kids and babies

I have quite a few friends who have large families by today's standards. One might be tempted to assume that kids in homes where lots of babies are born would become bored by or indifferent to new little lives entering the world... My recent experience has been quite the contrary. These kids are genuinely excited to meet Felicity, who is now 5 1/2 weeks old.

Maybe it's because they're accustomed to little ones, so they're not afraid, but the ooohs and aaahs from my friends' children have been really touching to me. These kids are truly being raised in a pro-life culture - in their homes, that is. They live in places where babies are desired and welcomed.

Openness to life is certainly not the only way to demonstrate a pro-life stance. And I'm well-aware that not everyone who sincerely desires children will be blessed in that way... However, when parents are open, when they make material and physical sacrifices to welcome another child, and when they see children as blessings rather than burdens, i think kids are well aware. and the attitude rubs off on them. They seem to be filled with joy at the sight of a new baby or a pregnant mommy.

Oh yeah, I should mention that most of the kids I'm talking about are home-schooled, so they spend lots of time around their little brothers and sisters. Familiarity with little people, and people of all ages, is another great advantage of the homeschool environment. Time together really is a gift. Life is a gift. We can spend time with babies, in nursing homes, visiting relatives and neighbors of all ages. And we learn that all lives are valuable, no matter what.

We hope to have more children. But, even if life should not turn out that way, I want my kids to know that we were open. We like having them around, even on the difficult days, and more people like them would always be welcome in our family.