A BABY STORY: The Best Surprise Ever!

As a mother of 3, driving 100 miles a day, working 8 hours a day, juggling family, career and social responsibilities, another baby is the last thing Pubs and I would plan to introduce to our hectic schedules. So when he looked at me and said, "You're pregnant again." I almost choked him. LIke, literally, wrapped my hands around his throat. What was he talking about. I have a 6 month old on my hip and 2 girls under the age of 7. If true, this will be my 3rd baby in 4 years! The crying. Diapers. Sleepless nights. Nursing. I can't do this anymore!!!

How can this man know my body better than I do? Ok, so I went to Taco Bell for lunch when even the smell of their (so-called) food turns my stomach. So what? That's not proof of pregnancy. Let's settle this once and for all. I picked up a quick test and stood there with my mouth wide open at the result. Feelings of uncertainty and shame ensued. How are we going to take care of 4 small kids financially? As a mother could I handle this? People are going to think we are horn dogs having babies like rabbits. Dogs. Rabbits. No matter the animal, I was embarrassed and convinced my husband would NOT be happy about it. He's already working as hard any man could.

So I didn't tell him. I tiptoed around praying the morning sickness, fatigue, and other obvious symptoms would remain at bay.

"Is there something you need to tell me?"

No, in that high pitched, I'm lying tone.

"Are you sure?"

Yes, my heart beating faster due to my dishonesty.

"Then what's this?" holding my pee stick. Oh, that. Remind me not to commit a crime because I'm awful at hiding evidence.

"When were going to tell me?"

When I got too big to hide it. Seriously. I thought you would be upset about having another baby.

He brought me close, looked me in the eyes. "Listen, I love you and I love creating a family with you."

I was speechless. Encouraged. Yet, still worried about public opinion. The holidays came around and we were ready to welcome my dad from California into town for Thanksgiving. We all had a great time with friends and family who immediately noticed my weight gain and insatiable appetite. Finally, my sister pulled me to the side and blatantly asks, "are you pregnant?" And again, I blatantly lie! Nope, that's turkey, dressing, and collard greens.

By the time my dad returned home and I went back to work, I received a phone call in my office. My dad is a funny guy always joking. So, I know the sound in his voice when he gets serious.

"I'm going to ask you a question. And I want a serious answer. Do not play with me. Are you pregnant?"

'Yes, dad.' I begin to tear up.

"Why did you lie? You have a husband who loves you and takes care of you. You're not on public assistance. You don't have a bunch of different baby daddy's. You have nothing to be ashamed of."

He was right. My dad can always make me feel better with his wisdom. I still wasn't ready to face the world. Honestly, I was still in denial. I hid the pregnancy, or so I thought, from my co-workers for 6 months. By the time I came to grips with the fact that my boys would be 15 months apart. It was almost time for him to make his arrival in the world and we still didn't have a name.

Everything I suggested Pubs hated. and I dismissed everything he presented as well. There has been a named I've always like. Not even sure why. "What about Gabriel?" Yeah, I like Gabriel.

Late one night, my stomach begins to cramp. Here we go, I think to myself. But instead of the contractions intensifying and coming in closer frequency, they were very sporatically. And the intensity varied - small, small, large, small. Medium, small, large, large, small. I was confused by the inconsistency, but I didn't want to take any risks.

Click here to read about me almost haiving a baby on a bridge.

By the time I got to hospital, all contractions topped. Nothing. False alarm. "Well, since you're here we might as well get you started." announces the nurse. The first and only baby I've had to induce. He stays physcially close to me to this day. Often needed some point of contact to fall asleep.

The pitocin make the contraction stronger than anything I've ever felt before. I just wanted him out. After being my OB for 3 years, my doctor seized his last chance to deliver one of my babies, Gabriel Ziere Long, the last of the Long clan, was a total surprise and certainly not planned. He's like a human tedd bear who loves to dance, cuddle, and read. And I call him the Best Surprise I've Ever Gotten.