Yup. That’s right. Team Campbell is growing. We are expecting a baby this fall. Officially, my due date is November 18. However, if Bethany’s birth story could be an indication of how things will go this time, you should book your plane flights for July.

I did see the doctor at the end of April. So far, everything is going well, and Baby and I are healthy. She did an ultrasound, and I was surprised to see that I could make out Baby’s head, torso and arm buds. (The first ultrasound with Bethany was earlier on, and she just looked like a jelly bean.) We also had the pleasure of seeing Baby dance around, to the point of interfering with the doctor’s measurements. Why do I have the feeling I’m in for a challenge with this one?

Is Bethany excited?

I think so, but I’m not sure she really understands yet. We have a few friends who are pregnant, and she knows that their bumps are homes for their respective babies. And she’s fascinated whenever she sees real babies at church and in the grocery store. She did try to tickle and hug the baby in mommy’s tummy last week, so she’s starting to process something, at least.

How am I feeling?

Pretty good. My biggest problem so far with the pregnancy is exhaustion. I napped when I was carrying Bethany. A lot. But since she doesn’t nap anymore, I don’t have a chance to rest during the day. I haven’t had much nausea, but when it happens, it seems to be around dinnertime. Apparently, cooking odors and being at a very tired time of day are a bad combination. I’m hoping my energy levels will improve in a week or two after I hit the 2nd trimester mark.

I’ve officially hit the one-too-many-trips-to-the-buffet stage of pregnancy. I’ve grown just enough that my clothes are tight, but not enough to fit maternity. I definitely look different, but not different enough for friends to ask if I’m expecting a baby or just putting on a little weight. I’m looking forward to that phase ending soon, too.

Will we find out the gender this time?

We haven’t decided yet. Last time, we didn’t find out until Bethany was born. If it were all about me, I’d wait until baby’s birthday to find out. Honestly, I like the anticipation of the “It’s a girl!” moment. I am considering that it may be helpful for Bethany if we can name Baby ahead of time, though. Dustin said he doesn’t have a strong preference this time. Either way, we have a couple of months before we have to decide. We’ll let you know.

But which kind do we want?

Dustin likes having a girl. Even though I’ve tried to convince him that he’ll change his mind about that in about ten years or so (I was a girl, after, all. I know how they are…), he officially prefers to have another pink one. I’m still hoping that I really can handle two, regardless of gender.