Rip VanWinkle and the Baby Shower

After so many months of negligence, I am here, writing again. I feel like there are other activities that might be a better use of my time, but I keep thinking of things about our life right now that I would like to share. Maybe they could be a help or encouragement to someone. I read a few other blogs faithfully, and it is because of the inspiration and encouragement that I feel from those writings that I keep going back. First, and foremost, in our life right now is the new baby that will be here in the next month or so. Girl number four. We are so looking forward to meeting her! At first there was much rooting for another boy, to even the score, but a girl will be delightful and perfect for us-- two "big" girls, two boys, and then two "little" girls. Aside from our master bedroom, our home has 3 small bedrooms -- again, perfect for two, two, and two. We praise God for His precious thoughts toward us and His good and perfect gifts. On the subject of gifts, there has already been quite the "to-do" around here for this little girl. The world has much to say about a family with many children. A few things I have heard are that none of the children get enough time spent on them, and that the older ones are resentful of the younger ones. A friend who has more children than I do, says children are naturally pro-life. I would have to agree with her. I know it is not the case for every family, but my experience is that the older children are more than welcoming of new little ones. Each time we have announced a pregnancy, our children have been thrilled, and sometimes even during a pregnancy, they talk about the prospects of adding more and more kids to the family! With our last baby, there was much preparation and signage posted around the house regarding a parade for the new baby before she arrived. the parade was carried out in grand fashion through all the rooms, and included stuffed animals and siblings alike. This time around, there was plotting, sneakiness, and a lot of loud whispering. There was practicing and a suspicious trip to the store with grandma. And then there was a special Saturday, when the big girls (ages 8 and 9) cleaned the whole main living area, and then kicked hubby and I out of the house (after grandma and aunt arrived). We returned an hour later to a "surprise" baby shower put on by the children. Of course they had some help in the logistics and carrying out of it all, but there was a meal, cake and ice cream, streamers and balloons hung beautifully throughout the house, homemade games, baby-themed readings, and a song (actually two songs as the two year old sang something different while the other four kids stuck with the plan). All of the grandparents, and great aunt, were present, and there were gifts from them and the children. It was wonderful!!!!! Beautiful, humble, and sweet. My heart swelled with the truth of how much my children already love their baby sister, and how they look forward to welcoming her into our family, and helping her to know what it is to be part of "us".