Since sharing that we’re expecting #8, I’ve been kind of blown away by the outpouring of love and support in response to the announcement.

I know that many of you have followed along here for ages and probably feel as if you know our family personally (I feel the same about certain online “friends”), and I expected you to be kind (and you were!).

But I also know that 8 (!!) sounds a wee bit batty to lots of folks (20-year-old Abbie would have thought so, certainly). So, I expected at least a few bemused responses and maybe even a few downright hostile ones (I’ve received it and seen it elsewhere before).

And yet, the reaction has been universally positive–effusively so, even.

I say all of this both to thank you for your kindness but also to establish that I know exactly what it feels like to press publish on a post (blog or otherwise) with trepidation in my heart and a tremble in my fingers.

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Photo: Jason Stitt Photography

It is hard to expose such a tender part of your heart to the world, only to have it handled roughly by strangers.

Imagine then, how much harder it would be to receive unwelcome responses from someone close to you. (Some of you don’t have to imagine because you’ve already experienced it). Not a stranger, but someone who knows you well and still chooses to receive your news of joy with a sneer or a smirk.

A sweet reader recently messaged me asking how to cope with that fear of what others will think when they reveal the news of “yet another kid.” Had I ever dealt with that? What did I do?

Answer: Yes! The thought of what others would think has (sadly) been among the first that have popped into my head every single time I’ve seen a positive pregnancy test result. To be fair, that worry has lessened each time because 1) hey, if they haven’t figured out that this is how we roll by this point, nothing I say is going to change their response, and 2) the older I get, the less I twist myself into knots over whether people like my decisions as long as both my husband and I know them to be godly ones. 

Truth is: it doesn’t take a whole lot of negativity for the doubt to creep in. One woman in particular comes to mind each time I’m pregnant, and I inwardly groan, dreading Mary’s (not her name) finding out and making another comment about how I “already have quite the litter.” (Yup. Litter).

My family? Completely positive. Shaun’s family? Same.

And I KNOW what a blessing and how unusual that is (from so many of you writing to ask how to deal with resistant family members).

But here’s the thing: maybe you’re not announcing Baby #5 or #9. Maybe it’s your first and you’re getting blow back because of the timing (I can still remember the lady who chirped: “Oops! Accidents happen!” upon finding out that we were pregnant with our first only 3 months after our wedding…who was not an accident, by the way). Maybe it’s your second, and they’re close together, and your Aunt Mildred says something like: “Didn’t we just do this?” (We, Aunt Mildred? We? I don’t recall your taking a turn when I was pushing this baby out).

Maybe it’s Number 3, and the first two are boys, and you’re maybe sorta hoping for a girl but happy with whatever God gives and yet dreading the exclamations of condolence if it turns out to be “yet another” boy.

The thing is, negative responses to kid numbers (of any size) don’t just stop at pregnancy announcements, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. A teenager at the gym daycare the other day exclaimed, “Oh, I’m SORRY!” when I revealed that I actually had 7 kids on the outside and one baking (Honor and Theo were the only ones with me). (My response: “Don’t be! I’m not!” With a big smile, of course).

So, given the fact that we are guaranteed to encounter some kind of negativity to the number of kids we have (whether 0 or 20), how do we respond?

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Well, first, let’s go with how we don’t respond.

I wish, for example, that I could take back the “announcement” email I wrote to my fellow fitness instructors when I was pregnant with Theo, sheepishly saying something like, “I’m afraid we’ll be adding another little ankle-biter to our crew around Christmas, and I’ll be needing some subs for my classes.”

I wasn’t afraid of any such thing, y’all. I’d just allowed a few condescending remarks to undermine my confidence and felt hesitant to own my excitement at adding a sixth baby to our crew.

What I wish I’d said: “You guys! Exciting news! We’re having another sweet baby around Christmas, which means you guys get to earn some extra money covering my classes. Thanks ahead of time for your help and support!”

Do you know how they would have responded? With cheers! Because the tone I had set would have determined theirs.

When we are ready to tell the world about the children (regardless of the number) that the Lord has gifted us with, we should boldly proclaim our excitement, joy, and anticipation of the amazing things he is going to do with us and through us and this new life.

Being pregnant inside marriage is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a part of God’s plan for humankind (although, I know many who are still struggling to find their place in that plan and hope that you can read this with as little pain as possible). And it is a GOOD plan.

Every single baby is a good, good gift. And I have found that each time I put the focus on that truth and conveying that joy to the rest of the world, the world tends to join with me in rejoicing. (Not always the case, I realize, but often true).

Each time I present the blessing I’ve been given in a back-door, apologetic way, I’ve been met with people who feel free to say things like: “Ay yay yay, again?” and “Better you than me!”

So, here’s my encouragement to you: if you feel led to have lots of babies, have the babies the Lord gives you and announce their imminent arrival with ecstatic confidence. Same answer if you’ve been called to a smaller number. EVERY. BABY. IS. A. BLESSING.

Side note: Several years ago, after a kind lady told me what an encouragement my positive response to her compliment on my “beautiful family” had been, I started making it a practice to respond super positively to as many comments (good, bad, neutral) as I can about my children. I say things like: “Yes! They are fun” and, “I really like them!” It throws people way off. Because when they say something like, “I don’t know how you do it with 7. I’m losing my mind with 2,” they are expecting a similarly frazzled response. Thing is: you may be feeling frazzled in that very moment. Kids are expert frazzlers. But just by choosing to focus on the positive (“It can be a bit chaotic, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”), your perspective shifts, and you are able to see your kids for the blessings they are. AND! You have given that other frazzled mom something unexpected to chew on, instead of the usual elbow nudge of negative solidarity. Who knows? It may help her to view her kids in a different light or just lift her spirits a bit.

Choosing joy when we’re dreading others’ not joining in is hard. But hard is not the same thing as bad, and the more joy we choose, the more permission we give for others to do the same.

Speaking of pregnancy announcements, where my other pregnant mamas at? I’d love to know your names, due dates, etc. so I can pray for you and rejoice with you (just like you’ve already done for me).

62 Comments

  1. My favorite comment that came on a whim was while I was grocery shopping with my 5 littles. One lady saw me, and with a smile had said it looked like I had a handful. I held up my hand of five fingers, looked at my crew and announced that indeed, it was exactly one hand full. She laughed in delight and we separated ways with smiles on our faces.

    My last 2 babies I begged God to take away the anxiety I always had while pregnant. He did just that. In fact, I have amazing pregnancies. Delivery is mostly great, too, but my uterus gets boggy after the placenta and I end up with big problems. I am pregnant with my 7th. 5 weeks. I usually tell people right away as I show super early. I usually look further along at 20 weeks than my family members that are due any day. And the comments don’t usually bother me about my size. I am able to generally laugh it off, and they are all usually well meaning if awkward. But I am scared this time. I had a panic attack again last night… and one 2 nights earlier. My heart rate was over 100 laying down and I was up out of bed every hour or two. I am fine during the day. I do tend to have anxiety and depression has been worse since covid, but I cannot understand this fear. I am afraid to see people. I know some of this is hormones. A lot of it is fear of birth (also weird as 2 of mine were completely med free, and I know my body was made for this, but I feel old and run down and incapable somehow. I’m 37). I have not yet made an appointment. I have not seen my doctor in well over a year. I love my doctor, but I am completely afraid to make an appointment. Part of my anxiety stems from all these masks. I rarely go anywhere and seeing the masks spikes my anxiety, but I can wear them. That said, my heart rate spiked again when I had to wear one during a chiropractor appointment and I needed to remove it while alone in the waiting room to calm down. They are mandated everywhere.

    Thank you so much for your post on this. It really struck a chord with me.

    I know it is still early and most people probably don’t tell others until closer to 12 weeks, but I have always told right away, even after my first baby died when I was 13 weeks pregnant. I decided I needed the support regardless of what happened and have always been very open. It is so odd to me. I feel closed. And scared, and ashamed. I am ashamed of being pregnant again. I said years ago we were going to give God control in this area, and I have struggled every time, but this pregnancy i just feel so ashamed, and that should never be.

    1. Jesus is our best defence, against the attacks like this, Go to the “courts” of heaven and pray for Jesus to defend you and your baby. literally envision a courtroom and Jesus is your lawyer. When ever you get scared or feel ashamed think of that, you do not need to worry because Jesus is defending you. You may not feel like you can handle things but Jesus can. Pray through your body- I give my cells to The Lord, I give my blood vessels to the Lord…etc nerves, bones, mind, muscles, thoughts, every part of your body. The enemy is always trying to prevent righteousness and light in the world.It is a spiritual battle that we as mothers often get caught in the middle of. The pain of loss is real – but it doesn’t define who you are you – trust me I know this- you did not fail – when life feels unbearable it often means we are about to be promoted…

  2. Thank you for this post. I just announced our 4th baby, not to everyone, just to close family. And even though I have gotten a lot of support I have felt completely embarrassed. I just had a baby in January, I get so sick that I’m typically on bed rest for almost 9 months and with my last pregnancy I said many times that I couldn’t do it again. I even had a sterilization surgery scheduled but then had the feeling I wasn’t supposed to have the surgery. This is literally my last chance to have a baby because next year my schedule completely changes and I wouldn’t be able to be pregnant. I know that God knew this was the right time for us. I’ve never gotten pregnant on the first try, and this time I did. And I was technically past ovulation. So I know we are having this baby when God wants us to and it’s such a blessing. I just can’t get over the feeling of being embarrassed. I really appreciate your post. I’ve been having my oldest tell people because I’ve been too embarrassed. I know I just need to find some excitement and share that excitement because we are so excited to add to our family.

  3. Hi! I just seen you post on Instagram and thought I’d read your article. I am expecting baby #8 in a few months, and I think I can relate to most of what you’ve said. I am not afraid to announce my pregnancy anymore, but only speak positively of it, and to the positive people. The ones with the rude remarks don’t get to hear the news from me, but rather are last to hear from someone else, and that way we do not hear their remarks.
    Blessings to you on raising you beautiful children for the Glory Of God. You are a super mom!

  4. Very well said! I had 10 children in less than 15 years – all born by C-section. We heard many comments, mostly negative. The “best” one was said by a nicely dressed middle aged man in an airport. “Don’t you have a TV?” No, we didn’t. We tried to be positive in our responses to everyone but there were many things i wish I could have said! Our children are now ages 24-39. Now that they are all grown most people tell us what a beautiful family we have. We are very thankful for each and every one of them. They are all treasures from God.

  5. This is absolutely beautiful and so uplifting! Every baby is absolutely a blessing. We just found out that we are pregnant with number 5 – our oldest being 5 years old and our youngest 7 months. I have a question. You are obviously a family whose faith is very important. My husband and I are very strong in our Catholic faith, and are so excited for this baby; however, we aren’t sure when to announce. We usually wait until 12 weeks to announce and tell our other children as we don’t want them to get to excited too soon; however, I would obviously also love to have the prayers for this baby coming in. So, when do you guys typically announce your pregnancies and when do you typically tell your children? Thank you for spreading so much love! You’re family is absolutely beautiful! God bless!

  6. I stumbled across this post as I have been stressing over announcing our baby #5 due July 2020. We have 4 boys ages 1.5 to 7 and I have heard many unpleasant comments. I’ve struggled with how people will react to this one. Our family is excited for this baby girl and I dreaded people putting a damper on our excitement. This post was very encouraging to me, thank you! Your family is beautiful!

    1. it is so bizarre to me that folks actually think they have anything to say about someone;s pregnancy news.!!!. Congratulations would be nice and appropriate.

  7. I love your attitude. And my thoughts while reading this article and the aspect of being positive is that it rubs off or is even heard by our children. And it affects them deeply. Thank you.

  8. I realize this is over a year old but thank you so much for writing this! My husband of 8 years and I recently discovered we are pregnant with baby number 5! Our two oldest children are autistic. I constantly feel like a huge majority of our family judges us because we apparently “haven’t figured out what causes THAT already.” *insert eye roll here*
    I have been terrified to announce that we are having another baby. I told my Step-Grandmother (has been around since I was a toddler) and the only response I got from her was “YIKES!!!” My heart sank and shattered into a million pieces. I instantly felt like I had been sucker punched in the gut. I give everything for my children. I gave up a career to stay at home with all these little rug eats, to run them to therapies and appointments after appointments. I give 110% to my children 24/7 but the only response I received was a “YIKES!”
    I haven’t told anyone else since her response. I have been too embarrassed to. Every time I try, the thoughts start rolling in, “Do people think that I am a bad person for having all these kids? Do people really look negatively at my life? Yes, let’s share the news just to be judged and looked at like your insane!” No mother should have to feel embarrassed because you decided to have another baby.. whether it is the 2, 5th, 10th or 12th. As you said, every baby is special.
    Once again, thank you so much! ❤️

