Friday 16 May 2008

An Important Announcement

This trip that we have taken has been an amazing experience for our family. The children have grown, matured and developed over the three months that we have all been living in a 30ft long space together. The older two children seem less consumed by the shallow things that they got sucked into before (things like TV, playstations, etc). When we ask them to tidy or do a job they happily smile and get on with it, which is a pleasant change indeed! I'm sure that won't last once we get home! But as a family unit we have been brought very close together and our bond has tightened, which was my biggest hope for this trip. To spend some time with my children while they still want to, and to make some precious memories together for us all.

We now have a very special memory from this trip. A few weeks ago whilst in Zion national park we took our children for a hike along the rivers edge. When we found a secluded spot we let the kids play on the sand and throw pebbles into the river. Dan and I sat and watched them play for almost an hour and then we called them to sit with us for a while. In this serenely beautiful area we told our children something very special.

We will be bringing home the ultimate souvenir from the deserts of New Mexico. Dan and I are pleased to announce that we will be due to have another baby on December 16th, if all goes well. Whoever knew we would leave as a family of 5 and come home as an expectant family of 6? Certainly not I !

The kids were delighted with the news and spent three full days discussing baby names together. Little Barney took it all in his stride, but has since taken more of an interest and wishes the baby would be born now. He has no patience. Christmas is a long time away for a four year old!

On our return to Northern Ireland I will be 17 weeks pregnant. For the last 10 weeks I have been amazingly well, and have had practically no morning sickness. (Anyone who remembers my previous three pregnancies will know that this is indeed a miracle!) I know this is an unusual way to announce a pregnancy, but we are in an unusual situation without any family nearby. I do hope that everyone is as pleased for us as we are.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you and your family! You must be very pleased! That is one lucky baby to be born into your family! Prayers and good wishes are being sent to your family!

Colleen from Pennsylvania

Anonymous said...

Hmm...I thought I'd left a comment on here a couple of hours ago but it's not showing. Apologies if it suddenly appears later on! Anyway, congratulations! I'm so pleased for you all. Another addition to your wonderfully happy family - what a blessing. I bet you all had heaps of fun thinking of baby names - how about Desert, Sandy or Joshua (as in Tree)?!?! Love Caroline x

Anonymous said...

YAY! Congratulations guys! Wasn't expecting that one, but Hazel obviously is!
Excellent news!

Davy, Heather & Catherine.

Anonymous said...

Well what can I say? I am going to be a granny again hehe!!! If you keep going at this rate, you can have a next generation model home schooling, widely travelled gypsey village of Maygers. CONGRATULATIONS, that really is a free range blessing on route!!!

Anonymous said...

Dear Hazel, Steve & kids,

Congratulations! Enjoy your pregnancy!!

A big hugh,

Esther

Anonymous said...

To You All,

What a fantastic souvenir of your trip. Congratulations. I read the post to my Mum (who I reckon you maybe met once at least 14 years ago) and she started crying she was so happy for you all.
We reckon you should call the baby Zion.
Keep keeping us updated.

Claire R (and her Mum)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! i will tell mum the news and im sure everyone in kent will find out. What a lovely momento to have of your trip. from your loving cousin Laura

Anonymous said...

Congratualtions. I hope you will stay healthy throughout. I told Claire and Grandma and Grandad yesterday.

Dad

Darwi said...

Congratulations!
That is excellent news.
I'm happy for you all.

Alex

Tammy said...

That is so great!!!! That was the furthest thing from my mind when I read your email. Mike and I thought maybe you were going to stay and live here in the usa, hehe. (the house next door is still for sale btw, lol)

We are so happy for you all. Congratulations!!!

Tammy, Mike and Kids

Sharon McDaid said...

Fantastic news! Congratulations and enjoy the pregnancy and the last few weeks of your epic journey. I'm glad the children are so excited.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hazel and all

Congratulations! Sorry it's taken me so long to reply, I'm all caught up with my own news lol. I hope you stay well and I'm sure the kids are still so excited. Not long til we see you now!

Maddi & Tom

Anonymous said...

thats a good souvinier. you can set it o a shelf in the living room when you get home for everyone to see!!!