Insightful/wise responses (to my previous baby #2 post).

The other day shared this post about (talking about) having baby #2. Originally I was hesitant to post it because it's a vulnerable and personal topic, but I'm so glad I did! I got several responses that were so encouraging that I wanted to share them (with their permission). 

So, if you are thinking about having more kids, I hope you find these encouraging as well! I also am so grateful for wisdom from older generations- it's so needed and valuable. These three responses are from women older than I, who either have grown children or older children, and having perspective from those who have already gone through this is so beneficial.

1. No worries, Kelsey. Your Father has your precious family well in hand and will grow it as He purposes. He will equip you with what you need at the time you need it, especially the overflowing billows of love!

I remember thinking the same thoughts you've articulated when expecting our second. How in the world could I love another child as much as I did my first? But I absolutely did and do. And then it becomes a generational habit...how could I possibly love a second grandchild as much as I do the first? And again--bingo! He's also my favorite!! But, honestly--how can I ever expect to muster up equal love for the third? Who am I kidding? I love her til I could just explode with it! As I step back and consider, what I see is that it's not my love that comes into play at all. It's God's love, and that precious Source is totally inexhaustible. So--I have two favorite sons and three favorite grandchildren and no second-placers.

The word that caught my attention most was "vulnerable". Perhaps the areas where we feel most vulnerable are those areas in which we have deceived ourselves into believing we have more control, more final say than we really have. There are certainly very personal issues under that umbrella, but not one that God doesn't handle perfectly for His beloved. The only vulnerability that really matters is our vulnerability to Him. After all, just as the old hymn correctly states, "Jesus doeth all things well."


2. For Emma's first 2 years of life I thought there was a good chance she'd be an only child. She was very high maintenance, and I couldn't imagine doubling the neediness! But after she turned two, we started talking about it more. Eventually I was pregnant with #2. The closer we got to the due date of #2, the more of an emotional roller coaster I was on. I was enjoying more of my 1-1 time with Emma, and wondered, like you, how I could love another as much. But when more children come, it all somehow falls into place. Your thought process is totally normal! smile emoticon It shows how much you love Norah and how much you are investing in her. Lord willing, when the time is right, more will come, and He will give you everything you need. wink emoticon


3. I think most moms have these same emotions - I know I did! Praying and seeking God's wisdom, and trusting that He will provide all that you need, gives amazing peace through this time.