  9. Hi Abbie,
    I would love to say I have only heard positive feedback regarding my 5 children. But that is just not true. I’d say most in my small well to do town are amused by our different way of life, and some like my neighbor, definitely judgmental. We don’t have a lot of material things but we love each other and we love God and our kids are happy and well tended. I teach my kids contentment. Our neighbor could not help but tell me that she thinks it’s irresponsible to have more children than one can afford. Our definition of needs and wants are just quite different. But since hearing her say this to me, I had become very self conscious wondering if many saw us foolish or selfish. Strangers and friends alike ask of how we will pay for college and sports etc. They ask if we “know how this happens?” Which I find an inappropriate question for a man to ever ask another woman.
    My daughter asked me “why do people think you have full hands ? “ in response to all the full hands comments I get.

  10. I found this post on accident today and I’m so grateful for your words! We are pregnant with number five and it’s a big surprise for us. Our oldest is 14 and youngest is 8 so we are preparing ourselves for the onslaught of comments and jokes. We know God has a purpose for this baby and are excited but also a bit nervous to announce. Than you for your encouraging words!

  11. So encouraging to hear Abbie! I’m about to announce Baby number 7… I have 6 girls…. so I can resonate with a bit of everything you just wrote about.

      1. All kids are a blessing, the number of families having large families are likely leveled off by the ones having none or 1. Do more dogs, or each person eating more calories than needed not also affect the overall globe? Big families are a blessing and if they prepare the children well are an asset to the population, I would think more so that an only child who only has a sense of self. Do you foster? There is a way to impact someone’s life in a profound way. If each family can feed and clothe each child they bring in than I think the global effect isn’t to a point yet they need to worry. Maybe in the future for sure but, I’d think at that point the sick, lame or dyeing would fare far worst than young, healthy children.

  12. I stumbled upon your website today and am so glad I did! My husband and I have 5 beautiful boys, and we are expecting our 6th boy at the end of Dec/beginning of January. I dreaded telling others about our 6th pregnancy, because there are always those people who have to be rude…and why is it that their comments stand out more than the kind and loving ones?! Anywho, thank you for writing this and for letting us other mommas get stuff off our chests, too!

  13. Thank you for this post – it was a great encouragement in how to respond when I get (many) comments on handling 3 going on 4 (this/next month) and so on….the thing is, I am really struggling at the moment and usually feel like I would be lying if I gave a really positive response, but I never give a negative response either. I just feel like I have to let them know that I’m not a superhero. I’m trying to figure out how to do that without sounding like I have it all together, but be positive about my kids and how they are a gift AND not come off excessively churchy. But I’m especially inspired to joyfully, unapologetically announce if we are given another baby after this one, and not fear my Grandma’s response or any acquaintances thoughts. Thankfully our immediate families have always been positive and I know always will be! Congratulations again on your precious baby 8!!

  14. So well said!! Almost our entire family has been negative since baby #1 and it is hard and frustrating not to feel that excitement that family is supposed to show. I am expecting baby #4 and due early January! We have three girls so far ages 4 and below. We are excited and decided not to announce even to family until a week or so ago ( 17-18ish weeks) it took a lot of stress off, not having to hear the negativity and just being able to enjoy this pregnancy. This will be our last one just due to the difficulty of my pregnancies, but we hope to still fill our home with many foster/adopted children in the future too! My life is chaos all the time but I wouldn’t choose anything else ❤️

  15. I am expecting #3 in October, and many people have asked if this baby is a surprise since the gap will be almost 5 years and I already have a boy and a girl. I’m a lawyer working full-time, so having 3 kids is really outside the norm. It’s refreshing to know there are lots of big families out there, that 3 kids doesn’t make my family such an outlier. Congrats on #8.

