Here we go again — I’m pregnant.

But this time at 40!

Well, almost 40. My birthday is July 18 and on that day, I will enter my fourth decade of life. Not only will this be a big milestone for that reason, but also because my husband and I will be expecting (or will have already welcomed) another new baby.

As of today, I am 13 weeks along. I feel as comfortable with this pregnancy as you can possibly feel when wrapping up your first trimester. It’s been a difficult road this time around. We’ve had some scares. Times when I was sure this pregnancy wasn’t going to come to fruition. But as of today, we’re a go.

Pregnancy news came as somewhat of a surprise.

Because I wanted to finish up adding members to our family before I was 40, we had pretty much given up on a third child.  With both of my boys, I got pregnant quickly once we had decided it was time. This time, it just didn’t happen.

I should say it didn’t happen until we had finally made peace with just having two.

In fact, it was right around the time that I was itching to get rid of all things baby. I had spent days gathering, matching up, and boxing up baby toys, bottles and other baby-only items.

We also had discussions about how our boys were getting so independent and that it’d be much easier to travel because they could carry their own backpacks and remove their own shoes at airport security.

But true to form, the universe had other plans for us.

My official due date is Aug. 2. Ironically, this is the exact date in 2009 that we were expecting our second son, who actually decided to come June 3 – nine weeks early.

While I’d rather this baby not show up that early, I am wishing that baby number three come a couple of weeks early while I’m still 39.

Many have asked if we are “going for a girl.”  No.

It’s true, my husband would love to have a “daddy’s girl.” But this mom, who wanted nothing but a girl the first time around, is still hoping for another boy. Who is better respected than a mother of all boys after all?

In all seriousness, I have beautiful nieces and friends with little girls that I can spoil. Being a girl and knowing how complicated girls can be, I really feel like I am better prepared to raise boys.

In the end, it’s not up to choice. We’ll certainly be happy with whatever when baby shows up, boy or girl.

One thing is for sure, 40 will be a memorable year for this mom!

Amy Grace is married with two children. You can read her every Friday on momaha.

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