The Petersen Herd

The Petersen Herd

Sunday, September 4, 2011

More???

One Petersen

Two Petersens

Three Petersens
Four
Five Petersens

6 Petersens? That's right - there's one more!!!

Now for the story. After we had Darla I was sure that we were finished, that our family was complete. I guess the best way to make Heavenly Father laugh is to make a plan. We found out we were pregnant and I was shocked (truly) and a little unprepared. Tyler was of course thrilled, albeit stunned. He thought I was kidding at first. I struggled with feelings of complete inadequacy. I was overwhelmed. But gradually I realized that every baby has been a blessing and I don't want to be in complete control of my life. I want Heavenly Father to direct it as HE sees fit, because He sees all that I do not. After much prayer I am thrilled, excited and absolutely thankful that He trusts me with yet another amazing little person. This is right and best and I'm glad that I didn't get in the way of what is right for our family because of my own selfishness.

It has been difficult to tell people and see their shock, their disgust and their obvious and outright scorn. I've had the most rude, hurtful and insensitive things said to me and I'm saddened that the priorities of so many are so completely backwards. Six is a lot. It's a lot of hugs, kisses, love and laughter - a lot of giggles and stories and cuddles and smiles. Why not one more?

So . . . announcing the next little Petersen miracle coming in March of 2012 (I'm 12 weeks). I'm not-so-secretly hoping for a boy to round out our numbers but would thankfully welcome another little chickadee to our mix. The kids are all elated and Kabe tells everyone he sees that he is having a baby (sounds funny coming out of his mouth). Following our pattern this baby will be 2 years from Darla in school, 19 months apart and with luck (if he's a week or two early) I'll still be 30 when I have my last baby :) Isn't life an adventure?

20 comments:

Alyss Paige said...

I will agree I was a little shocked when I heard knowing that after you had Darla you said you were done, but of all people I think another Petersen is definitely a true blessing from the Lord and you will be an awesome mom. Randy said he gave you a hard time at Staples the other day and hopes you know he was just joking. In fact he just said that by daycare laws if you have another you need to have an extra adult at home with you, I said whatever she is wonder-women and can handle another baby with one her hip while making dinner, helping with homework, and doing dishes. Congrats we can't wait to meet the newest addition to your family.

Mags said...

Your post is very well said Toni. I don't understand why everyone needs to have an opinion on someone else's family. Whether they have one or ten, who cares. Congrats on your new little one soon to join your family!

The Kelly Variety said...

SIX! Yikes! I feel I have the right to say it with all the hugs and laughter, giggles and smiles. We just moved to Tennessee and we're a bit Freaky. I told my kids to just hold up six fingers when people start counting. Congrats!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry you have gotten some negative feedback from your beautiful, loving, growing family. I, myself, am completely amazed at how you do it all with a smile. One day, I'm going to be as cool as you :) I know we only have two, but with Chloe coming so close behind Cash I got similar reactions. Sometimes happiness attracts jealousy. Sad. Enjoy your family, I can't imagine the world a happier place than with 6 Peterson kiddos and two happy Peterson parents :)

Eliza said...

I'm so excited for you and just so you know you are handling it beautifully and perfectly. I would hope I could do the same if my plan for myself got switched up a bit, but I'm not so sure I could. You guys are great parents and it's a lucky little baby that gets to join your family.

Jan'l said...

The absolute BEST news ever! Who better to have 6 kids than you??? YOu are an amazing mommy! No fears... you will do great! I hope you are feeling well.. ;)
I love you tons and am sooooooooo happy you will have as many as me now ;) ha! The BEST! can't wait to meet this baby ;)

Amber said...

Congratulations!!! I am so excited for you all!!

Oveson's said...

That is so awesome!!! I have no idea why but I really just had the thought the last time we were there that you were prego. I also told seth that even though you said that you were done after averi that I thought you would have another one. I really dont know why...mabie it was the selfish thought that I wanted another niece or nephew. I just want to say super congrads. I am so excited for you. I always said that I wanted to have all my kids before I turned thirty and so if it is ok with you I am going to live vicariously through you...lol (30 has come and gone I know you can say it I am one old lady..lol) I am so sorry that you have had people saying things or giving looks. I am so excited that you get another little blessing in your cute little family. You are an amazing mommy and I love that I get to be an aunt to another little one. Every single one is a blessing I dont know where I would be without the two that we have been blessed to actually make it to this earth :D You have one super cute cute family and we love all of your purple guts!! Even the little tiny one that is on the way!!

bcpod74 said...

So happy that you guys are getting another little blessing. I can't imagine a negative comment about another miracle coming to your family. You guys are such great parents. Just goes to show the confidence the Lord has in you, to send another precious spirit to your home.

bcpod74 said...

Didn't realize I was logged into Brandons account, bcpod74 is Brandon but the comment is from me Shelly Poduska

Jami said...

Congratulations and so happy for you all. I'm sad that you have experienced ignorant and judgmental comments/looks/etc, because you both are two of the most impressive parents I have ever seen. It is amazing how some people project their desires onto others, completely forgetting the fact that we are all different and unique! We should decide what path is the best for us. This world needs more happy children, more patient and loving parents, and more strong sibling relationships; your family has all of these and more.

Can't wait to hear if this one is a boy or a girl! Can't wait to see him/her. I love watching your children grow--they are all so breathtakingly beautiful.

Love you all immensely.

Anonymous said...

Congrats, I am so happy for you. I wish the best for you and your cute family. I had a hard time getting the two babies I have so I think it is wonderful you get to be blessed with each of your children. You are an amazing person and don't ever forget it!!

Chesney

Nat said...

Congratulations! That is so exciting!

I think big families are the BEST!! If I still had the option, I'd be on board having #6 right along with you!

Good for you guys!

Darla said...

Dear Toni Dee, How I love you! We are so happy for you to add number 6 to the family. You definately have BEAUTIFUL children and if I were Heavenly Father I would trust you with 10. Rob said he is happy you keep having models for him to paint! Keep up the good work.

Laurel said...

Yay! I am so happy for you! I love babies and having them. God will bless you with more than just a baby. Love you!

Anonymous said...

Ty and Toni--I love your littles, and I will love your new little just as much--how can anyone resist their cuteness?:) Don't listen to anyone's negative opinions...you know where those thoughts are coming from and you know the TRUTH! Families and raising children in righteous homes are the most important thing you could possibly occupy your time with. And you and Ty do it splendidly! I agree with a comment up above, if I could have more, I'd be having #6 right along with you...

Love you sis!
Amb

julie said...

I can't think of a better women than you, to have 6 little spirits under your amazing wing! You are wonderful mother, and plus, you guys make super cute kids!!!
Congratulations!

Jason and Michele said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! And I've heard all those negative comments myself!! People have lost sight of what's important in life and like Amber said....Raising children in righteous homes are what is most important. And it is a little flattering to think that the Lord trusts us with so many little spirits. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" Right?

Brandi said...

I am convinced (now that I officially have two kids) that the only justifiable reason anyone else could give weird looks is because they wonder how any one human being is capable of that much love, and WORK! Seriously, we need to have a chat about how I should manage my day-to-day 2. I guess our Heavenly Father knows and recognizes those who are truly capable. You are super amazing and I am so happy for you.

J Wilson said...

I agree with a lot that has been said already--it's unfortunate when people feel self-righteous enough to judge when they haven't walked around in your shoes. The important thing to remember is that this is your life (not theirs), and if something is worth doing, it's worth owning it:)