When my husband was diagnosed with cancer the first thing we did was go to the fertility clinic and make a bank a tube of my husbands finest swimmers. We had an eight week old baby at the time, a baby that was to be our last. We didn’t know if he would he alive in a few months time and having more kids was the last thing on our minds.
After my husband finished chemo we were told the likely hood of us falling pregnant without assistance was pretty much zilch. My husband sat there a little defeated while I silently doing cartwheels inside my head. I’d just spent the last nine months dealing with three kids and a husband with cancer. I was done, diddly done. My husband however had other ideas.
The baby topic has been an on going issue in our household ever since my husband finished treatment, every time one of the kids reached another milestone and every time the kids did something absolutely cute/feral or just plain crazy. It was constantly on his mind. But my answer was always the same. Three was my number.
Everywhere we went people would always ask if we were going to have another? Perhaps a boy? And my answer was always the same. I’d tell them we were blessed with three and to have a fourth would require ivf and I just didn’t think health wise I had it in me. ivf always makes people act funny so the conversation would always turn quickly to something light and fluffy and a lot less painful and it almost felt like I won the battle for yet another day and could breathe a sigh of relief.
The last few months life has been crazy and stressful and just full on, but in a good way. Luigi was busy at work, I took over co-ordinating the local paper, our social life was booming, we’d had two trips home to the nt to visit luigi’s dad, we cancelled our overseas trip and so much more.
A few weeks ago when we were back in the NT I just felt like I was constantly going down hill. I was sitting in the lounge room at 7pm and I had decided that I had enough. So I pulled on some clothes and dragged myself down to the after hours clinic and plonked myself on the chair to see the doctor.
I sat in his office and told him all of my problems, he gave me a full check up and said I can’t find anything wrong with you. Honestly, I think your just a little stressed, you need to go home, have a rest and tomorrow you need to book yourself in and get a massage.
I went back to my car and sent a text to my mother: the doctor said nothings wrong and I should just go and get a massage. I don’t think so!
Then I started thinking about a conversation we had with friends just a few days ago. We were all sitting around the table and they joked how funny it would be if we were to have a surprise baby and it hit me I couldn’t remember the last time I had my period. I drove two blocks to the supermarket and headed straight towards the pregnancy tests. A girl I went to high school with was down there stacking shelves and I wasn’t in the mood for small talk so I did a few laps and returned a few minutes later and grabbed a pregnancy test off the shelf.
















Georgia @ The Snowball Effect
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 12:12 am:
Congratulations!
Life has a way of surprising us doesn’t it.
Heres to the next 29ish weeks being smooth sailing.
Georgia @ The Snowball Effect recently posted..Failing.
[Reply]
Thank you x
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:39 am
Trudie @ My Vintage Vow
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 5:05 am:
Congrats Hun, what an amazing unexpected surprise.
It’s funny how we can have plans for or life, but these little loves find their own stars to fly in on. This little surely has other plans for you.
Take care, rest well and I’m sure just like most other things in life, it will all perfectly fall into place.
Trudie @ My Vintage Vow recently posted..Just for laughs…..
[Reply]
Thanks Trudy, all fingers crossed for a smooth ride!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:38 am
Sorry Trudie! Too early in the morning :p
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:39 am
Kim H
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 7:46 am:
Oh wow! Congratulations! I so hope everything’s going well for you and that you’re not stuck with the dreaded morning sickness xx
Kim H recently posted..Nest in the Vines :: Lock Up
[Reply]
I only one brief stint of m.s like a week and then it was all fine. Feeling really good so far. Touch wood x
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:37 am
Sophie
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 8:33 am:
Dani that is fantastic! It is just meant to be, baby four was destined to join your family. I can vouch for four, four is awesome!
[Reply]
I certainly hope so but if not..can you come back in February when I’m losing my mind and send me a memo of this message :p
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:36 am
Daisy
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 8:41 am:
Congratulations!!!!! I understand what a shock this must have been! You make beautiful babies though!!
Daisy recently posted..Mornings are the bane of my existence
[Reply]
Thank god for that. It really is still sinking in. Better happen soon.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:49 am
Talia
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 8:45 am:
Yay, yay, yay!!! Congratulations!! Hope it all goes smoothly & I (not so secretly) hope Luigi gets his boy!

Whatever it is, you can be sure it’ll be beautiful, just like the others!!
Congratulations again, I love babies & am totally over the mooN for you!
Talia recently posted..A Little vs. A Lot
[Reply]
Thanks Talia. I’m secretly excited about a whole New lot of maternity fashion :p
I’ve actually laid down the law this time and were not finding out the sex (must stay strong) this pergnancy is all about surprises.
[Reply]
Yay! Not finding out was so fun with Lior. Lots more opportunities for daydreaming!