  16. Abby, thank you for this beautifully written post! I just gave birth to my #5, Collette, 10 days ago (oldest is 7, so they are all less than 2 years apart, aside from 2 of them). She is also our 4th girl! I get so many comments that steal my joy, and I love the idea of turning it positive. I agree that every baby, no matter how many we are blessed with, is a gift from God! My father brought me an article the other day written by a man expecting his fifth child, and the biggest takeaway was that every child has brought something to their family. I feel that exact way about my children, each one has brought so many special gifts to our family! Thank you again for your honesty and grace!
    Emily

  17. Pregnant with twins and due in late March (prayerfully)! We have a 4.5 yr old and miscarried at 9 weeks back in March of this year. We prayed fervently to conceive again and for just “one more chance” to see a healthy heartbeat and meet a baby on this side of eternity. God has answered us with two (di/di), and we are so in awe. While I’m only 8 weeks (Wednesday) we’ve seen and heard the heartbeats twice in the last two weeks and are trusting in what we cannot see to bring these babies earth-side come early Spring. Pregnancy after loss is hard, but we’re trusting. And praying. And trusting some more. Congrats on number #8!!!

  18. Oh my gosh, you guys are SO adorable! I come from a big family and I, too, have a biggish family (four kids, planning to have one more). It’s the best present I can give to my kids–my love, love for the the gospel and siblings to share the journey.

  19. Yes, Yes, Yes. Pregnant with #3. Our circumstances were much different from yours as we were not planning on having another pregnancy. In fact, I struggled (and still do) a bit with God’s timing on it. While it is my third pregnancy, it’s the fifth child that will enter our family over the course of four years- three biological and two through foster care. The arrival of this pregnancy left me so sick that I was unable to take care of my kiddos (both bio and foster). We felt that we were in a place of so much discouragement and need, and announcing the pregnancy was hard for me because I was afraid people would comment and question WHY we would do such a thing. Most people (me included, until now!) don’t understand HOW an accidental pregnancy can really come about lol! Anyways, things have gotten a bit better and the all-day morning sickness is now just at certain times during the day. I’m due the week of Thanksgiving and looking forward to being on the other side of being pregnant!

    Congrats to you on #8!!!

    Suzanne

  20. We have 5 kids – the last two are 3 month old twins! Sometimes it feels like we have a billboard over our heads with blinking lights shouting “twins and extra siblings – come look!” It has been hard to have a positive response to every negative comment. Your words are so encouraging! Thank you for your post.

  21. This is timely, as I am 8 weeks pregnant with #4 (due in April) and feeling anxious about when and how to tell family because of my fear of their reaction. I’m also a little nervous as to how my oldest (8yrs) will feel about it. Thank you for your well tested thoughts on this matter. Food for thought and one more opportunity to trust God.

    PS- I just noticed that your blog profile still says you have five kids

  22. Hi!
    Your article is just what I needed! I’m expecting my 4th child in March with my oldest being 3 and I’m 21 (married at 17) and we decided to leave our family size in God’s hands but with feeling exhausted and nauseous I have not been grateful enough for the beautiful children God has given me but feel as if having another is just going to add more work and struggles than I can imagine. (Which it may) but I needed to be reminded to count my blessings and be excited about #4 and know that God has a perfect plan for our family.

    This was a great encouragement to keep on with God honoring work. Thank you for taking the time to write it.

    -A friend and mother in Christ 🙂

  23. Congratulations! Thank you for these uplifting words. I am expecting #5 January 17th and have had lots of rollercoaster emotions concerning our announcing and overall expectation of his arrival. My oldest is 6, we are homeschooling, and my husband works at home. We all get lots of each other allllllll the time 🙂 It IS a blessing, but I do cover your prayers! It is also overwhelming.

  24. I LOVE this! When our family was starting out, I had three little ones in quick succession. I was lucky enough to have a dear friend who managed (without planning) to be either six months along before or after I was with her pregnancies so that we could swap maternity clothes and have ready-made best friends for our kiddoes. We happened to be living at that time in a part of the world where 1-2 child families were the norm and people were very forthcoming with their frank opinions. It seemed as if my friend and I had a fresh supply of crazy comments from strangers to laugh over every time we went out. One day, my friend said to me, “We are ambassadors of motherhood. We have to make this look good to the world, and make sure that we reflect the joy and pride we feel inwardly about our children OUTWARDLY.” I have never forgotten that. Not only has it helped me maintain my cool with tantruming toddlers in public spaces, it has helped me count my blessings during moments of discouragement. How lucky and what an honor that I get to be an ambassador! Of motherhood! Now my kids are high school and college students. And when I hear my daughters’ talking about how excited they are to be epidemiologists/authors/animators AND mothers when they grow up, it makes me glad that they were able to see for themselves how happy I’ve been being their mom.

  25. When I found out I was pregnant with #4, I still remember the embarrassment and almost shame I had telling others about the pregnancy. Three kids is one thing, but what kind of crazy person purposefully has more than that! I didn’t really think that, but I assumed everyone else did.
    After having #5, my outlook changed. I will never apologize or act embarrassed about the fact God graciously gave a new life to our family. What other amazing gift and honor do we receive with embarrassment or worry about what others will think?
    I don’t know if we’ll be blessed with more children but I know for sure, I will never explain, make excuses for or apologize for my children being born ever again.

  26. First, congratulations!!!! I’m expecting my first baby Sept 21st and we could not be more thrilled. We struggled with infertility for over a year and was told to consider a surrogate last October because it was “scientifically impossible” for me to get and stay pregnant and then miracle of miracles I became pregnant naturally at the end of December! So so thankful. I absolutely love the sentence “You have given that other frazzled mom something unexpected to chew on, instead of the usual elbow nudge of negative solidarity”. I feel like this crosses over to so many other aspects of life too. It’s easier to go the route of “negative solidarity” than respond with a positive that could shift the perspective. Keeping this in my back pocket!!!! I always enjoy reading your thoughts and perspectives!

  27. I just love this. And your perspective on just about everything in life is so … challenging for me, in the best, most uncomfortable way. If only we could be friends in real life! Until then, I’ll continue ‘amen-ing’ and ‘oh. that stings real good’ from another tiny East Texas town, while discussing your approaches to parenting and chores and marriage with my girlfriends over coffee.

    1. And, in true God-fashion, my many boastings of being ‘done having kids’ turned into an ‘oops’! Baby #3 is due in September. Reactions have been funny, with the exception of my mom who has no poker face nor filter. But whatever. I think we are excited? But I’m with you – pregnancy is not my jam, so that’s been challenging.

  28. gr88888888 posting. If anything, this news again spurs a bit of envy on this old lady’s part.
    you and your hsb are beautiful people and what gorgeous children you have.

  29. I just love your outlook and appreciate it so much that you share your thoughts and beliefs on these topics. We also believe that it’s God decision as to how many children He decides to bless us with, not ours. I’m due with my husband’s and my first baby in four days (August 27th). While we have gotten almost all positive responses from our announcement, the decision to not find out gender until the birth has come with varying opinions. Most people greet the idea with joy but there have also been several comments about how “they could never do that so they don’t understand how we could possibly wait to find out” or how we “must have a wish that the baby is one gender over the other” (we don’t). I respond with a positive comment and move on because in the end it’s our choice and we’ve loved not finding out but I know it isn’t for everyone and I respect that, too.

  30. Love this choose joy message today for me. Thank you! Another reason I like to be upbeat about our large family when the inevitable cashier’s remark or whomever comes at us, is to see the look on my children’s faces when I say how wonderful they are. Or how much we love having ALL our children or my personal favorite when I’m pregnant again, (Clearly, we love these kids and they’re great. That’s why we have so many of them;) Congrats on your amazing news! Prayers for an easy pregnancy/delivery.

  31. Congrats! What a blessing! We just had our fifth this past winter and we get comments all the time. From family, friends and strangers. My favorite are the questions “Are you done?!” And “How many are you going to have?!” I do my best to explain that we just go with the flow and let God decide! He must think we are doing something right to continue blessing us in this way! I can’t wait to follow along with your story!

  32. So thankful for your positivity and gentle encouragement – needed these words today. Due in February as well with our second – focusing all the love on this Valentines baby : )

  33. I started following you BECAUSE of your big family. It is an encouragement to see other families that have many kids. My husband and I feel very strongly about God calling us to a large family and 6 years into our marriage we are 3 weeks away from welcoming baby number 4. We will have 4 boys 4.5 years old and under and responses have been all over the place. People feeling sorry for me having 4 boys, people thinking my husband is too demanding having this many kids so close together (20 months, 24 months, and 12 months), and people saying we are crazy for having 4 and not even being 30 yet ourselves. Luckily, my parents are so happy having all the grandkids and that is so helpful and encouraging for us. The only worry they have is that I have to have c-sections for every birth based on a number of medical issues. Four major surgeries in 4.5 years is hard on me, but if God calls me to grow a child I believe He will see me through the birth and recovery as well. And so far He has been so faithful.
    Keep having the precious babies! We plan to keep having babies until I can’t physically anymore, then we are moving onto foster care, another thing we have gotten some pretty negative reactions for. Thank you for being so open and real, but unapologetic in what God has called your family to. It is producing a beautiful result in both your family and in the lives you touch.

