As much as I know friends and families that are aching for babies, I also have friends that aren't quite sure. That are, if not off-put, at least confused by the "waiting until your thirties to think about babies" trend that is rampant in my generation. I don't presume to know what's "right" for every family, in every situation, but I do know something of having babies. So this post is for all of the might-be, would-be moms and dads who are cautiously dipping their toes in the water, who are apprehensive and curious. This is for those that are wondering.
If you are wondering about having a baby,
Hoping. Debating. Considering. Trying. Scared. Uncertain.
Is there time? Am I ready? Are we ready? Financially? In our marriage? Emotionally? In my career?
"Is there room?"
Is there room in my lifestyle? In my budget? In my family?
I am a mother of 3 babies; 2 of them were unplanned. I am here to tell you that the answer is "yes." There is room.
There is room in your home. There is room for a tiny cradle, even if it sits squarely between your bed and your dresser - or in the middle of the living room. Babies don't need Pinterest nurseries, their own rooms, or even cribs. Babies need mommas' arms, and there is room.
There is room in your body. Just when you think you can't stretch any more, you can. Your body was made to take care of that baby, and whether you are pregnant with one or with five, there is room.
There is room in your lap. If you are worried about a big sister or a big brother, don't. One of the most precious gifts you could ever give your child is a sibling. Moms' laps have room for two - and three, and four, and five. Buried in babies is the purest joy, the deepest satisfaction. There is room.
There is room in your heart. If you are afraid that you will never be able to love anything as much as you love your husband (boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, or dog), you will. If you are afraid that you could never love another baby as much as you love your first - you can - and you will. If you think the love might break you, it will, and that's good. A mother's heart has an inexhaustible capacity for love. There is room.
This is what I am learning and re-learning from my third child: there is room. There is room in my body, room in my home, room in my lap, room in my heart. Babies are gifts, and there is always room.
