Emily Maynard

See My Cute Family of Four? Well…

by 81 Comments

See my cute family of four? Well it’s all about to change at the end of this summer!

Why you ask?

Well.. I’m pregnant. Again. And before you even say anything, yes, I realize I just had Jennings like, 2 seconds ago. I guess I should’ve read that part in the baby handbook that says you’re super fertile after giving birth, huh? When this baby gets here, Jennings will be about 15 months old and even though I’m sure he’ll have no clue what’s going on, I feel a little guilty just because he didn’t get to be the baby for very long! Ricki is just so excited because now she gets to move into the playroom which happens to be the biggest room in the house.

Practically speaking, I have a hard enough time getting through the grocery store with a 7 month old and a 10 year old! How in the world do you mamas do it with even more little ones? I’ve already come to terms that my body may never be the same as it was before, my house my never be as clean as it is now, and laundry may get put off a little longer, but does anyone have any must haves or tips for 2 under 2? Goodness knows I can use all the help I can get!

With all that said, I truly couldn’t be more excited and I said about two weeks after Jennings was born that I couldn’t wait to have another, I just had no clue it would happen so quickly! Some of my closest friends have had a really hard time getting pregnant and my heart breaks for them, so I’m just so grateful for this blessing God has given our family. Tyler comes from a family of 4 boys and they couldn’t be closer, so I’m really looking forward to Jennings having a built-in best friend, whether it’s a boy or a girl. Rick is really hoping it’s a girl so she can teach her how to be a tomboy and play soccer!

BigBrotherJennings2016

I also want to say thank you to every one of you who has supported me and ordered my book, I Said Yes. I can’t even begin to tell you how much it means to me and I just hope you love the book and maybe it can even bring you some hope if you’re going through a hard time. I’m living proof that God has an incredible plan for each of us, we just have to be patient enough to wait for Him and His timing! If you haven’t gotten my book and still want to, just go to ISaidYesBook.com!

 

Comments

  1. Congrats! Love the realism you have out into this post. You are beautiful inside & out. God’s timing is always perfect.

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  3. my little ones are 18 months apart and I had a 3yr old. For sure there were some Rocky days but you find your groove. I used to wait for my hubby to be home so I could grocery shop lol
    You will do awesome !

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  4. Congratulations!! My oldest boys are 15 months apart, planned it that way! They are 9 and 10 now…things were/are always interesting! they will be best friends some day!!

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  5. Congratulations, emily!

    Being able to finally share the news with everyone is such a great moment! I’m expecting for the very first time, my due date is 2.sept and we just started to tell friends, up untill now only our parents knew. I hope you have a healthy pregnancy! greetings from germany!

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  6. I have a ten year-old daughter and identical twin boys that are almost 7 months old. That first ultrasound was a surprise, let me tell ya! it is non-stop with the babies. night time is the hardest for us. one wakes up the other and all bets are off. Routine is the name of the game to make it through the day. if I can do it, so can you! Also, start stocking up on Diapers now, since you’ll have two in them for at least a little while. Congratulations! Babies are such a blessing… even when they are a surprise!

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  7. My 3 daughter’s are 14 and 18 months apart and I am here to say you can do this! yes it’s a crazy kind of busy and some days are far more stressed than others, but raising them that close was also the most incredible experience I’ve ever had! they are now 19, 20, and 21 and all 3 are in college and they truly are each other’s best friends! hold on tight, time goes by so quickly, and just enjoy those babies! god bless your beautiful growing family <3

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  8. My middle two are 13 mOnths apart (i have 4). Honestly, they have been so good for each other. Ill admit, the first few months are difficult, but im not a fan of the newBorn stage. Having a great support systEm is a must and i pray that you have that. Jennings will neVer know a time without his siblings and i think thats a great thIng. Good luck, enjoy and bLessings to you and your family.

