16 and Pregnant
Except for the 16 part.
So this probably also contributes to my very emotional state lately, though I think I had legit reasons without the hormonal addition! Believe me, we are every bit as shocked as you probably are. So much for being “planners!” To say this was unplanned…well, let’s just say I’m not bold enough to have actually planned to be a pregnant intern. It’s still hard for me to actually believe. We are really excited about this now that we’re starting to process it, but also incredibly overwhelmed. Let me back up.
A few weeks before this,
{yeah, I really took 3}
Travis and I had come to the conclusion we might be done growing our family. We left the door open to revisiting the topic in a few years, when I was further into my training. But then we’d have a caboose, far apart in age from our little gang of 3, which also wasn’t part of our family vision, so we tentatively concluded our family of 5 might be just the right size. Plus, our 3 kids are doing really well, but are about to undergo a major transition as is when I go back to work. So that was our talk. Everything was shaping up nice and neat, coming together for us, and we were feeling nervous but ready to jump into the challenges that our progressing careers are about to bring. We’d recently gone through old stuff, tossed or sold anything newborn or maternity related, and Travis even said “well, I guess if we do ever change our minds, it’ll be far enough down the road we’ll be able to afford a new set of teething toys / swing / vibrating seat / etc.” Damn we’re stupid!
Flash forward to Match Week. Yup, this little “whoops” traces right back to then. It’s even more cliche than prom night. The night I found out, I said to Travis “but how could this happen; how is it even possible? We’ve been so responsible!” He responded with “weeeeeeell, there was that one night…” He proceeded to remind me of a night after we found out I’d matched, post a few cocktails, in the midst of our wild celebrations, when I uttered something like “woohoo! Who gives a $hit, I’m gonna be a dermatologist! Throw caution to the wind,” or some dumbass thing like that. It’s all a bit blurry in my mind, but leave it to the man to completely blame the woman:)
Anyway, a sinking feeling came over me when reality of that positive pregnancy test set in. It was an intense sense of guilt, both professional and familial. I couldn’t stomach the thought of breaking the news to my program and all the people who’d helped me get to this point in my career; I was feeling like I’d let them all down. Then, even more overwhelming, was the guilt that overcame me when I thought about Jack, Shane, & Fin and the upheaval I was already creating simply by going back to work. Now I’m adding to that: a 4th baby for them to compete with for my soon even more limited time? I spent a few days gasping for air. I now have put that stuff mostly into perspective. The mommy guilt has cooled a little since the kids have been so excited about their new baby sis/bro ever since we told them.
I’ll have to tell you what happened when I broke the news to my medicine prelim program, since that’s another story; it was NOT pretty. That’s for a protected post though, as only an intern could be treated like I was and then have to fear getting nailed again for speaking out publically. Gotta love medicine. In terms of professional guilt though, if this pregnancy is anything like the last, and so far I have not been nauseas or barfed once (and I’m 12.5wks), the pregnancy shouldn’t impact my program (derm or medicine prelim). It just dictated when my vacation and electives needed to be scheduled since I’ll deliver during that 8 week period (no maternity leave, per se, but I do have my 3 weeks vacation, a week of “sick” leave I might take unpaid, and hopefully a month of my cush derm elective). By the time I finish intern year and start the dermatology part of my residency training (in WI), the baby will be 6 months old. Thank God for derm on the horizon…but so sad I’ll miss so much months 2-6 while I’m still a medicine lackey. Trying not to think about that part.
My really good friend, Emilie, is an OB attending in the Springs. We were getting together anyway to celebrate Nova’s birthday a few weekends ago, so while there, we skipped into her office at the hospital for a few minutes to take a peek at what’s inside the oven. This little peanut was WILD. Travis has been a little freaked out ever since the ultrasound because our little embryo (which was 10wks at that time) was flailing like a maniac in there. I’m already off caffeine (my taste buds have changed and I can’t stand coffee anymore – how torturous is THAT?!), so I can’t blame that. Emilie’s comment was classic (paraphrased): “every now and then we see a super active baby this young, but not often.” Geez, even Finley was a pretty chill embryo.
We are trying to take it all a day at a time. I am getting closer to being able to think about having a newborn, and how precious that experience will be for our whole family. The funny part is that Jack has been asking us for a baby. I told you he’s eerily prophetic. When I asked him if he wanted a baby boy or a baby girl, he paused, looked over at Shane, then Fin, and promptly, confidently replied “BOY!” Can’t blame the kid. I’m hoping for another Shane in personality too; I think another Fin might push me over the edge! Just kidding of course, whoever comes out will be a blessing. Right? RIGHT??????? Holy crap.