Talia recently posted..Brocolli Lover
[Reply]
Talia says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 2:33 pm
Danielle says:
July 22nd, 2012 @ 8:48 am
tatum
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 9:30 am:
Congratulations! Everything happens for a reason. Life with 4 kids is chaotic and noisy and expensive but its so very worth it. Hope all is smooth sailing during your pregancy. Tatum xx
tatum recently posted..NYC – Tips and To-Dos #BlogHer12
[Reply]
Thanks gorgeous. Don’t tell me it’s expensive it will make hubbies head explode!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
Cassie Nguyen
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:07 am:
Oh wow! Congratulations Dani!!
Sounds like it was more than meant to be. Violet will make an amazing big sister, and you an amazing mum of four.
Cassie Nguyen recently posted..Piaget and a Tooth
[Reply]
Thanks Cassie, let’s hope so. All fingers and toes crossed!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
Megan
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:15 am:
Wow, what a surprise! Congratulations. Four kids is hard work but is very rewarding in the long run, and seeing the interaction between them all makes it so worthwhile
good luck.
[Reply]
Thanks Megan. I think I’m going to need it
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:28 pm
Jaimie
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:25 am:
Congratulations!
[Reply]
Thanks Lovely xx
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:28 pm
Jo
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:28 am:
Oh Dani!
xxx
VERY unexpected, how you kept it to yourself for two weeks not even telling Luigi is amazing, but I bet you were in shock!
Can’t believe your GP didn’t do a pregnancy test. I had a similar experience when pregnant with G, even though I had been ‘trying’ for him for 18 months when I fell pregnant I couldn’t understand why I was so flat and tired, started taking supplements and going to bed at 7pm confused and bewildered … silly me!
Take care of yourself darling. xx
[Reply]
Oh trust me I was a true basket case and very much in denial for ages. I’m having lots of rest and feeling good so lets hope it continues.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:29 pm
Jess
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:44 am:
That is great news, things really do happen for a reason
[Reply]
I certainly think so
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:29 pm
Danimezza
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 10:44 am:
Congratulations, that is amazing! x
Danimezza recently posted..17 Sundays at Blogopolis PART ONE
[Reply]
Is kinda, isn’t it.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
Jacqui (CRAP Mamma)
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 11:09 am:
Oh my! I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes reading this Dan. When life throws us something a little unexpected you just have to grab the ball and run with it hey. What wonderful news hun, really, truly wonderful news xx
Jacqui (CRAP Mamma) recently posted..Easy Cornflake and Honey Cookie Recipe
[Reply]
Thanks Jacq, totally agree. Even though were still a little shocked. Lets hope we survive.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
Katrina from The Block
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 11:35 am:
WOW! Congratulations to you! Such a lovely beautiful story and a gorgeous family. XOX
Katrina from The Block recently posted..How to make a Facebook Cover photo
[Reply]
Thanks Kat, lets hope its another cutie!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:31 pm
bigwords
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 11:36 am:
Fabulous news! Congrats xx
bigwords recently posted..The Unicorn
[Reply]
Thanks B!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:31 pm
lizzy
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 12:00 pm:
A HUGE congrats to you Dani and Luigi – another beautiful child coming up! xxx
lizzy recently posted..{Five Favourites For Friday}
[Reply]
Thanks Liz xx
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:32 pm
Kelly Stoner
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 12:02 pm:
I am sitting with tears streaming from my eyes! I am so happy for you guys, and so excited to watch you go through another pregnancy! The Universe works in such beautiful and mysterious ways. I don’t think it will matter if this baby is a girl or a boy, either way formLuigi it is an affirmation that he is back better than ever! Love and light to you all xoxoxoxoxo
[Reply]
Georgia
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 12:48 pm:
Dani! So exciting!!! You must be shocked and a wee bit nervous, but in a few months time I bet you will be wondering what you were ever worried about.
Congratulations. xxx
[Reply]
Tracey
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 1:14 pm:
Congratulations Dani! That is a lovely story. What’s one more little bit of chaos to throw in the mix? Wishing you a happy and healthy road ahead. xoxo
[Reply]
Claire
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 2:43 pm:
WOW – congratulations Dani. Looking forward to the adventures of this baby as much as I enjoy the adventures of Baby Violet.
Claire recently posted..Midweek Break
[Reply]
Louisa
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 3:07 pm:
Congratulations! That’s a wonderful surprise – what a blessing xx
Louisa recently posted..{Preparing For Baby} 23 weeks and counting…
[Reply]
loulou
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 3:57 pm:
Hi Danielle,
that is the loveliest news I have heard in a long time – it is a day by day but so understandable to be so excited.
I’m excited for you
I often wondered what it would be like adding another to our family – I’m too old now and think my husband would lock me up.
best wishes to you and Luigi
x Loulou
loulou recently posted..Call out for DIY Neon ideas
[Reply]
Claireyhewitt
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 5:32 pm:
No one ever regrets adding another baby to the family.
