From Two to Three

Two years ago we were a hard no with adding more children to our family. A miscarriage and two babes in 18 months was a lot for me mentally, emotionally, and physically. It was a lot of pregnancy and a lot of breast feeding for many years. We had two healthy children, counted our blessings, and we were excited to watch the girls grow. We got rid of everything – everything. But, somewhere between then and now, a switch flipped. Last year Matt and I talked about having another child. Would we regret not trying one more time? We pondered and prayed for months, and God blessed us with a beautiful new life. My heart is filled with joy.

I can’t tell you how many times I googled “should you have a third child” last spring/summer. I read blog after blog and no one straight up said “no, you shouldn’t”. Starting over seemed exhausting. I worried if our house was big enough, and if our current vehicles would work. All practical, silly things I tend to worry about. Friends around me were having more children. They said it was more chaos, but more love. It somehow always worked. No one said they regretted adding more children. Time flies. They grow fast, and they’ll be gone before you know it. Looking at the girls, I knew all of these things.

So, we went for it. A few months later I saw a positive pregnancy test. What a gift. 

There wasn't an answer on the internet for me. It was figuring out what would be best for our family. My life has changed completely since children, and for the better. I went from a career woman to a stay at home mom at the age of 26, and I’ve embarked on this new journey for six years. It’s been my most rewarding, yet hardest work. It took me a long time to embrace my new norm, and believe me, there are still hard days, but I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world. Watching this new babe dance in my womb gave me butterflies, and I can’t wait to welcome this new life to our family. Adding more love is what's best for us.

This pregnancy has been different from past pregnancies. I am extremely tired. Food aversions are real. I've been a bit of a bear. Sorry, Matt. I do love you dearly. Maybe it's age. Maybe it's a boy (p.s. we could care less if it's a boy or a girl. The girls are hoping for another girl to add to their clan ;)). Remember when I was sick with that respiratory virus? It was brutal, especially during the early weeks. I was a nervous wreck that the never ending sickness would be harmful. But, all is well. Baby is healthy and growing.

I am so glad that Matt and I took a leap of faith to grow our family. I have a completely different outlook with this pregnancy. There are no first time mom jitters, none of the stuff that has made me anxious in the past. I will soak up every moment of this. Sometimes it takes a little time to realize what’s most important in life. And to us, family is just that. God bless this new life today and forever.