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  9. hi emily, being pregnant again can be tough. I know, i currenty have 5 (yes, thats right, 5) girls and theyre all under the age of 8. And theyre all girls!! Lol! It can be done. lots of love, proper discipline and PATIENCE. Oh and time, give yourself (and everybody else!)time to adjust to this wonderful lifechanging blessing. Theyre only little once 🙂 dont be hard on yourself and know youre doing the very best you can! Many blessings for the future!!

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  10. Congratulations!! My little girl was only 15 Months when our twins were born, three under 2 was definitely a struggle sometimes. Things i learned… do not feel guilty asking for help when you need it (we were a 4hr plane flight from the majority of our family and friends), things can wait (with the house), enjoy all those precious moments beCause they get big so fast and make sure to make special time for the older babies, my daughter had a bit of jealousy when the twins arrived, she loves them unconditionallY and they are the best of friends now (ages 3 And the twins are 2 now)!!

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  12. I completely relate with what you’re feeling. My husband and I have 5 yr. Old and now a 5 month old. I never knew that I was missing watching siblings connect until our little one was born. Now I find myself wanting another one closer to my baby’s age! Enjoy and congratulations!

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  13. I’M just so happy for you and your family. I think you are an incredible person and im so grateful for all of the postive And real content that you put out. Congratulations!

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  14. That’s so awesome! I have no tips or tricks since I only have one son and he’s eleven, but it’s just like when you become a first- time mommy….that instict will kick in. You’ll do just great.

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  15. I’ve been in your shoes! My first was 6 months old when we found out we were pregnant again! I was shocked! Guess i should have read the part about being super fertile after having a baby too! I was terrified, shocked, honestly i wasn’t over the moon happy excited but let me tell you– it is the absolute best! our boys are 14.5 months apart and i wouldn’t change it for the world. they are now 1 and 2 and they are the best of friends. my house is a mess. laundry is a major chore. and when the kids go to bed im exhausted but it is the best life. i trusted that god had a plan for us and his plan was perfect! best wishes to you and your family! and congratulations!!!

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  16. Congrats to you & your family!! I know what you’re talking about becaise when my 3rd son was 6 months old i became pregnant with our 4th son! He decided to come 3 weeks early so #3 & #4 boys are 14 months Apart :). The days will be a bluR at the beginning but it will fun! Dishes can wait, toys can be scattered along the floor…love up your kiddios…the tIme does go by in the blink of our eyes!!

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  17. Congrats! i Am so excited for you all. My 2 boys are 16 months apart and are now both in hs and are the best friends ever. You will do fine with the new addition. And Ricki will again be the best biggest sister ever. can’t wait to read your book which i pre-ordered. congrats again!

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  19. Wow!! Congratulations! Ive got 4 little ones (10 and uNder) and my greatest find lately is grocery shopping online at walmart! You order it all online, then schedule a pick up time, and they bring it all right to your car when you get there! Such a time/energy saver!!

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  20. Oh EMily, i loved watching you on BacheLor. I had 4 year old Emersyn when i had Kingston then got pregnant when he was 7 months old. Had Lennyx and got pregnant when she was 10 months old and had Jennings who is 19 months now! We Think alike on names but our jennings is a gIrl! We had 3 in diapers and under 3! We are finally getting our head above wAter! Its fun though!

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  21. CongratulAtions to you and your family! I have an 8 year old 3 and 2 year old. The youngest are 16 months apart. Our girl is in the middle. I Definitely have really really hard days and some are so easy. I think a good routine for certain things during the week are most important. Like dedicating to grocery shopping on the same day every week and doing at lEast one load of laundry a day and putting away. It is hard to stick to, but really helps in the long run. Our 8 year old also get chore money to help around the House. A neccesity you will Want is a baby carrier. Like an Ergo. I couldnt live without mine up until a certAin point.
    I can also say that it is amazing having 2 really close in age too!! I mean, they love the same things! Be sure to spend alone time with your mIddle one. Im really bad about guilting myself with this, bEcasue just like you said, they didnt get to be the baby for long. Hope you have an amazing pregnancy!!!

