I know from my past pregnancies that the second trimester is always the best for me, and I’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting for this to happen. Finally! I am FULL of energy (OK I do fall asleep in seconds almost every night after my nighttime routine with Patrick) and usually go on a full throttle nesting spree. That full throttle nesting spree just happens to coincide with my annual spring spruce-up. Sorry check book. But I’ve gotten little things done that have been on my to-do list for years and it feels great.
I caught myself thinking last week, ‘oh I’m only at week 24. I have SO long to go’. And then I thought about how this is my last pregnancy (really!) and how for only 16 more weeks of the rest of my whole entire life do I get to feel that wonderful feeling of growing a whole new life inside my body. The kicks, the rolls, the excitement and anticipation, the birth…even along with the varicose veins and indigestion, cramping legs and sore back, what a complete utter total miracle that I am luckier than heck to get to experience one last time.
I so loved this post. And I love your attitude. I dream of having 6 kids someday and I too am one of those people who think you are so darn lucky to have the ability to do it. We're on the adoption route now so chances are slim that we'll get up to 6 but here's to hoping. 🙂
I love your blog, you and your family and I don't even know you. I talk about your blog often with friends and even family back in Italy. The life you have chosen to live is truly a blessed one.
Congratulations on this pregnancy! I share your feelings about babies and family life.
…I wish we were sisters! But I am glad you share your life and wisdom with us all!
Where is the LIKE button. Love!
Love your blog, love that you are making another baby, love that you enjoy being a parent! In my opinion there aren't enough great people like you in the world. Good luck on the rest of your pregnancy.
P.S. I'm a bit jealous, I want oodles of babies and my husband is limiting me to three.
Hi. First of all congratulations. I'm one of those people who think 2 kids is enough. But only in My point of view, and ONLY FOR ME. I love my kids. I could be more happier than I am now with them. However I'm really impressed, you are such a great mother. having 6 kids sound amazing for me and I dont' know how you deal with all of them. But I find it fantastic. So all the best for your life that seems to be a Good life.
i'm sorry for all the comments. My mistake.
To be flat honest, I am jealous!! You are so blessed. My daughter is giving me my first grandbaby (I am 44) and I find myself dreaming it was me.lol
Enjoy every minute and thank the Good Lord that He chose to give you one more blessing.
I am one of those people that thinks the Duggars got it right and that wish I had just trusted the Lord more.
Great post! It is a very personal thing, that others shouldn't be commenting on. Everyone makes different choices, and God has different plans for everyone. What a waste of time judging someone for how many kids they do or don't have.
I just wanted to tell you how much "less crazy" my life is because I did the spring clean-out. I'm moving in a month, and normally it would be a thousand times more stressful because a big clean-and-purge would have to occur, but I used Lent to do it, and now I just need to pack it up!
I've inspired a lot of my friends and family to do their own 40 Days clean-out, just because they are so impressed with how much I actually accomplished (with a 7-9 month old!)
I'm one of those with tears in their eyes that I don't have more…though I would never make or even think a snide comment about anyone having a baby! I am just so happy for you!
I love that energy burst during months 4.5 – 8! I get so much more done! Good for you for soaking it all in, loving the baby movement and growing. When I was expecting our sixth, someone at my husbands work was teasing him with the familiar, "don't you know what causes that?" comment. My usually reserved quiet dear had the best response to his friend, "not only do I know, I am good at it!". I just love that he wanted a large family along with me. I believe the verse that says children are a heritage unto the Lord,….happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They truly are gifts that I am so grateful for. Thanks for sharing this personal journey with us, your insight is happy and encouraging.
Love this. My parents got many nasty comments when my mom was pregnant with me over 30 years ago. I was the 5th, and they were older when they had me. They didn't care, they loved all of us. That is what matters right? I hope to have a big family someday. You and my other friends who have 5+ kids inspire me daily with your energy, positive attitude, and kindness!
Beautifully written and expressed how I feel perfectly. We have 4 children….2 girls in college and 2 boys at home, one is 17 and the youngest is 4. He was born a couple of months after I turned 40. He was a "surprise" baby but I can't imagine life without him. I am all the time wishing that I had the wisdom and patience I have with him now at age 44 when my older 3 were younger. I also now know more than ever to enjoy every day with him because I KNOW how fast it goes by!
