Hi!
I am a new mom to the area with a 1 year old daughter and a second one on the way.
I had a very difficult time with my first pregnancy, I was sick at least 2x a day and actually lost 30lbs while pregnant. My daughter had to be delivered emergency c-section @ 34 weeks early due to the cord being wrapped around her neck 3x, lost amniotic fluid and she had stopped growing.
She was delivered at 3 pounds and 6 oz., and is very healthy and the light of my life now. She had to stay in the hospital for 18 days and the day she came home I went in to the ER for acute gallbladder pancreatitis! Due to numerous other complications from there, I was in the hospital for 4 weeks.
So yes when I found out I was pregnant again ( while using 2 types of contraception) I was surprised! And very worried. Ultimately your doctor will let you know with regards to health risks, capability, etc.
But I wouldn't trade anything for this bond, with my wonderful husband and daughter expecting new life. The look on her face when she sees him touching my belly and waiting for that expectant little one! I don't think we're ever really ready for what life gives us, even when we're sure we want it.
It sounds like you do! See what your doctor and husband think. Yes it's difficult, but I think we've been able to do it because we have a great team :)
On the whole SAHM thing, I've had a lot of issues with because I always worked full-time so it was a bit of an adjustment. Ultimately it's nobody else s' business how you raise your child, it's between your family and your conscience. You want to be home with her. My mom wanted to be home with us too and got a lot of flack for it, because of the sacrifices it requires. But like she told her sister-in-laws.."I don't ask you to pay my bills, feed or clothe my children. I don't even ask you to babysit. I haven't asked for your advice and certainly not your opinion."
My daughter is healthy and I see to her socializing through area activities and other opportunities. I don't apologize for doing what I consider to be important and neither should you.
Thanks to what mom said, no one really gives me any trouble :) Good luck to you, it sounds like you have a wonderful family :)