Anyway, yeah. Phew. So that happened…good thing we got the dog to supplant the baby craving!
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100 comments
Congratulations, Laurie! You must be feeling so many emotions now, but I’m so excited for you and your family!
First of all, congratulations! I don’t think I’ve ever posted before but I had to delurk for this one. So sorry that the telling of the news to the program didn’t go so well! This is one time I wish I had access to the password protected posts because I bet that story is a doozy. Anyway, congrats again!
oh, wow. oh, wow. oh, wow!
wow, i did NOT expect this. not even when i read the title and saw the pregnancy test! CONGRATULATIONS! what exciting (and unexpected)!
so very happy for you guys
holy crap!! congratulations!
our little embryo was super duper active from 10 weeks on, to the point that they commented on it like that, too. And he continues to amaze everyone with his antics in utero. I can let you know how that goes on the outside…I’m hoping there is no relationship between activity in utero and out
congratulations, again!
Holy macaroni !!!wow…your life certainly are never bore, how exciting it is with this unexpecting news, congratulation to you both, mine oh..mine, hoping you will have an easier time with this pregnantcy.
At first when I saw the picture, I thought, “oh this must be a recap to when you found out you were pregnant with Finley” - well knock me over with a feather! Gosh, I think I can totally sense your bewilderment! I know how I would feel if I had to turn up a positive pregnancy test now - kind of shellshocked, but like you, determined to do the best, and open your life to this new little person that was obviously meant to be part of your family.
My beliefs are not really traditional, so bear that in mind when I say this, but I truly believe that babies choose their parents. So this little one, looked at you guys and said, “THAT is my family!” so who ever it is, is going to fit perfectly into your brood exactly the way that they were intended to, and you guys will probably sit back and wonder how you ever thought you could be ‘done’.
Can’t wait to hear about how things go!!
Wow! Didn’t see that one coming - I, too, was a little confused as I read through the first part, not realizing quite what you were saying! Granted it’s 1:30 a.m. here and I have little to no brain function on a good day anyway… Sorry the news didn’t go well with your medical team, but overall it’s exciting! Gotta laugh at how it happened, eh? Goodness knows you and Travis figure out how to make things work even in the craziest of times, and this will be no exception. Congratulations!
Congrats! How exciting and wild! I love following your wild ride - this just makes it more wild! I’m expecting at about the same time, so I can feel your pain, although I’m jealous you’re not feeling any of those yucky things that are consuming me at the moment. You’re a super mom, you’ll do great!
Congratulations! I’m sure everything else will work itself out.
Holy crap! I did NOT see that coming. CONGRATS! I’m sure there will be a lot of hard days ahead of you, having to handle EVERYTHING that is going on, but you’ll get through and it will be oh so worth it. Congrats to you guys again!
WOW! Congrats!! I wish I lived there to help you.
congratulations, i am usually a lurker, but am very excited for you. you all have a great little family and one more will only sweeten the pot!
Another usual lurker coming out of hiding to congratulate you & your family! Wow, what a surprise it must have been! I’m sure everything will work itself out in time.
Congratulations!!!!
Sjoe….wow….
congratulations!!! I am really happy for you.
Congratulations! Your life is so full of blessings and you never cease to amaze me with your energy and insight. You deserve a super mom medal going through a 80 hour workweek pregnant with 3 littles.
WOW! Congratulations!
Congratulations! What a fabulous surprise!!! I actually looked at the calendar to make sure it wasn’t something silly like April Fools Day!
I’m so excited for you. If anyone can do this, it’s you and Travis.
Congratulations! You and Travis are awesome parents and this new little guy/gal is coming into such a wonderful family!
WOW!! Congratulations to your entire family. I think you definitely just shocked us all!! I have to say though, if anyone could do it, it is you guys.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Didn’t see that coming. I’m sure you guys will all adjust to the new one very easily. I am so happy for the you.
Oh, God bless you! Congratulations! If anyone can handle it, you guys can! ‘Can’t wait to follow along on the latest adventures!
