We’re adding another little pumpkin to our family…
I am thrilled to share the news that our family is growing. For those of you who have been following me for years, you know the journey to get here has been long and full of surprises. Life didn’t follow my original plans, but it turned out so much better. We are so ready to welcome this baby into the world.
It’s a boy!
Baby Boy LeBlanc is due on Easter Sunday (April 9th). We found out the gender through NIPT testing a couple weeks ago (tests all came back normal, thankfully). The girl genes run strong in my family, and I was convinced I’d be a girl mom forever, so we were all a little surprised. Esmé really wanted a little sister and part of me is sad she’ll never get to experience that sister bond (this baby is our last). But how fun to have one of each! We are so grateful.
How is this pregnancy?
Pregnancy #2 definitely hit harder than the first. The nausea was constant for weeks, strong food aversions and exhaustion like no other. Thankfully I’m on the other side of it now in the second trimester, although my energy is still very low and it’s hard to get as much done. I feel like I’m six months pregnant already!
What does big sister think?
Esmé has been involved in this pregnancy since day one. She was with us when we saw the pregnancy test, she came to the first ultrasound and we read weekly baby growth updates together as a family every Sunday. She got a few Big Sister books for her birthday and memorized one front to back after a week. She proudly tells others “there’s a baby in mama’s belly!” I can’t wait to see her step into and thrive in her new role.
Plans for the kids rooms?
I’m designing a very fun and custom (think built-in castle bed/playhouse) Big Girl room upstairs for Esmé. It’s going to take a while to build, and we’ll get started on that early next year.
As for the nursery… to be honest, I was kinda hoping for a girl so I wouldn’t have to redo it, ha! I poured my heart into this space and it would break my heart a little to change it. Also, I don’t know where we’ll find the time. I’ll probably just end up painting over the pink and calling it a day. Sorry, baby boy!
What about the houses/projects/blog?
There’s a huge sense of urgency to finish the Hacienda Hideaway before baby comes. This renovation has taken much longer than anticipated already, and I have limited time/energy to help Lucas with the bigger projects. There will be late nights and many weekend hours to get it all done. This also means we’re most likely putting off our own laundry room remodel once again.
After the baby is born, we’ll probably slow down on projects temporarily but we’re not going to stop. I didn’t stop when Esmé was born because I needed the creative outlet for my sanity, and I can’t imagine this time will be different.
I can promise you that the blog isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, nor is my Instagram, though it may quiet down for a bit. We plan on finding another property to renovate as soon as we have the energy!
Thank you all for continuing to be a part of our journey. We appreciate the love and support, and can’t wait to see what this next chapter holds as a family of four. ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
Michele M. says
Oh what happy joyful blessed news! Big sister is just getting so big – she sure is beautiful, just like her parents. I am excited for you and your family. Best wishes all goes very well. Be kind to yourself and please don’t push yourself too much, as you are wont to do. Prayers!!!!
Jodi says
Aw Congratulations!!! What wonderful news!! I just entered the third trimester with our first (a boy), so this is extra delightful! He’s currently got the hiccups as I type this haha. We’re thinking a sage green for the nursery, and maybe that would work for you as well? Also hoping for a second someday, and we’d love a little girl next. Wishing you a smooth, healthy rest of your pregnancy, and a beautiful little pumpkin!
Nadine says
Congratulations on your “new little pumpkin.” I have one brother who is 18 months older and we’ve been best friends since childhood. I also have another brother who is 3 1/2 years older and we have always been extremely close. Hoping he will be Esme’s new best friend!
Teddee Grace says
Congratulations! Thank you for inviting us along on the journey!
Calypso in the Country says
So happy for you! Congratulations! I have two boys – one is a freshman in college and the other a junior in high school. It goes way too fast – enjoy every moment!
Shelley
Emilie Blanchette says
Congratulations!! Been following you for many years and really happy for you!
Funny enough I always wanted a girl (didn’t know how I would go about raising a boy! lol) but had a boy first and it was my first « boy clothes » shopping that had me thinking « oh this will be fun too! » haha
I love him so so much. He’s now 16 already and he’s such a great big brother to his 14 yo sis, they are the best of friends <3 (but don’t tell them I said that ;D )
Tracee says
I’m a follower since the Florida days the first time and am so happy for you and your family!!! You always look so happy now and I love that you and Lucas found each other!!!! Congratulations to you both!!! I can’t wait to see what you DIY in the future, you two are the best!
Holly says
I’ve been following you for years as well. I’m sooo happy for you! And don’t worry about the nursery–as a boy and girl mom, I can assure you that baby boy won’t mind a girly nursery one bit! My son used lots of sister’s hand me downs (and quite happily, I might add)!
Arli says
So very, very happy for you as your family expands from three to four. Hoping you feel better every day and enjoy the remainder of your pregnancy.
Pam says
My body and soul are tingling with joy for you all!! Congratulations Jenna and Lucas… I also have been following since before finding your Lucas. Also 62 years young. I’m in awe of all you have done and will ALWAYS follow what you and Lucas will do. Thank you always for being so kind in your sharing of your creations and life With us. As I have told you many times….. I love everything… I hope I can meet you one day!! Be well and get all the rest you can. Hugs!!!
Naomi W says
I am soooo excited for you! I am also a long time follower of yours (and older than Hope E!). You and Lucas have made a wonderful life with each other and Esme! Nothing will change. – only get better!
PS. – Have you ever written the story of how you and Lucas met? I know it was on your trip while in Southeast Asia. It would be fun to hear the details!!
Cristi says
Congrats!!! Been following for a while and I just love to see you so happy!!
Becca says
I was hoping this was going to be the news when I ready your ‘teaser’ on your last blog post!! Congratulations!
Hope Ettinger says
So So happy for you. LONG time reader/follower since before Lucas. You deserve everything life has in store for you. Esme is one of the most beautiful little girls. Your personal story hits home in our family as we have experienced similar.
I am probably one of your oldest (62) readers, but I look forward to seeing your accomplishments as I would one of my own children.
Life has a way of working out in its own time.
Best of luck.
Jenna Sue says
That means a lot Hope, thank you for the kind words! I appreciate you following along 💙
Michelle says
Aww, boys nursery’s can be fun too! Instead of defaulting to blue, you could repaint all the pink a more neutral color that still highlights all that amazing trim. You could keep the wallpaper/mural on the main wall to maybe make things “woodsy” and swap out that pink strip for a blue strip or neutral stripe paper. I’ve seen what you can do with rub n’buff, so I know you can work some magic on the chandelier to “boy” that up or maybe just spray paint it black. Either way, I hope you get inspired to do something special in there for him and you both! Congratulations