Illustration Friday - Gluttony

Sorry this one's kind of wordy, feel free to skip the diatribe following the submissions below.

(Click on images to enlarge)

Seasons

Gluttony

I'm bummed because Natalie has misplaced her Illustration Friday. It would have been perfect for both last week's theme and this week's too. Darn. Oh well. When it reappears, as it undoubtedly will, I will post it. Oh, but it's so cute. I know, I know, let it go already, Nino. ha ha ha

I never posted last week's (the theme was Seasons) so I'll do so here. Except that I just realized that my submission does not really pertain to "Seasons" as much as it does to "Weather." I don't know why I thought of it instantly, though. It's an illustration that I did back in 2001 for a friend for a Baby Shower invitation. I tweaked it on PhotoShop.

And now, for this week's theme: GLUTTONY. Again, when I saw the theme for this week's Illustration Friday, I instantly thought of the in utero drawing that I did in 1996 when I was pregnant with Natalie. I also tweaked this one on PhotoShop for today's purposes. I feel I must explain.

It's no secret that we want to add to our family. To me, having a child has always been essential. We were blessed quickly with Natalie and are forever grateful for her presence in our lives. Elle didn't come so quickly. At first by (reluctant) choice and then by a bout of Unexplained Infertility that was too long for me, thank you very much. I SO wanted a sibling for Natalie. Our prayers were finally answered and we're eternally grateful for Elle. That brings us to present day. Our cup runneth over. We have the family we've always dreamed of, yet we know in our hearts we have room for "just one more." Guy knew it before I did and I slowly came around to the idea. Quite frankly, it makes me feel gluttonous. A third baby, for us, is like a "bonus" baby. Just for fun. Tra la la! Yea, we love parenthood that much. Even though I bitch and moan as much as the next frazzled Mother, I absolutely love being the Matriarch of this crazy little family.

Guy didn't like this submission, though. He likes the drawing, but he didn't like the connotation. He said "Gluttony is a sin and wanting another baby is NOT a sin." Defensive much? Easy Rocky! I don't think "sin" when I think gluttony. Oops! My lack of religious background is showing again, isn't it? ha ha When I think "gluttony" I think excess and indulgence. And when I think indulgence, I think "treat," and when I think "treat," I think very sweet, happy thoughts. Another healthy, happy baby would definitely be a delicious little treat for all of us. That's all I'm saying.

Comments

[Rebekah]

I absolutely understand. I don't care HOW hard it may be, or how long it might take to have another child, I think many couples just KNOW in their hearts how many children are "supposed" to be in their family. I realize this is a no-no of a statement, as many couples who struggle to have children or can't have them would SCREAM that they KNEW how many children they were "supposed" to have, and that didn't happen. I hope you know what I'm trying to say, though.

That being said, even though we're smack in the middle of TTC baby number two, unless I almost die at the end of the pregnancy like last time or something big changes our mind, I know way down deep I would like to have 3 kiddos. Even if we adopt, which is totally possible, I'd like to have 3. Maybe it's just a dream, and it's not going to happen, but try telling that to my heart.

[Joe]

Hey you posted what you thought of. I like that! Hav a great weekend!

[Jane]

I always knew ABSOLUTELY in my heart that I wanted have a bunch of kids. I have 3 and they are the greatest things that ever happened to me. I had all 3 of them in 4 years.

With my 1st two children I was very nervous and insecure. I read every book and magazine article I could get my hands on. Even with all of the support I doubted myself and every decision I made. I was just so positive I was going to mess them up - many times I envisioned them as adults talking to their therapist blaming all of their issues on their messed up mother! LOL!

Then when my 3rd child came along I surrendered and just accepted my life as it was. I accepted the fact that there would be sleepless nights. I accepted the fact that there would be little or no time for myself. I accepted the fact that a night out with my husband would be rare. And I really accepted the fact that my house was going to be messy for years to come.

Now my youngest is 6 years old. All three of my kids are growing into wonderful people! They are all great students, active in extra cirricular activites and have nice friends. I will admit that my youngest seems to be the happiest and most easy going - probably due to the fact that I just followed my heart and just let him be.

Before my 3rd child came along I had the All-American picture perfect family - Dad, Mom a son and a daughter. When I found out I was pregnant with number 3 I wondered, "Am I messing up here? I have the picture perfect family? What am I doing???" But the second he was born I knew he was "the icing on the cake of my beautiful life"!

Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!

[Sandi P.]

Sorry haven't posted in awhile, Nino!

I say, "Go for #3, my friend!" You need to try for a little boy anyway, right?? :):)

[Hannah&boys]

Like me, we are once again on the same wavelength my dear friend! Except I had to convince Cameron. Love Hannah

[Holly]

Here's to gluttony! Best wishes and tons of fun in TTC.

I'll include that intention for you and your family in my prayers.

Enjoy your Sunday. God Bless.

[Alisa]

If you feel that there is someone missing you will always wonder about that person. I say go for it! Its basically a win win situation! :)

Best of luck, Nino. You are an AWESOME mother and this child will be more than lucky to be chosen to be with your family.

XOXO
Alisa

[Rebekah]

Finally! Found my first comment. HOW did it take me this far into your blog for me to find you or move over from iParenting?? Sheesh!

Kind of funny what I said, though. Knowing we were meant to have 3. And that, in the middle of our struggle to have our second! These children of ours were MEANT to come to us, were they not? Amazing.