We got all kinds of comments when I was pregnant with him at 39. You know…"You are going to be too old to enjoy your empty nest" , "Haven't you figured out what causes that?" , " Jeff (my husband's name too) will need a walker to coach his LIttle League games" HAHAHA….they always act like they are the first one to come up with such a witty comment. My tongue had marks from biting it to keep from saying what I was thinking in reply! 😉 Some people are just plain weird and seem to have no filter on their mouths.
I LOVE the relationship between my older kids and our little guy, it has brought something to our family that is just precious. I also LOVE getting to experience the high school stuff, college stuff and 4 year old stuff all at the same time. I love my life, wouldn't trade it for anything, and just don't care what anyone else thinks!
God bless your family and congrats on this new addition!!
I am now 40 and when I was pregnant with our 4th child I was 38 and all I heard from family was "why?" Our childrens ages are 17, 12, 4 and 2. I wish we could have more honestly…it just makes life full. Full of excitement and love 🙂 To each his own and maybe 4+ children doesn't work for one family but if it works for someone else's, let them enjoy it!
Exactly!
I had my first at 39 and second at 41…dh was 54 and then 56. Two beautiful children that we cherish. Given the fact that we started this journey later than most, we are mindful to savor all the moments, without the distractions that many other families get caught up in. And if we had embarked on this journey earlier in life, i think We just may have found ourselves distracted by various things. Although most people are surprised when they find out our age, we still get "looks" and various comments. I just hold fast to how blessed we are. Someone actually said to me when we were pregnant with our second that it probably wasn't fair for us to bring another child into the world just so we could hang onto our youth a little longer…..
Count me in as one of the envious ones. I relate so much to your blog because we seem to share a lot of things in common. I have 5 children and since your older ones are a step ahead of mine (ours are aged 13, 12, 10, 4 & 3), I always turn to your blog for reassurance that I'm not screwing the whole thing up. I didn't start having kids until I was 30 and I had the last one at 41. We get the comments all the time and I have to say our first year in preschool this year with my 4 year old was a real eye opener when my son was the only kid with older siblings and I was the only mom in the class older than 32. Yikes. My last 2 pregnancies were very trying, but I would have loved to have had one (or two!) more. My husband on the other hand, almost ran to get fixed the minute #5 was born! I always joke that I should have married a Kennedy. So…when you announced your pregnancy on here, I was more than a little envious. I'll just continue to live vicariously through you 😉 Nothing is more exhausting than a large family, but nothing is more rewarding either. Best to you and yours!
I'm also expecting my sixth and am so excited to read all your wonderful posts about mothering and pregnancy! It is wonderful but I have to say I am extremely overwhelmed right now. My oldest will be turning 8 at the end of May. I'm just really overwhelmed and exhausted and cry too much. Thank you for the reminder about what a blessing these precious children are. I really am very excited about my kids being closely spaced and I know we will have a lot of fun times. But I do get overwhelmed thinking about the 10+ years of fertility I have left (im 31) and the crushing workload it is to care for this many little people. People generally don't give me a hard time about my family size either. Most people are so nice and often strangers give us the nicest compliments:-) Your blog always is encouraging and I needed that today, so thank you so much!
I knew after I found out I was pregnant with my 2nd that our family was complete…it was just a feeling of peace that this would be my last. But at the same time as happy as I am to see my children grow and change from babies into little people the realization that I only get a few brief years with them all to myself is becoming painfully clear. If I looked as great as you at 43 & pregnant I would be starting all over again too!
I seriously love that picture!
I think it's a beautiful thing to know that a pregnancy is your last so that you can soak up every second. It's exactly how I felt with Ryan (who you know is here thanks to your encouragement and suggestions for dealing with a reluctant husband)!
Wishing you all the best.
I often get the comment, "Boy you have your hands full!" (I have 5) and I always say, "Full of blessings!" I would have more if I could but my last pregnancy was super high risk and frankly kind of scary so the doctor advised and I concurred that we are finished! So sad!
Love the picture 🙂
I agree, don't let people bother you. I got comments when I had 2! You are so blessed to be able to have one last one:) My MIL had my husband, number 9, at 40 and may have had more if her husband had not passed away in 1968. I admire you!
oh, one more thing. I tried for 3 years for #3 and had her at 35. I was told to not have anymore due to some complications with her birth. Not sure if I would have gone on to have more, probably not with my c section history and morning sickness. I love following you on this journey though!
