healthy baby to add to your beautiful family!

  476. Congratulations! Love how God always has his plans for us. Wishing you a very healthy pregnancy and baby.

  478. Oh Katie…I saw the title “News” and thought “I hope she’s pregnant!”. I yelled out “I knew it!” when I read it. As some one who has been waiting over 2 years to have a child…..it’s okay. It’s more than ok. I am so thrilled for you and your family. It’s so thoughtful of you to be thinking of others, but don’t dwell on that. Wishing you HUGE congratulations! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  479. He exciting!! The kiddos will be close in age and that will be awesome growing up. How far along are you?

  483. I am the girl that saw you in the elevator at Ikea a few weeks ago. I actually have just found out we are pregnant after trying for three years. I also have a good friend who has been trying for over ten years. I completely understand how you are feeling even though this is our first child. Your friends love you and I am sure they are very happy for you and your family. Take this time to rest as much as you can with two little ones. Enjoy this time and I’m hoping you get a girl this time around. Congratulations!

  484. Hi Katie! As a mom of 3 (from 11 to 4 years old) I just wanted to say Congrats!!! Welcome to the chaos phase of life! You, of all people, will do awesome! Give yourself time to rest and enjoy this welcome surprise. Love to you all!

  485. Congrats!! Super excited for you. I love love love your blog, so please don’t take this the wrong way. I personally would totally understand if you stopped blogging or just only posted a couple times a month. You will be a very busy mommy and you have said it that, being a mommy comes first. Maybe just taking a short break from blogging would be best so you can focus on raising your little ones. So happy that God has blessed you with 3 children!! Enjoy every minute!

  487. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! Congratulations!!! I couldn’t be happier for you all.

    I agree about finding someone to watch the kids while you nap…or something that will give you some down time. Be kind to yourself!

  488. You said you pulled the goalie for weston in February 2011 and were pregnant by march or so of 2012 right? Math is fuzzy but that seems like 13 months not 2 years. Just curious. Congrats to you!

  490. Katie:

    I am so very happy for you! And … I so love, and admire, how very sensitive you are, in this post, toward those who are hurting as they wait on their own bundles of joy.

    If you ever need a sitter or someone to come and do the dishes or laundry or to run the vacuum or errands, I would be more than happy to serve you in that way. It would be my pleasure!

  491. I’m soooooo EXCITED for you KATIE BOWER!!!! yay! I think it is so sweet that your heart goes out to others who have had trouble getting pregnant. I know it means alot to them. But know that this is a blessing so be UBER excited too. All of your friends are rejocing with you. Hoping for a little girl! 🙂 congrats again friend!! Praying for renewed energy, and for you to hear the wonderful news from your friends that their pregnant too! 🙂

    XOXO

  492. Congratulations, Katie! I know after trying so hard for Weston you’re more sensitive about people’s private battles for pregnancy. But do take time to enjoy the little miracle inside you. We can’t wait to meet him/her!

    Erin

  493. I hope my comment didn’t get missed. In anycase, congratulations Katie. You have a sweet soul and are so caring 🙂 Best wishes.

  494. Katie! That’s great news! I can’t wait until you tell us your due date because I’m pregnant too and wonder how close we are. And I totally feel you on the tiredness…all I want to do is lay on the couch and let my 3 yo watch insane amounts of television. Prayers for a happy and healthy pregnancy.

  496. TYPO! We never had a goalie after Will…just breastfeeding (yes I was one of those people that thought it wasn’t possible get pregnant while nursing)…so it was since May 2010 (which is technically just under two years…which is what I originally typed and then just wanted to put over one year but alas…typo).
    xo – kb

  497. Hi GIRL!
    I always say you were my smiling Ikea friend…because you just oozed happiness. I am so glad to hear you got your three year wish 🙂
    xo – kb

  513. Congrats! You are so full of love that it comes as no surprise you’d be rewarded with such a blessing!

  514. Congratulations! I seem to be the only one who felt worse by your sympathetic post. My husband and I have tried for a baby for 6 years. Multiple surgeries, doctors, thousands of dollars spent to only be told no one knows why we can’t conceive.

    I wasn’t touched by your sympathy. If anything I was offended. Oh poor me, I’m pregnant, and so many barren uteruses (uteri?) are still vacuums of pain and pity. You making such a big deal over it only rubs salt into our wounds. Trust me, I have felt pain beyond pregnancy announcements. Beyond my friends children having children before we even have a child. Beyond the teen prgnancies, the drug abuser pregnancies, the unwanted and aborted pregnancies. You having another after your “years” of struggle by no means brings tears of jealousy to my eyes.

    I liked you, racism, immaturity and down home ignorance aside, until now and it has nothing to do with your pregnancy. I don’t need your sympathy. None of us infertiles do. Treat us with respect, that we have carried a cross so heavy that we are strong enough to weather the momentary twing or hours of devastation announcements like this may bring. We don’t need pity, or kid gloves we get that every day from a million avenues.

    Enjoy your pregnancy. Allow those of us who can’t to enjoy it with you, without pity and condenscension.

  515. Congratulations!! Will is exactly 1 year older than my Gavyn (april 8th!) and now I’m pregnant with my second due March 7th!! 🙂 We’re like pregnancy twins! 🙂

  518. Yay! I had my 3 babies in 35 months. It was tiring, but so worth it to see my 3 teenagers have so much in common! My last two are 15 months apart- a perfect spacing, if you ask me!

  520. Congratulations! My husband and I are in month four of trying, and I have to say that your news really brightened my day. I go through the complete range of emotions every time I don’t get that “positive” – from sadness and confusion (What did we do wrong? What did I do wrong?) to fear (What if I can’t get pregnant? What if I have scary condition X that I read about on the internet because I’m a crazed hypochondriac?) to relief (Well, I’m not pregnant, so I guess I can have a glass of wine this weekend at our friends’ wedding?)

    I guess what I’m trying to say is that I could understand if someone in my position were discouraged by your news, but I see it as hopeful – you’re so candid with us readers, about your struggles and about your victories and defeats, and it really helps to know that it’s not easy, instant and magical for everyone, but that it does happen. In its own time.

    Thank you – thank you for sharing when the news is good, and thank you for sharing when you’re discouraged. When the news is bad, or at least, isn’t good.

    Congratulations again!

  521. I guess at that time I differentiated between the first 12 months of not preventing and actually ‘trying’….typo aside…it took 22 months for Weston’s proverbial buns to get in the oven. And just to be an over-sharer…we never used any traditional birth control after having Will…and quite obviously I can get pregnant while nursing (something I never thought I could do since it never happened to my mom with her four kids). My doctor told me after I conceived Weston that technically speaking our conception time took from the first cycle till he was conceived. Hope that clears things up and I do apologize if my typo made it sound like I waited longer than I did.
    xo – kb

  525. Oh Diane…I am so sorry. I think you told us about your son before and each and every time it breaks my heart. You have an amazing perspective.
    xo – kb

  526. Hi Tinkster…it was definitely a typo. I wrote the post through tears and sleepiness so please forgive me. and technically speaking it took 22 months for Weston to be conceived…so I know that it wasn’t two years but I always say that if you wait one month, you know that sting. I am sorry that you wore that crappy title…it is something that hurts every month and I would never want to cause anyone more grief.
    xo – kb

  528. Not very far…first trimester 🙂 I just was too excited to hold it in…
    And I’m due the first week of March.
    xo – kb

  533. Totally a typo…so sorry. It was only 22 months for me to get pregnant with Weston…technically…my brain must be really tired. We never prevented after Will and I thought nursing would count as birth control (um obviously I just busted that myth) and then it was 13 months of real ‘trying’ with ovulation kits and charting and all that.
    xo – kb

  534. Pregnancy brain for sure. It wasn’t two whole years. We didn’t prevent after Will…and then started trying for the last 13 months…so it was 22 months total but again…that’s not two years. Maybe I just need a nap 🙂
    xo – kb

  538. Sherry was the first I told…but actually Jeremy knew before me. I took a test and put it in a bag and gave it to him to see. Figured that way I could have my cake and eat it too 🙂
    xo – kb

  547. Congratulations to you and your precious family. I have missed you and certainly understand why you have been absent. I agree with some of the other commenters on how sensitive and kind-hearted you are toward those struggling with infertility. God has His reasons for all He does, and He answers prayers in His timing and in His way. Continuing to pray for these couples is what God calls us to do. May the Lord bless you with a wonderful pregnancy , lots of energy, and a healthy little one!

  548. Wow…I wish I could hug you because you definetly need a hug! Try to look for the bright and beautiful in life, it really is there for all of us, no matter how crappy life feels. You need to not read blogs unless you can be open minded and know that bloggers don’t don’t expect to be loved and adored by all but show respect.

  551. Oh sweet friend. I don’t get that part. I can’t even imagine. That must be crazy excruciating….I’m so sorry if it came across as I get that part. I don’t. I do get the sting of waiting…I always say if you wait one month and it doesn’t happen, you understand enough to get that infertility totally sucks. I will be praying for your 5….and your strength…and thank you so much for your patience with people like me. We are rooting hard for you!
    xo – kb

  553. Congratulations Bower family 🙂 Even though I don’t actually know you, I feel like I do and I am so happy for you. Enjoy your pregnancy!

