We always knew we wanted a big family. We enjoyed an almost 5 year respite after our 4th, Joannah. When we decided to extend our family and add another child, we knew we were in for a challenge. There are some things that have been a complete surprise. We weren't prepared for a traumatic birth or a 7 day stay in the NICU. We were a little taken aback by the health problems he's had, such as asthma and severe allergies. We thought we were pros at this parenting thing, so the struggles with breastfeeding and sleeping threw us off our game.
But then again, the joys have been overwhelming:
Watching my 7 year old lovingly gaze at his little brother in the incubator...
The first time the older children were allowed to hold David...
My 9 year old daughter announcing that she would learn to change David's diaper (with a diaper and wipes in hand)...
My 11 year old being completely silly in order to entertain his 9 month old baby brother...
Daily arguments among the older children about who's "turn" it is to sit by David in the van.(to the extent that I now have a chart)...
Helping hands when I am exhausted or have too much to carry...
Older children who don't have to be asked to hold the baby. More often they have to be told to PUT HIM DOWN!...
A baby who knows no other life than that of complete love and adoration...
Children who realize that a baby, EVERY baby, is a treasure, a delight, and a gift from God.
It is amazing to me how wonderfully rich this life is! I have learned that adding more children to our family does not take away from the existing children or rob them in any way. It adds richness and fullness and joy to our lives, and theirs as well.