I, for one, am completely envious of you! I too LOVE LOVE LOVE babies and the thought of never going through another pregnancy, delivery, the yummy smell of breast-fed baby poop, the "drunken" open mouth sleep of a newborn after a good feeding, hanging out with the family with a sleeping newborn draped across your chest, the adorable gummy smile of a baby with no teeth… I can go on and on… makes me sad that those times have passed for me! Enjoy it all!! And I will enjoy it vicariously through you!
Very nice! I had comments when I was pregnant with #2 (they were 2 years apart and I was in my mid 20s) about "don't I know what causes this?" etc. Rude. People are just rude. I am going to take more of your stance and just say nothing. I have (recently-after losing 15 lbs) had people ask me "are you pregnant AGAIN?"-emphasis on the again….how rude. I have 4 beautiful children-3 of which I had to fight for due to infertility issues and a loss…I just look at those people and say "No." And walk away. Let them squirm. 😉 You are very blessed and you know that. <3
I guess people just like to make comments about other peoples lives. Due to infertility and miscarriages I have one child and people that I know AND people I don't know often share their opinions with me. Opinions such as "isn't it time for another one" or "you need to hurry up and get busy" or "you don't want your child to be an only child do you?".
Kudos to you for knowing yourself and doing what is right and best for YOU and YOUR family!
By the way, I am one of those that would love to be in your shoes. I am one of six kids and loved being a part of a large family.
Glad you are feeling better and have energy!
I laughed when you said you were having your 6th at 43, having two adopted children meant, unsurprisingly, that we were older than average and my youngest came to us aged 4 months when I was 44. It was a tough time as we had never experienced sleepless nights nor bottles, nor weaning because our first child was 18 months when she came to us. We never had any strange comments, perhaps British people are more reserved or polite so I am really surprised and saddened that you are having to deal with this. I am following your pregnancy with great anticipation. Your blog is certainly the best.
Catherine
I'm with you on this one. I love babies, unashamedly–always have and always will. I'm one of those women who would have a slightly teary comment about childbearing being over too soon. Under the surface I'm really miffed with my body for giving out on me before my mother's heart did (will it ever??? Probably not. Preparation for grand-parenthood??? maybe). Ah well, life is a struggle sometimes and full of disappointments, so I might as well look at the utterly beautiful 4 children I do have and feel supremely blessed.
My husband, who is older than I am, turned 40 a month before our first son was born last year, after 5 years of marriage and some infertility obstacles. He jokes at times (usually when a 1-year old is busy, busy, busy) that one is enough, but the twinkle in his eye tells me that having our family is the best thing to ever happen to him. We're hoping to bless our Declan with a sibling (or 2…) someday, because this is what it's all about. Sarah, you continually inspire me!
Sarah, I just had my 4th at 42. He's now 4 months old, and I too just enjoyed every minute of "my last" pregnancy. My husband wanted another for years, and I thank God every day that he was persistent. I was and still am surprised by how many women my age seem almost envious. Babies are such a blessing. I just wish my little guy would slow down! I can't believe he's 4 months already!!
I love seeing big familes! I think it's wonderful. We just found out we are pregnany with #5. Our oldest is 15 so I know I'm going to get the "comments'. I think it's wonderful and a true blessing from God.
Congrats!!
there is a family at my church who has had 8 of their own children, then adopted 10 more! they are in their 60's right now, and thir youngest child is five. and they are awesome! i'm sure people have said a lot to them, but they just keep on keeping on. they are wonderful parents, and i'm sure you will be for this little one, too!
I'm sure the spacing of your children wasn't intentional (or maybe it was?), but I love it! My two kids are 22mos apart and I remember feeling like my second just didn't get a whole lot of me. I'm sure this isn't an unusual feeling, but it really threw me off and I knew I wanted to put some years between my second and third. There are those who can handle having their babies in quick secession, but for me, I just know it's not something I can do. So, I have to say it's very inspiring/relieving to know that I can have a large family and not rush to be done while still in my twenties/early thirties. When I've shared my hopes with others (having children well into my forties), there are those who say I'll be too tired, I'll want to retire ;), and to just get it done and over with. But I know I'll always want a baby to enjoy (and have time to enjoy him or her – I'm sure I sound pretty naive – life will most likely never slow down!). Anyway, thank you so much for sharing such a positive view of motherhood and having children!
