Packed Up

This past week we closed on our new house and began life as home owners again.

We've been renting for the past 3 1/2 years, and between living in Missouri, North Carolina and now way out West, there was no reason to buy until we knew we'd be settled.

And so... here we are.

Settled. Well, aside from the mountains of boxes in every room. Haha.

But truly, we are well on our way to being settled. We're putting down roots. We're calling a house our own.

And can I just say that getting all packed up and now unpacking for perhaps the last. time. ever. is just kind of wonderful?

It's scary. But it's wonderful.

This is home. This is HOME.

Spitting Image

I better date their baby picture before I get confused… cause boy, oh boy, don’t these boys look a like?

Oldest and youngest.

Biggest and smallest

And boy, oh boy, do I love them.

Infamous

I always wondered what I’d do if I had a skinny baby.

Probably freak out just a little.

Slimness is not something that my kids “do.” At least during their first year of life. They are big at birth, and they just keep getting bigger. Rounder and rounder. Chubbier and chubbier with this great stuff called mother’s milk. Its not that they eat an extraordinary amount, its that, according to the doctors, I make pure whipping cream.

It never takes long before the infamous family double chin appears.

Doesn’t he wear it well? Oooh, I just love my little double chinned boy.

Mother and Son

Words can’t express the closeness of this bond. Mother and child. Praise God for this new addition

Delivered!

The labor and delivery with my fourth son were both the longest and shortest labor of my life.

Longest and shortest.

And truly, its hard to say which.

In the days leading up to Samuel’s birth, it seemed that I went into labor at least 3 times, only to have it fizzle out once the contractions got close enough to think about heading into the hospital.

This was so discouraging at times, as I’d anticipated this little guys arrival to be early, or at least a week before his due date like all three of his brothers before him. And with all the labor type symptoms I’d been experiencing (hard regular contractions, cervix dilation etc) there were times during the pre-labor period that I felt rather sure that “this was IT.”

On the other hand, there were also many times during the month before Samuel’s birth that I told my husband and friends that “I feel too comfortable to be this pregnant.”  My experiences in pregnancy the previous three times had been that the last trimester is long and hard and super UNCOMFORTABLE. But I didn’t feel that way this time. Whether it was the regular exercise and the healthy eating habits or whether it was God’s pure grace showered upon me, giving me strength and comfort, I don’t know. Probably both. Well, for sure the latter, but I do think the former played a role as well.

As I went through these periods of prodromal labor, I kept thinking, I’m getting close. But then, on other days, I’d be out mowing our 1/2 acre yard in 90 degree heat and think, I feel way too good to be 9 months pregnant.

And so it went. A little labor. A little comfort. A little labor. A little comfort. All the way up till my due date.

Two weeks, prior to my due date (and my delivery date, yes, Samuel was one of the 5% of babies born on his due date), the midwife indicated that she thought little Samuel was in a posterior position. Still with his head down, just his head facing the wrong direction. Sunnyside up, as the laymen call it. And baby’s born in that position tend to not only produce the longest, hardest labors, but they also increase the chances of transverse arrest (getting head stuck in moms pelvis), tearing on delivery, and c-section. Oh, and posterior baby’s very often present with a start and stop type labor that I’d been experiencing.

And well, it made me a bit worried.

Of course, its not impossible to deliver a posteriorly positioned baby. Many women have done it, and babies often turn to a proper position during labor…but delivering a posterior baby had proved nigh impossible my first time round. Isaiah, my oldest son, was born via c-section after days of hard labor, many many hours of pushing, an attempted vacuum extraction all to get that posterior head moved around in a way that allowed delivery.

And so I had flashbacks. Would I need another c-section? Or could I VBAC like I had with my previous two baby’s?

My VBAC’s had been so easy, I knew I wasn’t going to ask or plan for a c-section if I could help it. The midwife suggested several different exercises, as did close friends (thank you, Kelly, Nikki, Alicia!!), particularly the ones found here. And so I exercised my heart out. Every day, 4 or 5 times a day, doing these odd and unusual (but extremely relieving and comforting!!) exercises to rotate the baby.