  554. ok second comment :0)…I was thinking about you all weekend. I had my son Oct. 27, 2012 so not too far from Weston. I am full time nursing but he takes a bottle sometimes when I can’t pump enough (he was/is a big baby too)…I was surprised to hear your news (and of course very happy for you and family) but a little concern over here since I still have not see my “.” yet. I am pretty sure I am not pregnant but wondered if you got pregnant while nursing and did not get your “.” yet? this might be over-asking, but I too thought the same about nursing and not ovulating. Get your rest girl…and make another beautiful baby!

  555. Congratulations from this long time reader, first time (second time?) commenter. And thank you too, for looking out for us who have and are struggling. That is very sweet of you. Please ignore those of us who can’t get past our pain. Enjoy this beautiful time as much as possible, and take care of yourself. I can only begin to imagine how tired you are. Do what you can when you can. Your health is the most important thing right now. God bless you and your beautiful family.

  556. Congratulations Katie! That’s great news. You should be happy – I know you are – but try not to let everyone’s problems weight you down more than necessary… everyone has their own cross to bare and you are lucky this time around!

  557. Congratulations! I can SO relate to your mixed feelings about expecting another blessing while others struggle with infertility. I have been on both sides of that issue. While I never truly struggled with long term infertility, our 2nd child was born with a severe brain malformation (holoprosencephaly), and were told it could be genetic. After waiting nearly two years to get results back from the genetic testing, we finally got the ok to start trying to get pregnant. It took me almost a year to conceive, and then I miscarried at 11 weeks. During that time, it was so hard to truly rejoice with friends who were getting pregnant easily and having healthy babies. The happy ending to my story? My special needs daughter, who we were told wouldn’t live to see her first birthday, is now 15, can read, talk, crack jokes…etc! She is in a wheelchair, but leads a full, rich and happy life. I went on to have four more healthy children, and now have SIX beautiful girls!

  558. Congratulations to you guys! Oh those early preggo months with young babes to still look after. uuuuggghhhh I can still remember the tiredness all over my body! With my third I knew I was pregnant before I even did the test, because of how tired I was!

  560. That is great Katie! My girls are 13 months apart and while they have their troubles, they sure are a team!!

  562. Congrats Katie, honestly. A baby- what a blessing!
    But Im just confused and a stickler for timelines, in January 2012 you said it was a year… and
    got pregnant in Feb/March, as Weston was born in November 2013… Is that right?

    https://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/01/a-whole-lotta-cranky/

    Doesn’t really matter because either way, Id say you have NO issues with fertility ;p

    Congrats again Bower family.

  563. Beth,
    I wanted to feel sympathy for “your” story, but instead, I feel pity. Pity, that because you hurt you try to hurt others. Prayers!

  565. Huge thumbs up to Beth!

    This pregnancy announcement was so odd- it lacked the same sweetness and happiness that were in Will and Weston’s announcements. My biggest gripe with the post was the exaggeration about how long it took to get pregnant. Why post that you “pulled the goalie” in Feb 2011, get pregnant 12 months later but then say it took 2 years. Yes, I saw that “Golly gee, I made a typo” responses but they just don’t make sense. “We pulled the goalie”, but oops, nope, we never actually used birth control. “It took us 2 years”, when it took 12. I don’t get it Katie.

  566. Hi! Very long time reader, and this is my first time to comment. Just wanted to say that I think that is such wonderful news! I hate that you have to be apologetic in your announcement, but I completely understand. I hope you get to feeling better and can enjoy this wonderful blessing! Congratulations–you seem to be a wonderful momma and this baby will be so blessed by you.

  567. OMG! Yay you!!! And yay for the family!!!! Is there another tearjerker “How I told my boyfriend” story?!?

  568. I understand that you were trying to be sensitive but this came across the opposite. As someone who has actually struggled with conceiving and has managed to conceive one baby in the time you have conceived three I found this to be condescending because you didn’t actually go through the pain of fertility medications and appointments and heartbreak. Your miscalculations of how long it took to conceive your second baby make you seem disingenuous, again something I know wasn’t your intention.

    Instead of offering prayers for other people you should be celebrating this exciting time in your life of adding another baby to your family. A genuine, happy announcement would have been received far better than this. I wish you and your family every happiness with this baby and any others you plan for be future but please do not try and make it seem as though you understand the pain of something you have not actually had the misfortune of experiencing.

  570. Monica,

    It doesn’t seem like you understand Beth’s comments. If you did, I do not think that you would be offering her a hug or “be happy” advice, or be telling her to show respect to Katie.

    I am fairly certain that a hug from you is not what Beth needs.

    What Beth needs is exactly what she explained in her comment.

    I can understand that some of her comments may seem angry or inappropriate to you, but for someone who has suffered diagnosed infertility like Beth, I can attest (in my opinion) that her comments were honest and heartfelt and well “spoken” and appropriate. In fact, I think they could really help people know how to relate to friends who are suffering infertility. Trust me, it is a dark, lonely, frustrating roller coaster of a road that can be quite paralyzing.

  572. Congrats Katie! When I read the first line, I clicked on Home. I thought I was on an old page, when the same page came up, I checked the date! Doi!

    I’m so happy for you and your clan. I struggled with infertility and I understand your hesitation in sharing this news. I was in a circle of “strugglers”, now I have a baby boy via IVF. I did not know how to break the news to my fellow strugglers initially but they are all happy for me.

    I hope its a daughter, but then you make beautiful little boys..

    Love your blog.. been here so many times but first time I posted! God Bless!!

  573. You should go for an M name for a girl — it’s a W upside down!

    Not that you should pick your children’s names solely based on how cool the monagrams would be, but WMW does have certain visual flair, no?

  574. Wow. Katie was compassionate and that offended you (even though you said “us” more than once)? Don’t lump every infertile or otherwise in your group. We aren’t all offended.
    Katie and Jeremy, congratulations on your growing family. It’s always joyful news to hear of a new miracle! God Bless the Bower bunch. Bower power pack. Bower boys? Haha

  575. Congratulations! What a beautiful post. I cannot wait to hear more about your pregnancy. I love your honesty and look forward to your journey with this new precious gift. I hope you keep us updated 🙂

  576. Beth,

    Wow….This is the most hate-filled comment I have read in a long time. You need to stop reading blogs and find someone to talk to. You have no business tearing apart someone else’s happiness.

    Congratulations Katie! I can’t wait to follow you on this wonderful journey!

  577. Congratulations!! I am always shocked by the negative comments and I don’t understand why people read blogs they seemingly don’t like. You know how the saying goes: If you don’t have anything nice to say… don’t say anything at all.
    Can’t wait to see your family grow! The Bower 5! Wahoo 🙂

  578. Congratulations, Katie! Such exciting news!

    And, as someone who struggled with infertility for 2 years I really appreciate your sensitivity. I now have a 7 month old daughter but I’m not sure that we will be able to have another baby.

    I hope that your fatigue passes and that the remainder of your pregnancy is happy and healthy! 🙂

  580. CONGRATS!! That is so amazing and you are such a great person to be so sensitive but know all those people are happy for you too! I cried when I read your post about getting pregnant with Weston because I knew how long you waited. Funny how things work out!!

  583. We struggled so much with infertility that my husband wrote a book about it (really!) and we suprisingly were went through with two successful IVF rounds (Nola born in April, 2009 and Daphne born in November, 2011). I think it’s beyond thoughtful that you are thinking of others with similar experiences and hopes. I also wish you for you complete joy on your own behalf and for it to be enhanced by thoughts you have for others instead of dampered in any way (should you feel that way – which I may be misunderstanding but think I’m seeing a bit with this beautiful post). We support each other in struggle AND unexpected joy. So, so happy for you.

  584. Congratulations!! It’s so kind of you to remember other’s struggles in the midst of what must be overwhelming news. : ) Your two littlest are going to be besties, I’m sure! Will will love them too, of course, but he’ll have a whole two years superiority. He’ll be in charge! 🙂

  585. Congrats Katie! And your heart felt ache is so genuine.

    I know that ache as I went through two years of infertility treatment and after finding out we were pregnant, I was so excited but my heart also ached for those families that have not gotten their joyous news. I too had been on that side who had so much anger every time I heard a story of ‘We weren’t even trying’ or ‘I don’t know how it happened’. That pain is unexplainable.

    Please know that I lift those families up in my prayers every day. Why anyone who wants to have a family should have to go through that pain, it beats me. But I do know that getting pregnant is a miracle and so many things have to line up that it always amaze me that is happens to anyone.

    I am excited for your family.

  586. CONGRATULATIONS!! We have 3 kids :0 15 months apart each, all 3 times planned but shocked that it happened so quickly. Its a wild and crazy ride and I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t love 1 more.

  589. I do not think this was the avenue to voice that comment. Congrats to the Bowers and thank you for your sensitivity! Blessings to you!

  591. Congrats Katie! Very happy for you and your family. We just had our second in April and are thinking about when to have the third.

    So here’s a practical question, do you have a car with a third row seat yet? You going to get a minivan or go for a bigger SUV? That’s what we’re debating at the moment.

  592. I’m awed by your sensitivity to those of us who wait. Many fertile friends do not understand the pain. On that note, congratulations! What a blessing.

  593. Your sweet, open & generous heart makes me more and more thankful to “know” you (even if it’s only through the interweb). Congratulations on your special news!

