She turns nine tomorrow.
That last baby we actually planned.
The one that we waited so long to have because having one + two more in less than three years was daunting.
We strategically planned to have that last baby so that the first three would be old enough to babysit. That plan has served us well.
We also knew that we wanted an even number…um, why? I have no idea why except the first three so close together just threw me off balance.
I was sure #4 would round out our family.
I love, love, love babies.
I did know I wanted to rock and hold and nurse and love just one baby.
Side note: I confess that I did pray that there would only be one baby.
I didn’t know I would have to fight Roger Leroy (a.k.a. Mama Jr.) to get a turn to hold her.
I did know that that last baby would be adored by all of us and she would always be “The Queen.”
I didn’t know how hard it would be for her to have five pseudo parents instead of two. You have to have a lot of personality and a good sense of humor to keep up in our house. Obviously, she can hang with us.
I did know we would see the world through her eyes and she would make us slow down and see beauty in the simple things.
I didn’t know she would be my only girly-girl. But still love dirt and bugs and
caterpillars.
I did know that her daddy had more than enough love for another daughter.
He lights up in her presence.
I didn’t know she would test my patience in ways I never dreamed before the teen years even hit. Big sigh…
I did know that our family would be blessed beyond measure to have her in our world. And having an even number isn’t so odd.
Happy Birthday Baby Girl! You are beautiful and smart and funny.
We all love you to the moon…
xoxo
Mama
P.S. For the observant few, oh yes, that is a giant tattoo on her hand.
One year ago..
We too had a last baby that was planned! For many of the same reasons you stated. Although, I do remember thinking there is no way I want three kids… 4 is perfect. I am the oldest of 3 and it just was too off kilter. Soooo… then why is “5″ all right? Haha.
Elijah is the Prince. The ONLY boy and a very nice young boy at that…. who wouldn’t be with 4 older sisters constantly telling him how to behave around the girls? Not that all that “advice” works on his own relationship with his sisters, but hey…. does well for his class mates. He is 9 and in the 3rd grade.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
I always knew that we would have to have an even number of children – my sound reasoning was that then everyone would have someone to ride with at Disneyland!
Happy Birthday Scary Baby!!! XO