My first pregnancy

“I started seriously trying to get pregnant in my mid-thirties, but doctors told me I’d never conceive naturally. Devastated, I mourned that unborn child. I had to put those feelings aside — I felt I was meant to become a mother in a different way.

“We adopted Calum a few weeks before his first birthday. At 42, I finally had a family. I realized that everything had happened for a reason: so that this amazing child could find us.

“Last Christmas, though, I had the shock of a lifetime: I was pregnant — at 44! My husband and I were like deer in headlights, crying out of sheer disbelief. We’d been talking about adopting again because it had been such a wonderful experience, but now we’d be having a baby boy of our own.

“I explained to our toddler that while he grew in our hearts, another baby was growing in my belly. In fact, sharing my pregnancy with him has given us an even more special connection. I can’t help but laugh when he tells me he’s ready for his brother to come out and play.

“This still feels like a miracle, especially because I’ve been so healthy throughout. There are moments when I can’t believe this is happening — others when I can’t believe my skin can stretch this much!

“I love being an older mom because I’ve already built my career, had my fun, travelled and worked hard. In my twenties, I was much more selfish — now I can focus on motherhood. While I’m looking forward to being able to sleep on my stomach again, I really can’t wait to hear the laughter of my boys fill the house.”

Update: Miles was welcomed into the family in August.

Struggling to get pregnant? Explore the adoption option and egg donating, and meet a late-in-life mother.

This article originally appeared in the November 2009 issue of More