    Suzanna

  594. Wow….just, WOW. I have never commented on a blog before, even though I read several. I really can’t believe how rude you (Beth) are. Not here to turn this into something, and will not post about this again, but I’ve never seen such an awful, disrespectful comment. Clearly, you DO need to be handled with kid gloves since you are so hypersensitive about this issue. Congrats, Katie on your wonderful news. I am a mom of three and have loved your blog since I started reading a couple of years ago. Thank you for being so candid, that is what I love about reading what you write. I know we are all free to express ourselves here, but my goodness, that comment stirred me up! Do what’s best for YOU and YOUR family. Your faithful readers will understand 🙂

  595. Congratulations Katie! I know you’re very sensitive about this, and I know your readers and friends appreciate that. But girl, everyone loves you, and is so happy for you. XO

  596. I know so many out there appreciate your sensitive post. Without your wait for Weston, God would not have molded your heart the same way to have such sypathy for others who are struggling with this. I know I am thankful for experiencing over a year of infertility so that I can hopefully be more gracious and sensitive in my comments to others about this topic.

    Congrats!!!

  597. Congratulations, Katie! Over the moon for you and your family!! Thank you for being so overly concerned about the rest of us; you are sweeter than sweet tea! xxoo

  598. Congratulations Katie! First time commenter. The night of your blog post, I was in the ER losing my little one at 6 weeks. It was my 1st miscarriage. But you’re post simply gives me hope, oddly enough. 🙂 I’m so happy for you!!! Last night I had dinner with my best friend who had news of her own: She’s pregnant too. Her newest baby is 5 months old and she too was in complete and utter shock. lol I wish we could have been pregnant together, but God has a reason for everything. I wish you and her the best of luck with your pregnancies and all the happiness in the world. 🙂

  600. I think Beth WAS respectful, but your telling her what she does/does not need to do, was not. I don’t think there’s a rule that you can ONLY comment if you love, love, love everything a blogger says or does. Stay strong, Beth 🙂

  601. Katie…I read your blog regularly…though I rarely comment because I don’t ever feel like I have much to add. 🙂

    I too am a mama of 2 boys…and also a mama who struggled for years to hold both of these miracles. We are in the midst of trying for #3…and there are times when the ever-present announcement of yet another person’s expecting joy is like a knife to the heart. One more time that your prayers are not yet answered. But then there are times when that announcement comes as a source of hope and joy and happiness.

    I feel silly saying this as I don’t really know you from Adam, but your announcement filled me again with hope. The 21 mos and counting that I have been waiting this time seems like eons longer than the 4 years for my first and 2 years for my second.

    Thank you for telling your story, for your sensitivity to those still hurting, those still waiting with empty arms and aching hearts.

  603. I have just spent some time reading through the comments (rough mornings are usually helped by reading happy things as baby news is always happy), and I just wanted to give you a big ol’ Internet hug. I know you are happy reading all the congrats, but I am sure that those angry and rude comments have hit you harder. I may be an Internet stranger (we did meet at the ATL book signing though) but I just wanted you to know that there are those of us who love that you give us a peak in your life. Take care of you and yours – and if you post less or use sponsored posts , who cares. (I am a Frog tape convert now, btw, thanks to you) Love your family, live your life, and remember that people say hateful & rude things on the internet that they would never say in person. Lots of love from Middle GA!

  604. CONGRATULATIONS Katie!!! Sooo excited for you! For a second…I thought you were in Richmond with Sherry and I was going to hunt (stalk?) you down so I could hug you in person, but then I realized you’re actually in Destin and that would be a little far even for my stalkers ways. 😉 Hope you have a blast on vacay…certainly have many amazing things to celebrate! =)

  605. I am sad to read your reply…it makes me angry and it makes me want to hug you and cry with you. I know all too well the gamut of emotions that are running through you.

    I am one of those “infertiles”…even though I have 2 boys the pain does not go away, it just changes. I read none of Katie’s post as “pity”. I read it as someone who is kind and caring and very much aware that her followers could be hurt by this news.

    In the very darkest points of my infertility journey I chose to walk away from friends who were pregnant or had small children because I could not control my emotions and could not open my heart to let them see all the pain. I regret those choices so deeply now.

    I will be praying for your hurting heart right now.

  606. CONGRATULATIONS Katie!!! Sooo excited for you! For a second…I thought you were in Richmond with Sherry and I was going to hunt (stalk?) you down so I could hug you in person, but then I realized you’re actually in Destin and that would be a little far even for my stalkerish ways. Hope you have a blast on vacay…certainly have many amazing things to celebrate! =)

  608. So happy for you 🙂

    I’ve been meaning to ask this for months but just haven’t gotten around to it, ha — I haven’t seen any cloth diapers on Weston. Did you guys decide not to CD with him, or have I just not noticed any pics? Any plans to with Baby #3? No judgement either way, I’m just curious/a CD fanatic (seriously, it’s a problem).

  609. Okay I just read through almost ALL the comments — creeper much? Haha.

    I have to say that I (insensitively) never considered infertility. It took us 3 months of “not not trying” to get pregnant and until this post have been completely ignorant of the fact that others suffer with not being able to conceive. So, congrats again, and thank you for helping me realize the power of words and to be more sensitive to others.

    A woman at the office is in her 3rd trimester now, and apparently she and her husband struggled for years. I remember talking about nothing but being pregnant, and as a first time mom about everything related to my daughter, including the 4 month sleep regression. I’m sure it hurt her so badly to hear that and WISH it was her that was being kept up all night. I feel bad for that now, but so happy for her that she’s got her rainbow baby a-cookin’ now.

    When we do go for baby #2, I will keep this in mind and be a little more gracious with my words and actions.

  610. Congrats Bower Family! I struggled right along with you with Weston and am now finally expecting our first in January. I’m so happy for your news! Did you stay true to form and tell Sherry first?

  611. I was wondering what was going on! I’m just glad you’re okay! Congratulations! I left a comment very recently, thanking you for your sensitivity for those struggling to get pregnant and mentioning that it was taking longer than expected for my husband and me to get pregnant with our first. Well, soon after I was shocked to get my own two lines! I’m 8w1d and counting the seconds ’til the first ultrasound. Here’s hoping we get to be (virtual) pregnancy buddies! 😀

  613. Katie, congratulations! I think when you’ve struggled with any form of infertility, you will never be “normal” again. You kind of get caught in the middle of no longer being in the “infertility” club but you’re not in the “he breathes on me and I’m pregnant!” club. Having known what you’ve been through, you will always be so excited but that pain is so familiar to remember when you tell someone who’s struggling. Even out of all the different stages you go through with struggling with infertility, the one that seems to hurt more (or at least it was for me) is when people don’t want to tell you they’re pregnant for fear of hurting feelings. You feel left out and you don’t want the pity but you don’t want them to be ignorant either and talk about babies 24/7. Your sensitivity is sweet and kind and I hope you get to experience all the happiness in the world you deserve as well! Enjoy your growing family and I hope you’ll share some of your journey with us as you go along!

  614. I love the way you wrote this post! I have been following your blog for a while now and I have loved every post since. Just a week ago I had a miscarriage at 6 weeks and every pregnancy post, comment or update has been like rubbing salt on an open wound. But this one, it just fills me with joy for you and your family. Not everyone acknowledges the struggles women go through when trying to have a baby. I wish you the best of lucks in this pregnancy and send lots of blessings to your new baby.

  616. Congrats Katie! So, so happy for you! I can totally relate. (TMI alert) Hubs and I have been trying for nearly 2 years for our third baby. We thought it would be a breeze since our boys were conceived so quickly, but you truly just never know. I know that God has a plan though, so I’m holding onto that and just having faith that it will happen eventually.

    Don’t think that you being pregnant will stop me from bugging you about coming to an Atlanta meetup. 😉 Bring your boys! I’ll bring mine too if that will make you feel better.

    Have a great vacation!

  617. Congratulations, what wonderful news! That’s very sweet and considerate of you to be mindful of those folks who are in the midst of a conception struggle but, as Laura said, your success doesn’t add to anyone else’s pain and the fact that you’re so sensitive to others’ difficulties is so very thoughtful.

  618. Our boy and girl are 15 months apart and couldn’t be better friends. I wouldn’t have done it any other way!

  620. So thrilled for you Katie! What a wonderful joy and incredibly lucky little one to come to such a loving and welcoming family. We had 4 years of unexplained infertility before our first . . . now 15 years later and 7 pregnancies, I have 4 fabulous kiddos (3 boys, 1 girl). I can completely understand the delicacy at which you approached this. No matter what you do, someone will get offended . . . but try to step past it and enjoy this wonderful moment. So very thrilled for you!

  621. I don’t think I’ve ever replied to someone on an online forum… ever. but sheesh, you are MEAN! I sincerely hope you and your husband receive everything you hope and wish for. Please leave your malice and bitterness out of this happy post.

  622. Allison~ You need to pump the brakes on your pity party. It took me almost 10 YEARS and lots of heartache, pain, and expense (and several adoption attempts) to have my two sweet sons so I TOTALLY get your struggle, but your attitude isn’t helping you. The 10 years we struggled were difficult times, but you have to get a grip. Not going to baby showers? I’m assuming these are for your friends and family? Selfish on your part. Again, I GET IT because I have been there, but that’s really crappy of you. And guess what, I had my last son 2 months after my 40th birthday, so get over yourself with your timeline and just be happy for what you are blessed with when (or if) happens for you. You will find other friends who have kids the same age as yours and have playdates. But you may end up losing friends (which you stated is one of your fears) because you’re too wrapped up in yourself to be a good friend to those around you who are having babies. Snap out of it! I promise if you take some of the pressure of off yourself (and probably your poor husband), the process will be much easier to bear. I’m hopeful you really hear what I’m saying and taking it to heart, because I can guarantee those around you want to say the same thing to you but can’t because you are so sensitive about the subject. Do yourself a favor and chill out a bit. Good luck to you, from someone who has been there (but who also actually struggled much longer).