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  22. Congratulations!!! My little one is 4 months old now and im lOving every second of her, i Too cant wait to add another set of cheeks to smooch! Were aiming fOr a little longer than than you and tyler, lol, but what a Wonderful blessing babies are!! The absolute best!

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  23. For about a month i had three under two. Now, my twins are sIX months and my toddler is two and a half. You just learn to let go of things like house work, sleep and hot coffee! instiNcts and adrenaline kick in and you learn quickly that routine is super important. Take tons of pictures and videos, because if YOU’RE like me, you might not remember much of it!! Enjoy and congratulations!

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  25. Congrats! You’ll do great. I have girls who are only 14 mths apart I never GOT the memo either LOL. Trust yourself & god he’ll guide you. yes there will be bumps & a learning curve but you got this!

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  26. Congrats!! How exciting! You have a beautiful family and you will do great with baby #3. And Obviously i didn’t read the baby handbook either lol when my youngest was born i had an 11 month old and a 3 year old! All 3 boys. Hardest year of my life. Some tips: take one day at a time, get help from family/friends, dont forget time for yourself to keep you sane, and Alone Time with hubby. Good luck!!

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  29. congratulations!! it’s evident that you are exactly where you are supposed to be as the blessings just keep pouring in for you! i can’t wait to read the rest of your book when it arrives. Blessings to your growing family of four!

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  30. Omg my mom experienced the same thing with my sister and i Your babies will be the same amount of months apart! So when i had my baby in august i was ready to get permanantley snipped (however that works for women lol) so definitely have some naniies on spEed dial! And this may not be good advice but when it comes to your body never being the same, im 24 and vain so this was my biggest comcern! I tried everything and nothing worked until i went back to night school for nursing and they put me back on my medication For add! Worked so well with my body and my school work …just a happy coincidence i guess 🙂 congratulations emily you are one of the Most beautiful women on the planet and One of the most caring and kind. I just hope you have an easier pregnancy. That is definitely the worst nine months ever! The actual labor was a Peice of cake In compaRison!
    -emily
    Ps dont breastfeed!!! I didnt and my baby is perfect and healthy and youll be able to sleep and live somewhat normally! (Im aware tHat sounds selfish) love you! And your book! Congrats again

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    • No need to tell her whether she should breastfeed or not. It’s none of our business! Do what’s best for you and your family. We have no say!

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      • It was meant to be lighthearted. i have no opinions about what others do with their babies. Just trying to Be funny

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  31. I experienced the same thing you’re going through. When my husband and I married I had an 8 year old then a year later we had our first child and then 17 months later we had our son. Now those children are 29,20 & 18 and the only advice I can give is to take it one day at a time and enjoy the ride. Thankfully my oldest was very willing to help out and what a big help she was. congratulations to your little family!!

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  32. Congrats and blessings on your new addition ! I Have a 19 yr old that is now in the navy, a 11, 10 & 4 yr old at home. I had my middle two 15 months apart and I know that the two of them will always be extremely close. My 10 yr old daughter is like a mother to her 11 yr old brother and even though they are starting to go there separate ways the closeness is still there. It’s so heartwarming. it’s almost like they were suppose to come here at the same time, it just didn’t work out that way. Your oldest will be a big help for you and a perfect example for the younger ones of how they are suppose to behave. it’s busy, but god does not make no mistakes, he gives you strength when you fell like there is no more. not to leave out our 4 yr old, she was waiting in the wings, she’s our blessing on top !!! have faith, stay healthy & true, many blessings !!!

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  34. Congratulations EmilY! Hod has a plan & everuthing works out as it should. I had 3 babies in 3.5 years, yes we are always busy! However, It is so much fun!! Our house is full of love & they are all each other’s best friends! God bless & congrats!!

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  35. ConGRATULATIONS! what exciting news! i really miss your blog and realize you will be even busier, but i’ll keep my fingers crossed for some posts while you’re resting during your pregnancy 😉 best of luck with everything!