I kept thinking he had moved some, as I felt kicks and tickling in different areas, but couldn’t be sure. And as time went by, and I continued with the “start again, stop again” labor, I wasn’t so sure. But God was. And He knew. And I think, in many ways, He was teaching me to be active, redeeming the time, but also teaching me to trust Him in new ways.

When September 25th, my due date, rolled around, I was a big ball of emotions. Trusting the Lord (or trying to trust!!) but also worrying that the longer I was pregnant the bigger this baby would be, and the harder it’d be to rotate and deliver him.

That morning though, I woke up with low abdominal cramping and some other symptoms of labor. But no contractions. I was suspicious, but carried on with my morning. I homeschooled the kids, cleaned the house, and went in for my scheduled OB check-up. Of course, when I arrived for my appointment, there were absolutely no contractions or reasons for the midwife to say, “this is IT, head on upstairs.” We actually had a good discussion about where I was at, I expressed my concerns about the baby’s size and gestation, we talked about natural ways to encourage labor and my hubby and I were reminded to be active in that (seriously, as though we needed reminding!!)

And then we talked about c-sections and inductions. I’d have one more week to go into labor on my own, and then a induction would be necessary, if the induction failed (because they were limited in the types of drugs for induction with a VBAC), then a c-section would be indicated.

I left the appointment still pregnant, and with a pink slip to schedule my induction for the following week and a non-stress test too. I seriously just about cried.

Thankfully, my hubby was with me, and the kids were with a good friend (thanks, Kamilah!), and so we went for a walk to unwind and to be “active” in encouraging labor to start on its own.

Well.

Sure enough. It did.

As we walked, contractions came on about 5 minutes apart. Sometimes hard. Sometimes long. Sometimes easy. Sometimes short. I was so hopeful that this was IT, but given the number of times (3) that I’d had labor start up only to fizzle out, NO WAY was I going to go into the hospital until I was absolutely certain.

So we kept walking, putting in a mile or two. To my delight, the contractions got harder and steadier, down to about 3 minutes apart. We walked over to the car, and as soon as I sat down and buckled in, the contractions slowed down to about 10 minutes apart. Sigh. I nearly cried again. We decided to go out for lunch and get Thai food for a treat.

On our car ride, my contractions stayed very hard (had to stop talking in order to breath and concentrate), but didn’t get any closer. We grabbed our take out and headed home to eat.

But no sooner was I out of the car, and moving again, than the contractions sped up again. Nick insisted that we not linger at home very long. (I think he was more convinced that this was IT, than I was). I managed to get a few bites of lunch in, and rocked on the birthing ball a few times too, before we headed back to the hospital.

I wasn’t quite feeling a sense of urgency, but good thing we didn’t wait at home any longer, as Samuel was born barely 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital.

We got up to labor and delivery (I insisted on walking, I didn’t want the contractions to slow down and fizzle out by staying stationary). I was still laboring so calmly when we reached the unit, that the secretary actually sent us out to the waiting room. I know he was probably thinking the same thing I had been: “is this really IT? normally women in labor are crying and yelling” I think I will always laugh about that.

Even funnier was that the waiting room was PACKED with pregnant moms and dads and relatives etc. I had a horrified thought that they were all awaiting L&D beds in front of me, but then quickly realized, I was the only one in the waiting room that was actually in labor!! As it turns out, I must have horrified them, as they were just there for the Tuesday, Labor & Delivery Unit Tour. Haha. That just cracks me up.

So we left the waiting area, and I labored with Nick in the hall through a few contractions before we were brought back to a room. I think the seasoned nurse that checked me knew how far I was beforehand. Seasoned L&D nurses just know. And by that point, I did too. I was 8cm and in transition and hurting something awful now. The midwife was quickly in the room, as were the nurses. We had a few moments to get acquainted, and review my medical history (VBAC, history of big babies, and a potential posterior presentation) before my water broke. I was so thankful for Nick’s help and support in articulating our concerns and making sure they understood my needs, because there really wasn’t much time for chit chat.