  628. CONGRATULATIONS BOWERS!!! So very exciting. You’re such a thoughtful person in how you approach everything, Katie. I think it’s what makes you so relatable. Can’t wait to continue reading about your boys, your home, and your new bun!

  629. ohhh, 3 little bowers! that’s fabulous! i have a friend in this same situation right now…take all the time you need to let it sink in. congratulations!

  630. Katie, as an infertile this bugged me all weekend so I actually went back and checked today. You yourself said you’d been trying for just on 12 months when you got pregnant with Weston. You posted the month count several times. I get that you’re now embarrassed to have only needed to time sex and to have gotten pregnant so easily, but it’s incredibly insulting to me and to those who have had harder and longer roads than I have to pretend you tried for twice as long as you did just so you can claim some street creed.

    It’s nice to be sensitive to our pain, but to pretend you know what it feels like shows you have no idea how devastating it is for people who are actually infertile.

  631. oh im so so happy for you! and WOW what a mind blower for you huh? Thank you for sharing with us.. it must have been so hard to get that post out without changing it a BAZILLION times..

    DANG! we had our little one the same time you had Weston-now i get to go home and tell hubby to GET ON THAT! we got another Bower to catch up with~!

    Much love from us!

  633. Well said Monica!

    I couldn’t agree more and I would like to give Beth a hug as well.

    I admire KB for being so open in all of her posts because at the end of the day she doesn’t have to and could stop writing whenever she wants to. I think her empathy is very real and who cares if she had a typo here or there. I don’t feel our role as readers should be fact checking every post either. Lord knows I’ve had a typo every so often in my life 🙂

  634. Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your growing family. What a blessing. 🙂 I hope you’re having a wonderful vacation with the YHL gang!

  635. Although I am sure with over 500 comments you’ll never see mine but, as someone is struggling with secondary infertility..TTC x 2 years, not a single pregnancy until a couple months back which resulted in a miscarriage. I really appreciate the fact that you have not become a pregnancy snob..lol. I find it so hard to find people who understand and know the pain, the heartache and the struggle of secondary infertility. Especially because people often say things like ” you should appreciate that you have one” or “it’s not happening because youre too stressed about getting pregnant” …I could go on and on. But I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations on the new bun-in-the-oven.

  636. You and Jeremy make such cute babies. Excited to see the newest addition in the spring!

  637. Hi Katie, I am a follower of your blog and I love it! I love your style, home and the fact that you and your husband will take just about any project on. I am a mother of three:) I have two boys Weston 9 and Lucas 7 and one girl Olivia 5. As you can see I was one f the crazy moms that just kept having them one right after the other. All I have to say is take care of you! Enjoy every precious moment of each sweet blessing. And even though it will be just a little harder:) try to enjoy every bit of this pregnancy. All three of my kiddos are heading to school this year and I can’t believe it:( Enjoy every precious moment of this gift you’ve been given sweet girl. Congratulations!!!

  638. Katie, your news is so heartwarming! Congratulations on your blessed news. As someone who is and has been struggling with infertility for years now, I am so happy for your family. Don’t let other’s negativity detract from your joy. Your friends are in my prayers. God has a plan for all of us and I am very excited to follow all of his plans for you on your blog.

  639. Katie, as someone who is been trying for 3+ loooong years and in the midst of another IVF cycle, your empathy was heartfelt. Really, there was no way for you to announce this without feeling stung, but you handled this the absolute best way that you possibly could have, and I respect and admire you for that. You didn’t have to do that. I know where Beth is coming from, in that sometimes you just get mad at life in general, and wonder WHY ME?!?!- and there are good days and bad days. Unfortunately Beth read this on a bad day. I admit when I first read your post, I immediately clicked off of it when I saw the content, however, I know that you have always been so thoughtful & cognizant re: infertility, so I decided to head back over & read the post. You did not disappoint. It was genuine, and true, and beautiful. It is soo easy to feel anger in the world of infertility, but I constantly need to remind myself to be thankful for all of the good things that we’re surrounded by- I certainly still have my moments, but I know when all is said & done, I will be thankful for choosing to enjoy life in the meantime. It isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary effort for me. Thank you again showing us your heart!

  640. First of all, congrats Katie! But….just a statement that I hope does not come off as harsh. I am one of those people struggling with fertility, and I am about to start my first round of IUI to try to conceive my first child. I am 30 and have been trying for the past two years. There are two things that people who struggle with infertility hate more than anything. 1) People saying “Just relax! It’ll happen”/”It’ll happen when it’s mean to happen” and 2) “I understand how you feel.” Number 2 feels particularly damaging to those of us who have been poked and prodded by needles, had the hot flashed from hormone therapy, had our private parts on display to every doctor in the tri-state area, and have had to wrestle with feelings of guilt that there’s “something wrong” with us. I hope it doesn’t come off as me being nasty, but wrestling with infertility when there is something physically preventing that pregnancy feels different than just waiting for your bundle of joy. Instead of telling the blogging world that you know how I feel, don’t apologize and simply allow me to be happy for your blessing.

  641. This is amazing. You are wonderful! Wishing you and your family so many blessings. Congratulations!

  642. Katie, congratulations on your growing family.

    With all due respect, I believe it’s unfair and offensive for a couple who conceives three times in–what, four years? Five?–without assistance AND while breastfeeding to claim to know the pain of infertility. The frustration of things not happening according to your own schedule, perhaps. But there’s a big difference between the former and the latter. I appreciate your efforts to be sensitive but for me and many others your comments miss the mark by a long shot and are an affront to those who truly do know the stinging pain of infertility. I wish you a long and healthy pregnancy and send your family all the best, but please, don’t feel the need to speak on behalf of those experiencing profound longing and loss.

  644. I am so sorry that you have a harder and longer road. It sucks. I have zero street cred. You can quote me on that.
    xo – kb

  645. We didn’t yet go for it full time. We did a cloth here and there but nothing committed. I am still a serious fan but with the laundry room on the docket we never jumped.
    xo – kb

  646. We do have a third row but I think that we will probably not use it. We will probably put both back facing carseats on the ends and put Will in the middle since he can climb in and under and then I can buckle him before putting one of the littles locked in.
    xo – kb

  647. That reminds me of the story of my best friend when I was little…she wasn’t expected to live to see 16 and now she is happily married and has two kids! She still is in a wheelchair and needs help with everything but is constantly a reminder that life is never what you expect!
    xo – kb

  648. Well…hmm…probably is oversharing but here we go. I never skip a beat. After having Will I had my first period at 6 weeks. After Weston, five. It was something that surprised me because I hear that only 2% of the population has it while nursing.
    xo – kb

  649. Yeah…definitely a weird way to put it and I am certain I caused loads of confusion. We never prevented after having Will…and I had my period right away…and then we tried to get pregnant for thirteen months…so when I said it took Weston that long, I meant that it took 22 months for him to get conceived….not that I was actively trying for that entire time. I am sorry if that causes confusion!
    xo – kb

  653. Sorry I didn’t mean to confuse. It took 22 months for Weston to happen…plain and simple. And that included 13 months of ‘trying’…like I said before, I was one of those dummies that thought I couldn’t get pregnant while breastfeeding (obviously I am busting that myth)…so my goalie was breastfeeding full-time. I don’t pretend that it took me longer or shorter…it is what it is…but I am still very happy and hopefully folks will be willing to celebrate this good news with me.
    xo – kb

  654. Congratulations but was it necessary to say you feel bad or guilty for those women who can’t get pregnant right away or ever? I think your post took a left turn when you did and somehow managed to ruin a post that would have been a nice one. It is like you felt an odd need to point out how much more fortunate or better you are then other women who are trying with no success. What was the point?? Confused.

  655. A heartfelt congratulations to the four (nearly 5!) of you! Such lovely news! I hope this isn’t too honest and I realise your in a hormone/emotion/exciting/scary place right now, but it just seemed a little strange to essentially say ” I’m pregnant, after trying for a normal amount of time in a normal way but I will apologise to anyone who isn’t”. That kinda took the yay and happy part out and really hammered home the point. I realise this wasn’t your intention and you have a big/thoughtful heart but you really don’t, as a normal/fertile woman understand what it is like to not experience this.

  656. Wow-wee! I never saw mine until I stopped nursing (16 months!) I had a chance to glance at some of the comments and you really did experienced the disappointment that comes with trying for 13 months. (not that it is a competition or you need validation-*geesh*) That is what makes this little baby #3 so surprisingly special! Steer clear of the negative hype! You have some baby growing to do!

  658. You are the sweetest. I feel for you, with all of your mixed emotions. You know how pregnancies fly by. I say soak it up…you are blessed! Congrats to you, Jeremy and the kids. Can’t wait to see that belly grow again! 🙂

  660. Hi Katie! I wanted to email you privately but couldn’t find an email address except for your advertising box. Anyway, I feel that the Lord wanted this to be public so here goes…

    My name is Amber and I have been following your blog for several years though this is my first time commenting. Kinda scary. I just wanted to send you uplifting words of encouragement regarding your new pregnancy and this post.