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  36. Congratulations Emily!!! You can totally do this! I lOve seeing mamas have babies close tOgether. I have two that are 12 months apart and two that are 14 months apart, with the 4th one being born 2 months ago. I have a million tips and none at all, haha! ? Its beautiful chaos. I always tell peopLe that when im drowning in guilt for not being able to EVERYTHING to all of them… What i may have taken from them as a mother having them so close together (they are 4 under 5), cannOt replace what i have given them in eachother. Their bond is incredible, they take care of eachother, nurture eachother, teach eachother. Its incredible to watch… From one Charlotte mama to another, so happy for you!❤️
    …. Cant figure out why this is in all caps, im guessing one of my kids broke my phone?

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  37. cONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PREGNANCY. aS A MOM WITH A 26-YEAR-OLD SON AND TWO ANGELS IN HEAVEN, i APPRECIATE YOUR COMPASSION AND HEART FOR WOMEN WHO DON’T HAVE AN EASY TIME CONCEIVING OR WITH PREGNANCY. wHILE HAVING TWO CHILDREN SO CLOSE TOGETHER WILL BE A CHALLENGE, IT IS ALSO A GREAT BLESSING TO THE FAMILY. mY SISTER AND i ARE JUST 13 MONTHS APART, AND OUR FRIENDSHIP AND CLOSENESS MEANS EVERYTHING TO ME, STILL! VERY HAPPY FOR YOU.

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  38. WHEN I WAS IN MY EARLY TWENTIES I HAD A 1 AND 3 YEAR OLD AND AGREED TO BABYSIT FOR MY NEIGHBOR WHO HAD TWO DAUGHTERS WHO WERE 2 AND 4. I MANAGED FINE. WHEN I WENT GROCERY SHOPPING PEOPLE LOOKED AT ME LIKE “WOW WHAT WERE YOU THINKING”? WHEN ONE CHILD GOT CHICKENPOX THEY ALL CAME DOWN WITH IT. I NEVER GOT IT – A MIRACLE IN ITSELF. DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE HOUSEWORK AND JUST REMEMBER THE CHILDREN COME FIRST. THEY GROW UP WAY TOO FAST. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT NOW AND TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES/VIDEOS. MY TWO CHILDREN NOW HAVE GIVEN ME 9 GRANDCHILDREN AND 4 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN WITH ANOTHER ONE ON THE WAY. GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME. I WILL BUY YOUR BOOK. LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY.

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  39. COngratulations! Mine are 17 months apart (11 months and just over 2). It is really hard in the beginning And i definitely had guilT about my son not getting to be the baby for very long. It gets easier though! Also, the baby jogger cIty mini gt double stroller is the best! Best wishes!

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  40. My girls are 14 months apart. The first year is the toughest! After that you will be so glad it happend this way. My Girls are inseparable! Like twins!

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  41. Congratulations beautiful! I have a 2 year old and a 1 year old (exactly one year and 17 days apart) so I actually beat you to the bandwagon ahahaha. i can offer some advice and tips because it is quite hard having two little ones. I surely did not want my eldest (2 year old) to feel left out or get too jealous once his baby sister came, so i decided it would be best to give him more attention than to my baby girl. while you know that newborns sleep, eat, and poop, they don’t need to be carried 24 hours/7 days. I gave my son a lot of attention and let him help me out with his baby sister by asking him to bring her bottle, bring her diaper, hold her bottle while she fed, etc. the older one needs to know they are just as special as the new baby that just took spotlight. but let me tell you, there were couple times that they both needed my attention especially during nap time. so you can imagine me carrying two babies at once or put one down for a bit and then take turns carrying the other. it was rough, but honestly now my kids are closer than ever. they love each other even though they occasionally fight for toys. it will be hard for you the first year, but it gets easier when they are both walking. another plus about having two babies close in age, is your arms will be toned 😉 from having to carry a car seat everywhere and carrying your older baby. best of luck. you got this!

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  42. Congratulations! Praise god!!!

