Just when you think life is getting back to normal, just when you think you've reached calmer seas and smooth sailing, life throws in a few surprises.

We're putting the final touches on the remodel. The stained glass cabinet door should be done in about a week. We still need to paint, however, but I can live with that right now.

Gabe is about 80 percent potty trained and 20 percent stubborn. I was looking forward to no more diapers and a vacation to Hawaii that has been several years in the making.

Then, life throws me one of those little surprises.

I haven't been feeling too well lately. I thought it was probably stress or the workouts at the gym. I thought slowing down would help, but it didn't.

I complained to my doctor about fatigue, but he just chalked it up to working full time and chasing after Gabe. I didn't believe him, so I did the only other thing I could think of.

I took a pregnancy test.

They really should make these things a little more simple. Plus or Minus, Bah humbug!

Mine showed two verticle lines — what the heck is that supposed to mean?

I waited a week and took another one — same result. Inconclusive.

This was irritating me, so we called the EPT hotline.

Yep, I'm pregnant.

I still didn't believe it, so I scheduled an appointment with my doctor.

Yep, I'm pregnant.

Ok, so that wasn't a little surprise. That was a big one. I think it's still sinking in. We had tried for eight years before I became pregnant with Gabe. It wasn't supposed to be this easy.

Three more years of diapers, and no trip to Hawaii. What fun would it be waddling around on the sand and looking like a beached whale at 8 months and counting?

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy, heck I'm thrilled beyond belief. I just wasn't expecting to be expecting so soon. But, the tradeoff will be something very special. (Due date is Thanksgiving Day — seems appropriate don't you think?)

I've postponed Hawaii once before, I suppose it'll be there in a few more years. I'd rather enjoy my kid(s) while I'm still somewhat young. I can lie around on the beach when I'm older. I'll be more able to enjoy the peace and quiet then.

Change is good, so are surprises.