    First and foremost, congratulations on your Miracle! Psalm 127:3 reads “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” ESV. What an exciting and possibly frightening season filled with a vast range of emotions, some all at the same time…. remind yourself that your feelings are real, valid and common for many women.

    Our Awesome God has entrusted YOU to grow, love & mother this baby. It is your duty lean hard into God, take care of yourself, the life flourishing inside you, your husband & boys. Nobody else can do that. It’s a-okay for you to put your blog on the back burner. We, your loyal readers, will still be here when you feel up to leaving us note here or there. Even if they are weeks/months apart. No pressure sister.

    The ONLY things I want you to focus on right now is taking care of yourself & your family and cling to our Lord… I’d also like to encourage you to to ask for help (babysitting/chores/whatever else) if you need it. Your peeps will be here. Thats what friends are for right? cue: smile & hug.

    Also, I would like to commend you on the compassion, grace and love that you continue to express towards the hurt, the lost, the naysayers and the like here on your blog. It takes great courage to put yourself and your faith out there and satan will use any method he can to trip you up, make you doubt, hurt your feelings and pull you away from your God given privileges. I know first hand, as during this season of my life I am battling postpartum depression and satan just loves to steal joy.

    Please take heart Katie, 1 John 4:4 read “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” NIV. Even back in 2010 you wrote about the “Nature of Blogging”. Keep pressing on.

    Everyone we meet has a story and everyone is at a different place in their lives. I am a momma to a sweet 5 month old baby girl and our first baby lives in Heaven (1st trimester miscarriage spring 2012). The journey to motherhood is different for everyone but the deep unescapable longing & heartache is the same. God used our first baby to bring me back to Him and I am forever grateful for the tragedy and beauty of that experience, as well as the difficult pregnancy and birth that brought our 2nd Miracle into our arms this year. It makes the goodness of His gifts so much sweeter.

    You are lavishly loved by our Lord Katie. Keep fighting the good fight in His Name.

    Praying for your growing family, the Miracle inside you and your Heart.

    Warmly, your sister in Christ,
    ♥ Amber Y.

    “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12 ESV.

  662. Huge congrats Katie! I just got the news that I too am pregnant, which was a bit of a shocker because we were not trying, but intended to start in just a few months. This baby has it’s own time table though, and I am pleased to jump on board! I hope that you are enjoying your vacation as much as possible and that the sickness/tiredness starts to abide soon.

    (and I have a feeling this is your little girl addition… No reason to think that of course, but it just popped right into my head!)

  663. And if you are blessed with a little one you’ll also be able to say that you know how that pain feels. Having a child doesn’t negate the ache you had in your heart while waiting. I think you spoke kindly and from your heart, but there are a lot of us with children who went through the pain of uncertainty and remember how it felt to not be able to get pregnant.

  664. Completely understand the shock… I had the same feelings when I was pregnant with both our boys! Excitement WILL come, hang in there!

  665. Your reply and the story about your BFF brought me to tears. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

  666. Well, this is one of the many things that is different for everyone. I am still nursing my 15 month and just got my period back at 14 months. Just because you haven’t gotten your period back, though, doesn’t mean you aren’t/haven’t ovulated. You could be lucky and catch that first egg before you even see your cycle. That’s why most doctors recommend some other form of birth control if you don’t want to get pregnant. Some people effectively use breastfeeding as a form of birth control, but for it to be effective you pretty much need to exclusively breastfeed and bedshare (so you are nursing around the clock…I got my period back around a month after we stopped doing that), and couple it with natural family planning methods like charting your cycle and pulling out. Any bleeding before six weeks is technically still your lochia (the bleeding that happens after having a baby), but if you have had something after that it is probably a period. With all of the hormones from breastfeeding, they can still be really irregular, though. If you don’t want another baby right now, I would use another form of birth control.

    Some women feel uneasy about not seeing Aunt Flo for so long, so they buy a bunch of cheap pregnancy tests online and take one once a month as their monthly “not pregnant” check (which can also help date a pregnancy, seeing as if I had gotten pregnant before seeing my cycle, my last missed period would have been two years earlier!) .

    Sorry to hijack with an impromptu health class.

  667. I sincerely wish that the readers requesting that Katie not speak on behalf of those struggling with their own infertility would heed their own advice. I too have struggled with conception for six long years and one miscarriage and just as I am sure that each and every reader does not agree with everything Katie has written, I do not agree with those claiming that she is being condescending to others. I feel that she speaks with heartfelt honesty in regard to the emotional roller coaster that she is on. I would also assume that many of the friends she speaks of are not just readers, but humans that she interacts with in real life. And I am sure she has seen the look in their eye each an every time she has announced a pregnancy…the same look I have given my baby brother & his wife twice now. The one that says, I love you, I’m overjoyed for you, but it hurts me too. And for someone who wants and adores children, it doesn’t matter if you wait 4 weeks, 9 months, or 10 years…the waiting is excruciating. It’s not a race to see who struggles the most…if it were I would most certainly allow someone else to “win”. So please, stop judging…move on if it bothers you so. Congratulations Katie…and thank you for being a considerate human being and remembering that everything is not sunshine & roses for every couple.

  672. Katie,
    I cannot understand why someone would write a comment that is anything other than kind, supportive and positive!

    I am not a comment writer, but needed to share this time.

    I appreciate your honestly and your willingness to share so much of your life on your blog! You are entertaining, informative and hilarious!
    Thank you for always being yourself! Your blog is one of my favorites and I (selfishly) hope you will always find time to write. Congrats on baby #3!

  674. Wow! You and your boyfriend are machines! Baby making machines! Very proud of your little, now big family, you are. (yes some Yoda for you in this happy time). I look forward to meeting the new little Bower.

  675. Congratulations Katie! Thank you for your kind post and acknowledging the people that struggle with fertility problems. We have tried for a baby for 4 years. Finally! This year on the day after Father’s Day our dreams came true and we saw those blue lines! We are due on February 13 and couldn’t be happier 🙂

  676. Amen! Ashleigh P……very eloquently put and I admire your response.

    Wishing you all the best 🙂

  677. Honestly, Katie, I don’t think you should ever apologize for being given a gift from God just because you know women who haven’t been given that same gift. You seem genuine and sweet and if the women who are able to become or stay pregnant can’t stand next to you and be happy, I’d say their not really true friends…or maybe God still has a lot of moving to do in their hearts in terms of jealousy. Congratulations! I couldn’t be happier for you! I hope your pregnancy is beautiful and swelling-minimal! 😉

  678. I have been a reader for about 2 years now and have never commented, but I think this post has pulled me out of my shell! Thank you so much for living your life out loud and congratulations to you and your family! I can’t imagine anything more exciting than ring pregnant! I’m one of the ones that has been trying for a year and a half now and I can honestly say that your posts on fertility and telling people how you felt are so comforting and reassure me that I am normal even if sometimes I feel nuts! Much love to you and yours as you start this next journey!

  679. CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family Katie! Sharing so much of your life online is brave and I (personally) admire you for it. I love reading your stories. Your honesty and sense of humor are refreshing. I am one of SO MANY woman who have commented that struggle with infertility and may never get to have a baby of my own but, when I read your post, I felt nothing but joy for you!

    I think your words were honest and heart felt (just like everything else you write). Im sorry that so may commenters have taken their pain out on your joy, you don’t deserve that no matter the circumstances of someone else’s journey to motherhood.

    I can’t wait to see your family continue to grow as you bring this new baby into the world and any others that you get to welcome! I am grateful for you and this blog Katie. I hope to continue to read for a very long time.

    Thank you!

  680. Katie, congrats! So happy for you and your family!

    As for some of the negative response you’ve gotten to this post – I feel sad. Each and everyday you blog from a personal place and put your feelings out there to share with the world – I cringe seeing people criticize you for that. You’re just blogging what you feel and isn’t that what we all came here to read? Someone who has such a wonderful thing happen to them shouldn’t be made to feel guilty about sharing her feelings on the subject!

    Sending love your way.

  681. If you’re close to someone who is really struggling with fertility and then you get pregnant, there is a bit of–not exactly guilt–but feeling that you’re hurting them somehow–a kind of rubbing it in. I’m not explaining it very well, but I’ve been there. It’s an honest reaction. I get it. You can be thrilled for yourself beyond belief and still feel badly that others may not be as lucky, yet.

  682. Congratulations! I’m pregnant with #1 (due mid-February) and I’m excited to have a prego-buddy in one of my favorite bloggers. 🙂

  683. I, for one, am thankful that you shared all that was on your heart. My husband and I struggled with infertility for 16 years and finally adopted our miracle. I’ll likely never experience pregnancy or have a child that shares my genes, and my sweet boy will likely never have a sibling. I’m ok with that. I love my life and I feel very thankful to be where I am.

    Have you been through what I have been through? No. Do you understand what I went through? Nope. And I don’t understand what you went through. Medically, you experienced Secondary Infertilty. That’s valid. You DO understand fertility challenges, even if you haven’t been where every infertile person has been. I love how you’ve allowed God to make you aware and sensitive to other peoples’ struggles in this area. So, as an infertile person who loves your blog, thank you for thinking of us.