Love your blog.. and I love your attitude about children.. you seem to be able to do it all but you are also realistic.. I stopped at 3 children only because I knew that was my limit.. however.. I've been raising two stepsons for the last 11 years.. I never in my life would have thought I would be doing this.. AND.. I understand about the dog.. I had a dog for my children.. she lived to be 18. We got another dog for the boys.. she is the love of our lives and even though not that much trouble it's like you said one more thing to take care of. We don't have a fenced yard so she is always on a leash.. sleeps in our bed and pretty much runs the household. I keep saying when she is gone no more pets but I guess we'll see. 😉
I have three sisters (so not as big a family as yours, but still) and my mom always said she didn't feel bad about having a large family. Yes, the world is over-populated, but at least she's populating it with good-hearted, smart people who will make it a better place. : )
Love this post 🙂
And just in case you hadn't heard this before: magnesium supplements help the cramping legs! Check with your Doctor of course, but it was my Obstetrician that recommended the magnesium for the leg cramps and it fixed them immediately!
I am so excited for you and your family. I am one who would also love a couple more but that does not look like it will be happening:)
I thought that you would be interested in a new book – it was just released last month. "The Greatest Pregnancy Ever" by Laurel Wilson and Tracey Wilson-Peters. I am reading it now (even though I am not pregnant) and am loving it.
Hi! I'm brand new to your blog. I was 42 when I had our 7th child. He is the joy of our entire household and is now 6 years old. (Our oldest is 21) I'm so glad that he is here and congratulations on your newest addition!!
Just tuned back in after being away for quite some while. I am so happy for you with your news. What a blessing a new baby is! And especially how lucky that baby will be to be in your family. I am more that a little envious. Happy baby blessings to you and your entire family.
Great post! I've enjoyed following along with this pregnancy because I'm 42 and expecting our sixth (about six weeks behind you). It's nice to have a companion, no matter how vicarious, in this journey.
When I was pregnant with number 6 I felt pretty sheepish (mostly because my oldest was nine and people thought I was insane).
But once he was born people have been amazingly sweet. Most people see our big family and say, "God bless you!"
I think there are a lot of jealous people who always wanted a big family but didn't have the guts to do it.
We started our family later in life. Not late by most standards – but because we want a big family – it is kinda later in the game. I love knowing your story. Thank you.
I love this post! I'm a 42 year old mama of NINE — and I STILL would love "just one more" and to be truthful, I think I always will. I just love it so much, I never want my fertility to end. But, you know, it will. Eventually. Maybe it already has, being that my youngest will be four years old in just a couple months. But hey, you just never know! Both my husband and I would be thrilled with a #10 baby 🙂
I enjoy pregnancy, the newborn stage, the infant stage, the toddler and preschool stage – every stage. I enjoy seeing my children interacting together (even the arguments amuse me!) and I love the bond and the memories they are creating growing up together in our home. When people are critical of our family size, I try to be kind (even if they aren't being kind!) When someone says, "I could NEVER have that many children!" then I say, "Well, you know…it isn't for everybody." and if someone says, "Two is enough for me!" then I say, "Well, see now? You've found your number. Two is your number. And nine is my number. I love how everyone is different. It would be boring on this earth if we were all the same." and if someone says, "Better you than me!" then I say, "Absolutely!" and they don't know how to respond to that. Some comments really make me laugh. I especially like the "Don't you know what causes that?" because then I simply say "Love. Love causes this." and you know what? There's not any answer better than that 🙂 So happy to hear that God has blessed you with another baby! Congratulations!
I'm 38 and expecting our 11th baby! We feel so abundantly blessed. I hope I can have babies well into my 40's and I no longer care what people think about how many kids we have. We know we are following God's will for OUR lives and that's all that matters. Prayers for your baby and for a safe delivery. God Bless you.
Congratulations. I have dipped in and out of your blog the odd time – I used to blog myself but haven't in quite some time. I wish you all the very best. I just turned 40 and have had to spend the last few years coming to terms with the fact that my two kids are it for me. I am a lifelong Catholic but NFP has been a huge struggle for my husband to wrap his mind around and he is adamant that two is his limit. I feel so happy for you that you see your family for the blessing it is, tinged with a little regret that I've failed to get my husband to see that perspective. Anyway – I must remember to check back for news of the new arrival – God Bless.