When an unscheduled baby comes along it can often be a wonderful blessing! COngrats to you all!
[Reply]
So agree! Congratulations – hope you have a wonderful and healthy pregnancy.
PlanningQueen recently posted..Dice Game Using Duplo For Preschoolers
[Reply]
Thanks Nic. I may come knocking for a few tips.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:34 pm
PlanningQueen says:
July 23rd, 2012 @ 1:22 am
Kim-Marie
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 5:43 pm:
Congratulations! X
Kim-Marie recently posted..Photo a Day July 2012 : 11-20
[Reply]
Maria Tedeschi
on Jul 22nd, 2012
@ 5:47 pm:
Congratulations. I have 4. I found having 3 under 5 yrs alot harder than having 4 under 9yrs.
Such an amazing story.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Maria Tedeschi recently posted..WHAT IS THIS THING, HEALTH?
[Reply]
Alex
on Jul 23rd, 2012
@ 9:41 am:
Congratulations! How exciting is this. Hope this one is a good sleeper too. x
[Reply]
me too with every being in my body!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:34 pm
Lisa Barton-Collins
on Jul 23rd, 2012
@ 3:44 pm:
OMG Dan CONGRATULATIONS!! What a wonderful surprise! I love your comment about rolling with it – sometimes the universe just sends you along on your path without you having any say in it.
No more sushi for you! bwahahahaha
Big hugs
xxx
Lisa Barton-Collins recently posted..Children are Weird
[Reply]
I know. I’m totally devasted. At least I still have dumplings!
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:35 pm
Lisa Jay (photography)
on Jul 23rd, 2012
@ 4:45 pm:
Amazing. That’s wonderful news, even if a bit of a shock for you. I hope you are feeling well. I love that your hubby felt like Superman
[Reply]
feeling really good so far so lets hope it stays that way
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:37 pm
trish
on Jul 23rd, 2012
@ 6:46 pm:
Congratulations such a feel good story to read Danielle.
trish recently posted..Look Good Feel Better
[Reply]
Thanks Trish. We all need a little bit of happiness.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:38 pm
Terry
on Jul 24th, 2012
@ 2:24 am:
Congratulations to both of you Dani, it was meant to be. I am very happy for you (and a little jealous of your mom with all those grandbabies LOL)
[Reply]
Thanks Terry. I think nan is still recovering from the shock
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:38 pm
Cherie @ raising master Max
on Jul 24th, 2012
@ 6:37 pm:
Seriously, with kids as cute as yours … it’s actually just CRIMINAL not to bring another little one into the world!
But no, SERIOUSLY …
The biggest congratulations!
This has made my day. Absolutely made my day
Have a beautiful pregnancy, & I’m going to get in early …
BOY!
[Reply]
I’m so glad it made you day and I think luigi already has all his fingers and toes crossed for a boy. Were not finding out the sex so he will just have to wait and see.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 24th, 2012 @ 10:39 pm
Edwina
on Jul 24th, 2012
@ 7:50 pm:
Congrats Dani! Fantastic news for you. Xx
[Reply]
stinkb0mb
on Jul 25th, 2012
@ 12:14 am:
congrats x
stinkb0mb recently posted..Introducing….
[Reply]
Thanks Rach xx
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 25th, 2012 @ 9:33 am
Gem
on Jul 25th, 2012
@ 8:58 am:
Congratulations, What a gift. I too have 4 children all grown up now and the best of friends. When I look back life was crazy but never a dull moment I wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy your family your one lucky lady xxx
[Reply]
you may need to give me a few tips.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 25th, 2012 @ 9:34 am
Sarah
on Jul 25th, 2012
@ 7:20 pm:
Congrats Dani! And Luigi and the girls too.
I found out I was pregnant at 8 weeks with Hugo too. I kind of knew but was very much in denial and then spent the next few months in denial too, much like you I wondered how on earth I would go mothering 4 kids. This little one will have 3 other mothers and a doting daddy to help you out. I look forward to hearing your news xxxx
[Reply]
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky
on Jul 30th, 2012
@ 10:57 am:
Congrats, congrats, congrats! What a happy surprise. Life sure does happen!
Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky recently posted..“Mummy, I’m a man”, she said
[Reply]
Thanks Kylie.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
July 30th, 2012 @ 11:44 am
corrie
on Aug 4th, 2012
@ 7:23 am:
congratulations! so exciting!
I remember I was driving and feeling so nauseous and realised I was late and needed to do test! was terrified to tell hubby as he always said 4 was enough, turned out he was thrilled we were having number 5 and I did give him a boy:)
good luck for the rest of the pg! 4 is such a great number:)
corrie:)
[Reply]
fingers crossed the same happens here too.
[Reply]
Danielle says:
August 7th, 2012 @ 3:28 pm