Just when we thought our family was complete, we found out it wasn’t…
…SURPRISE!!!
Finding out this news has literally been the biggest surprise ever. I am officially 12 weeks pregnant today, and we just found out about this baby 3 weeks ago. Isn’t that so crazy?! Even when we found out, I still could not even believe that this was even real. I have been told by multiple doctors that it’s impossible because of how terrible my endometriosis is–this baby is quite literally a miracle. And for the past three weeks, I’ve been guarding my heart in fear that I would miscarry like I did the one time I was pregnant before Harrison.
Dustin was able to go to my most recent doctor’s appointment with me, and he was able to hear the heartbeat :). Our baby has a strong heartbeat and was very active during the ultrasound!
I have had a wide array of emotions during this pregnancy–like worrying how Harrison would handle the news but also worrying about the things people might say to us (and I feel like those were overtaking any sort of excitement I had).
So I did want to address that since it did happen to me at my first doctor’s appointment to confirm this pregnancy. The nurse congratulated me that I would finally have a baby of my own after listening to God telling me to adopt my two boys. First, what she said was incredibly bad theology, but it also was very hurtful. After Harrison was born, I had someone (who I know meant well but it was wrong to say) tell me that since we adopted Harrison, I was going to get pregnant. Like that was the end goal the entire time. No, my goal has always been to be a mom and it didn’t matter how I became a mother. It also makes God sound like a magic genie. Just do this and God will reward you. That’s very wrong thinking about God.
I nicely told the nurse that my boys were my own children, but what she said still bothers me. And maybe because that’s the way some people think about adoption? I am beyond thankful that God built our family through adoption. I think it’s so beautiful. And now that he’s adding to our family biologically, I’m trusting in Him because I know everything He does is for my good and His glory.
So here we are–bringing a baby into our family in March when Banks will be 14 months old and Harrison will be 5. I am so thankful that Harrison is super excited and Banks has no clue ha! We are really excited, and we welcome any and all prayers as we navigate a new time in our lives!
I wanted to share this candid even though Dustin’s arm was in the way–sweet boys!
Sarah, I am so insanely happy for your family!!! What a sweet surprise!!
Thank you for also sharing your heart about adoption & the hurtful comments you received. Adoption is never second best, as some people think. I have 4 kids (2 bio, 2 who have been adopted) and I know the comments can kind of make you cringe sometimes. Lots of grace needed there! It’s not their life, it’s ours, and we love it ❤️
Again, huge congratulations to you!!!
Thank you, Andrea! You are so right!
I think that’s awesome…I don’t look at this as a “reward” but rather that you were meant to have your two boys and then once you followed through with Gods plan with them. You got pregnant to continue his plan for your family ❤️
I am definitely being reminded that it is not my will, but His. 🙂
Congratulations to all of you!! I know you are all excited. I will be praying for you and your sweet family. 💕
Yes, we are very excited! Thank you for your prayers!
Congratulations! Exciting times for you all! So excited to watch your family grow!
Thank you, Tracy!
Congratulations!! I am so happy for you and your precious family.
I have been following you for years and even more so when you got Banks. My daughter and her husband adopted a baby shortly after you did. Samuel is one month younger than Banks. Two weeks after they got home with Samuel she found out she was pregnant. The baby is due in November. Samuel will be 8 months old. They also have a 4 yr old named Elijah. God is so good and we are all so blessed. Samuel is a very happy baby like Banks. ❤
Wow! I’m sure your daughter was very surprised, too haha! Thank you for sharing her story with me, and thank you for sticking around!
Congratulations!! So happy for your family. I am a bio child with two adopted sisters and I’ve heard it all. 😭 People mean well (I think) but don’t realize the impact of their words. I am grateful to have my sisters. They could not be any more “real” lol. In adulthood, I’m blessed to have their friendship as we all navigate the many challenges life presents!
Michelle, you don’t know how much I needed to read your comment. Thank you for sharing your story with me!
