An announcement

Eleven years ago, I was teaching at an alternative high school and loved it and hated it.  Because of that experience, I wanted to be a foster mother…to which my sweet Darren swore he would never agree.  We did, however agree that we are terribly blessed with love and with a depth of understanding of the value of the soul of a child that we could not keep these blessings back from the world.  Fast forward eleven years and we are the proud and grateful parents of 6 beautiful, healthy children.  We are now expecting our seventh at the very opening of the year 2015. 

How do I feel about this?  I am elated, terrified and very grateful.  I am also a tiny bit angry and a little embarrassed.  (more on those feelings will likely come on days that are hard...if I decide to post it) Once I heard an adult I trusted tell me not to worry about the judgements others may be making about me, because they probably aren’t even thinking about me enough to make any sort of judgement.  In case that was a lie, let me say a few words:   

1- I am older than I was, but this is a healthy pregnancy so far and I’m being very careful. 2- We DO, I will agree to those that may be thinking this, sometimes struggle to keep the current six rugrats under control, but I firmly know that we are still doing the right thing. All six of our babies know that they are loved, cared for and have more than enough to be obligated to share their blessings and talents with the world.  3- We have so many children and so many of you are not so blessed and wish for even one or two.  I sometimes feel selfish about that.  I want your dreams to come true, too.  I pray for you to find dreams that fit the joy you need to have each day.  4- If, by chance, you feel slighted that you are receiving the announcement of our current pregnancy by this lovely and very public arena of my blog, feel free to call, text, or visit.  I chose to do it this way because I have not always had the most positive reactions to my more personal one-on-one prenatal announcements in the past and this seemed like a less emotionally painful way to do this.  I am happy and hope that those who care will find a way to be happy with me and let me know.  Those who are not happy with me can keep it to themselves or post it here on my blog, but will not be forced to give me a reaction in person.