Yesterday was my 33rd birthday. I woke up to secret sounds in the kitchen as my girls decorated the holiday table for me with double table cloths and our fanciest china. My three-year-old son came down to snuggle me. In the monitor, I could hear the baby singing in his bed.
I could never have imagined that this would be my life. In a few short weeks, we will be bringing our fifth child into this world. That is five babies in 7 years. My life is such a whirlwind of chatter and movement and song. I sat on the couch and held the baby’s perfect little hand while Rosie, Paloma, and Kells performed an original play for me called “Winter is Falling.” Watching them dance, I was transported to my own childhood, when I dressed up and sang and danced in the living room for my own Mother.
And then I thought about my Mother.
The greatest, most amazing birthday gift I have ever been given was the first. She brought me into this world. I am so thankful to her because I want to have been born. I want to live this life. I want my children to exist in this world. I want to be married to a man I love and raise a family together. After walking through my 5th pregnancy, I am more amazed than ever at the sacrifice that Mama made to carry and deliver me. God knows she didn’t have to do it again! I was the ninth, and last, child born into our family. She could have stopped with eight. Or seven. Or six. Or two. But she didn’t. And I am in the world. And so are my children. And as I look into their beautiful faces, full of joy for me on my 33rd birthday, I know it is a better place because they are traveling through it. And I am so thankful to my Mama for the gift that no one else could have ever given me.

Mac, You are great example of a mother and I know you learned from a great one too. Happy Birthday too
You are so blessed! Hope your birthday was pure awesome-ness!
I guess you know I’m crying right now because of all your beautiful words. I was asked many, many time if “eight is enough” and I am so thankful to God that eight was not enough. Thank you for being you. I love you and your beautiful family. You are an amazing mother!
I love you, Mama!
I’m crying too!! Mostly because I’m struggling wanting to trust God as I walk through my sixth pregnancy. It gets harder physically each time and I so want to be done and everyone tells me I need to be done in the name of Health, but I do not want to hinder any child from being here that God wants to be here. So thankful you wonderful ladies are in my life
Memorey, I feel this same struggle in me. I am hoping and believing that God will guide us as we are trying to figure out the best plans for our families. I don’t think there is one easy answer to this question. It is such a mystery and something that each familiy has to decide on their own. I believe that only God can reveal to us what is best. I respect you and your beautiful family so much. Love you. Glad you are in my life!