Today is a bittersweet day as it is Lavender’s last day of her first year of life.
{In simpler terms, it’s the day before her first birthday.}
Of course, as with each baby that has grown even though I tell them to stay little forever, it is impossible to believe a full year has gone by already. She is such a beautiful addition and our family would not be complete without our chunky baby.
And yes, as with each sweet baby that has been placed in my arms, my heart has grown miles in love and awe and respect for this calling of motherhood.
I’m so grateful we did not ‘stop’ having children when it was the normal thing to do.
I’m so eternally grateful God blessed us with our six daughters. I’m so delighted He gave us Lavender to love and hold and cuddle. She has brought so much fun and joy to our family as the girls experience all a baby’s firsts all over again. Frequently, as we go around the dinner table sharing our highs and thankfuls of the day, the name “Lavender” is often the thankful from many of the sisters. Those who think children suffer in a big family need to come sit at the dinner table and hear the four year old and eight year old thank God for their little baby sister … there is no suffering here. {Unless suffering means your two year old sister keeps stealing your toothbrush each night, because yes, there is that kind of suffering!}
Right now, Lavender is just absolutely adorable and so much fun – she’s still not walking but has learned to slowly pull her chubby self up for a few minutes if she is given the opportunity. She’s rarely allowed as we all scoop her up and walk about with her on hip. I’m sure, if she did not have five older sisters, she’d be able to scoot along by now but there are advantages of being the youngest of a big family (such as being carried about all day long). She has a toothy grin now (four teeth) and loves to squish up her nose and smile at us from her high chair. Her hair is still long and dark and hilariously always in her eyes. Her little fists are still chubby and pink. She’s just beginning to {almost} sleep the night which is a mixed blessings for momma.
With each child that has joined our family, I am humbled and so grateful the the Lord changed our heart about our family size, back when we only had three children. I see the joys and the blessings of having many children and am grateful we had the opportunity to have more.
This year, we have decided to not have a big birthday party – I would rather spend the whole day holding Lavender and spending time with the girls instead of rushing about and ensuring the house is clean, the property is cleared up and the chickens are in their yard. 😉 I look forward to relaxing in the sunshine with Lavender, cuddling her and just enjoying her special day.
I am so blessed and I am so grateful.
by Gigi
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