These Hips Were Made For Birthing (More Kids??)

Is this your last?

Are you finally done now that you have your boy??

What if you have another set of twins??

You know what my answer is to that last question that I get asked ALL the time??

"Well...I guess we'll love them and raise them."

The truth with a little sarcastic undertone. Nice, right? :)

I get why people ask those questions though. And I would imagine that every mom gets why people ask those questions - because every mom gets how hard her job is, and every mom gets that more kids might equal a tad more craziness. Especially when you have a newborn, and you're a week postpartum, and you haven't showered or brushed your teeth, and the baby is crying, and your other kids are fighting over who is mommy's biggest helper, and the washer just ate your only pair of post delivery net underwear.

Not that we've had that scenario played out in our own home.

The real answer to those questions? I don't know.

While our hearts are open to bringing more children into our home, we know that the great Author is the only one that knows what that plan would look like. We don't have any definite plans, and we haven't done anything permanent.

I know that society doesn't often view children like we do, and I know that we are judged for having a bigger family. After all, children take your time, your money, your sanity, your plans, your vacations, your freedom, and your dreams, right??

That is so wrong.

Those views make me sad. I feel that these kiddos have been a way bigger blessing in my life than I have been in theirs. They give me hope, they make me smile, they point me to Him, and they remind me to embrace the small things in this life.

Is it hard to see other couples or families go on lots of dates or getaways? Sure.
Is it near impossible for us to find a sitter to care for all 6? Clearly.
Are there moments when I pray for one stinkin' minute to myself? Yep.
Does our budget accommodate kids needs and wants more than our own? Of course.

But would any of those things trump the giggles coming from babe #6 tonight as I blew bubbles on his stomach? Uh, no. Not even a chance.

I will say that since we moved, our eyes have been opened to things we have never thought about. As much as my womb will always flutter a little at the sight of a round belly full of newborn goodness, I have also had the chance to spend some time this past year with kids who are just looking for a home environment to come to.

(our kids are in public schools, and YES, we have specific reasons and convictions for that decision if you'd ever like to know.)

One little girl in particular has changed my heart. I don't know the whole situation at home, and I don't know exactly what she is looking for, but I do know that she always wants to be here, and I want her to feel like she is always welcome. There are kids in your own backyard who need love.

A friend with a large family who's kids were grown told me this once, "Be the go-to house. Be the place that the kids and their friends know they can always come to and hang out." I really want that for our family, my home growing up was like that and I plan to carry it on here.

I don't always do this mom thing with a joyful heart or full confidence, but I'm a work in progress and I know that God will continue the work He started in me. At least that's what I cling to.

Maybe I will carry more babes, maybe we will foster or adopt, and maybe we will just be the home that loves on kids that need love while we raise our own 6. The Lord only knows.

We are open, to whatever He has in store :).