Nov 25

Nov 25 Holy Celebration

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb…Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. Psalm 139:13,16

We choose to tell.

Our oldest son and his wife were pregnant at the same time.

We choose to tell.

We've always gathered the kids to share the news, and we do it early—as in the same day we find out. Brad says the roof rises off the rafters every time we announce a pregnancy. There is shouting and clapping and yahoos and yipees. Then we plot how to tell Mom Mom and Grandpa. There is almost always a threadbare Minnie Mouse shirt involved. It's just part of the tradition. I wore it constantly when I carried Philip and it has become the symbol. One time we wrapped it up and gave it as an early Christmas gift to the grandparents. Other times the honorary newest big brother or sister wears it. We usually have signs too. "Eight is great but nine is FINE!" or "Number 10. Blessed again!" These are holy moments.

We want our children to know they've been blessed with another sibling—regardless of the outcome.

We still tell even though miscarriage has become achingly common for us. Some people choose to wait a few weeks. I understand. I know the pain of being congratulated in the middle of a miscarriage. But we want the opportunity to celebrate the beauty of new life. We want our children to know they've been blessed with another sibling—regardless of the outcome. We pray together and hope together as a family for our newest tiny member, then grieve and trust together if our desires aren't realized.

Because it's an honor to conceive. It's a privilege to be a mom—again. It's amazing to be entrusted with a little one even if only for a short time. The loss hurts but we anticipate a sweet reunion someday.

Our children are always excited about baby news. They embrace the joy of that blessing. I don't know how God will lead them as they marry and have children of their own. But I do know they recognize the precious value of life.

And one day the celebrating will never end.