the season of Birth Days

I know I've said this before, but springtime around here means birthdays. All 4 kids were born in the Spring. One in March, 2 in April, and one in May. I think spring is a good time to be having babies, actually, even though we did not necessarily plan for them all to be born at that time of year. Giving birth in the spring means that you don't have to be big and bloated and overheated all summer long, and the highest risk time for sicknesses like RSV has passed. It is kind of nice to know that as the winter passes and the weather warms, you are just getting that much closer to the end of pregnancy.

Spring is a good time to start new things. The earth is getting ready for a new beginning. Baby animals are being born. The flowers are beginning to bud and blossom and everything is bursting with new life. I guess it seems somewhat appropriate to be expecting new life of my own during this time of renewal and revival.

(me, the day before Abigail was born, 11 yrs ago. Yes, I was huge.)

And so every spring I get a sense of this anticipation and eagerness. Remembering the anxious waiting, the wondering how the beginning will begin, the excitement of meeting this new little human being. And then also the nervousness of the great responsibility of becoming a mother. A mother for the first time. And again and again, becoming a mother to this particular child. Every time it is new. Every time it is different. And it sinks deeply into my heart every time.

So spring time is not just the time I celebrate the births of my children. It is also the time I celebrate my own birth as a mom. I am different than I ever thought I would be. Every spring I am reminded of how my children have changed me. How much I want for them. How much better I want to be.

(top, L to R - Abigail, Isaac
bottom, L to R - Samuel, Elisabeth)

Every spring, I look forward to our season of birth days. This season of change, of newness, and of growth.

"I'll walk in the rain by your side,
I'll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand.
I'll do anything to help you understand,
I'll love you more than anybody can"

- Peter, Paul and Mary

Happy Birth Days