    And congratulations on this new bundle of joy. 🙂

  684. As someone who went through the infertility pain I do appreciate your feelings for us! It took just under 4 years from when we started trying to get pregnant until we were placed with our baby a few months ago. Every pregnancy announcement in the meantime was incredibly painful. Thank you for your consideration!! And congratulations!!!

  687. I just wanted to post a thank you note. Thank you for your blog. I stumbled upon it in a roundabout way about 4 months ago and I am simultaneously learning about your past 4 years and your present day life. So many times I have clicked on my shortcut to your page and just sat in awe that your most recent post or the archived post where I left off is just what I needed to read to provide insight into a problem or inspiration for diy projects or a reminder of how I should be cherishing the people who are special to me. You are an angel in my life, and your blog is a blessing.

    Now that the selfish part of the post is done, I just want to tell you that I am so happy for you and your boyfriend as you add one more sweet baby to your family. As someone who has seen friends and family go through any number of fertility issues and non-issues, I just want to reassure you that you are not doing anything wrong by expressing your feelings. They are your feelings, and they are personal to you alone. If others choose to take them personally, well that is just a sign that they are hurting more than they can handle at the moment.

    To those who are angry at your words, I lost both of my parents at a young age to different long-term illnesses, and when people would reach out to me and express empathy and sympathy, there were many times when I thought or outright told them that they didn’t understand how I was feeling. As I have gotten older, and have witnessed others experiencing similar losses, I regret acting that way. Most people do understand loss and pain and frustration and anguish. No, they could never slip inside my hearts and feel exactly what I was feeling at that moment, but that doesn’t mean their hearts weren’t breaking for me and my siblings. Maybe others don’t always choose the words we would like to hear when expressing their feelings, but in situations like those, I have learned the hard way that a little grace goes a long way.

    xoxo – Jen

    P.S. I am from the North Hills area of Pittsburgh, so I was suuuuper excited to read that you love to shop at Gabriel Brothers!

  688. Congratulations Katie! I’ve been wondering why we haven’t heard much from you and now I know why! My 2nd and 3rd were only 16 months apart and I would have to say that having them that close in age has been wonderful, not enough time to forget everything like I did with my 4th. 🙂 I pray you are blessed with a happy and healthy pregnancy.

  689. I’ve heard if you get pregnant while breastfeeding the likelihood of twins increases 😉

  691. Congratulations!!! I am so excited for the Bower clan! I started reading after the birth of Weston so I am looking forward to follow along your pregnancy and then see the babe! I am convinced it’s a girl because Will and Weston would be the perfect protective older brothers. That’s my vote! But then again you guys do have a history of making super cute boys…. hmmm…. I’ll have to stay tuned.

  692. Thank you Molly. For reading what I said for what it was. Not hate, or malice or “mean” but a candid explanation explaining feelings that I know many more have but are afraid to voice them.

    My disdain is not for Katie herself, I actually like her and enjoy her blog. My issue is with the over the top apology for being pregnant and what I (amongst others) read as pity and sisterhood in a club she is by no means a member.

    Since so many feel I need help and hugs think of it this way…you have cancer and have been through treatment for years and there’s no hope. You go to a support group and someone stands up and says “I had a mammogram that looked funky so I had another and I’m fine, no cancer but man that week of not knowing was a bitch!” How’d you feel?

    That’s how we who really are infertile felt reading this post.

    Also, Molly, thank you for not wanting to hug me as well. 😉

  693. I never asked for or needed your sympathy. By you saying that you show you missed the point of my comment entirely.

  694. Thank you. It sounds like we’re due around the same time. March 4th here. Praying that you have a healthy and easy pregnancy.

  695. Congratulations, Katie!! I am so happy for you and your family. I’m thinking thoughts of pink. 😉

  696. Katie, ahem, you are very kind and sweet and very diplomatic with your readers because I’m sure you don’t want to stir the pot with anyone who may be offended by your baby news. But enough’s enough. Ladies, step off! Every single woman has the ache in her womb for ANY woman who cannot have children. EVERY. SINGLE. WOMAN. Now…..leave the pregnant lady alone. Stop harping on dates, figures, periods, non-periods, time lines and just….chill….if you have nothing nice, congratulatory, supportive or encouraging to say then please by all means grab a pillow and scream your grievances into that. This post nor this space or time is the appropriate place for this airing of errors. I know Tinkster you say you are not hiding behind “Anonymous” but with no link to where you reside online then yeah, you kinda are. I seriously doubt (hopefully) that you would EVER say this to another human face to face. Katie. Girl. Congrats. You are a kindhearted human being. Don’t go changin’. Enjoy your vacation. Do not let the hate speak on here sour your milk. Sheesh! Seriously? Really?!? WHO SAYS THIS TO A PREGNANT WOMAN ON HER ANNOUNCEMENT POST??? Way to class it up Tinkster….ay ay ay…..Katie just cue the music. http://youtu.be/9SKFwtgUJHs

    My best, Lynn

  697. A HUGE congratulations to you and your family!

    I am a long time reader, first time commenter, although in my own twisted fantasy land you, me, and Sherry are all BFF’s. When I first read this news (before your site crashed the day you announced it), I sobbed. Right smack in the middle of my office (yes, I’m very productive) emotion took over and I couldn’t stop it. Tears of joy for you, tears of sorrow for me. I tried to comment and wish you congratulations, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. With two years of trying under my belt, one round of successful Clomid last November resulting in a miscarriage in February of this year the message you delivered spoke directly to me. I appreciate your heart, and your sharing of it on a daily basis, and your caring for those of us still waiting. Thank you for sharing. So with that said…

    I took a pregnancy test this morning… It was positive. I’m COMPLETELY freaking out.

    Congratulations again to you and your family!

  698. Congratulations, Katie! I have been reading your blog for over a year but I think this is the first time I have commented-thank you for speaking honestly about your feelings, no matter how others chose to take your comments. I don’t think it is fair of others to invalidate what you are feeling or your experience-I am a mom to two boys (2 yr old, and a newborn, 13 days old!). It took us 2-3 yrs (full of medications, injectibles, failed IUI and being told I needed IVF) to have our first son due to PCOS and only 3 months of trying to conceive our second. Although we easily got pregnant the second time around, I would disagree with anyone who said I did not know about dealing with infertility–the pain of feeling that my body was inadequate, and the jealousy of seeing friends get pregnant–simply because it did not meet some kind of definition of length of time that it took to get pregnant. Best of luck to you with your pregnancy–I can’t wait to keep reading along to see how it goes for you!

  699. Congrats Bower family! I have read a lot of these comments and am shocked by such negativity. I have been pg 5 times. We have one 4yr daughter that is truly a blessing and miracle. My 3rd pregnancy, we heard the strong heartbeat only to come back 3 weeks later to find that my little one went to live with Jesus. 3 miscarriages and one D and C. The darkest part of my life. Some marriages fall apart during such continued heart ache, we truly believed all that we went through made us stronger. After being referred to an reproductive specialist, I have a blood clot disorder. So Heparin twice daily throughout my entire pregnancy. Children are a blessing from God. So happy for your family. Many blessings ahead and prayers for a healthy mom and baby.

  700. I’ve never commented on any blog before, but I just had to say that I am surprised at how negative so many of these comments are given your happy, happy news. The fact that you obviously read these comments and respond to so many of them, despite how unnecessarily hurtful and nit-picky they are, is really a testament to you! I think everyone should be happy that another loved baby is entering the world. Big congrats to you and your growing family!

  702. Dear Katie,

    I’m so happy for you and your cute Family! Thank you for sharing.

    I can totally relate to how you feel about being happy about these big news and sad for others who aren’t as lucky in this very moment. I’m pregnant with my firs child (due end of September) and very close friends of ours are aching badly for a babe of their own and hurting a lot because of infertility. It’s hard to not be all in their face-happy, but at the same time not leave them out of this experience.

    I’m praying HIS protection over your family and that you will get your energy back soon.

    All the best,
    Alina

  704. In a single post you called Katie racist, ignorant, immature, and a liar. You may call that candid, but I call it what it is……mean.

  705. I think you are a sweetheart for having such a big heart to worry so much about those that haven’t been blessed like you have been. I get it too. My husband and I have just begun “trying.” Our best friends have been “trying” for 4 years and have tried everything under the sun to get pregnant. While we really want a baby for ourselves, I am TERRIFIED of it happening too easy and of having to tell them we are pregnant. I feel like it will break their hearts, and it would break ours to tell them. It’s actually been the reason we have been waiting. You should be happy for your family and thankful for your new addition. It’s just hard to feel that way when you are someone who cares so much for others.

  709. Ashleigh-Excellent post. Congratulations Katie and I hope the negativity from some doesn’t get you down. You stayed true to you, like always, and that’s why we love you!!!!!

  710. I never (rarely) comment though I always follow along your blog! I just have to say my peace with this one. I’m a pediatric psychologist. I watch parents struggle with so many things- kids who are dying, kids who have chronic illness. I watch moms who lose children and moms who fight big fights and have survivors. I’ve worked with mamas in the NICU and I’ve seen moms struggling from post partum. And even in that way, the same thing I hear on this blog in these comments is reflected: moms judging moms for their individual experience. It really frustrates me because comparing is no way to understand.

