Awaiting the Fifth Child

It doesn't happen too often anymore. Couples deciding to have children these days decide one or two is good enough. Then add a dog or other pet or two. Us? Well, although it was not a decision we had contemplated when we exchanged vows, we knew we wanted to share children, become parents. Twelve and a half years later, we await baby number five. It doesn't happen very often to see a family with five children. However, we know we are truly blessed.

Aisa, our evening prayer, was so sweet. Perfect. Born a little early at 35 gestational weeks, he has always been a trooper with leader qualities. Smart, kind, sensitive, and caring. He definitely has many of his boy moments, but a wonderful child all the way.

Iman, leader, persistent, intuitive, loving and kind. She was born early Christmas morning. She knew she was special enough...made it through a Christmas Eve party. We got to the hospital around 9:00 PM, walked around a bit, contractions started getting stronger and closer. BUT...in no way was she going to be a Christmas Eve baby. Soon after midnight, she was born. Same day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. She wanted it this way.

Mayumi got here on her own time, too. Never broke a dish in her life, delicate. That's what her name means. And her personality does reflect that. Gentle, sensitive, warm and caring. She was born with a full head of hair and we loved it all through her first couple of years! Smart and loving, she continues to grow as a delightful young girl.

Karisyo, almost six years later, surprised us all. He is animated and lively, just as his name is defined. He is a joy through and through, making everyone smile and laugh. Doing all the right things when prompted, giving hugs and kisses, blessing the elders, copying everything the older siblings do. He is truly a joy.

Now, almost two years after Karisyo, we await Halina. Another wonderful blessing that we know only adds complete bliss to our lives. Parenting and grooming a family is not an easy task, but it is a task nonetheless that God felt we could handle. She is due to arrive, according to the doctor's estimation, on October 27. In no way do I think she will stay in the womb for this long. My guess is middle of October. My hope is TONIGHT as we are technically ready to go any day now. She's approximately at 37 gestational weeks now. Now, we sit and wait.

I have come to terms with that she will arrive when she is ready. I want her to be born sooner because with this being the fifth child I have nurtured in my belly, add the fact that I am a much older woman, I am over being pregnant. Some woman love being pregnant. Now, at this point in my life, I just prefer her out of the womb more than keeping her in.

So, as much as I want to introduce some natural ways to induce labor, I don't want to go through the frustration and am willing to be patient and let her get here on her own time. I can only pray that it will be sooner. I don't like thinking about my weight gain. The more I gain, the more I'll have to lose and get back into shape.

Hence, my blog. Fit After Five. I am determined to get back into shape after five children. Everyone around me is running marathons, doing triatholons, P90X, all kinds of activity. Me, I can barely get up from a sitting position at this point. Patience and acceptance is what I need right now. My active time will come. I know I should enjoy this. And I do, to some extent.

Thank you to the heavens above for bringing us this wonderful (and final) addition to our lives! Halina, come safely and swiftly!