Yes, that's the reaction we have been getting from strangers around town when they find out we are expecting baby #5! Is it really that horrible to love having babies and raising children and desiring a big family? It's so sad that in our culture today children are thought of as a burden. I just absolutely love having babies and love having children and I can't ever imagine saying I don't want any more. I was shopping at Motherhood Maternity today for a new nursing bra and some comfortable maternity bottoms. I explained to her that my youngest is 7 months and I'm pregnant again so I'm only going to get bigger and need some comfortable bottoms. (Yes, I believe this is one way God is trying to humble me with my weight since I haven't lost any weight since having Juliette and it has been such a hard thing for me to overcome.) Anyhow, the sales clerk just responded something like, "wow, yeah just get 'em all done." Later on when I was shopping for a nursing bra I explained to her that I'd had trouble nursing but I was going to nurse again so why not just buy a nursing bra. This is my 5th and I've always nursed them as long as possible. She was in complete shock that I was actually having a 5th child and that I actually wanted.....MORE? "Yes," I told her smiling, "I just love having babies." "Well," she said, "you look like you're doing OK." Haha as if she thought I might be pulling my hair out or just a complete mess. And of course she like many other people asked, "so what did your husband say?" "Are you going to homeschool all of them?" "You are a saint." Well, I'm far from a saint but I hope to continue striving that way. And all I know is that I absolutely thrive on having babies and raising children. It's what God planned for me to do and I just love it. I just wish other people would realize what a joy and blessing it is to have children. It does make me chuckle a little to think what a sight we are going to be towing 5 children around all under the age of 5 when this one is born. And I wonder how many children we will be blessed with in the end? Only time will tell but for now I'm very content and happy and very very blessed.
Children too are a gift from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children born in one's youth. Blessed are they whose quivers are full. psalm 127:5
You will never regret choosing life! Enjoy your beautiful family. You will be running on a sleep deficit the rest of your life, but it eventually makes your brain so mushy it is like doing drugs so you won't be with it enough to care!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for your family! The world becomes a better place with each new Gabe/Laura baby!!! Keep up the good work. You and your family are in my prayers. I would add "may God bless you", but He already has :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Laura. I too wish people could just be happy for expecting couples, no matter how many children they already have or how small they think the age difference is. I think you are doing a heroic thing by welcoming new life. Especially in today's world that is so hostile to children. It would be better if those of us choosing life could be supported, since it can be very difficult sometimes raising little ones - but unfortunately we have to juggle defending our decisions and the scorn of others IN ADDITION to working really hard to raise a family with love and in the Lord. I just want you to know there are some of us who admire you and see the good you are doing. God is the only one who really matters, of course, and I know He is smiling down at you from heaven.
ReplyDeletePlus you will always get a 'congratulations' from me and Mike! :)