    So here it is- sorrow and grief and lust (for a baby, for a healthy child, for a chance at life) are real. Real, real things that people experience. Maybe Katie, you can’t understand the longing mama-to-be who needed 8 rounds of IVF. But you understand the pain you felt every second waiting for Weston. And that’s real. It’s sorrow that was yours. I think that as moms (I have a 16 month old) we jump on other moms who put themselves out there and express themselves. Why do we do this? Why is one person’s harder or worse than another’s– we can’t possibly always understand someone else’s perspective but it is what makes us such beautiful human beings. Our experience is ours.

    I think ALL moms and moms to be should support each other, encourage each other, respond the way you really have tried to with these comments- with a little bit of sympathy, even when it can’t be empathy. Sure, count your blessings, but don’t judge someone else’s grief.

    And just like our grief is our own, so is our joy. Congrats, enjoy that little one you are growing!!

  711. Katie,
    Thank you for blog, your honesty, and your willingness to allow all of us to peek into your thoughts each week. Your life is our open book…. Love it.

    As the mother of 4 children, I speak from experience when I suggest that Jeremy needs to let you sleep!!

  714. Congratulations, Katie! Best of luck with your pregnancy and I look forward to posts about your new little one, in utero and out. As a new mom, I love reading reflections and other posts on being a mom. Even though boys are great, my money’s on a little girl… 😉

    I hope you come to a peaceful place with your feelings about this. I don’t think you need to apologize for them. But I do hope that they turn to joy instead of guilt quickly. You deserve to be happy about this.

  715. Katie! Congratulations! My husband and I have struggled with infertility for years now. I sincerely appreciate your care and thoughts for those of us who have had these issues. I’m so happy for you and your family. Looking forward to following along with the adventure.

  718. Hi Katie! Congrats!!! Just a quick FYI at 10 weeks now doctors can do a blood test to ck for Downs and sex of baby without you waiting until the traditional 20 weeks. It is called a Cell Free fetal dna test. Some insurances cover it. We are dieing to know boy or girl! Congrats again to you and yours.

  719. Very well said Ashleigh P, I couldn’t have put it better myself. Congratulations Katie, lovely news 🙂

  720. I am so excited to hear this! I’m behind on blog reading but my friend that I met up with at the beach was telling me you were pregnant so I had to get online and see for myself! This is great news and I can’t wait to read the updates! Congrats!

  722. Hi Katie – First of all Congratulations! I just wanted to let you know that my youngest daughter (she will be 31 next month) is expecting her second child in December – her first child will be 18 months old when the little one comes. She and her husband tried for over five years to have a baby before they were blessed with baby #1, so to say they were surprised, shocked, and so overcome with happiness when they found out about this new little one is an understatement! I keep my sweet grand baby – and will keep #2 also – so I was a little hesitate about having another baby so close together, but after a little time to “wrap my head” around it – I’m thrilled. Please allow me to tell you what I told my daughter – just take a deep breath and everything will work itself out. Once again Congratulations and I can’t wait to read all the updates!
    Hugs-
    Carol

  723. As I read some of these comments, it reminded me of one of my favorite quotes:

    “To draw an analogy: a man’s suffering is similar to the behavior of a gas. If a certain quantity of gas is pumped into an empty chamber, it will fill the chamber completely and evenly, no matter how big the chamber. Thus suffering completely fills the human soul and conscious mind, no matter whether the suffering is great or little. Therefore the “size” of human suffering is absolutely relative.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

    Whether someone struggles with infertility for a year, 22 months, or a decade, they have suffered, and to me, it seems really pointless to argue about who has experienced the most pain, or what constitutes “true” infertility. From my perspective, Katie is mourning with those who mourn, and doing her best to be sensitive to others. I think it would serve us all well to be understanding of the fact that it is not easy to share news like this with a huge audience of strangers, knowing full well I am sure that some people are looking for a reason to criticize.

    Congratulations Katie – I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!

    XO,
    Maria

  724. Such a cute baby playing on those seems to be loving life. Such exciting news. I wish you the best.

  725. Congrats to you.

    As a mom to two who would have loved to have filled a home with 3 or 4 I appreciate the nod to those who fertility hasn’t gone as planned. Sometimes when I tell people “congrats!” there’s a little tension around my eyes, it’s subtle but my friends notice. And I hate it, because I really am grateful that someone gets to have these beautiful adorable children.

    I can’t wait to see this new one and to enjoy them through your fantastic photos and stories. True congrats to you, and thank you for sharing your life with readers again and again. Seeing happy, loved children makes my own heartache a little easier. (It’s the moms screaming at the littles in Walmart that breaks my heart.)

  727. Amen! Very nicely put! And Congratulations, Katie!! Cheers to a happy & healthy 9 months!! 🙂

  728. Hi Katie,
    I’ve read your blog for a few years but have never posted. Some of the first comments to this post have brought me out of lurk-dom. I suffered infertility for 14 years and I have to admit that when someone claims to know how I feel after a short period of their own struggle my first reaction is frustration because there is NO way they can know my pain. But the truth is that everyone’s pain and struggle is real and it is not a competition! I have always been grateful to people like you who recognize that their joy may cause others pain. It is way better than those who ignore the pain all together. Saying all that I now have a beautiful 8 month old daughter and I felt the (dare I say) same joy/guilt on my first Mother’s day that you described. That’s life and that’s honest.

  729. Congrats Katie. I think your news is just beautiful! My third has been such a joy to our family and finished our perfect little family.

    It took me TEN years to have my first and now I am a 40 year old mom to an 8 year old, 6 year old and 2 year old. I remember the sting every single time someone told me they were pregnant but I was always so happy for them. I also remember being on the other side of that coin. If we were not loving and caring humans, we wouldn’t feel that on either side so it’s not a bad thing!

    Good luck!

  730. Meghan…you sure have a wonderful way with words. I read that four times and felt like I need to learn a little more of those lessons every day.
    xo – kb

  731. Congrats! Only God knows why you are going to be a mother again when others you love patiently wait. Enjoy this time instead of feeling guilty. Smile! And sleep.

    We have three boys. Two are the same age for one week. We didn’t plan either. One is in medical school and the other studying hard for his dental examinations.

    And by the way, I was so exhausted between the two, I literally fell asleep on the couch and didn’t move for hours while the “doctor” played by himself. They survived so will your children.

    God bless.

  734. CONGRATS!!!! I’m so excited for you. Your boys are adorable and I can’t wait to see the new addition join your crew. Love you blog!

  737. I recommend a van. Unhip? maybe. Super practical? Hellz yes!!! With 3 its the only way I can leave my house and get groceries 🙂
    Also, ignore people who are trying to race you the end of a heartbreak marathon….everyones pain is thier own and real. Just ignore those who try to make you feel badly for sharing your heart.
    congratulations!!!

  738. Congratulations! I had to check the date on the post for a second. I thought I had skipped back several pages! You’re obviously such a kind person to think of others at this time. This sounds like a jerk thing for me to say but don’t feel guilty for your blessings. Now I have to anxiously await a video announcement of the gender!

  739. The lab that has proprietorship will not run the test on someone if they are not considered high risk. They are currently working on approval for the general population. Even if you do fall into the high risk category you may have to fight your insurance for coverage. The cost is somewhere between $2000-3000.

  740. Congratulations Katie!!! Such wonderful news. I am living with my baby fever vicariously through you 🙂 Yayy babies!! Crossing my fingers for a Bower baby girl!!!

  742. Katie – I’m one struggling with infertility and about to start IVF this fall. I appreciate what you tried to do with this post, but something about it rubbed me very wrong. It’s something I’ve seen a lot of in my struggles to get pregnant and it’s something I’m afraid you might have done. I’m hoping you can clarify.

    You say in this post you’ve tried over two years. Yet according to your posts:
    https://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/01/a-whole-lotta-cranky/ and
    https://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2012/03/a-very-sappy-video/

    it actually looks like it was a little over one year.

    I’ve debated writing this post because I don’t want to sound like a “bitter infertile” but this is something that has just rubbed me wrong since I’ve first read the news. I know some people exaggerate their TTC timeline and hope that’s not the case.

    Regardless, love your blog, love what you’re doing and wish you all the very best.

  743. Congratulations! Love your blog and will continue reading whether it’s one post per day or one per month.

  745. I encourage you to read the other comments. I fully explained the situation. We never prevented getting pregnant after Will…because I was under the illusion that breastfeeding would allow me to not ovulate (even though I had a period) which I found out later is not true. Yes, to confirm those posts, we only TRIED for 13 months before getting pregnant…so technically speaking, it took 22 months for Weston to get in my uterus…it was only 13 months of actual TRYING. Does that make any sense? I never intended to offend anyone and I am so sorry if you feel that I was taking away from your struggle.
    xo – kb

  747. Well said! I have been trying to get pregnant for over three years, and am told that it is very likely that I will in time. But even when that does happen, it will not erase the pain of the last three years. It hurts no matter how long it takes. I totally agree that people are being way too judgemental of your emotion toward them – you are a sincere and heartfelt person expressing your honest feelings, and I commend you for that.

    With that being said… CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you 🙂

  748. I’m sorry – but I personally think it is ridiculous and selfish for people to be angry with Katie because she is pregnant with Baby #3. YES, infertility can be a devestating struggle. But how dare you attack someone and make them feel guilty for having children. How self-important can you possibly be?
    I am also really shocked at the number of women who believe that they cannot get pregnant while breastfeeding.
    Congrats, Bowers.

