The gift of time...and reminiscing.

As a kid, I remember always hating to wait for things. I thought time, in some ways, was a curse. You had to wait for school to be over, wait until the weekend, wait for the next fun event, wait to grow up. Time always seemed to pass so slowly, too. Unless it was something you enjoyed. Then of course, time always flew by! As an adult, I have found the opposite to be true in some ways. Time always seems to fly, whether you want it to or not. Unless you are 9 months pregnant. Then time just completely stops! My kids change and grow by the day, it seems. And I really am floored that we are expecting our 7th child, when it seems just yesterday that I was a new mom. I still think of myself that way sometimes, even though it really isn't true anymore. I used to see time as a curse, but more recently I have been reflecting on what a tremendous gift it actually is, this side of Heaven. Time has the ability to heal. When I am struggling though some tough emotions, I can honestly see the light at the end of the tunnel, and with true understanding say, "this too shall pass". Time gives us the opportunity to change, and choose again. It gives us the chance to make things right when we have gone wrong. I am more thankful for time than I have ever been before. I am also much more aware of time. Is it really possible that I have a 10 year old?? Am I only a few months away from having my 7th baby?? The gift of time is both bitter and sweet. I love seeing how my kids are growing, but I also miss the time with them that has passed. One thing is for sure...I am learning to live more intentionally. Each moment does count, so I want to make the best of it. And blessedly, when I mess up, which is often, time heals things.
I was going through old photos and came across a bunch, which inspired me to think a bit about time. I know these pictures are, of course, much more endearing to me than anyone reading this, but if you would like to take the time, please allow me to share some of the photos that are bringing warmth to my heart and a smile to my face today...

This smiley baby is Dominic around a year old. He is now my 10 year old!

This is Stella at 10 months. Always such a beauty with such big, beautiful eyes!.

This is Dominic with Peter. He was such a butterball back then...Dominic, I mean. Not Peter ;)

This little doll is Ezekiel, who now only refers to himself as "Big Boy". 

This is our "little" family on our first and only family plane trip.

My Stella baby at around 8 months.

Noah baby at 3 months.

Dancing Dominic at 5 years old.

Princess Stella around 4.

Stella, growing up.

I just love seeing the new baby get so much love from older siblings. The baby here is Noah.

My love and I.

The three little animals. As you can see, it has always been a regular zoo at our house! 

When there were only 4.

Fishing off of mama and papa's bed. Always trying to find ways to amuse ourselves around here ;)

And this little beauty is Gianna...probably around a year old. 

Joseph... his face has always been mostly just eyes.

Dominic at about 10 months. Always a happy guy ;)

Gianna and her perfect smile. She was 10 months here.

This is a favorite of mine. Dominic insisted on covering newborn Gianna's eyes from the flash of the camera. He has always been the sweetest boy ever.

I will always think of my Gianna like this. ADORABLE PRINCESS!!! So much personality in this tiny and beautiful little person. 

Gianna at 8 months.

Another favorite picture. Stella at about a year. She thinks she knows what she is doing. So much "sass" in this picture!

Bright eyes (Gianna) around 3.

Smiley and beautiful Noah...maybe our easiest going baby yet!

Another favorite picture...this is Joseph at 2 months with his gorgeous and enormous eyes. Those eyes still have the power to completely melt me ;)

A great photo from Ezekiel's baptism.

So much expression from Zeke, even from day one!

Some of my favorite moments, by far, are watching my older kids fall in love with their new baby siblings. Precious. (Noah and Gianna pictured here)

And finally, the picture that started this whole journey off. Peter and me on our wedding day. We had no idea the gifts God would hand to us. Thanks be to God!!!

Looking back at older pictures of my family brings back so many happy, delightful, and hilarious memories, and just makes me that much more excited to meet our new little baby :) But I will not wish this current time away. Time moves too quickly for that.