Curve Ball

We had the perfectly laid plan. We had a couple of kids, we lived comfortably within our means, we were getting right with our finances, we planned on retiring at 55. Kids would be out of the house when we're 44 and 47, then it would be just us again. We could take that trip to Europe that I've been pining for for years. And then came TWO PINK LINES. What.just.happened?

We had talked about having more kids for years, but we could never agree on the best time. We would go back and forth weighing our options. We wanted to make the best decision for our family. We knew we couldn't afford to have 3 in daycare so we needed to wait until the older ones were in school. Then we just got really comfortable with our life and thoroughly enjoyed spending time as just the four of us.

Let me tell you, it has been a roller coaster of emotions since finding out that we will be adding to our family tree. Mostly excitement, happiness, joy but there has also been fear, worry, angst. What will this baby do to the dynamic of our family of four? Do I have the energy to do it all over again? What does this mean for our future plans? How will we put 3 kids through college?

Today I'm 17 weeks into pregnancy number 3. A lot of the fear and worry have subsided. I'm really looking forward to giving my kids another sibling, but I still have my moments of doubt. Our oldest recently turned 11 and everyone says she'll be a big help with the baby which I do believe. I also know it may be a struggle because she is entering some difficult, awkward years in her life. I want to be able to be the mom she needs. I also don't want to put too much on her plate in asking her to help with the baby. <Deep Breath> It will all work out. I'm learning to just let go. I'm not going to be able to plan for every possible scenario. Whatever is going to happen will happen. We will continue being the best parents we know how to be. We will continue to fly by the seat of our pants and stay flexible. Just like we always have.

Life is funny and just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM, there's the curve ball and it smacks you right between the eyes! There's a lesson to be learned here. Never hold on too tightly to plans. Like in Thomas Rhett's hit song,

"Ain't it funny how life changes

You wake up, ain't nothing the same and life changes

You can't stop it, just hop on the train and

You never know what's gonna happen

You make your plans and you hear God laughing

Life changes, and I wouldn't change it for the world, the world, oh no

And I wouldn't change it for the world, the world, oh no"

You make your plans and you hear God laughing. Jokes on us, I guess! But I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm thankful every day for this adventure and anything else that He wants to throw our way!

Happy Hump Day, Friends!

-S