When I found out I was pregnant with
Baby #3, I laughed.
I felt like Abraham's wife, Sarah. Having a baby at 90 years old was pretty
unbelievable, but I think having three babies in less than 2 1/2 years is a
close second.
I couldn't
believe what God had done. What we had done. So I laughed.
Expect it
wasn't a funny kind of laugh. It was a hysterical get-me-out-of-here kind of
laugh. Not my proudest moment, but the news was somewhat unexpected. Cupcake
was still nursing full-time. I didn't even know we could get pregnant quite yet. I took the
test on a whim, as a "just in case" kind of thing.
And it was
positive. Very, very positive.
I shared the
news with my husband and together we took our joy and our fear to the Lord.
Even when our world is turned upside down, God still speaks truth.
God love us.
God creates life. And God created this life. He loves this child. He has a plan
for this child.
And that plan includes me.
And that plan includes me.
Some days I find myself brought to tears at the
responsibility, but most days I'm just plain
excited.
Bringing another child into our family will be tough, but I've learned a secret
that I am going to share with you.
I'm not
getting a new baby. I'm getting new big kids.
For the past
two years, I've had a baby needing my constant attention,
nursing 5-10 times a day, and spitting up on every piece of clothing I own. Having to care for another baby isn't a big deal. I've gotten pretty good it.
However,
this time around I'll have two big kids. I'll have a 2 1/2 year old who can
sing, play and "help" mommy. Even now, Rooster is great about
bringing me things when I'm nursing. He's well on his way to being my big helper!
Cupcake will
be walking and hopefully beginning to talk in 7 months. She'll be sleeping
through the night and happily eating table foods. She's such a curious little
girl, and soon won't need all of my time and attention as she learns to play and explore on her own.
We still
have some logistics to figure out, like where everyone is going to sleep, and
how to get three children safely in and out of the car at Wal-Mart, but those
answers will come when we need them.
And we don't
need them right now. A positive pregnancy test always comes 9 months
before you think you're ready. That 9 months is the grace period that God gives
parents to prepare their hearts and their home for a child. If you had asked me
12 weeks ago if I was ready for another baby, I would have told you no way, but
I can guarantee that 7 months from now, we'll be eagerly awaiting her
arrival.
I know some
people would be freaking out right now, and I can't blame them. Three kids in
diapers is no joke.
But I'm going to laugh anyway. I'm
going to sing and dance around with a heart full of joy.
God who opens the womb has given to us abundantly! What is there to worry about?
Love this post! Knowing that God is perfect, makes no mistakes, and is the Creator of life allows for a breath of air. Rest assured that He'll provide all that's necessary. As for Walmart, my tip is to park near the carts. I mean directly beside it and then get out, grab your cart, put Rooster in the big part (or depending on his maturity have him walk beside it, holding it the whole time), place Cupcake in the big part as well (requiring her to stay seated), and new baby in the seat. When your ready to leave park the cart beside the car, load the children up first, then your items, and return the cart. If it's raining or snowing skip stopping....if possible.
ReplyDeleteYes! We always park by the cart return. I know they'll fit in the cart, but where will I put the groceries, haha! I guess I'll start being an early bird shopper and try to get it all done before my husband goes to work :)
DeleteGreat post! I'm still praying for your sanity. ;) love you guys!
ReplyDeleteI loved this! What a blessing and inspiration you are. My mother in law had 3 boys who were all 14 months apart: 3 in diapers! She says all the time that her greatest regret is that they stopped after those 3 (they had a girl 4 years later) She says that even though she was so tired, that wasn't a good reason for stopping because those days passed all too quickly, and now she wishes they would have had lots more. I hold on to those words because I have a 14 month old and 2 month old, and we could get pregnant again anytime! Trusting God with our fertility can be a scary path: but it is the path of no regrets. Praying for you to have strength to stay the course!
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself that one day I'm going to be so very thankful I changed all those diapers! It seems like a lot now, but then they grow up and I'm going to miss these baby years.
DeleteOh Katherine, I so needed this right now. Yesterday I asked my husband if we could wait until J is a year before we start trying because, even though I want another child close in age, the thought makes me feel petrified. I struggled so much at the start and still now I battle with selfish thoughts on a day by day basis. I know it's "normal" but I still hate it and it makes me worry I won't be able to cope. I love your words about the 9 month grace period. So true and so encouraging. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeletePraying for you Sarah! We said the same thing after Cupcake was born. I really wanted to wait a year, but I couldn't wrap my mind around contraceptives. We were going to use NFP once I started my period which is why I completely believe that God gave us this child before I started just to show us that he had a different plan.
DeleteI would just encourage you not to do anything out of fear. Don't wait because you are scared. Likewise don't avoid contraceptives because you are afraid of condemnation. God has given us his Spirit of wisdom. Pray, make a decision based on your convictions, and walk in confidence.
You will be able to cope whenever you have another one. I read a blogger one time who said God only gives you the grace and strength you need for the kids you have, otherwise you'd get a big head, lol. If you have more, you'll have exactly what you need :)
Yay! What a great attitude - and you are right, God made this baby and has a plan for him/her. I love how you put that - the plan of God's for this baby includes you. Great perspective, and congratulations on the pregnancy :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings
God will give you the grace you need to care for three young ones. I have 6, 3 of them are in diapers. I don't go grocery shopping with all of them anymore, but I can run short errands. As time goes by you find the groove that works for you and try to stay in it to help everything run smoothly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing. Part of me is ready for baby #2 (our daughter is 9 1/2 months), but another part of me can't imagine having two little ones. Your words encouraged me to relax and trust God.
ReplyDeleteAwesome~ Just Awesome! Blessings to you and your family! God's plan is always best! :)
ReplyDeleteLove love love this post, especially the part about having 9 months after the pregnancy test. Definitely something I need to hear right now :)
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