It never grows old

I've hit that point in the pregnancy (almost 16 weeks) that the nausea is beginning to abate, the fatigue is gradually disappearing and I am rising from the couch just enough to remember what all this is for:  there is actually a new little somebody growing within me - body and soul, complete, irrepeatable.  And, as the title suggests, it never grows old.  In fact, as this sixth little Afelskie develops within me, I have to admit that I am more excited than ever to meet another new, completely unique individual - who will change our lives forever.  One day we will look at this sixth child and wonder how we could have lived without him or her.  This newest sibling will probably be one of the last to leave the nest and one of the ones that we try to hang on to more than the others who forged the path ahead.  And to think that we could have said no to this life.

Dave and I had a rare moment today after school.  The four oldest were in the basement playing and I decided to take Isaac outside to the driveway to play and wait for daddy.  I am also taking advantage of the lack of snow and balmy weather (8 degrees) that we are experiencing.  By the time we headed out, Dave was at the top of the street walking home.  So, we walked out to meet him and then took the dog for a brief walk in the back.  I put Isaac in the swing as Dave cleaned up the yard and Isaac screamed with joy - we are discovering more and more why his name is Isaac (joy, laughter).  Dave looked down at him and then at me and said, "Thanks, Mom, for saying yes.  If you hadn't, I (little Isaac) wouldn't be here."  I had been thinking the exact same thing at lunch when I kissed Isaac's adorable face and told him how much I loved his new face, one that hadn't existed before.

The mystery of it all is that God allows us to co-create with Him.  He allows us to say yes to His desire for new life.  Sometimes our yeses are half-hearted or practically non-existent; but He still waits for them.  And, what do we get?  More love.  Really.  I don't mean that in some cheesy, schmaltzy way.  I really do mean more love.  It seems that Dave and I have more love to give now to five children than we knew how to give when the first two came along.  When Joseph was born, I remember the nurse saying to him, "Get all the cuddles you can get in the hospital because once you get home Mommy's going to be too busy to snuggle you."  I imagine that I feared the same.  But, my goodness, her words couldn't have been farther from the truth.  I think that the children on the tail-end of the family get a matured love and the benefit of siblings who cater to their every need.  There is always someone to cuddle Isaac or take a bath with him or bring him a bottle.  He must feel so secure.

And, so, as we wait upon this sixth baby, this are-you-guys-crazy baby, I wait with joy and hope knowing that the reality is tiring (but it passes so quickly) and that this new little one will add new dimensions to our lives that we never could have imagined.