WOW! Time to fire the puppy! He did not do his job satisfying that baby itch! I am SOOO excited for you and your family! I have no doubt that you and Travis will make everything work out beautifully! This baby is so meant to be and maybe will be the calm of the storm of chaos that seems to just be starting for you guys! I can’t imagine anything as wonderful as coming home from a crazy day and having all that sweet baby smell to snuggle into! What a blessing!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations! Four is a lot of fun! I found the transition from 2 to 3 the hardest, and 3 to 4 was hardly a blip on my radar. Hopefully you will have the same experience - heaven knows you deserve it. What an adventure this will be.
OH. MY.GOODNESS!! Congratulations and the very best of luck as you have some very tired days ahead. But from what I know of you, you guys might be the only people in the world who can handle this with the energy and grace it will require.
Holy Moly!!! Didn’t see this one coming at all. I am very happy for you all. I know it will be rough but ontop of being planners your also very resilient and you will all make it work. Children are beautiful and some how they can bring out the best in us. Good Luck!! I am so sorry the program didn’t take the news so well…I am glad I won’t be able to see that post because it would probably make me want to go beat someone up. (smiling)
teehee!
very happy for you and your family!!!
So excited about Baby Good #4! And I agree with kristina - 4 is a blip and even numbers make life easier too. Congrats!
Congratulations Laurie! How exciting!!!
That is awesome!! Congratulations!
Wow that is great. You will work it out- it will be hard but do you really want to go through life with out ever stretching your self.
You know what mother Theresa said “How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers”
Congratulations, Laurie! That’s amazing news! I will keep you in my prayers as you and your family go through the transition. As you know we’ve got 4 under 4 and I can vouch for the fact that although it can be mayhem, it is also totally doable. You guys can totally do this. Congrats again!
Congratulations! What a surprise!!
Congrats Laurie and Trav! What fantastically amazing and surprising news!
Woohoo. I am so excited for you guys!!!
(Picking my jaw up off of the floor)
Holy CRAP! Congratulations! You guys don’t do anything small, huh?? If anyone can handle this….you can. I’ve only met you once in real life…but you totally blew my mind with the way you handled 3 toddlers while I struggled with one. AMAZING
Congratulations. I am happy for you and I hope everything works out as you begin your residency.
Holy crap - I am so excited for you guys!!!!! I can’t even imagine how surprised you guys were. WOW. You will find a way to balance it all. Congrats!
Hey, as of a week ago I guess you now have health coverage. You had said before you had been without for a while so in some respects the timing is really good.
Congratulations!!! If any two people can handle this, it is you and Travis. You guys amaze me!
Wow! Congratulations!!!
Such great news! My newest peanut is 2 months and I was a little jealous reading that bc Justin is adamant that we are done, but I’m just not there yet. One more I think
that is so dope! Congrats to the happy family.
(I don’t know why I’m bring the term “dope” back, but I think it is WELL past time.)
Craziness! But congrats! It might not be the best time right now, but I’m sure by the time this baby is here, none of that will matter!
Congratulations! I just had my third baby in four years, and I can’t even imagine a fourth. Feel grateful that (from what you have described) you don’t have pregnancies that make you feel like you are scaping yourself off the floor every morning–otherwise I might even try for four! Big families are wonderful.
Oh. My. God. Congrats!?!
That deep breathing technique you learned is certainly going to come in handy, isn’t it, and for more than one reason.
Congrats!! I have to say I gave up watching “Young and Restless” and most tv for that matter, when I adopted my daughter from Vung Tau. Your blog has taken its place!! It keeps getting more and more interesting! I hope you’ll still have time to blog. You’re an incredibly talented writer
all i can say with the congrats is that the booze must have been so overwhelming to celebrate that it put u both in La la land.but 4 is a beautiful number as is 5 and maybe even 6.Love gia
Congratulations! so happy for you!
karen
CONGRATS! I must be a little crazy, because my first feeling was jealousy! I already have 4 under 4 (for now)! You will do great!
Can’t wait for the story of telling your program!
Congratulations!!! You guys will do amazing with 4 little Goods (and a Henny)!
yep, that little embryo was certainly a fireball at a mere 10 weeks gestation…and let me just say i am sooooo glad to read this on your blog because i have just been exploding. the weekend you guys came down i almost outed you on my blog because i was so freakin’ excited that there was a tiny little embryo doing jumping jacks. whew, glad i don’t have to keep that a secret anymore!!!! let’s hope it gets all it’s Finergy out in the next 28 weeks, and comes out as mellow as little shane-bug! lots of love from the Stickley Crew, and can’t wait to watch your family (and your belly!!!) expand heeeeheee
Yay! I do think I know some of how are feeling. Our surprise baby is due in August.