  749. thanks for the info-you pegged it…nursing around the clock and co-sleeping due to sleep apnea concerns from my boy getting RSV at 2 months. We are in unfamiliar territory with thinking about protection since it took us so long to get pregnant with our first (a few IVFs, IUIs-many unexplained years etc) and a sweet “spontaneous” second-that it is not impossible to happen a third time too. I was just surprised that someone nursing could get their “Aunt Flo” a few months after birth while full time nursing. That is pretty amazing. I personally love the break from not seeing her :0)

  750. Congratulations!
    We lost our first one (miscarriage) at 5 months, and I was told by the doctor that it was highly unlikely that I’d ever conceive again, or carry to full-term (heart-shaped womb). Cue one surprise pregnancy of a darling girl, late at 41 weeks. Take that, the medical profession!
    The kitchen sink bath is something I never thought to do, until the time we stayed at a vacation cottage with friends where the baths were non too clean. The photos from that bath are just lovely.
    Never lucky enough to have a second one. We are thankful to have the one we have. It’s just the way it was meant to be for us.

  751. Congratulations on your pregnancy news!
    I love reading yours and other blogs especially Young House Love!
    The fact that you share your intimate family moments with the world and make people feel apart of it is something special.
    Today however I feel sick to the stomach for you that you had to make this post the way you did. This should be filled with love, positivity and excitement. Another beautiful soul in this world is a blessing to all. Nothing should take away from this experience for you especially not other people’s jealousy and negativity. I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through in their infertillity troubles but do they really wish it upon others I imagine not so why be unhappy when you hear of another’s joy!
    Love an light from Australia.
    (P.S Zaly (Zay-Lee) a great name if you have a girl 😉 xx )

  752. Congratulations Katie!! I am so excited for you! Even though I don’t even know you – which makes it slightly awkward. But yall make such cute babies, how could I not be excited?!! Can’t wait to hear about how you found it and follow you on this journey. I love that you overshare, ha! Cheers to a healthy and wonderful preganancy!

    ps I hope it’s a girl!!

  755. I agree. I get what she was trying to do considering there may be a lot of readers who aren’t fertile, but I think if you are fertile and feel bad that you are and others aren’t, that’s your guilt to bear and you shouldn’t try to make yourself feel less guilty by mentioning the infertile peoples’ difficulties. It’s best to not discuss it and to hope that the infertile people are handling things alright and not taking their misfortunes out on those who have had better luck. You certainly can’t force the bitter people to not be angry at you by bringing up and discussing their infertility, and if people who are infertile never looked at it that way to begin with when you mention a pregnancy, then they’re going to be rubbed the wrong way when that person puts thoughts/words in their mouths. I have not yet tried to have children so I don’t know what side of the fence I am on, this is just my unbiased perspective.

    It’s like telling a disabled friend in a wheelchair that you are excited to run a marathon and then pointing out their disability. It’s not appropriate.

  756. How?! What?! Huh?! How did I miss this post?!?!?!

    I’m so happy for you & your family! 🙂 🙂 🙂

    xoxo

  759. Congratulations to you and the rest of the Bower clan! Such exciting news! I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
    We just found out that we are pregnant with our first. I am currently 5 weeks along, and so scared and nervous about miscarriages. In your pregnancies, have you felt those nerves as well? How do you deal with it?
    I think what you wrote is very sweet. Even for those who don’t experience any infertility struggles, it hurts to see those who do. My co-worker has been trying for a year and I feel so guilty to have gotten pregnant on our first try. I am so thankful and know that anything could happen, but I am dreading just a little bit the day when I tell her. I think its human nature to feel empathy for those who are struggling…your post was not condescending at all, but heartfelt and full of love for those around you.
    Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with the rest of us.

  760. Gosh, who knew trying to be empathetic and sensitive would get you so much hate mail?? As someone struggling with infertility myself, I thought your post was very well done. Someone can acknowledge the pain of infertility, and the pain that pregnancy announcements can cause, whether their own journey to pregnancy has been long or short, difficult or easy. I appreciate anyone bringing light to the pain of infertility. And it was refreshing to me personally that this announcement was not all “We’re pregnant! It was so easy and unexpected! It’s so great! We’re blissfully happy!” Honesty from a blogger is to be commended, and I think your post was terrific. I hope the haters don’t get you down during such a joyous time in your life!

    PS: Everyone else is hoping for a girl so I guess I’ll hope for a third adorable Bower boy 😉

  761. Just skimming posts and so surprised I missed this one! Katie, this is amazing and I am so excited for you and your family!

    I think it is funny everyone is hoping for a little girl. My grandmother had 4 boys and she always wished for a little girl back then. My sister and I were her first grand-babies and she has told me a million times she is so glad she didn’t get to have girls until later, it made it even more sweet! We are so close to our grandmother now and I believe it’s because we are her girls! Plus, 4 little boys was a world of fun. Seriously, my uncles and my dad tell so many stories of their times together and even now there is no shortage of golf games and sports bar hang outs.

    Of course, having a little girl is awesome, too! Just wanted to point out that having a house full of boys is an amazingly wonderful blessing!

    3 cheers for boy or girl, just a healthy sweet baby bower and a smooth pregnancy! & I am interested to see if the W. initial trend continues… Winnifred (Winnie), Wren, Wynne, Walter, Wilkie, Walker, etc. Could be Fun!

  763. Oh that is so sweet! And I can pretty much guarantee that the W thing won’t continue. We like to choose names based on meaningfulness to us and our family…and there is a whole lot of others that we like that mean A TON to us.
    xo – kb

  764. Re: W names…. I guess after the 3+ child mark it starts to get gimmicky? E.g. Duggars

    Anyways, boy or girl, W or any other letter, blue eyes or brown, cheers for the new little Bower!

  766. Hi Katie b!!
    I’m so sorry I had to comment.. I feel so awful that this post has turned out the way it did for you.. I think its absolute bullshit that you are getting nasty comments for trying to explain your feelings on YOUR OWN BLOG!!! This is your blog, not anyone elses.. I hate that your not able to shout with excitement your awesome baby number 3 news!! What an awesome time for your family, I’m so happy for you.. I think it shows what kindness you have in your heart to feel this way about other friends and people who are trying to conceive.. I think you are a beautiful person Katie, please don’t let anyone upset you xxxxxxx

  767. Absolutely! I think everyone feels those nerves! My mom always told me growing up that whenever I would get stuck in a bad/nervous/sad mood that I just need to change my mind and choose to be something different. It’s hard…but possible. I like to think that I feel too much rather than too little and sometimes I have to remember that being in control of my emotions is a skill like running fast or jumping high…it takes practice and it’s not always natural.
    xo – kb

  769. That’s not true. I’m not high risk and I had the test done. My insurance covered a small portion, and then the lab discounted the rest of the $2000 bill to $150 for paying on time.

  771. Congrats and please please please take extra good care of yourself when pregnant and breastfeeding. Your body is literally the last one in line now- as you know – and your growing baby needs a lot from you. I experienced a late loss last year (at 20 weeks…we actually had the exact November due date) and since I was breastfeeding I can’t help but wonder if that had something to do with it. Luckily, I’m holding my week old son now- perfectly healthy and beautiful. Just a note that I know how super draining it is – I’m sure you’re on top of it. 😉

  772. I struggled for many years with infertility and have felt all the range of emotions that go with it. I thought you did a wonderful job with this post…it was sensitive, compassionate and joyful all at once. Thank-you for being so aware of the stuggles other people face. Best of luck with number 3!

  773. First of all Congratulations!!! 😀 i would like to say that my first reaction was YEI! but it wasn’t
    :/ i was looking at your blog for some painting tips and then i thought, ”why is she posting so much about maternity stuf maybe one of her friends is pregnant or someone in her family… ” then i read this post!!!
    And i though “whaaaaa? then while i continued reading i just feel very happy for you and your family…
    At this point I just have one friend who is having the same infertility issues as me, sometimes i feel bad that my other friends act and say things as if my life was so easy without kids and so perfect!!! hate hate that!!! I know that you can understand me a lot much better than other friends, and I really apreciate that!! I’ve always like the way you say things, the way you think.
    I just wish you the best!!! 😀

  774. It’s one of those things that I am having a hard time finding information about…how to do both (being pregnant and breastfeeding)…I would love any insight! I am doing my best at that task (better than prior pregnancies) and it helps that Weston is already seeming to wean. I want to make it to a year with him (just like I did with Will) but I might be one of those gals that is only breastfeeding once a day those last two months.
    xo – kb

  775. Katie – thank you so much for the good karma and wishes!!! We had two miscarriages in a row, one early, one late, after a year of trying to convince my hubby to even CONSIDER having another, and now I’m finally (5 weeks, hope it sticks!) pregnant! Hope some of you other ladies who’ve been trying get some good luck too 🙂

  776. Hey Katie! Hope everything’s good with this pregnancy as well as with the 2 babes. Thought you might be interested by this post and its comments : http://neonfresh.com/mommyjacking/
    It really relates to some other comments I could read here, and brings the debate further… In a nice way… 🙂

  777. Actually noticed that you have to scroll down a little bit through the comments I was talking about to actually get on my point : the debate about something like “why blaming the others?”

  779. Katie you are so sweet to think of everyone. I’m excited for you! You come out with really cute kids and I can tell you love them each so much.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get the latest via email!