Samuel was born 4 minutes after my water broke. One contraction, about three little pushes, and there he was. A smoking 10lbs, 1oz, and 22 inches long!

Wow! What an experience! My labor was just over 2 hours long, if we can actually call it that. Nick was wonderful, helping me through each contraction, and encouraging me during the most intense part. I couldn’t have done it without him. The midwives were amazing too. I was so thankful that they knew what they were doing, and didn’t insist on many formalities before the baby arrived. So often, they are trying to fill out paperwork, start IV’s, and all the typical admission processes, but they saw where I was, heard Nick explain, and just let me focus and “get it done.” They made sure (at Nick’s adamant request) that Samuel had turned to an anterior position before I started to push (which he had, praise the Lord!). They also helped prevent birth trauma for me by easing Samuel out, with pressure points, stretching and massage. And yes, I yet again, escaped without a stitch or tear.

Wow!  So fast, and intense, compared to the long wait and early prodromal labor I’d had before. God was so good in every moment of it. Giving me strength and stamina. Allowing Nick to be by my side. And in getting us to the hospital so that this big boy wasn’t born in the car!!

And wow, what a big boy too!! I had been saying that if I went too much further, I’d be delivering a 10 pound baby, but no one believed me (except Nick!). Every midwife and nurse that I saw, insisted the baby was in the 7-8lb range. Even the midwife that delivered him, felt my belly and said “I don’t think we have a LGA (large for gestational age) baby in here.”

After delivering this 10 pounder, I kept having nurses stop by the room and say, “we heard there was a 10 pound baby born in here!!” and funny thing was, they kept asking me where his mom was!! I’d laugh and say, “It’s me! Right here! The one in the hospital gown.” Yes, I guess that even after labor and delivery I just looked too good to have had such a moose. Haha.

So there you have it. My longest and shortest delivery. My biggest baby. And another story of God’s goodness and grace. Praise the Lord!

He Has Arrived

Samuel David

“Asked of God, Beloved”

Born September 25, 2012 at 2:24pm

10lbs 1oz, 22inches

Baby of the House

Noah has been the baby of the house for 2+ years now, and let me tell you, he loves his baby status. Loves it.

He loves climbing (and fitting!) on mommy and daddy’s laps. He loves snuggling and being held. He loves holding hands. And he LOVES asking for help with everything… even if it’s a skill or a task that he can accomplish on his own.

And of course, he’s so darn cute, and he’s only 2, and he’s THE BABY, we’ve let him get away with the extra neediness. But the reality of having another baby has hit us this past week. The pregnancy has flown by and my due date is coming up quickly. And our dear Noah is in for a shot of cold water, as the painful “dethroning” process will hit before we know it.

So we’re working at preparing him, gradually, and a little more each week.

We’ve done lots of little things the past few months… like making him walk and instead of being carried. Training him to sleep in a big boy bed instead of his crib (this was actually an effortless transition!!!!!! We can’t believe how well he did. I don’t think he EVER got out of bed, and still doesn’t get out of bed until I come open his door in the morning). Having him sit on his own (instead of on our laps) during church. Encouraging the older two boys to include him in their play (Noah is often left out, since he can’t build with small Legos etc)

We’ve also been working at different little skills. Taking off his own shoes and socks (yes, he “really” can’t do that on his own). Cleaning up his toys as part of the routine, instead of “only if the bigger brothers aren’t doing it fast enough.”

This past week, I started showing him lots of pictures of baby’s and pointing at my tummy and telling him that we’re having another baby soon. I show him pictures of his brothers as infants, pictures of other baby’s, pictures in books and magazines etc. And do you know what this little bugger says every time he sees a picture of a baby?

“That’s Noah!!!”

