Let's talk babies! This is such a sweet topic. There is something that God instilled in every woman's being that makes her desire to hold, touch and have babies. There might be a part of society that is to blame for it too, though. As children girls are taught how to hold and take care of baby dolls. So there might be a bit of an issue as far as that goes as well, but we'll get into that later.
I have been getting close to wanting a second baby. There is really only two things that are holding me back at this very moment. One being the size of our house. We really don't have enough room for Carter's things (that take up his room, the toy room and the living room) plus bringing all the "new" baby things up from down stairs (swing, bouncer, saucer etc.) The second thing in the way would be my energy level. I barely have the energy everyday to run after two toddlers, but add on top of that the lack of energy that being pregnant gets you, and the late night feedings! I'm not saying I can't do it (with God all things are possible, and just look at Sarah, she runs after two of her own now!), I'm just not sure if I'm ready for the struggle just yet. Soon, though, no worries.
So let's talk about the flip side. I've talk about adoption earlier. That is a tie in here. My heart bleeds for pregnant teens, especially ones I know. I've never watched the tv show "Teen Mom," but from what I hear it's pretty close to the truth. It's a struggle to be young, unmarried, and add a baby to the mix. I love Carter and I wouldn't give him up for the world. But if I hadn't been 26 when he was born, and had a husband willing to support me though thick and thin, I could have never done it. Even now I struggle getting up at night to calm a screaming boy (see Chapter 2). Babies have their joys, and they are worth the struggle. I just can't understand why there is an appeal to have a baby out of wedlock. Here we bring in the point about society being partly to blame. I am part of this so-called society, so I, myself, am not off the hook. Still, there are so many things lost when a "girl" has a baby. No more nights out. No more spending money on yourself. Babies are very expensive. Every dollar will go to clothe, feed, diaper, entertain a child, not to mention all their "safety equipment. Health insurance is the pits are well, but that's a whole nother chapter. No more hanging out with friends at the drop of a hat. I could go on and on about the things a young woman looses when a baby is born. Trust me they are gone for me too, but I am out of that stage of life. I like to think I am "mature" enough to handle a family, but we can debate that later.
Here's a story. Keith had a friend (female) who lived in St. Louis, MO. She did choose to get married first, so there is a little to her credit. She was married just into college, and her husband was in medical school. Just after marriage, she got pregnant with triplets. She was forced to drop out of college and stay home. Her husband still had to go to med school, this is their livelihood we're talking about. Either way, she talked to Keith a lot about the struggle that she was having. Late night hours alone, because hubby was studying. Trying to keep up with three kids. She missed going out with her friends. She was only 19 or 20 when she had these kids. Anyway, if you can't see where this is going, I'll help you a bit. She tried to convince Keith to leave me and join her in St. Louis.
Having babies changes everything. It's a decision that needs to be made with three people in mind, you, a husband, and a Heavenly Father. If one or more of these elements are missing, a woman's life will be a hard one. This is a human being we are discussing, not a puppy that can be given away. This point gets forgot a lot.
I wish there was a way to get young women to listen, because it seems that when I do the talking, my words, though invited, get thrown away as soon as I leave the room.
There aren't enough band-aids in the world to heal my bleeding heart.
love you!
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