We can do it!
Recently,
the handyman and I decided to enlarge our brood. I’m not talking livestock, either. We discussed, time and time again, then
decided that our two babies are wonderful, and honestly, we want another. Now to most people, two is enough. I am the only child and want a big
family. I was told very early on that I will never have children. But I guess God knows no limits! The handyman decided we could totally handle three little ones.
After
a positive test and much excited anticipation, we went to the doctor. To our
surprise, we are super excited to announce it’s not one baby, but TWO!
Double Blessings |
For
the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I was speechless. I am truly overjoyed! Fraternal twins run in
both my mom and my dad’s families, and it seems that we will carry on the
tradition. I’m so thrilled, I cannot
begin to describe it.
Then
it hit me: what started out just adding one kid to our home to share the
already cramped kids’ room will now be two.
OH. MY!!!
What’s
the problem, you might ask? Well we have an itty-bitty 900 sq foot home. It’s not our “ever after” home, but it is the
house that we brought both kids home to.
We spent long and tedious hours renovating it when we found mold in the
hallway and kitchen. We did not hire or
ask anyone to help (other than our parents’ labor or babysitting, of
course). We enlarged our kids’ room, put
in new counters and an island in the kitchen, moved the laundry room onto the
back deck that we enclosed. Then we
added a front porch. It’s been a labor
of love and honestly, it’s almost paid off and will be hard to leave once it is. We try to live within our means and not have
a ton of debt. So building a new home is out of the question.
So
how will we make the space work? So many friends have asked that same question
recently. While trying to stay positive and not allow the negativity into this pregnancy,
we have concocted a plan. We are going
to use the rest of the back porch (which is currently where the handyman and I
have our nightly talks and recaps) to furnish a larger, separate bathroom. Meanwhile demolishing the bathroom in the
house, ripping out the wall into the kids room, and making one super duper
large kids room. Our kids only use their
room to sleep and occasionally play because we are mostly outside or in the
living room.
This
is my inspiration for the kids’ room. We
currently have one set of bunk beds and eventually will have to add more.
Source |
I
honestly can’t wait. I feel great-
ridiculously exhausted with school, the Princess' dance and everything else starting out at
full-steam. But I am so excited. Did I mention how excited I am? I believe
kids are a blessing. I believe we can make this tiny home a place to educate,
encourage, create bonds, inspire creativity, and nourish love and the young
lives we are molding and shaping. On top
of it all, I can’t imagine another person who I’d rather tackle it with then my
soul mate. J
Please
subscribe and come back often as I will have a ton to write about in the coming
months.
So
what about you? Ever have any real
blessings that others view as challenges?
I saw the picture of those bunk beds on Pinterest and absolutely love them! I think this is a fabulous solution for you! Years ago, before everyone had to have the huge mansion houses, our grandparents and their parents raised large families in homes not any bigger than yours. Your home will be a place of love and growth, instead of worrying about bills and debt! :) Congratulations - you are blessed!
ReplyDeleteVickie- Aren't those bunks amazing. I would love to sleep in em, even if the kids don't. LOL. And yes, we are trying to live as our ancestors did... little house, lots of love, and plenty of land to run.
DeleteFirst of all, congratulations!!! I have *always wanted twins! You are so blessed! Secondly, space...have you ever visited the blog "Large Families on Purpose"? They have 9 children in an 1100 sq/ft house. You may be able to get some ideas. Can't wait to read of your journey with twins.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Kerri
Kerri- Thanks for the idea. I will definitely check that blog out tonight. I can't wait to share our journey. It's already starting to become a face-paced ride.
Delete