    My fiRst tWo were 13 months apart, my second and third are 18 months apart and i just found Out im Pregnant again and my third and fourth will be 22 months apart (4 kids 4 and under). You can do this! It is the absolute craziest blessing you will Ever exPerience. My kids are so Much work but they are so close in relationship with one another! And let me just say when you get three toddlers chatting back and forth every day, the laughs are endless!!!! You will thank god every day for his wOnderful plan. I couldnt have planned my life to Be more fulfilling than it is now, only our great god could Do such a thing!

    And you will make it thRough target. I take all Of mine with Me, sometimes we get two things off the List and sometimes we rock the entire thing. Take it in stride. Amazing how hard it is but how fast it goes. I never think it when im actually shopping, but i truly know i will miss all the work and fits and seatbelt buckling someday.

    Bless you! Bless your family! So happy fOr you!!!!!!

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  43. Congrats! All i can say is… GROCERY shop online and simply pick it up. Its changed my life completely 🙂 love every moment and remember how quick it all passes by… The laundrY can wait, the cleaNing can too… Life is too short and precious to waste worrying. ?

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  44. emily! i saw the news on gma and my jaw dropped. in a good way : ) i would give advice but i’m single and not a mom yet. i’m in the practicing patience phase. i’m 5 years older than you so this has been a true test of my patience! can’t wait to read the 2nd half of your book. you and i have some stuff in common. i have had a few of the exact same experiences as you and i am grateful you wrote about them. things i would be too ashamed to admit before i now feel much better about. i feel more ‘normal’ knowing that ’emily did that too!’ i mean literally, the exact same experiences. you are not alone and neither am i. the good news is i think we both turned out okay ; )

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  45. Congrats!
    My two are 15 months apart & that was definitely not our plan but it was absolutely our amazing Lord’s. Living in NC and having all our family in CA- my husband and I felt like we were on an island at times. My best, most humble advice. is this….1..Learn to live with & Love the sound of elmo’s voice–Sesame St. saved me many times. 2. don’t ever be ashamed to ‘parent’ from the floor—By that I mean, I nursed one while laying on my side while simultaneously playing cars with the other. 3. sometimes cereal is perfectly acceptable dinner. 4. most importantly, take videos as often as you can–it’s super easy to get lost in the chaos and you get you so caught up ‘keeping up’ that before you know it–they’re 6 & 7 and you find yourself going back to watch the videos and loving every minute of that time while secretly patting yourself (& your hubby) on the back because you all made it out alive!!! LOL

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  46. Sweet momma!!! Congratulations and you’ve got this!! I was married in 2011 and three months later, even though I come from a long line of women having trouble with fertility, i was pregnant…… With twins! Three years later i am still shocked at that news. I didn’t know what to do with one little babe, much less two at the same time the first time around. Exactly two years later i gave birth to baby three (they all have the same bday). And when my daughter was not even 4 months old, i found out i was pregnant with baby four. I cried. I didn’t know how i was going to handle four little ones under the age of three!! And it ended up that baby four came very early so i had four under the age of three for a bit. A newborn, a not even one year old, and two two year olds. I was so nervous. I still have days that i dont know how i am going o survive. I am a stay at home mom and give these kids my all. There are too many days where i live on dry shampoo without a shower, and spit up from yesterday on the clothes i never changed, but, we make it all work! We get out and run to target (thank god for their carts!!) and go out to eat and do everything we’d do with one or two little ones. Plus you have the benefit of your sweet big girl to help you!! I wish I could sit and chat and talk more about this. Is sunshine to my soul to talk to other mommas going through the same beautiful hard of raising multiple little ones close in age. We need that friendship and support. Id love to talk more. Not sure where you have any ability to contact you though. Good luck and you will do beautifully! I promise!!!

