P1 (Peanut 1) Jordan and P2 Gabriella play together before bedtime.
We have come to another part of our journey that will change our family dynamics. We are adding P3! Another step in the right direction.
Randy and I cannot express the joy that fills our hearts when we talk about our P1, P2 and now P3. God could not have blessed us with more joy than what fills our lives with times spent with our munchkins. I can remember talking with him over instant messenger during college on what our thoughts may be about our future family. I wish I would have kept our conversations because I think we may have even thrown our favorite names out there and I truly struggle trying to choose the right fit.
P3’s announcement came out in November. Of course, becoming pregnant again after our journey with Jordan creates anxiety about what the future holds for all involved. As I’ve said in the past, no one plans on having a child with special needs. The thought of the day that we found out about Jordan’s diagnosis at his 20 week ultrasound causes a certain ache that I can’t explain. The fear of the unknown and what is in store for you and your child is so emotional, but when you look at the journey and how God has been so faithful in every step of our way makes me thankful for where’ve come and how we’ve grown.
Having Dr. (John) Stewart at Cleveland Clinic Akron General be our coach on our journey has been a blessing as well. He’s always been the rock that keeps us grounded and we appreciate the care that he gives to each one of us. When we entered the office for our third round he hugged us and expressed how excited he was that we were back again. We had our first ultrasound by Bonnie, who was our comfort on the day that we went in for our first ultrasound with Jordan. Having her there is like having family around. Again, she expressed how excited she was to see our name back on the list. Little did we know that having a 12-week ultrasound would reveal enough to give us a peace that P3 was developing just as a fetus should, and quite active at that. We really weren’t expecting that news until our 20 week ultrasound, so we were beyond thankful to place our minds at ease.
Next, was the reveal that we are expecting. We wanted to make sure we could reveal all news of a new addition as well as the health of the baby. As usual, we felt our children needed to be the first to know and knew we needed to get the news out soon after due to their excitement. We sat them down and I handed Jordan the ultrasound picture. He looked at it and asked “Is this my hip or my ankle?” Ok so you know you’ve been on quite the journey when these questions arise. We explained that he was going to be a big brother again and Gabriella would be taking on the identity of big sister. Hugs all around!
Gabriella and Jordan cherish each moment they have with each other and are excited to add a sibling.
We then let them share the message by calling all the family members to let them know that we would be adding another pumpkin to our patch.
The way that our family dynamics have played out, we have centered so much of what we do around Jordan and his needs. We often wondered how he would react to siblings and how they would react to him. There is nothing that is a part of his life here on earth more precious than his relationship with Gabriella. They cherish each moment they have with each other and ask where the other is if they are not there. I pray that their relationship grows that much bigger as we add another to the mix.
I think Jordan is more excited about P3 than the rest. Almost every night he asks to feel the P3, talk or sing. He reminds me how big my belly is getting and checks to make sure I still have a belly button. Only you son, only you.
So time will tell what’s in store for our family as we enter into a family of 5.
The Pollocks announced last Fall that they are adding another pumpkin to their patch in April.