  34. Congratulations! I love your blog and your perspective on motherhood.

    I am 25 weeks with my second, my husband’s first. I am 38 years old and wish that he and I could have ALL the babies! We plan to have 2, only because of my age. I was a little worried announcing our pregnancy, because I am “advanced maternal age”. But we are so excited, and that excitement came through in our announcement. We have had mainly positive responses, but I’ve had the occasional, “Why do you want to start over?!” My son is 21 years old. 🙂 I am so ready to “start over” and feel extremely blessed that the Lord has given us a precious baby girl.

  35. Our baby #5 is due on January 23rd! I probably fell too much into the announcing with hesitation because *I* felt very surprised by this baby. Out last baby will be about 21 months old when this baby is born, which is closer than our others. But, I was surprised to discover that pretty much everyone in our life has responded very positively. And we are thrilled!
    Thank you for this encouraging post!

  36. Thanks for sharing this! We just announced our 6th pregnancy and clicking “share” caused a bit of anxiety. One friend commented “but why? You already have a baby.” (Our youngest is 14 months) She doesn’t have any children so I certainly don’t expect her to understand just how much joy children bring to a home.

  37. Congrats on baby #8! So exciting!
    I’m 34 weeks pregnant with our 3rd baby, due September 29! First 2 were boys and this time around it’s a girl(so we’ve gotten plenty of “so you can be done now” comments). I’m excited and nervous all at the same time! We’ve always said we want 4 or 5 kids, but the newborn stage is always the toughest part for me.
    I love your perspective and it’s been a big encouragement to me! I remember you saying before how you would pray and thank God for the blessing that each kid is in front of them, and I started doing that because I want our children to know they aren’t a burden but a huge blessing!
    Thanks for posting!

  38. Your timing is impeccable, and God has used you in my life so much recently. And you don’t even know me!
    We found out over the weekend that we’re expecting #3! I’m completely excited and (long story short) know completely that God had ordained this child to show of the work he is doing in my life and the community (church etc) around me. I KNOW this child is God given. Im rejoicing and praising God at the works I see him doing.
    But I still have this nagging fear.
    I have a 2.5 year old, and a 14 month old. I had only been married a aalittle over a month (married at 19) when we found out we were pregnant with my first, and she was 7 months old when we found out we were pregnant with my second. Both times i was young (19, 20) and afraid. My parents reacted out of worry and fear, and it didn’t help my raging hormones or anxiety that they thought I couldn’t do it.
    This time is different. I’ve matured amazingly in the past 3 years, ive grown closer to God, and I see His hand in all of this, even my past. But I’m afraid of their rejection and fear, because i know it will kick up my anxieties once again. I’ve had such peace, I’m afraid of anything stealing my joy.
    So this post has helped. I must secure my Outlook and respond only in the way I am truly feeling. 🙂

  39. We just had baby #7 last week – I have 7 kids ages 8 and under for another few weeks until my oldest turns 9. My first c-section which has been a bit rough but I am thankful for a beautiful little girl!!

  40. Hi Abbie, congratulations again! I am due with my third three days before you. I have found myself falling into an apologetic tone when telling people about this pregnancy, because my twins are only eleven months old and I am already four months pregnant again. I don’t think I was scared about receiving a negativ response, though, it was just a sort of default and that is disingenuous really because I do not regret this pregnancy at all. I do worry sometimes how I will cope with three under two, but that is a different matter. I look forward to reading more about your journey with baby number eight.

    1. My dad is a singleton baby born quickly after his twin sisters (13 months apart) and they grew up as “the three little ones.”