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  47. I AM SOOO HAPPY FOR YOU EMILY. I WATCHED ALL YOUR HAPPY MOMENTS AND SAD MOMENTS ON THE BACHELOR SHOWS BUT YOU NEVER GAVE UP KNOWING THAT ONE DAY YOU WOULD FINALLY HAVE TOTAL HAPPINESS COME YOUR WAY…WHICH YOU SO DESERVED ALL ALONG. YOU ARE A GREAT WIFE AND MOTHER. AND THE THING ABOUT WONDERING HOW ANOTHER CHILD SO SOON IS POSSIBLE IN YOUR DAILY LIFE….WELL – NATURE HAS A WAY OF TAKING CARE OF ALL OF THAT. ALL WILL BLEND BEAUTIFULLY. JUST LIKE A DANCE. YOU’LL SEE!! : – ))

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  49. Congratulations, Emily! Waiting for my third boy to arrive anyday! I picked up your book to read during my recovery and quiet times the first few weeks home. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, life and faith with us.

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  51. Congratulations! Such an exciting time for you and your beautiful family. God is never wrong in his timing, everything is meant to be and its all wonderful. My brother and I are 15 months apart, and are still best friends. God bless you all <3 Carolyn

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  52. Just picked up your book & so excited to read it.
    I was always rooting for you emily!! Many more Blessings to follow for you, you deserve All!!!

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  53. I had 3 boys in 2 1/2 years. The 1st and 2nd are 18 months apart and the 2nd and 3rd are 1 year and 1 day apart. It was crazy a lot of the time, not going to lie! It was a blur but they are best friends now especially the younger 2! It was hard for me to get out and do things but i’m sure Ricki will be a great help to you.
    DefinItely work on getting them on the same schedule for naps. It was awesome when i had all 3 of mine sleeping at the same time.

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  54. congrats on the new baby–what fantastic news! i read your book yesterday (yes, all of it) and by the end i was thinking ‘gosh, i wish i could just talk to her about faith issues!’. you put into words what i feel but cannot explain. i, too, feel a strong pull to God, but living my faith in my daily life? i can’t quite figure that out. your last few pages were written for me, i think! i seek god, but don’t really work at it too much. in my past, i have found my self-worth in men and i am not proud of that. while i know god has forgiven me for my past, i have been unable to forgive myself. thank you, thank you for revealing your heart and helping me think that maybe a girl like me is not a lost cause. blessings to you and your family!

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  55. JUst finished your book! Loved it! I’ve been through trauma and it brougHt me to such a close daily walk with god—it was wonderful to read how You found who you are in christ. Thanks for writing it and god bless!

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  56. My first two were 15 months apart and I think it was one of mY easieSt gaps. (My 5th is coming in August) As The first leaves one stage, the other grows into it so your are fully prepared and don’t need to reaDjust. Also, it’s a grEat exercise plan – you lose the weight super fast by never getting to sit down aNd carrying two everywhere you go. Plus Ricki will be an awesome helper, so you’ll do great!

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  57. Congratulations Emily to you and your family. I too read your book in one day (and this includes working for 8 hours). I am so happy for you. My sister and I are twelve months apart and we have always been very close. Enjoy this time OF LiFE!! YOU DESErVE SO MUCH HAPPINESS!! ALSO working on faith. loved your story.

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  58. my youngest girls are 15 months apart – i too was shocked and honestly a little scared! They are truly the best of friends and really it will be okay. You will find a normal that works and you will let to let some things go. you have to let them go for a season, not forever! so true that you are blessed – god’s plan is always better than ours – congratulations!

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  59. EMILY,

    I am not sure if you will read this but………..first of all, congrats ON THE BABY! Secondly, i just finished your book last night and i really have to sincerely thank you!!!!! several times through my life i have experienced that overwhelming feeling of love or being “filled up” when in a church or in nature and I would tear up and become emotional. i couldn’t really explain that feeling to anyone and i had never really heard anyone describe it before reading your book (WELL IF I DID, IT DIDN’T CONNECT WITH ME). although i have never wavered in my belief in god i have always had a bit of a disconnect with the church and the bible. so many things you said resonated with me, about being lonely, being concerned with what others thought and your experiences with your faith.