With as much delight and joy over seeing “himself” (not really himself, just a cute little swaddled bundle of baby in the pictures), as you can imagine.

Haha! This kid is so stinking smart he KNOWS he’s the baby. And oh my goodness, isn’t that cute? Just makes me want to coddle and cuddle him all the more. So anyway, pray for Noah, and pray for us, that we’ll help prepare him and ease the transition. And that he’ll love his new little brother and that it’ll be a happy occasion when “big” baby meets “little” baby.

30 weeks!

So here we are! Thirty weeks into the pregnancy! Woot woot!

This pregnancy has been really hard on my body and given me more weird symptoms and discomforts than I’ve ever had before. Nausea. Digestion issues. Spider veins. Varicose veins. Mood swings. Splitting fingernails. Insomnia. Curly curly hair. Unwanted weight gain. Extreme exhaustion. Hormone headaches. Irritability.

But this pregnancy has also been such a blessing and encouragement and sanctifying event for me. As always, I hope that I’m growing in grace and truth and strength every day, but as often seems the case during pregnancy or other challenging times of the month (eh hem), I put my spiritual walk on hold and say, “I’ll strive be more like Christ when I’m feeling better… or when I lose the extra weight, or when the children are out of the house, or when I’m not so busy and exhausted, or when my husband has made our fortune and we don’t have to work hard for every dollar. Then… then that’s when I’ll really grow in grace, that’s when I’ll put the effort in, but now, during this hard bit of hormones and physical discomfort, let me just give in to the moodiness, the cravings, the irritability, and the desire to NOT. DO. ANYTHING.”

And truth be told, I think many of my pregnancy’s (and monthly cycles!) have been that way. I’ve used them as an excuse to be lazy in both my spiritual and physical health, and to backslide just a weeeeeee bit.

So I’m thankful, truly truly thankful for the work that God is doing in me. He hasn’t given me an easy road of effortless pregnancy, or perfect children who sit angelically still and fold the laundry. He hasn’t given me buckets of money, or a husband that doesn’t have to work hard. He hasn’t given me extra hours in my day so that I can “easily” fit in my personal devotions. Instead, he’s given me this.

He’s given me challenges and heartaches and physical discomfort. He’s given me sinful children. He’s given me uncertainty. He’s given Nick 80 hours of work each week. He’s given me intense Southern summer heat. He’s given me friends who’ve failed and disappointed. He’s given me stress, burdens, and tears.

But He’s also given me joy.

True, deep, beautiful unspeakable joy in my life and circumstances. Its not a perfect life. Nor are my dealing and contentment in it. But still. I’m learning. I’m growing. And I’ve seen the Lord do a miraculous work in me, saving me and conforming me to His image—in circumstances that make taking a step back soooo much easier than a step forward.

He has forced deeper self examination than I ever wanted or thought I needed, and has helped me come to grips with many hidden sins of my heart. He has poured out grace and mercy and forgiven me when I’ve failed time and time again. He’s given me a husband who’s been incredibly patient, and children who forgive and forget perhaps a bit too quickly. He’s given me sweet baby kicks in utero to mingle with the stretch marks and weight gain. He has given me his sufficient grace.

And truly his grace is sufficient. It is all we need to resist, to stand firm on His word, to run the race. And so, I’m running. Running hard… but running on His strength that is made perfect in my weakness.

 

 

*a few thoughts on 30 weeks. I’m still gaining more weight that I would like, but because I’m also exercising 4 or 5 days a week, I think I’m staying toned and maybe I don’t look as heavy as the scale indicates?? Not sure, but I’m hopeful. wink wink. I’m measuring 2 weeks bigger (by fundal height) than I am by LMP, so this baby is looking to be another big guy just like his brothers. He is moving and kicking up a storm, making my stomach lurch and causing people to laugh. The boys love feeling him kick. Joshua kisses my tummy before bed each night. We still haven’t decided on a name, but received the advice that we should always name our children something that ends with a vowel, so that the name will carry when we yell. Haha.

