So let me just get straight to the point. In case you missed the special announcement the other night, we are expecting baby #5! Lord willing, we will be holding a brand new baby next July. It is a very exciting time for our family. The boys are already guessing that we will have another sweet baby girl, and I have to admit, I am guessing the same thing at this point.
Now let me be honest, announcing baby #5 isn’t the easiest thing in the world. After only our second child, people were already making rude and sarcastic comments and teasing us about our family size. It becomes difficult to want to share your joy with others when people make jokes, talk behind your back, or voice their worries. It gets a little tiring to hear the same “you’ve got your hands full” comment multiple times during every single outing.
But during all my worrying about how people would respond, I was reminded of the verses in Scripture that tell us that God intended children to be a blessing, not a burden.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”
All that to say that I am very thankful and encouraged by all the family and friends who have rejoiced with us in this new pregnancy. I know I have many months and years of hearing negative comments, attacking the size of our family or the way we train our children. But right now, I can be thankful for a whole lot of people who are just rejoicing with us.
A special thanks to Maggi for going out in the cold to take these pictures for me!