    I have been lost lately and overwhelmed with a new marriage, new job, mother guilt and stepchildren and have really been looking for direction. I know that he brought your book in to my life for a reason and it has inspired me to seek out somewhere to explore my faith further.

    You have made a difference and i want you to know that you are appreciated, thank you for sharing your deeply personal story. i know it could not have been easy to be so vulnerable by exposing yourself but the risk has paid off in spades and you are truly affecting peoples lives for the better.

    THANK YOU!!

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  60. I feel like we are on this crazy journey together. My son is now nine months old, he was born in June, so not far off from your son. When he was about six months I found out I was pregnant with number 2! No one was more surprised than i was! I always joke that my husband and I figured out how it happens and next time we’ll be more careful. 😉 My two will be about 13.5 months apart. I have also felt the guilt at times. (He’ll never know a life without a sibling, etc.) I’ll take comfort in knowing that someone else is having the same experience! I would love to hear from you!

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  61. Congrats! I had a 12 yr old when I had my second son and then 14 months later had twins. They are now 31, 19 and 17. All boys. Life is crazy for a while but it goes by way too fast. What a blessing. You will have a lot of material for your next book! Lol

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  62. Online shop at harris teeter! It is life saving. Im a nanny, full time to three girls under the age of five and that has been my saving grace! Super easy!

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  63. congrats Emily – will you share the gender or keep it quiet like last time? I recall you posted the gender cake then didn’t post anything about it for weeks or months?

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  64. {sorry if this comes through all caps, promise i am not yelling:)}

    I have two babies 15 months apart and an 8 year old! I am so there with you:)

    We adopted after not being able to conceive, so when she was about 7 months old, we found out we were about 6 weeks along!

    So two girls 15 months apart. Can I just tell you, i would not change it for a thing. They are best friends, they love each other.

    The first year, may not be super easy, but you will get the hang of things. lots of diapers and crying. Ricki should be a huge help for you, as i am sure she already is.

    You are amazing and i am so happy for you!

    take care and best of luck to you:)

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  65. Congratulations! First , i think you always look beautiful So Please dont stress in that areA…. You are extremely gorgeous, even when you are not dolled up. Second, i think you should blog more….. YoU Are such an inspiration to all Of us CHRISTIAN moms trying to make it. Let your light shine gIrl . We need you to help us And our kids StaY FASHIONABLE .Xo

    Tips :

    I have a 6,5 and. 3 mth old . My two oldest are 21 mths apart. THree thinGs That saved me weRe:

    1)a babY bJorn front carrier so your hands are free to tend to jennings, HouSehold chores, grocery/clothing shopping, walking, etc and The new baby will love SNUGGLING with you and Sleeping in it.
    2) a Double BOB JOGGING stroller which is great for getting exercise, going to the park, trick or treating, etc. it can handle anything. Then a more compact double like the mclauren for trips to dIsney world, the mall, eTc .
    3) help…. Anyone who is willing….

    Keep us updated….

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  66. Congratulations, Emily!
    I just finished reading, I said Yes!
    I was so proud of you sharing your Faith in Jesus so unashamedly. Your story is an amazing story God’s mercy and grace to each of us. I am so glad YOU WROTE it! Watching your sweet wedding video to tyler was the icing on the cake. I shared it with 21 -year old daughter. Just beautiful accepting jesus and living for his purposes is by far the best decision anyone could make. I love the adventures that god sets us on once we say yes. It’s definitely not a boring lifestyle. I pray God’s best for you as you expand your family. Congratulations, again. Ps. Pregnancy looks good on you!

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  67. Congrats! My nUmber one tiP is spend tIme with the lord everyday. It helps you emotionallY and helps set Your mind on what’s really Important.

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  69. Hi Emily,

    this is my first time commenting on your site 🙂 Congratulations on being pregnant!! I also had miserable pregnancies and i can completely relate. nothing stopped my daily throwing up, leaking boobs starting at five months (wha…!?!) and horrendous rib/back/hip pain. i’m not sure how you can even find the time to read the comments being pregnant and having two kids!