The Baby Bump

Well here it is.

My sweet little 18-week-baby-bump that’s just barely there, just barely sitting on top of my waistline.

Though I love this little round belly of mine. And love being able to feel the hardness of the uterine muscles and to have the knowledge of the baby stretching and growing inside.

I also feel…

Awkward.

Oh, I’m not denying that this baby bump is cute and sweet to look at—but let me tell you, it’s a challenge to be a pregnant gal at this stage in the pregnancy. While my friends know I’m pregnant, all the strangers, cashiers, librarians, waitresses, and everyone else is caught.

Stuck.

Trapped.

Wondering, gauging, guessing, looking… at my stomach trying to determine if this is pregnancy flab or just flab, whether that’s a pregnant belly staring them down, or just the result of too many chocolate cream pies. Whether its really a baby bump or just a few extra pounds making that oh so awkward muffin top.

To make matters more awkward, I haven’t pulled out my maternity clothes in earnest yet. The maternity styles can sometimes be a good indicator of where that tummy came from, but I’m in the awkward phase of being too small for maternity clothes, but too big for most of my regular clothes.

I get lots of leading questions from perfect strangers and mild acquaintances… “Look at your three little kids, do you think you’ll have any more?” and “My shirts are too tight also” and my personal favorite, “Are you still exercising?”

Haha.

So I try to make things better for all of us by either sucking in my stomach while I’m out in public (just have to be careful not to pass out!! haha), or to take care to rub my belly frequently (afterall, that’s what pregnant women do, right???).

I’m not sure if it helps or not. But oh well. That’s life at 18 weeks pregnant.

Awkward.

The funny thing is… that in about 4 months when the baby bump is more of a baby beachball, and I’m waddling around in the sweltering Southern heat, I’m sure I’ll be preferring this early awkwardness… to the awkwardness of people whispering “she is going to pop” “she looks like an overripe watermelon” “have you ever seen a shirt stretch so far”etc.

Yeah, funny how life is.

For now, I’m trying my best to enjoy this little baby bump, to take in the sweet little baby movements, and to delight in my ability to move around with ease. My morning sickness has finally let up. Yes, it lasted almost a full 18 weeks, though this past week I had only one sick day, and the week before only two… so I think it lessened right about 16 weeks though not gone entirely yet. The morning sickness lasted a full month longer than it ever did with my other three children.

Not much fun, though I had prayed for morning sickness!!!! And boy, did God give it to me!! He is good!! After miscarrying a sweet little baby in October, this pregnancy I really needed that daily confirmation that morning sickness brings—that there is life and growth within.

So I am thankful for it, though at many times I struggled to be content with my constant stomach upset, and extreme fatigue---especially during perhaps the most stressful time in our lives yet (January through March, the last few months of Nick’s Company Command, my time as FRG Leader with meetings & events & orienting & training galore). But God gave us all the grace to make it through that busy time with little sleep and lots of emergency bathroom stops.

So here we are. At 18 weeks and feeling good.

Crawling

I came across these older pictures on my camera and nearly wept about how fast things change.

These are the very last pictures I have of Noah crawling.







Oh dear me, the crawling phase is such a precious precious phase of life. And it passes so quickly. For my crawler is a walker.

Thank you, Lord for my little boy, for his sturdy knees for crawling.

And his wobbly legs for walking. How I love this not-so-babyish baby of mine.

One Year Old

 

My dear little Noah turned one this weekend.

A whole year old. I know it can be so boring to hear a mom blog on and on about how time flies and how fast they grow.

But can I just say, I don’t know where the time went and can’t believe how fast he grew.

One year old, really??

But yes, here he is, in all his sweetness, chowing down on his first birthday cake.

Despite the challenges and exhaustion that accompanied this first year, I admit without hesitation, that I loved every minute of it.

And oh boy, I really did. I mean really. I just loved it.

I think I must have kissed these sweet little cheeks a million times; each little kiss a burst of joy and gladness between him and I. Truly, being a parent has brought me more pleasure than I ever could have imagined. God is so good.

