Our first 3 weeks as a family of 4.....

I always thought that the whole phrase "a family of four" sounded so grown-up and official.  With one child we could brush it off as to being parenting-newbies.  With the first child, we were trail blazing it the entire time.  Yes, we poured through parenting books trying to find the secret formula on how to take care of this squirming, helpless creature before us.  Yet eventually we realized we were creating our own unique "formula" all along.  It felt dangerous and ridiculous to think of ourselves as parents, but also so natural and beautiful!  Now, nearly 21 months later, we wear our title of "parent" proudly and with more trembling confidence...but somehow, we have stepped into new territory.  As we welcome our second miracle into our lives, we suddenly have to regain our footing.  Being parents of TWO feels different, almost more mature instantly.  I examine my reflection in the mirror and am convinced that my number of silver hairs have multiplied in the last 3 weeks since our promotion.  If thought of that way, as a promotion, we are humbled and overjoyed to have gained it!!  We wonder at times how we will make it work.  We shake our head in disbelief that, in spite of our glaring inadequacy, we WILL be able to take care of these two children of ours (even though we were still learning how to make it with one!).  And of course, we have to smile and laugh at the sweetness and beauty of these two children that God has entrusted to us.  Over the following days, months and years we will learn and grow as a family.  In the meantime, we will relish this new status, comb our silver speckled hair :)  and feel horribly unqualified but silly with gratitude every time we realize we are a family of 4.


A few moments from the last three weeks: