Seven Quick Takes on Friday

1. I heard something interesting this morning -- a mom with many children said something like, "the future belongs to the ideals of parents who dare to have many children."  Often, I think my big belly brings a strong response because I am, indeed, crazy to have another child.  But I think also that seeing someone with lots of children means you are seeing someone who has made sacrifices for others, who does so all day and often all night.  I don't believe most people are thinking this, really, but maybe seeing my large family is salt in their wound. Maybe.  And the ideals that S and I share will be passed down times four.  

2. Abigail has begun to read, and this comes well timed.  I was feeling very stressed at the idea of being responsible for her entire education, but now that she is beginning to read well, I feel much more confident.  I taught her that.  All me.

3. I'm terrified that I will not survive labor.  I mean, that I will physically not make it.  I have been terrified of this with each delivery, but I'm more afraid now as with each child, I'm more needed.  Does everyone get this way?

4.  I would love to have a date night (afternoon, breakfast, whatever) but I don't want to get a sitter.  My children fuss and are sad when I leave, and I'm nervous and edgy the whole time I'm out.  Any at home ideas? I don't like the phone, and the idea of calling a sitter stresses me out nearly as much as the idea of having one with the kids at home.  

5. Baby names...  when I think of this little guy, I wonder if he might be a Henry.  I like that St. Therese's dad was a fan of St. Henry, and he's my birthday saint.  Henry William means, "Resolute protector of the home".  Nice.  

6.  We went to Mass last Saturday evening at the parish near Serenbe (where we dream of moving), and I kept waiting to feel like, "this is it, you're home!" and never did.  What really sucks is that I don't have that feeling ANYWHERE lately.   I remember when I went to Mass at FUS as a teen, I felt so strongly that I was supposed to go to college there, and when I went to Mexico on missions, everything fell into place and I felt so sure.  When I knew I should marry Stephen, there was definite, huge, easy conviction (after years of this not being the case), and I feel like this decision on moving ought to come with the same certainty, but nothing feels right yet.  

7.  I am sitting in peace while ALL THREE of my kids are napping.  

(More quick takes from a much more interesting blog:  www.conversiondiary.com)

Comments

[The Praying Mom]

Hubby and I have an at home date night every week. We plan one night when we give the kids dinner and put them to bed and then one of us makes a nice dinner for the other (we switch off) and we enjoy a quiet meal and evening together. To make sure we really have that time together we both do our best to set aside work, school, and everything else for the evening. Sometimes that means we have to still take care of one of the children, but it still works great for us.

[Rae]

Reading #1 had me thinking about families with 10+ children, so when I realized that you are pregnant with your fourth I wanted to laugh. I don't see how having four children is at all crazy! I would say "good luck" but that sounds trite, so best wishes.