  41. I’ve been following your wonderful journey since the twins were tiny. The love, grace and happiness that pours from your posts are a true testament to the devotion you have in your heart for everything good. It is a pleasure to open Facebook and see the smiling faces of your beautiful family gathered for church. Abbey, what you are doing for your children is a blessing. I pray that your pregnancy goes well and your sweet family continues to be happy and healthy

  42. Due with number 5 on 10/10 of this year. Thanks for this post! This is actually my 8th pregnancy we had three early losses so this isn’t my first rodeo by any means. I always feel guilty announcing since I’ve been down the infertility and loss road and I don’t want anyone else to be sad…. so I wait a while. However this time when we told family…. my parents were less than thrilled, even more so than when we told them about baby #4. I think they’ve come around but they also have backed away some/ have to have very controlled dates with only one maximum two of our kids. My father in law we have a limited relationship with and my mother in law passed about ten years ago, so it’s really only my parents as grandparents. It’s so hard and really really hurts. Thanks for this post it really encourages my heart. And a big congratulations!!!!!!

  43. This has been such an encouraging post to read! I was nervous to announce our pregnancy even though we were so excited because of fear of negative comments. I was worried of others thinking my husband and I are “too young” after receiving similar negativity by getting married when we were 21. Following your blog has been such an encouragement and blessing so thank you!
    (I am also 18 weeks but due the 23rd of January).

  44. I will never understand those who feel it necessary to interject their negativity into someone else’s happy news. While I am quite content with two children, I would never begrudge those who choose to have more children. I admire your courage and your energy, if anything. So, congratulations on number 8 and congratulations to anyone else out there that is scared to announce something exciting to them because it may be met with rude and nasty remarks from others! We are all living our own story and we should be proud of those stories!!

  45. Such a timely message as I’m dealing with this exact thing right now. Expecting #7…just ending the 2nd trimester and not a soul knows other than my husband and midwife because we always get negativity and It hurts my heart so much! I love my big family! Thank you so much for this encouragement!

  46. You inspire and encourage me so much. I grew up as one of ten kids and am now married and have a one year old and this is something I think about a lot. I absolutely adore the thought of having a big family, but it’s kinda hard to picture getting there… “Kids are expert frazzlers.”

    1. For some reason it didn’t post my whole comment… I also said…
      Thank you for sharing your solid, balanced, big-God perspective. And huge congrats on #8!!! So so fun. 🙂 🙂

  47. Congrats on this precious life that is growing inside you! As for the “Mary’s” (those who share hurtful negative comments) in our lives they are speaking out of a place of something that is going on inside of them and saying things that shouldn’t be attached to the person they are speaking to even though their comment is in relation to the reciever. We can’t control what people say, we can only control what we believe, and like you said, what we say. Don’t let this kind of person take the streering wheel of our mind and life. One of my favorite positive pregnancy comments was when my neighbor and a mom, whom I never met before, walked across the street and opened with, “I’ve been admiring that beautiful belly of yours for weeks and thought it was time I came over and said, “Hi””. So I say the same to you, “I admire your beautiful belly and Hi!”.

  48. This is wonderful! I am one of fifteen kids and often when people find that out they respond negatively. Which is tough but I love the idea of responding in a positive light because I truly wouldn’t trade any of them for the world and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

  49. I’m an old mama!! But I’m a new-ish grandma, and I love the babies!! I had 3 boys, and I sincerely wish we’d had 2 more. Kids are so much fun, hard work, and challenging, all at once. Raising my family is the best thing I’ve ever done, and one I’m most proud of. Bless your family and your amazing children!!

  50. So, my husband and I just went out on a date tonight (we have 5 kids) and I told him that if I were completely honest, I would totally have more kids. However I’ve been so afraid to tell people (even in my family), that I want more kids! It’s always met with “you’re crazy” or “you guys are done, right?!”. And my husband is a little overwhelmed at the thought too. However, neither of us peace about making it OUR decision to have more kids or not. So funny you wrote this tonight because I even showed him your announcement photo tonight before i saw this and said, “Babe, I saw this the other day and I just couldn’t help but feel like I wasn’t ready to be done having kids!”. They really are such a blessing no matter how hard it may be. Soooo, wow. All that to say- can you steer me in the direction toward where you got some of your wisdom to choose this way for your family? I have been praying and asking God to show us His way and I wanted to begin some research so we felt peace to make this choice in a God honoring way. I have literally never commented on a post this long OR been so openly vulnerable on a platform like this! I appreciate any and all wisdom you have to share, girl!!! Xoxo

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