Still at my mom’s… Ainsley woke up just fine. She must’ve just been tired. It was sunny all day, so the kids had a grand time OUTSIDE in Grandma’s backyard. The adults stayed sane. It was a good day.
I promised last week to share our kids’ reactions to our announcement to them that I’m pregnant so here you go…
We pulled the kids together on Natalie’s bed as we were getting ready to tuck them in. We debated telling them so early (8 wks) but I’d been so sick that we had to explain why I was watching tv for 8 hours a day, barely cooking dinner, and puking my guts up every few hours. “Mommy has the stomach flu” wasn’t going to cut it for the next 4 weeks. Besides, it’s our fourth. Why keep it in so long? we asked ourselves.
As the three children sat on the bed waiting intently Henry said, “Sometimes when someone is going to have a baby, they get really sick.”
Natalie: “Mommy’s been really sick. Are you going to have a baby?”
Henry: “And sometimes they get really tired and you have to help clean the house a lot more.”
Natalie: “We’ve been helping clean the house A LOT. Are you going to have a baby?”
Henry, smiling: “Yep, mommy’s having a baby!”
Natalie, a little frantic: “Are you telling me the truth?”
Me: “Yes, of course we are. I’m pregnant.”
Natalie, crying hysterically and yelling: “Tell me the truth! I need to know right now if you’re having a baby. I feel like you’re lying to me!”
Me: “Natalie, honey. We are telling you the truth. We’d never lie to you about something like this.”
Natalie: “I can’t trust you. Are you really having a baby?”
Me: “Have we ever lied to you before?”
Natalie: “No, but Daddy keeps smiling so I feel like he’s lying.”
Me: “Daddy’s just excited. We are totally having another baby.”
Natalie, crying tears of joy now and throwing her hands into the air: “THE LORD HAS ANSWERED MY PRAYERS!! I thought he was going to say ‘no’ and he just said, ‘wait’.”
Natalie, suddenly getting anxious again: “What if this baby is sick like Ryan and dies?”
Me: “Natalie, listen to me. IF this baby is sick, we will get through it. Look at Ryan… it was hard the first couple years, but God carried us through it and he has a wonderful life now. BUT, the chances of that happening again are very small.”
Ryan: “I not sick!”
Ainsley had yet to make a peep. She just lay beside me sucking her thumb. So I asked, “Ains – are you excited to have another sibling? Or are you upset?”
Ainsley, smiling: “Happy! Can I tell my friends?”
Natalie: “Yeah, can I tell my friends and my teacher?”
And that was that….
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Comments (9)
I loved Natalie’s reaction to your news. To think she had been praying for another sibling for a while now. God is faithful and definitely has plans for this new baby.
I love that Natalie has been praying for a baby and you all didn’t know it. I hope you are feeling better now.
LOVE THIS! 🙂 Our 12 year old didn’t belive us either. Of course he knew that I had my tubes tied too. He had to call my Mom to confirm. LOL
Aww, I have a feeling she is going to turn into your shadow making sure you are okay. Bless their hearts. I am praying the sickness leaves and you start feeling great very soon.
that is awesome! you are going to be so glad you wrote that down!
How sweet that Natalie had been praying for another baby in the family!!! How cute that Ainsley can’t wait to tell her friends. And how wonderful that Ryan feels “not sick”…but just like a little boy should! Congratulations to you all! 🙂
Love, Linda
It always amazes me that God gives us kids that are all so different. It’s like you need a new operating manual every time you get a new model. My three kids react totally different to every situation too, even now that they are older. Every time I thought I had parenting figured out, God sent me another kid to switch things up and keep me on my toes. I have to say, I really liked Ryan’s reaction. After reading your book, his remark made me want to stand up and cheer!
Love
Suzy
Goosebumps! I love Natalie’s reaction. You’re amazing parents and all FOUR of your babies are blessed to have you!! Congrats again 🙂
I HEART!!!!