This little cake covered ball of cuteness just makes my heart sing.

Little Cherub

Don't you just want to kiss him?

December Photo Project, Day 9

The Culprit

Noah has not been himself the last week or so. He's been waking up at night.

 Moaning and groaning at the slightest upset.

 Whining if he's not being held.

And sadly, I have even seen him just lay his head down and cry. Which makes me want to cry too. Poor little, guy! I had my suspicion's about the culprit, but it's only just today that I've been able to catch that troublesome bad boy on camera.

That's right, you guessed it: Noah's first tooth.


 So as any good mom, I've been keeping the Ibuprofen and teething rings handy, offering as many extra snuggles as I can, and praying that the next 19 baby teeth are smooth sailing.

Growing up isn't easy, is it, Sweetheart?

December Photo Project, Day 4

Heartaches

Last night, as I snuggled with my 3rd born son, my heart was filled with love and emotion. It was a dear moment of closeness; feeling his soft skin and sweet baby smell. I held him tight to my chest; treasuring the moment in all it's fullness. Is it not, one of life's most precious unions: a mother and child?

In my motherness, I thought of the life he has ahead of him. Laughing with glee while running through the sprinkler. Scoring a soccer goal for his team. Tassels waving in the wind as he graduates from college.

I admit, I also thought of life's challenges and hardships. My heart ached as I imagined him facing  disappointments and trials; of being bullied or pressured or feeling unsure of himself.  I felt myself worrying about the struggles he may endure, losing a loved one or experiencing real tragedy.

My heart ached. I was filled with a desire to just keep him close and safe and warm. It hurt to think of him encountering the world with all its horrors and harms. I wanted him to grow secure and protected under the shadow of my wings.

Tears welled up in my eyes. I could barely contain the emotion of watching my precious babe bearing the brunt of our sinful world. 

While I silently wept, the Lord in his mercy reminded me of the hope we have in Him. While He never promises an easy or carefree life, He does promise to be with us.

As always, when I lose sight of Christ the world feels overwhelming, but then, as I dwell on the Lord and His mercy and grace, I feel a calm knowing that whatever comes my way, or my child's way, God is sovereign. He foreordains whatsoever comes to pass. What a cherished thought to remember that I am in Christ. I am kept safe and secure under the shadow of His wings.

Though I had reached a certain peace and solitude, I found my heart still aching. This time it ached for something deeper, better, and indeed, more important than safety from any earthly trials or sadness-- my heart ached for my son to know the peace that passes all understanding, for him to know the Savior. Oh that he may never walk a day apart from the Lord and be able to encounter any trial or discomfort knowing he rests in Christ alone.

My heart now yearns with a plea and prayer for God's greatest gift for my son: salvation.

May this always be our prayer for our children. Not that they would merely grow safe and strong, but that they may know Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Fat rolls

I was almost too embarrassed to post this picture. But then... I thought you all would enjoy marvelling at Noah's roundness!! :) Isn't this the one time in life when its cute to be chubby? And no one frowns or grimaces at big thighs or double chins?

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At least, I hope you're not frowning and grimacing... :) Laughing is more like it, right?

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I'm laughing too. What can I say, I LOVE the fat rolls! I can't keep myself from squeezing those thighs or kissing those round little cheeks. There is just something about chubby babies that is so precious to me.

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Maybe its the fact that this little one is my own. :)

April Books

Can you tell that I had a baby in the month of April? And that I've been able to take advantage of the time I spend nursing the baby to read a little extra? It's nice to have the excuse to sit still and read... despite all the other busy things I need to be doing. :)
So... in April I read

• Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Nick has been reading the "Laura" series to the boys each evening at bedtime, and after catching bits and snipits while listening in (and also seeing our boys delight in these stories) I decided to read them myself. These books were childhood favorites and Newberry Award Winners--and I think I'm finding them even more enjoyable as an adult. I've been amazed by the Ingalls Family, their endurance, the challenges they faced, and the incredible amount of work they did EACH DAY! We live close to one of the Ingalls/Wilder homes right now, so hopefully we'll take a visit before we move.

