Bambinos A-Plenty

There may be some truth to the phrase "it's in the water" when it comes to describing the phase in your life when so many people around you synchronize their reproductive systems and decide to have babies at the same time. I'm abstaining from water these days - please don't read into this and send Kevin your condolences. I'm literally only drinking bottled water and keeping away from neighboring water sources. No lie, for the next 6 to 9 months, I will be kissing and holding about seven babies from seven different friends/relatives. It's beautiful, really. Each so different, but all have 10 toes and 10 fingers and the cutest lips and chubby cheeks. Different skin colors and amounts of hair, but all will make gurgly noises and have that sweet bambino scent (prior to diaper messes, of course).

Babies don't scare me. I love babies, actually. Especially in the winter, when their warm bodies radiate all that heat that cold-natured people like me love to soak up. I faithfully crochet little hats and scarves or sweaters and baby afghans. And I lovingly count each stitch and pick out yarns that are soft and cuddly. It takes me forever and sometimes the handmade gifts don't arrive until the child has graduated from high school. But I try.

The newest addition to the Tirado family was born on September 11th and I can't wait to meet her and see the rest of my family. I hear my mom gush about how beautiful she is and what a proud big brother my 2-year old nephew has become, and already I feel the tug at my heart. These little creatures have tremendous power over me.

Kevin and I are seriously considering adding on in the distant-near future. I'm not talking about our house remodeling project, either. I can hear the gasps and see the stunned faces. Yes, we've talked about it and continue to talk about it. To me, being a parent is such an awesome responsibility and not everyone is equipped for the lifelong task. I see my husband interact with children and I think it would be great to let him try out his Donald Duck voice with one of his own. The decision is so scary, though- we both have a lot of baggage and bad habits that we need to rid ourselves of. Throw in the mix all the genes from generations past, society, environment, a 13.5 year-old marriage, independence, stubbornness, afternoon naps, little purses, too many shoes, frivolous spending, a convertible car - and I have created an environment where a normal child cannot be brought into. Yet, it's the spiritual factor that has convinced me that it can be done. If it weren't for God's grace, there would not be a happy child living in this world. That's the only way I can look at it without running away from the thought of having children. As long as God is the central focus of this home, all members present and future, will fall under the umbrella of His love and it will be all right.