Holy Cow!!!! Congratulations! I can’t wait to hear how everything goes! Will you have time to keep blogging?
Holy Shit! I thought this post was going to be about the Lifetime movie, Pregnancy Pact, that was on last night.
What a surprise. Congratulations, though!
wow! welcome to the land of “you sure look like you’ve got your hands full”! congratulations!!!!! like everyone else, i didn’t see this one coming at all, but i am so so so happy for y’all. maybe its not what you planned, but just like finley and our silas, surprises are awesome!
YOWZA! Congratulations you guys! It will all work out!
I think you thrive on chaos though- life was getting a little too neat and tidy
j/k, of course. 
Holy bleep!! I knew it, I knew it! (of course, I take after Jack)!! Seriously, gotta say….Yay! Congratulations to the Good Family! It will all be fine and you will do like you have always done…a fabulous job of making it all work! I’m so excited for you and Travis and the ‘little ones’. Can’t wait to follow your growing belly and family.
Whoa! I would be scared sh*tless if I were you, but I know you will make it work! I had recently been thinking about the five-kid plan, too. It is hard having three little ones, but I also know that they are all going to grow up and leave the house at the same time. If I got pregnant now though, I’m pretty sure we would stop at four!
Wow, wasn’t expecting this at all but your right what a cliche that it happened during Match week. Congrats!!
Congrats! Though I can only imagine how overwhelming it seems - what a great story it will all make someday…the perfect story of how this special little one joined your family. Congrats again - and best of luck as your intern year begins.
wow!!! i have no doubt you guys will find yourselves in a groove once the baby comes. you make being a party of five look easy so i’m sure one more will be a piece of cake, right???
Whoo hoo–I bet that was a surprise! Congratulations on the newest Good. I know it was probably a shock. I have a nearly full term friend living in Madison WI that I can put you in contact for some baby goodies.
Well now! You sure no how to entertain a blog reader!!! hahaha! CONGRATS!!! Your life is so full! What a wonderful way to live! ENJOY!
I meant “know”….Geez! My brains & hands aren’t talking this morning!
I hardly ever comment, but wanted to say Congratulations! My husband and I are having a hard time making up our minds about when to start our family, and your blog makes me feel confident that it will all work out.
So what? You decided the next few years weren’t going to challenging enough? I’m weary just thinking about it-but if there’s anyone up to the challenge-it’s you guys! Congrats!
your quote was “Ahhhh!!!!!! How did I miss this?!!!! I am hyperventilating with happiness!!!!!” and that is exactly how i feel for you! i can imagine the fear/excitement/joy/sadness as you look at how things will go the next few years, but you are an amazing woman, with an awesome husband (and kids, and dog)! You will make it through and we will all look with wonder on how you made it look so easy! I cannot begin to tell you congratulations enough!! We are so thrilled - and if its a boy and you need clothes, let me know!!
OMG, I am stunned and so happy for you all. If anyone can pull this one off the Goode’s can! Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures !!! Life is what happens when you are busy making plans!! That is so true xxx Much love
Wow, that’s the way to start off a post. You’ll will do great. Apparently #4 is always the easiest one. I say that as my sis had a surprise last year about the same time as you. Her fourth has been the easiest by far.
OMG, congrats. Kind of bizarre and funny, but I’m almost in the same boat as you. I’m 12 weeks, total surprise baby. I’m supposed to be starting work at a big law firm in Oct. when I’m 7 months preggo. Already have 2 kiddos, we had the same “our family is big enough and timing isn’t right” talk and then we had an “incident” and it apparently was all it took. So…I totally feel your pain, hormonal mommy guilt, and having to deal w/ telling a workplace that you haven’t even started at that your preggo and getting a not so hot response. Anyway, everything will work out, you guys always make it look so easy. What wonderful news, I’m sure you guys will do awesome!
congrats, Laurie! I know the feeling - our whoops came just before my husband started his MBA program and we were on one income and like, how the hell is this going to work (and she’s just the 2nd! You are a brave woman!) Hope all goes well!
Well, it’s about TIME you told everyone else! I have been bursting with excitement…..and slightly jealous???? #2 has been easy…..?ready for #3? hahaha… If only I could be sure my pelvic floor would stay intact….maybe we’ll have an “oops.” SO excited for the Goods. It will be a tough year, but you will look back on it and laugh (it may be a few years, but you will get there:)
WOW!!! I didn’t see that coming!!! Congratulations!! I’m so excited for you!
