No, This Baby Wasn’t “Planned” :: Answering That Awkward Question

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When my first baby was just eight months old, I found out I was pregnant. Again. As soon as I saw those two little pink lines, I went from being eight months postpartum to six weeks pregnant.No, This Baby Wasn't "Planned" :: Answering That Awkward QuestionOurΒ babies would be 15 months apart–one year,Β threeΒ months, and 15 daysΒ to be exact.Β My first thought? Skinny jeans.Β MyΒ pre-pregnancy clothes wereΒ just starting to fit!Β IΒ sighed deeply at the ideaΒ of digging outΒ my maternity clothes. I was finallyΒ feeling like myself again–working out, spending more time with my husband, andΒ getting into a routine withΒ myΒ daughter.

AfterΒ our new reality sunk in, we were both very excited to have another baby, even if it was sooner than we expected. My second thought? How to answer the awkward question, “Was this planned or a surprise?” As my daughter likes to say, “Uh-oh!”

I didn’t want to tell people I was pregnant . . . again.

Why didΒ it feel soΒ weird to tell people we were going to have another baby? Lots of people have babies close together, and I’veΒ never thought anything of it.Β ButΒ onceΒ those skinny jeans no longer fit,Β how would I respond to the, “Was it planned?” question. Honestly, “No.” But thatΒ didn’t sit right with me.

I didn’t want to answer that question.

It’s an innocent inquiry, I know. But it made me feel like I had to explain myselfΒ and justifyΒ the pregnancy. It didn’t offend me when people asked, just frustrated me. IΒ didn’t know what to say.Β I wanted to say, “What difference does it make?” Instead, I tried a variety of responses ranging from, “No way! I don’t know what we’ve gotten ourselves into!” to “Oh, it’s a happy surprise!” And the sarcastic me wanted to say, “Yes!Β My husband is an excellent mathematicianΒ and weΒ planned to have ourΒ childrenΒ exactly 472 days apart.” Every answer I offered felt inauthentic.

So, how about this? Instead ofΒ askingΒ if I planned to have anotherΒ baby so soon,Β ask me if I’ve picked a theme for the nursery. (I love to decorate!) Instead of questioning my method of birth control, just give me a hug or high five. And hey, a simple, “Congrats!” is always welcomed.

Now I’m in the third trimester with my eye on the baby prize! I am excited and nervous. But my husband and I will figure it out just like we did with baby number one. No, this baby wasn’t planned. But that’s okay with me. And in the grand scheme of things, the answer to that question doesn’t matter.

Originally published April 2017.



The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Yes!! Who cares! My kiddos were even closer than yours and now I would’t have had it any other way! Caitlin was just 3 months old when we found out we were pregnant again. They are now 10 & 9 and more importantly we all survived! The best part… they are never alone, they always have a playmate. Which for Josh is so great, he relies a lot on his Big sister! In the beginning the hardest part is prioritizing, and being ok with taking help. The first days are the hardest but I promise it gets better, everyone gets in a routine and you become SUPERMOM!!!

    • Thanks, Marie! I love hearing from mom’s who have babies close together. Everyone says the same thing about their children being best friends, even though the beginning is tough. Thanks for reading πŸ™‚

  2. Great article, I’m sure it will stop some inquisitive minds from asking that question in the future!

  3. 3rd trimester club–going strong!!! My husband and his sister are 11 months apart and while he wasn’t exactly “planned” I’ve always admired their close relationship and frequently think that “Irish twins” are the way to go. I think my MIL would agree–there’s something to getting all the baby out of your system (and routine) at once. I’m over the moon for you, Audra! God always has a plan, even when we don’t exactly see the objective and I’m excited to see how He works it out with you–I know that it’ll be a blessing and a joy.
    Best,

    Faerl Marie

    • Thank you for your kind words, Faerl! I’m excited for this new adventure. I am so thankful that God’s good plan prevails! So happy for you as well. July babies πŸ™‚

  4. I LOVE having my 2 boys so close together!! Yes it was crazy when I had a one and a half year old and was toting around a baby carrier with an infant, but I LOVE it! And now I enjoy saying “I have a 3yr old and a 4 yr old.” πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚ They will be 1 school year apart and are already best buds. So this pleasant surprise is an awesome gift!! Enjoy every moment! And you look AMAZING!!

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