It doesn't seem like long ago when one of my friends was having her third child.  Her first was an only child for nearly five years and then they had two little ones in a row.  I only had Kelsi at the time and I laugh now thinking about some of the thoughts I entertained when contemplating the impact of the younger siblings on their oldest daughter.  I remember briefly feeling sad for the first born, thinking that she was the loser in all of this.  I wondered how she was going to like getting lost in the crowd and not being the center of attention.  You know, before you have children or when you have your first you think you have it all figured out.

Here I am with my little blog pregnancy ticker nearing the half-way mark of my sixth pregnancy and I'd have to say that my feelings have definitely changed drastically over the years.  I now know that a new baby in the family is the BEST gift we can give to our other children.  Besides it teaching them how to live outside of themselves, it's just tons of fun!  I bring all of this up because yesterday we had an awesome preview of the newest gift that our family will receive in about 5 months.

 I was sitting on my bed when the baby started to move.  I’d been feeling this but the kids hadn’t yet had the privilege. With excitement, I called Kelsi, our oldest, to come feel the little kicks.  She ran in as fast as she could and waited patiently with her hand pressed in my belly.  Within minutes her face was all aglow as she felt tiny hellos from her newest brother or sister.  With great joy she called Gunner to come feel.  She exited, he entered, and the scene repeated itself, this time with Gunner being the one to experience the gift of life.  Next was Libby.  Then  Annie.  (Josie was in and out the entire time squealing with delight every time she touched my tummy.)  The line could have gone on and on and it never would have gotten old for me.  There was nothing like watching those eyes brighten and seeing those smiles stretch cross their delighted faces.  They were each amazed at what they felt inside mom's belly.  They talked about it the rest of the day.  Really, not a day goes by that isn't sprinkled with talk about what we're going to name the baby, who's going to get to have it in their room, if it's going to be a boy or a girl, etc... 

No one asks why they have to share mom and dad with another one.

No one wonders how much less they'll have to do without.

No one complains about a noisy little baby filled the house with midnight cries.

No one feels anything but the indescribable joy that comes with the Best Gift God has to offer.  I am humbled to be the one keeping the present under wraps until that special day in October when our newest little one will open its squinty little eyes to see the five gifts already waiting for it.  Until then, we'll just enjoy the kicks.

Posted by mrssulli

Isn't it amazing how God changes our thoughts? I still remember thinking Cassy would be my last! What blessings our family would of missed out on. How easy to let our minds get sidetracked by lies instead of focusing on the joy these little ones will be bringing! My ticker only has a little over 4 weeks - can you believe it?!

Posted by cammiemelisabray

So true! And so sad it is rarely viewed this way. The best gift, for sure!

Posted by mycrazylife

Well spoken...there is nothing better than a new life to fill your home and hearts with joy. I would have a dozen if God gave them to me!

Blessings,
Hallie

Posted by 5atkins

I have been reading the book Five Little Peppers. This is really helping my girls see how wonderful family love is and really more important than anything else! Also, it is making us all want sons/brothers! I am so glad that your pregnancy is going well! Keeping you in my prayers! In Him, Eva

Edited by 5atkins on May. 3, 2007 at 6:33 AM

Posted by mycrazylife

I know you haven't been on HSB for a while, but I've tagged you in an effort to bring you back to our little community! Hope to hear from you if you can spare the time; it's such a precious commodity!

Blessings,
Hallie

Posted by 5atkins

Just wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you and hope you are doing well. I look forward to hearing from you! In Him, Eva

Posted by momofsix

I couldn't agree with you more about that. How exciting. Now that we have six children, my husband has turned to me and said, "It really doesn't seem like six children". When you raise them at home and they are raised with your values, knowing the Lord, six children seems like so few (that must sound so odd to others). I like your post.