This is one of my favorite photos from this summer. Actually, it's one of the few shots of the summer but a favorite, none the less. I'm sure Grant's dress-up days are numbered - his self-consciousness slowly increases with the ruthless passage of time. So, in the meantime, I try to appreciate these snapshots of childhood. I know the these moments are brief and lovely.
I also enjoy this picture for it's glimpse into life with three children. Three is not a terribly large family, I know, but certainly outside the "one boy and one girl" scope. It's surprising to me how many people question our decision to have more than two...especially now that it's very obvious that a fourth is on it's way. I swear, if I had a dollar for every "you sure have your hands full!" comment I could buy our own private island where I'd never have to hear that comment again. I've been asked several times if I know where babies come from and I've fielded countless well-intentioned questions implying that surely we must be done.
The thing is, we love our kids. The chaos and noise, while exhausting and overwhelming at times, is full of joy and...life. Our kids get along (on most days) and seem to enjoy each other's company (most of the time). This picture of our three kids on our front step, collaboratively dressed; laughing together is why my hands are indeed full. Full of joy. Full of hugs and caresses. Full of crayons, pencils and pages of books. They are full of meals prepared and cleared. They are full of soap and towels, of homework and erasers. Full of laundry, oh the laundry. They are full, so very full of love.
When I look at this picture I see the innocence and exhuberence of youth and then, with a deeper gaze, I catch a glimpse the future. I can see my children grown with families of their own. I see them coming back to us, filled with stories and memories. I see us gathered around the Thanksgiving table, laughing. I can hear the sounds of their children running through the rooms and it sounds rich and full and wonderful. I am looking forward to the legacy of our four children. We have strung our loom and are filling it color and pattern. I can see that it is lovely now but how much more beautiful will it be with more fiber, more weavers? It takes my breath away to consider it.
Do I know where babies come from? Why, yes I do. They come straight from God and I am grateful to be welcoming another bit of heaven right here, into our very own family. My hands are full but but not too full for this new soul - this new weaver.