• Don't Waste your Life by John Piper

What a great and inspiring book!! I have been convicted and encouraged in every chapter. I will say the book is a little repetitive in its theme, but still an excellent read and Piper hammers it home-- Don't WASTE your life!! Live every day for Christ and His glory!!

• Babywise by Ezzo
• The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Le Leche League
• What to Expect when You're Expecting

Another obvious indicator that I had a baby this month! And I know what all you moms are wondering: Babywise AND Le Leche League??? On the same blog post??? What??? :) I think the two combined create a great balance. They both need to be taken/read with a grain of salt and a bit of discernment, but I'll tell you... Babywise gave me SLEEP at night and happy, cheerful, well-rested children... and Le Leche League is a TREMENDOUS resource for moms and is probably the BEST breastfeeding go-to book out there.

• Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin--- not read in its entirety of course, but touching on topics such as the Church.
• The Bible-- The Books of 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings-- Obviously dealing with Old Testament Kings, God's dealings with His Chosen People, and numerous accounts of God's faithfulness to them.

Smiles

The smile on my husband's face matched my own as I greeted him at the door. He carried a handful of shining roses, kissed me, and smiled again. It was a day of many smiles.



Earlier that morning, I had made the 2 hour drive to the hospital for the "big" ultrasound. As I lay there, excited and perhaps a little nervous, I smiled. Today I would see the sweet child that moves within my womb. In a few moments, we would discover it's gender, it's health, and it's growth. I smiled.



As we started the ultrasound, the baby kicked and squirmed. A lively little one to join our family. After measuring the heart, head, and spine, I was assured of the baby's well being and appropriate development. Is it not amazing that a child can grow so perfectly and safely inside? I marveled at the wisdom and handiwork of our Creator. And I smiled again, and in truth, I held back tears. Thank you, Lord, for this precious life that grows within me.



As we continued to assess the baby, it also became quite obvious that this healthy little one was a boy. A tear slid down the corner of my eye. And I smiled. A boy!! Another sweet boy to join our other two. A round little cherub to be added to our family. A boy!! Perhaps it was not what I was expecting, but there was no disappointment in my heart or mind. And these were not tears of sadness... only tears of joy. A healthy little boy was given to us by God, and what an incredible gift it is. I smiled again.


When we were done, I smiled as I walked across the hospital for my Dr appt. I tried calling my husband, but received no answer. Finally, after a blood draw, stepping on the dreaded scale, and reading aimlessly in the waiting room, my phone rang.


The waiting room, though full, was quiet. My phone disturbed the silence and every face turned to look at mine. While it was news I wanted to first share with my husband, I had no choice but to share it with 15 bystanders as well. I quickly relayed to my husband his success in creating another man-child to join our clan. The smiles across the waiting room were contagious as everyone eagerly eavesdropped. But more than that, I could feel my husband smile through the phone. I sensed the excitement in his voice and the glint in his eye. "WOW!! A BOY!! THREE BOYS!!" We smiled at each other, despite the distance.


And I smiled most of my 2 hour drive home. Three boys! Wow is right!


Later at home that evening, after the roses had been arranged, and our children in bed, we pondered over what three boys meant and how our lives would change. What does a house with three little boys look like? And what about the grocery bill? the pictures? the activity level? Despite a few overwhelming thoughts, we smiled together. Rich payment are men's sons (Psalm 127).


I admit, that we also pondered the lack of pink dresses and doll houses in our home. But we didn't contemplate too long. The thought of 3 boys filled us with joy. Truly, our cups overflowed as we considered our children; the bonds they will share, the trouble they will get into, the mischievious grins and the leadership and loyalty they already exhibit. Oh how we love our boys!! While we do not know what the future holds, it is clear for now that we were meant to parent boys. And we smile at the thought.