    I’m certain you already have this figured out but What has worked best for me juggling little ones and are life savers–1) grocery delivery service (I used peapod), order by 8pm the night before and it’s at your door the next morning. I personally found nothing more stressful than going to the grocery store with my kids. 2) Healthy sleep habits, happy child by dr weissbluth. this book saved me. i think every mom of newborns and toddlers struggle to get enough sleep. this book really made a difference for my kids and they are wonderful sleepers. 3) if you are anything like me, i wasn’t making a lot of meals with a newborn, but when i did–I would make double or triple and freeze the other ones. it made life so much easier. I’m sure you have all of the tricks figured out already with jennings and you will adjust. The hardest may be if jennings isn’t walking yet (probably won’t be) and you have to deal with getting two little ones in and out of the car. carrying the new baby in the baby carrier car seat and potentially holding jennings too. it’s so much work by yourself and you either kill your arms or get a stroller out every time you drive somewhere.

    As for the body part, i can definitely relate there. I’ve always been very petite and never had weight issues. When I was pregnant I gained tons of weight (almost 60 lbs with my first, 38 with my second). but both times i lost it all within six months. i really think breastfeeding and being so busy (grabbing a snack when i was finally shaking). Those were my days of baby wipes shower (trust me I never thought that would happen or that i would admit it out loud). I didn’t start working out until my newborns were sleeping through the night. your body never goes back to how it was before but if something really bothers me, I do what i can to make it better so it doesn’t. a year and a half ago i had my varicose veins taken care of, i get facial chemical peels and IPLs for my melasma. i still rock a bikini even though i don’t have a six pack. The hardest adjustment for me was post breastfeeding boobs , and i haven’t done anything about that but oh well, it was worth it to give my babies a healthy start in life.

    having a wonderful husband is the number life saver and i hope you get a lot of help, love and support.

    sending good vibes your way and cheers to strong women, you’ve got this!

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  70. YOU INSPIRE ME SO MUCH, CONGRATS ON THE NEW BABY, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAKES ME BELIEVE IN TRUE LOVE AND I CAN SEE GOD’S LOVE SHINING THROUGH YOU! iM FROM SOUTH-AFRICA AND HAVE A LOT OF CHILDCARE EXPERIENCE, I LIVED IN CALIFORNIA FOR ONE YEAR AS AN AU-PAIR, SO IF EVER YOU CONSIDER HAVING A BABYSITTER OR AU-PAIR PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME. i WOULD LOVE TO HELP YOU MAKE IT EASIER. tAKE CARE! HANANJA

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  71. Jennings is the cutest. I’m so excited for you, Emily. God gave you your man and he’s giving you all your precious babies. He’ll watch over you. We’re all on your side. Much love.

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  72. Congrats! I haVe 4 kiddos ages 7,6,4 and a 9 month old! One of my favo things is called baby binxy hammock! Its for a grocery cart! Its a liFe saver plus you can stick all your groceries in the cart without having your big old car seat in their. Check it out. Happy moMming.

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  75. Congrats on the little one and the one on the way. I rooted for you on the Bachelor and the Bachelorett. You are a super wonderful person and mom and I’m glad your life is going really good you deserve it.

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  76. Congratulations!

    You are a true rolemodel to me and i adore you 🙂

    Im Pregnant with my firSt child, expecting in jan 2017. So excited! Looking forward to keep follow you and your beautiful family!

    Xoxo Minna

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  77. We have such parallel lives. Your book inspired me in so many ways. May God continue to bless you and your family.

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  78. EMily i read your book and bawled through it. God is blessing so many through your story. Our lives are like treasure boxes that store the Good, the baD, the beautiful ‘treasures’, but also the skeletons In our closet. We Are called to sHare these treasure boxes (our lives) with others- To be an encourAgement and hope to others going throuGh hard times. Wow, you are doing this emIly! I hope you don’t Doubt your path ever beCause i can only imagine the impact you have on so many single moms and other young women. Thank you for being you and letting jesus shine out of you! To him be the glory!

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