WOOHOO FOR YOU! Congrats!
I haven’t been on here in awhile, and this is the first post I see! Wow! A lot has changed in a month. Congratulations!! I know you must be so overwhelmed and overjoyed. I would just be freaking out about the four kids part….not to mention what a crazy year you have coming up. That baby will be a wonderful present after a stressful year.
Congrats again!
Oh, my goodness! Congratulations to you guys! You and Travis have managed to do anything you’ve set your minds on so far, so I have no doubt that everything will just fall into place with Baby #4. Sending best wishes to you from Petunia and me!
I would never have expected this news. Congratulations! You are so talented and together that the new baby will have what they need as will the kids.
O MY!!! Well congrats!!! You guys are on a wild ride and you guys handle it all so well!! Your such fun fantastic parents, I know you will handle this new curve!!!
I’m an adoptive mom to two girls from China and while considering a V.N. adoption (before the closure) happened upon your blog. I kept you on my favorites list and I always check in to see how your family is doing, but I have never posted. Well, here is another reader out of lurkdom to say “OMG”! What a surprise turn of events! Wishing you much strength, energy and focus in the coming months, I know you can do it! Keep posting so we can all follow along your wild ride.
Maggie
Oh wow, congrats to you guys!! If anyone can handle this fun surprise, it’s you guys!! Good luck and I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes well and you keep your energy.
Oh wow!!! Congratulations!!! I know it is a surprise but you guys are such awesome parents and you will be just as awesome with 4 kids. I am really happy for all of you!
Congratulations! I think we’re all in shock which is funny, because it’s you all that are having the baby! How wonderful though for you. We’re in the process of getting rid of baby stuff so let me know if there are any things you could use/ need. Most of what we got was second hand to begin with but we’d be happy to pass it on if you’re interested.
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amazing, amazing news!!!!! I know it all seems overwhelming right now, but in two years, you’ll be looking back on this and saying, “That was tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Congratulations again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CONGRATS! Wow, that is so exciting. If anyone can do it, it’s you & Trav.
Congratulations! What a happy surprise! Well, I guess you needed something to do, you know, your life is so routine these days, all that time on your hands. ;0) Truly joyful news!
A HUGE Congtatulations Laurie!!!! Sometimes the best things are surprises
oh my goodness!!!! you amaze me! i have enough trouble managing the one kid- congratulations!!!
Congratulation! My goodness I did not expect this at all but what a journey to remember when you are old and grey!
Dear God,
If you’re real, thank you for the hilariously timed joke. I’ll be expecting the extra blessings immediately post delivery and for the coming 80+ year life span of all 3 children or until I die of extremely joyful exhaustion. Whichever comes first!
Respectfully, Laurie
(Congrats by the way! I knew this one, just somehow did.)
HOLY CATS! That is some impressive news! So happy for you all- and hoping for a smooth transition to four babes in arms.
oh my goodness, oh my goodness! Wow, talk about a surprise baby. Well, if anyone can handle it, it’s your family. You guys never cease to amaze me with all that you do and yet manage to carve out so much quality time with the kids. Number four is so blessed to be joining the crew!
Picking my jaw up off the floor—congratulations!! What was it John Lennon sang about, “life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans…” ?? How fantastic!
Oh & you’ll have to change the title of your blog again! Just one more little thing for you to do! hahaha!
WOW ~ CONGRATS to you!!!
congratulations!!
damn laurie..i wasn’t expecting this post! so exciting!!! can you push some of those fertility vibes my way?:) pleeease!
i know it must be scary/overwhelming to think about another babe with all you have going on…
but you are amazing and can handle anything.
i personally am a huge fan of big families (being one of five kids). such a gift to your kids. and to yourself. another Good in the world is a great thing!
huge congrats!
xx
Holy crap. I go on vacation for one week and I come back to all sorts of big news! I haven’t read all the comments, but just want to say I know you guys can do it. You have huge support from your family and you have each other. Wow. Just wow!
First, congratulations! Second, it’s not just the medical field that is still in the 20th century where working mothers are concerned. I’m up for partner in one of the top firms in the world and have had to hide the fact that I came home from Ethiopia with child #2 in April. The reaction when I became a mom to my son from VN was so negative I’m only just now recovering from it professionally that I opted to keep the news of his sister a secret. Not an option for you, obviously, but just wanted to let you know moms who are interns and associates are apparently thought of the same.
Best of luck to you. I’m sure you’ll figure it all out as you go!
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