Yes...there is another little one of our brood. I am still rather in shock, since this was not anywhere in our plans. But the children are all very excited, and our friends have already surrounded us with love and support. I have already begun to think and pray about how to deal with my PPD, which has worsened with each subsequent baby, and the main reason we were really thinking that we were "done".I had an epiphany this morning about the word "encouragement"--when I realised it truly means "giving courage". My friends and other women who I admire so much, being excited and hopeful and telling us how lucky this child is to be born into our family (really?)....it is giving me courage to surrender into joy and hope.
Since this was not part of our plan at all...I am trying to hold onto the reality that this little being shouldn't have ever come into existence and so he or she is a very, very precious gift. Though things have always looked a little impossible when I've found out I was pregnant.... again, God has truly and always provided. Things have always turned out okay. And so I will not waste one minute worrying about how we will manage, or how we'll all fit in our 2 bedroom house, or how to geometrically arrange the carseats so they'll all fit. It will turn out okay.
So far we're off to a great, if not slightly queasy start. My husband has been just so awesome about it and making right so many things between us which we've messed up with other pregnancies. I am so grateful for yet another chance to heal wounds, which I didn't even know I still carried.
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI wish you could see yourself the way others see you. You are a strong, determined person. I wish you my congratulations & prayers.... (No I can't resist)! Fertile Myrtle! *hug*
May this child & all your children bless you & your marriage beyond your wildest expectations.
Love & prayers,
Michie
Oh Shannon, that's awesome - congratulations!!! Need a fairly inexperienced doula? ;)
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Thank you all so, so much!! LOL1 Fertile Myrtle, indeed.
ReplyDeleteMichelle--I wouldn't want you to touch me or anything (I' a kind of do it yourself-er)--but if it would count towards your certification you could call it doula-ing! I would love to have you there to help with Bernadette and Andrew, who I am not sure really want to see baby be born. My friend Jennifer said she'd come and take pictures for me...that's something I've always wanted.
Oh Shannon, I'm thrilled for you. You strike me as exactly the kind of mother a child would brag about having the rest of their lives. I know things are tight, and you've got a lot on your plate, but I'm still just so excited for the love your family will give to each other--all of you *hug*
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Shannon! Aaron and I are so happy for you and your family. This baby truly is a blessing from God, and I'm positive God will give you and your family the grace to adjust to a new little one :)
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how thrilled I am to be getting to come take pictures!! What an amazing invitation into your life- thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone that this little person is very fortunate to be a part of your family- that place is chock full of love and fun 24-7 :)
Much love to you-
Hey Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI Last week I had a feeling that I needed to call you. After I had called and gotten the answering machine (I think I am starting a relationship with that thing. *W*) I read your reply in the breakfast post and new Who had been whispering in my ear to think of you.
I saw the post then in the pregnancy forum (yes, I stalked you to see if you had made an anouncement) but since I didn't see anything here I thought you might want a few privacy days to deal with the shock.
Just wanted to let you know that Bill and I have been praying for you every day since you found out. And will continue to do such.
Be loved and blessed,
Eva
I think just to be different, I will start by congratulating your husband for being so awesome about it. And Shannon, you are the bravest person I ever met (OK, strictly speaking I have never met you, but anyway!...). My prayers and best wishes to all three - I mean, all eight of you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Shannon!
ReplyDelete(Stephen)
I love all of you so much, and feel so protected and nurtured by all of your prayers and words of encouragement. If one can be measured by the company they keep, I am a rich woman, indeed!
ReplyDelete