There's Been a Change in Plans

I haven't been updating this like I should... mostly because I don't think anyone really reads it.
And if anyone does read it, they most likely already know why my plans have changed... another baby Watson is on the way. My plans have only changed slightly though. Somehow I've found the strength and motivation to continue working out 5 days a week. And my constant feeling that I'm going to puke has kept me from indulging in anything too unhealthy. So I'm still getting in shape- I just won't be sporting that bikini this summer! :)

The first date that Nathan and I went on, he told me that he wanted a big family one day. I was surprised that a young man would have such a passion for children. That's one of the reasons why I know that God brought us together for a reason. Thankfully, he wasn't just trying to impress me with his desire to have kids... we both feel incredibly blessed to have such a big family.
As our family grows, I'm learning that a lot of people don't feel the same way about big families. When I was pregnant with Ezekiel, we took many trips to the beach. One particular day, we decided to stop at the store to grab drinks and lunch for a picnic on the beach. Nathan went off trying to find drinks and the kids and I scoured the produce section for a healthy treat. As I filled a bag with peaches, an older man stood next to me. "Are they all yours?," he asked. This is a question I'm used to- usually followed by laughing. "Yes," I said. He looked confused. "And your having another one?", he replied motioning towards me swollen belly. "Yup". He shook his head. "That's too many." I was shocked. Never did I think that having a large family would be thought of as something negative. I didn't know what to say. Finally, I responded with, "well, at least I won't be old and alone in the produce section one day!" Actually, I didn't say that. The man had already walked away and I'm far too nice.
All this to say, we are so very blessed to have these children. Yes, we have a lot. And they may miss out on taking a multitude of ballet classes, or swimming lessons, or keeping up with the latest fashion. But they will grow up having the memories of picnics on the beach, and visiting imaginary lands, and coloring pictures until their hands hurt. And they will always, always have their family.