I'm pretty certain that it doesn't take most people 20 weeks to disclose to their family and friends that they are expecting. Yes, you read it. 20 weeks.
When I found out I was pregnant with this sweet little baby, I was more than overwhelmed. In our little minds, we were finished having children. We were perfectly content with our energetic little boys in our three bedroom house (where everyone has their own space) and our big green minivan. We were a family of four...and we were proud and happy. We talked it over and prayed about it and decided that we should stay a family of four. So, we started giving away maternity clothes and baby stuff--bye, bye, crib...farewell Jumperoo, adios maternity and baby boy clothes! What freedom! We were moving into a time when I wouldn't have to carry a diaper bag that weighed 20 pounds...I wouldn't have to puree baby food anymore...and breast-fed baby blowouts would be a thing of the past. We were so certain that this was it, that we even took permanent measures to keep our family a family of four (speculate all you want...I can't put all of our business out there). And, it became official, we would be a family of four.
Or so we thought.
I was sick. Really sick. I was tired. Beyond exhaustion. My tummy was bloated. I was convinced that I had some type of illness. Why would I feel this way day after day? No medicine helped. No amount of sleep helped me to recover. I was feeling so miserable.
And, then, I found out...I was pregnant. Pregnant? Again? No way. This isn't possible. We don't have any more baby stuff...we only have three bedrooms...our budget is already stretched to the max so that I can stay at home with the boys...oh my Gosh...I've been so prideful and told everyone that we were only having two children...I said that my uterus was closed...
My OB laughed at me when I came in for my first visit. And she reminded me that there was a slim-to- none possibility to conceive after what we did...and well, we conceived. So, yes, this baby is a surprise...but she is also a miracle. She is also a reminder that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts...He has a perfect plan, even if it doesn't fit with our plan, His plan is better...His ways are better...His ways are perfect.
And, so, in July right around the time Reese turns 2 and Emmanuel turns 4, a baby girl will be welcomed into our family.
She already has her daddy wrapped around her finger. She already has sweet friends of mine buying her pink and purple outfits. She's already been engraved onto the palms of Her Savior.
So, next time you are in the grocery store, and you see that mom who looks frazzled because her 4-year-old is ready to go, her 2-year-old is peeing in aisle 5, and her newborn is screaming because it's naptime, please think of me and say a prayer...because our ride is about to get really, really interesting.
What awesome news Carmen! Look at this as the greatest adventure of your life. I had 3 in 36 months so I understand very well what you are coming into. It's a joy but I'll be honest it's hard at times. I look at my kids about to be 6, 8 and 9 and think to myself.... where did the time go, just yesterday they were all in diapers, all in sippy cups, and all needed me every second of the day. Over stimulated from sun up to sun down it was hard. BUT!!!! yes there is a but. It's perfect, even though you already gave everything away those gifts will come back to you. It's perfect because they are all so close. Sometimes that means fighting but sometimes that means the two oldest reading to their little one because he can't go one more minute without a monkey book. It's boy scouts, girl scouts, school functions, family meals we all helped make, and a big pile of people on the bed on Sunday morning. Oh it's a great joy. So every time you are ready to pull out your beautiful hair or cry just think this too shall pass and I will miss it. Hair will grow back, tears relieve stress and hugs from all 3 kids can heal anything. I love you Carmen and I'm grateful for the times we have spoken. Please feel free to call me anytime you need to vent or share. I'm here because I've been there. Here is an event you won't face though and this should give you a good laugh. On March 16th my youngest will be 6, and on March 25th the other two will be 8 and 9... So for 9 days I have children ages 6, 7, and 8.... I avoid questions that week because it makes me look crazy ;)
ReplyDeleteWOW....Carmen this was sooo touching and heartfelt!! I know GOD has called you to be a wonderful mother of 3!! I know he will give you the strength and endurance to be the BEST mother these little ones will ALWAYS and FOREVER CHERISH!!!I love you and your family and if you need anything we are more than willing to assist!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Carmen!!! I will be praying for you. You have definitely been blessed by God. :) Much love!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! We love you guys and you are right God's plan is better. We will be right now the street to help in any way we can. Thanks for taking yourself out of the "who is going to watch Ethan now" pool:)
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