It was an image of a woman that looked 4-5 months pregnant, even though she was no longer growing life within her.
It was a beautiful image, yet sad. Beautiful, because it had carried and brought forth seven human beings that I couldn't imagine life without. Sad, because it had just birthed its last.
The last time I stood in front of that mirror, I was a huge, 9-months pregnant, standing in a puddle of amniotic fluid, not sure what to do next, but knowing that I would be meeting my baby that day.
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As I stood there, tears welled up in my eyes. I no longer had a constant companion with me, reminding me of his presence with a little kick or jab or roll. He was now part of this world and not part of me, and I would never experience that again.
I stood there and reflected on his birth, replaying it over and over again in my head, as I did with all my kids' births after they were born, and still do from time to time. They are the best moments of my life, moments I wish I could relive again and again, moments I will remember forever.
I'm comforted to know that I have these memories to reflect on as our family moves on to the next season. God has shown us that we are done having children; this time in our lives is ending, and there are new beginnings just ahead.
To be a part of God's amazing plans and works to bring forth a life is such an honor, is such an amazing experience, is indescribable really. And I've gotten to experience is 7 times. For that, I am thankful and truly blessed!
Sharing with:
Modest Mondays @ The Modest Mom
Monday's Musings @ What Joy Is Mine
Welcome Home @ Raising Arrows
Mama Moments Mondays @ A Mama's Story
The Better Mom Mondays @ The Better Mom
Mommy Moments @ The Life of Faith
Titus 2sday Link-Up @ Time Warp Wife
Teach Me Tuesdays @ Growing Home
Titus Tuesdays @ Cornerstone Confessions
Heart and Home Link Up @ MercyINK
Homemaking Link-Up @ Raising Homemakers
Encourage One Another Link-Up @ Deep Roots at Home
WholeHearted-Home Wednesdays @ Haven of Rest
Wednesday Link Party @ Walking Redeemed
Proverbs 31 Thursdays @ Raising Mighty Arrows
Hearts 4 Home @ Our Simple Country Life
Thriving Thursdays @ Serving Joyfully
Weekend Whatever @ Your Thriving Family
Fun Friday @ Pieces of Amy
So well put! Pregnancy is such a special time. If you don't mind sharing, how did God show you that you were done having kids?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your beautiful boy!
Enjoyed reading this post. Was wondering the same thing as Heather? Been struggling with how to know God's will for us regarding children.
ReplyDeleteWhy and how do you know your done having blessings? Oh, I guess everyone else is wondering the same thing too lol.
ReplyDeleteP.s. well written post....I didn't want it to end so soon. Felt like I was reading a good novel :)
Me too!! Was sad the post was over! LOL it was so well written!
Deleteand I too was wondering God showed you your family is complete?
Your family is beautiful! Your post was beautiful! Congrats on the new little blessing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jen!!
DeleteYes, congratulations, Sarah! Praying you are getting settled - I LOVED this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christy!
DeleteI hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!!
Loved this post, so beautiful! And it made me bawl! Most likely because I am pregnant and bawl at just about everything! But also because I think I will never be okay with being done having babies myself. Even if we stop after this baby (baby #5) or if we go on to have 10 more babies. It is a sad thing to know that you won't have that amazing experience again, but we can't keep having babies forever. either God will let us know we are done, or our bodies will. I relate to feeling sad thinking that you won't be able to have that again, but it is also wonderful and amazing you were able to have that experience 6 times. It is one of the best part of being a woman and being a mama. We are blessed to have that gift and privileged!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this great post! And for the good cry!
Oh also, I must say, it is so wonderful that you see your postpartum body as a beautiful thing! Because it is! It is a great thing that your able to see that!
DeleteIt made me bawl writing it!! It's been very hard knowing that this season in our lives is ending. It's not always easy to follow God's plan; I'm trying to stay positive and be content!
DeleteThe irony is, before I had kids, when my body was thin and in shape, I wasn't happy with it! Now that it has a few extra pounds, stretch marks, and a bit saggy in places, I can see it for the beauty that it is.
Congratulations on your new little one! Enjoy each moment!
ReplyDeleteThank you everyone for the sweet comments!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure how in depth to make this post, and ended up deciding to keep it simple.
Since many of you have asked, I decided I will write a follow up post to this one explaining how God has shown as that Max is our last.
Stay tuned for that!
Blessings!
Beautiful post, elegantly written. I understand your words, the sadness that one feels with knowing no more .... yet my heart still yearns .... I still live in hope
ReplyDeleteIt is an honor, and you are very blessed.
ReplyDeletewow! beautiful and almost cried as i remembered that's exactly how I felt 8 months ago after delivering my first born...even know I really miss feeling her inside me :(. What blessing pregnancy is! Thanks for sharing this wonderful post! I blog at womanhoodwithpurpose.com
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed 2013!!!
Hi Sarah! I came across your blog over at Mercy Ink. This post was beautiful. I actually JUST finished writing a post/letter for my little 17 month old. I'm hoping the Lord will bless us with a few more down the road ;-) I can't even imagine writing a post like this yet! But you did it so well and your confidence in the Lord shows in the words you wrote. Your children are blessed to have you as a mother! -Alicia
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I always love being pregnant and carrying a life within me! Congrats on the birth of your new little one.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Sarah! I hope I remember your peaceful response when God someday shows us we are done!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Mrs. Sarah Coller
Thank you to everyone for all the sweet, heart-felt comments! I really appreciate and enjoy reading them! You all have blessed me tremendously!!
ReplyDelete:)
You have seven blessings and that is something to be so thankful for as I know you are. I have seven blessings too. Thanks for linking up over at WholeHearted Home last Wednesday.
ReplyDelete