After four sweet little boys, we welcomed our fifth baby—a precious little girl—into the world, and I still can’t quite believe it. Honestly, I didn’t care if we were having another boy or a girl; the gift of a new life is always a blessing. But there’s something special about her arrival that feels like a fresh start. Her birth came after a season where our family faced illness after illness, and I was feeling worn down. Then, just like that, she arrived, and with her, this wave of peace and joy that I didn’t even realize I needed.
Her birth was a whirlwind—so fast it almost caught me off guard. A single push during our homebirth, and there she was, lying on my chest, breathing her first breaths. It was a beautiful, surreal moment. After all these years of birthing my sweet boys, it felt like everything came together in that one instant. She came into the world so easily, and I couldn’t help but think, “Yes, this is exactly how it was meant to be.”
But this isn’t just about having a girl after four boys. I would have felt the same if she’d been a boy. It’s about the timing. It’s about coming out of a hard season—physically and emotionally—and having this beautiful new life to remind me that every hardship passes and that there’s always light on the other side.
This postpartum journey feels different. I’ve been through it enough times now that I know what I need: my space, my time, and the freedom to do things my way. I’m focusing on getting strong, not just physically but mentally. I’ve got a lot on my plate—house management, homeschooling, caring for our newborn—and some days, it feels like a circus. But you know what? I’m loving it. This is my version of chaos, and it works for me.
One thing I’ve been incredibly thankful for is that I haven’t had to deal with postpartum anxiety or depression, and I know that’s not something everyone experiences. I believe a huge part of that is the fact that I don’t compromise on what matters to me. I know how I want to birth, how I want to recover, and how I want to raise my kids. That freedom to make my own choices, to live in a way that aligns with my values, has been key in helping me thrive during this season.
Having five kids, especially four energetic little boys, means life is busy. But each postpartum journey has taught me something new. I’ve learned to listen to my body and to be patient with myself as I rebuild strength. I’ve learned how to balance the demands of being a mother, a teacher, a wife, and a woman who still needs her own space to breathe. It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth it.
Welcoming this baby, whether boy or girl, has reminded me once again of how blessed we are. Life is full of twists and turns, and this season—this season of healing and new beginnings—feels like the most beautiful gift. I’m soaking in every moment, grateful for this little girl who has brought so much light into our home after a time of struggle.
As I walk through this postpartum journey, I’m reminded of the strength that comes with motherhood. The kind of strength that allows me to manage a house full of sweet little children, homeschool, and still carve out moments for myself and our baby. It’s a balancing act, but it’s mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
