Honestly.
It’s as though everyone has the same, universal cue card they read from upon finding out we’re expecting our fourth girl. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone in an elevator, at the doctor’s office, at the library, or in line at Wal-Mart. The responses are all versions of one of the following:
1. “Your poor husband…”
2. “Good luck with four weddings.”
3. {Head shaking back and forth, apologetically} “Wow…”
4. “Get a shot gun now.” (I’m hoping this one is referencing a proactive measure to keep the boys away…not an assumption that soon my mental capacities will deteriorate).
Recently someone at church, after finding out the new baby’s gender, said something that diverted from the normal comment. She shrugged her shoulders and said, “Well…at least you know what to do.”
I stared at her for a moment, letting her comment sink it. It would seem to be the case. For seven and a half years, I have done little other than birth, feed, instruct, train and raise three girls. One would think I would be an expert at it by now.
Eventually we got interrupted and she started talking with someone else, but I just stood there rather still thinking about her statement…unable to articulate the ball of emotions she had managed to evoke with a succinct response. The truth is, in approximately one month, we will have another daughter…and I STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING.
Breastfeeding has been a challenge for each child I’ve birthed, preventing mastitis is something I’ve not yet been able to learn, teaching sisters to not be so controlling and to play selflessly has not yet seemed to catch on, and controlling my anger during temper tantrums is still much harder than throwing a temper tantrum myself.
So there you have it.
Yes, I know it will be okay…God will get us through one day and one struggle at a time. We will overcome someday, yes, thank you for reminding me. I guess at this juncture I need an extra dose of trust, confidence, and peace. All that to say…Thank you for your prayers…Let the good times begin…
p.s. Did I mention we bought a house? Here are the kids on our new front steps. Stay tuned for more pictures…
Annie you are doing great! I am so very excited for you guys and can’t wait to meet (and love on)baby G4 🙂
I was laughing at all the comments people have made because they are the same ones we got. I’m surprised no one asked you “You know how to stop it right?” “You know it’s not the water causing that? <–that one was from my father in law! So RUDE!!!)
P.S. Baby #4 raises its self. 🙂
Oh my word, your P.S. is absolutely hilarious!!
Well I guess I will have to reconcile myself to the fact that you will be more like the Driggers than the Marks…but know that you’ve got one fan here at least cheering you all on!! YEAH FOUR GIRLS!!!!
I know! I really thought we’d copy your birth order…It’s funny that you remember that! Oh well, if I can’t be like Patty Marks, then I can at least aspire to be like Kelly Driggers!