It's so wonderful to have so many responses! Nice to "meet" you all! Forgive me if I miss any of you!
Lisalee: Re: baby showers - I think every baby deserves to be celebrated. For me, the baby shower is not about the gift at all. It is a celebration of a new life coming into the world, and the transformative nature of such an event for the entire family- but particularly the mother.
I'm a bit bummed that etiquette forbids throwing one myself, because I have never had a baby shower. Terrilein:
I'm glad to hear that so many of your children are excited! We haven't told our kids yet, because our last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. We're waiting until at least 12 weeks, which is coming up! I'm hoping they will be enthusiastic as well! That's so cute about your DD Earthy Mama! I felt the same way about my brother until the first time he spit up on me.
Helping take care of him wasn't so appealing then.
This is going to be a huge change in our lives. We're homeschoolers, and we like to travel- field trips, camping etc. Keep your fingers crossed that I get a baby that loves the car seat, or we're going to have to make some huge adjustments!
rlandnl: Congratulations! What a wonderful surprise!!!
frolick16: I hear you about starting over! I thought the 5 1/2 year gap between my two oldest was a shock to the system- an almost 8 year gap seems like we are starting our "second family"!
lilmiss'mama: I can completely relate regarding the independence issue, and the sleep thing.
I think that was like, the first thought that went through my head!
MyFullHouse: My oldest is taking college classes this semester! It's really surreal- for me! However, I happen to have a sister that is 16 years younger than me, and I love her so very much! We never had any of the sibling rivalry that existed between my brother and I (he's 6 years younger than me). I'm hoping the same will stand true for my kids!
PrincessWinnie: Congratulations!
mistymama- My 3 youngest are all 2 and change years apart, which was very difficult for me. Yes, they played together, but when things headed south, they went downhill QUICKLY! It will be nice to (hopefully) not have to deal with that!
Manessa: I think having the big age spread has definitely made me want to savor every moment of this one's babyhood- primarily because I know how VERY quickly time goes by! The question is, with my obligation to the other kids, will I be able to? Yes, the "needs" aspects of things will be easier to cover with the large age gap, but the "wants" aspect of things- that's another issue in itself! So I completely understand where you are coming from terra-pip!
corysmilk:
I hope that this pregnancy is as uncomplicated and peaceful as possible, your new babe is easy going, and your current kids hit a developmental milestone where things are relatively smooth.
LionessMom: So since you are on the other side, how is it all going for you?
CherryBomb: I had a similar spread- when my youngest was born, my kids were 10, 4, 2, and newborn!
sunshinejanie: Congratulations! How are your kids dealing with the upcoming birth? Are they excited, or old enough to be wary?
lisko15: Please do update! And wishing you an easy labor!
Edited to add a hello for
lillymonster and StarMama!
Well turns out his toddlerhood was rough because the kid has Aspergers and sensory isssues and THANK GOODNESS I had the instinct to parent him gently. 