I have been following you (not sure how I even came across you on IG) when you were going through adoption of Harrison. I am so thrilled for your family!! Your two boys are just precious. I show them to my daughters and have shared your adoption story. The way you all have trusted and followed God’s lead is such an example of trusting God with all things. God is such a kind Heavenly Father.
Congratulations! Harrison and Banks are going to be the best big brothers! I am holding you and your growing baby in my heart.
Oh friend, so much love to you all!!! Congratulations on what I say is your 3rd miracle. All your beautiful children are miracles of God! xoxoxo
I have been following you since you adopted Harrison and I am so incredibly excited for you!!! Your boys will be the best big brothers!
Thank you, Danielle! I know Harrison is a great big brother and I can’t wait to see how great Banks will be!
I’m proud of you for sharing the hurtful comments made by others. That’s such a hard thing to do, especially because you KNOW they are intending to be kind, but it’s the opposite. They say one thing that sticks to you, and they think nothing of it ever again. I still carry things that were said to me after Adam died almost three years ago. Honestly, I continue to get things said to me in this fashion. So, thank you for for this post.
Your family is STUNNINGLY beautiful. It is a joy to see it continue to grow. Congratulations!
Thank you, Courtney, for your comment! I feel like it’s so important to educate people on what’s okay to say and what is not okay to say. I did a post a while ago on appropriate adoption language because I truly felt people just didn’t know any better, and I’m hoping that people will learn from this, too. You’re right, comments can stick with you and it’s hard to forget them.
How exciting to add to your family!
Yes!!! Can’t wait!
Congratulations Sarah!! This is so exciting! I’ve loved following your story with Harrison and Banks. They are lucky little fellows!
We are so blessed to be their parents! And now can’t wait to add a new baby!
Congratulations!! Prayers for you and your family during this awesome journey.
Thank you! We’re excited!
I am so very happy for you! Your boys will be fantastic big brothers ! God is surely blessing you.
Thank you! He is definitely blessing us!
What a beautiful testimony of following God! This baby will be loved by two older brothers. What could be cooler?
Congratulations! God is so good all the time. I’ve been following you for some time, I was a student of yours in 7th grade English at Hartselle. (I’m 21 now so it’s been a while haha.) May God continue to bless you and your family!
Oh wow now I really feel old LOL!!! Thank you for your sweet words!
First off, yay that your blog finally loaded!!!!!
Secondly wahooo to baby #3!!!!!! So excited for you and the boys! Harrison is killing the big brother game, he’s gonna love to have another little sibling!
I’m so sorry it wouldn’t load! And yes, he’s such a great big brother that we told him he’s got to teach Banks how to be one, too! He’s excited!
Sarah, I rarely comment but have followed you for a long time. First, congratulations! I am so happy for all of you! You addressed your family situation so beautifully and said things that so many people experience so well. I will be praying for you!
Thank you for your kind words and prayers!!
Congratulations on another lovely miracle and blessing for your family!
Congratulations! Best news ever and many prayers for a healthy baby and mama.
Thank you so much!!
This is such joyful news. God works in mysterious ways! I pray you continue to have a healthy pregnancy. Maybe a little sister??
I’m just so very excited for y’all Sarah!! The best surprise!! Congratulations again!
Thank you, Lindsay!! Still can’t believe it!
My Heart!
What a miracle. Gods ways are good.
Yes they are!
Sarah, huge congratulations!!
I’ve followed along your infertility and adoption journey while going through my own struggles – your blog kept me afloat many times when I had no friends who understood what I was up against. Incredibly excited for you! I’ll be praying for your pregnancy and delivery.
My story has a happy ending also, praise the Lord. We found out we were expecting after we had prepared our home to foster teens & 12 years of infertility. We’re now expecting baby #2.
Thanks for sharing the good, bad and the ugly with us.
That means so much, Kitti! Thank you! God is good in all that He does 🙂