Big love

The girls and baby and I are off to the lake with friends today.

It's been the most eventful season any newborn of ours has ever seen.

And there's still more to come.

Paradoxically I feel more protective of our time and energy than I ever have.

Rolling around in my head and heart are thoughts of the family dynamic as it changes with each child. I don't quite have words for the blended blessings and adjustments and what those mean to us so far. The best I can describe it right now is this: I want each and every one of our children to know fundamentally that they are loved, cherished. I want each of them to know their passions are supported and their needs are met.

Our pediatrician -- a family friend -- told us upon learning of our third pregnancy that we were fools to let ourselves become "outnumbered." Of course he spoke in jest. A large family means there are more hands to hold. And that goes both ways.