29 Weeks

Hey, sweetie pie!

We are busy these days, with soccer, flag football, music lessons, swimming, along with every thing else that goes on around here. Mommy is learning how to balance big kids with little kids and the wide range of interests that go on in between.

Today is your oldest sister's 11th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! And let me tell you something about her that you will soon come to know: she loves her family tenderly and deeply, including you. And, she is probably the sweetest person I've ever known in my life. She gives of herself each day to every one of us. I can't believe that I've been her mama for 11 years. . . amazing grace.

Here are some fun pics:

Baby J held still long enough to take a pic. He's crawling these days.

The men-folk of the house.

You'll learn what fun it is to play in a box, too.

Your sister saying hello to a terrapin.

Your oldest brother testing out his wingspan.

All your siblings on a nature center field trip.

Happy 11th, SJ!!!

I love you, sweet baby girl. I think of you each day and the ways you will bring joy to our lives. . . you already have.

Fruit of the Womb

Baby girl,

Do you remember how I told you before that Mommy has to work on not caring so much about what other people say (when they are trying to be mean or rude)? So often, Mommy and Daddy are questioned, criticized, looked down upon, teased, misunderstood, stared at--all because you have 5 siblings. This comes from complete strangers, and even some of our family and friends. And, many of them are Christians.

Why does that matter--being a Christian?

Well,  sweet girl, it matters because of what God says about children. And, as God's children, we are to align our thinking with His.

In Bible study today, God just reassured Mommy and opened my eyes anew to a passage of Scripture that has been pretty familiar to me. I was reading Psalm 127:3-5 and I decided to read it from The Message translation and this is what is says:

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb His generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

-Psalm 127:3-5

 

Prayerfully, you will come to learn that the Word of the Lord is a balm to the soul. And little one, this was so refreshing and so soothing to me on so many levels. I keep reading it again and again. I said to Daddy, "Babe, look at this translation!" The part that stuck out to him was the end, about enemies. Why? Because a family that is rooted in God's Word, that understands that children are such a great blessing, will be able to stand strong together.

 

So, when people question us, when they stare, when they start counting how many kids call one person, "Mommy", when they tell me that I should not have had you all, when they're shocked that Daddy has fun with you guys, when they call me crazy or shake their heads in disgust, when they say that they feel sorry for me, when they don't understand, we will stand firm as a family, knowing that God's Word is true and it cannot lie.

 

You and your siblings are God's best gift to Daddy and me. I pray sweetheart, that moms and dads view their children as God's best gifts, His generous legacy, a blessing--not a burden, no matter how many children they have.

 

You are wanted and you are loved.

-Mommy

Your sisters and brothers. . .we're waiting for you!

 

26 Weeks

Baby girl, we had lots of fun the past few days!

Your oldest brother talks about seeing you soon. He's excited to have a little sister. Did I tell you that already? After having 2 older sisters, he's ready to have a little sister.

He said, "Mommy, I can't wait to see K--- in May. I don't like the pictures you get of her from the doctor's office. They are always black and white and I can't really see what she looks like. I like seeing her at the hospital because then I'll know what she looks like!"

Well, this is what he looks like!

To tell you the truth, baby girl, I know exactly what he means. While I love EVERY ultrasound picture I have of you, it just doesn't compare to seeing you face to face. But, for now, we'll be patient and we'll just dream of what we all think you'll look like.

This is what Mommy's looking like these days:

Valentine's Day 2014

I love you to pieces, sweetie!

21 Weeks

Time is slowly ticking by little one, and Mommy is right around the half-way mark before we get to see you!

We were pretty busy last week, and Mommy is looking forward to a change in pace. Daddy took the family to Ikea on Saturday--we were looking for some new pantry shelves. Daddy and I both agree that Ikea just isn't the store for us! LOL We don't get it and then we just end up confused and exhausted. . . maybe we'll try again another time.

Daddy said to me a couple days ago, "Lu, your stomach's getting bigger," with a certain nod of his head. Just his way of confirming what Mommy already knows: he's right; you're growing!! You let me know you're there more and more each day. Feels like lots of tumbling and rolling. I'm always thankful to feel you. Early one morning, you were just kicking and kicking, so Daddy put his hand on my tummy to see if he could feel you, too, but it's too soon.

One of your sisters keeps telling me that she can't wait until you get here. I told her she'll just have to wait because you've got more growing to do. She understands, but you have to know she's thrilled because you will be her first little sister.

You know, there will be 11 years between you and one sister, and 9 years between you and the other sister. And, guess what? Mommy didn't save all of those pretty little outfits they used to wear when they were babies. I only saved a couple of things to give to them when they grow up and become wives and mothers. In other words, darling, you and I have some shopping to do!

I think of you each day and you are in my prayers. . . love you.