Are you happy about this???

Here we are... at exactly 38 weeks and 2 days pregnant with this little one!  Wow.  How the time has just flown by.  It's so hard to believe that our little one will soon be here!  It seems just like yesterday the reality was sinking in that our 7th little blessing was on the way.  Incredible. 

This pregnancy has been interesting, to say the least.  I don't mean in how I've been feeling, or anything like that. (Actually, I think that this one has been my easiest pregnancy yet! Such an incredible blessing!)  Rather, being noticeably pregnant with six little ones in tow, I/we have received quite the comments... and looks.  The majority of them not being so nice either. 

I have heard the whispers, seen the looks of pity and even disgust, and faced the many comments. Comments such as...

Why do the Schelenbergs have to have so many kids?

Who does she think she is?

What are you trying to do? Have 12?

Are you happy about this? (in reference to my growing stomach)

I even had one mom, at a recent school function, come up to me and tell me how much she is sympathizing with me. At first, I wasn't sure what she was talking about, then realized that she felt sorry that I was again pregnant. I assured her that I was NOT sorry at all about this little one, but extremely content and happy, and excited about this little one's arrival. She left my side shaking her head, surely thinking that I was crazy. 

Honestly, all the negative comments and looks hurt. The outside world makes judgements about our family, not really understanding us, or caring to. Yet, I think the comment that bothers me the most is the one, "how do you do it?" I guess it makes me cringe because it assumes that I'm some-kind of super mom, or something like that. Nothing could be more further from the truth. I get tired of doing laundry, cleaning up countless messes (that are not mine), and getting three meals a day on the table. I loose my temper and raise my voice at the kiddos. I get worn out and experience "mommy guilt", wishing I would have taken the time to play that game with my little one instead of choosing to iron the clothes instead. I guess what I want to shout to the world sometimes is, "I'm normal, people!" 

Yet, this gift of motherhood, this incredible privilege of being a nurturer of children, is something that I have embraced. I LOVE being a mommy.  When I think about it, there is nothing, absolutely nothing that I would rather be doing than being a mommy.  Even when it gets stressful, tiring, and exhausting, I wouldn't trade it. And, as I am reminded of the verse in Isaiah 55:8 which states, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD, I rejoice with exceedingly great joy on the upcoming arrival of this little baby. This little one who delights me with every little kick and nudge.  This little one who was known by God from the beginning of time.  I am so in love with this precious gift! 

I can't wait till these precious little ones can meet their newest sibling... something they are so very excited about!

And I can't wait to see another (blond?) head among these...

So yes, I AM happy about this... this precious, beautiful, most wonderful gift that the Creator has been knitting together inside me for these last 9 months.  The Lord is SO good!

Can't wait to meet you, little one...