Sisters.
I had always had that dream.
Growing up I wanted a sister so badly. As each new little brother joined my family (I have six in all!), and while I love them very much, I still prayed for a sister.
Well, God never answered that prayer. I never had a sister, although I had a best friend who was just like a sister to me. We were so close….we dressed alike and everything. (Love you Sarah!)
In 2003, my husband and I were blessed with our first child. I was ecstatic…we had a GIRL!! Although I had a rough pregnancy and she was born with complex heart defects (basically half of a heart) that required open heart surgery soon after birth and then two more as she grew older, I had held on to a hope for my little daughter. I hoped one day for a sister. God never willed it for me and I hoped it for her.
In 2005, we found out we were expecting a boy! But this pregnancy was extremely complicated and ended in the premature birth of our son at 28 weeks. After that I had many doctors, even a leading perinatologist at a well known hospital tell me we should never have any more children. They all agreed it was just too risky for me and for any future babies. Even though I was overjoyed at my two beautiful children, it seemed that with the birth of my son came the death of a dream…a dream for many children, to one day have a healthy baby, and perhaps a sister for my daughter.
Fast forward 3 1/2 years and were were seeing two lines on a stick! I was scared and had so much fear. But even after a rough start to the pregnancy, it ended with a healthy baby boy who never has seen a NICU and we brought home at 2 days old. It was amazing!
While my daughter absolutely loves her brothers and especially adores her baby brother, she was still holding out hope for a sister. After our youngest son’s birth, she continued to pray daily for one. When she would cry about it and wonder why God hadn’t answered her prayer yet, it broke my heart….I saw myself as a little girl, shedding the same tears many years before. I completely understood how she felt and her request for a sister became mine as well.
In early 2011 we were seeing those two lines again! Lydia was so emphatic that this was a girl. No doubt whatsoever. She just knew that this was her sister and I was suddenly scared to hope. I wondered how she would take it if the Lord decided that another little brother was best for her.
But you all know the end of this story. Just two months ago, my little girl got her baby sister. =)
God is so good, isn’t He?
Linking up to Project 52. You can see week 2 "Made with love" here.
Aww! I love this story and the beautiful photos, Laine. I had the dream of several siblings, but my mom had major complications with the birth of my sister, so I only had one sibling. I got my big family when I married Andrew and gained 2 brothers and 3 more sisters. God sometimes answers our prayers in ways we don't expect, but He is still so good. Thanks for that reminder today! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's so neat Holly! Yes, it is amazing how God can answer our prayers in way we least expect it!
DeleteBeautiful story! The faith of a child is so precious. Beautiful photos yet again. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Children can teach us so much about faith, can't they?
DeleteBeautiful girls :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow...what a beautiful testimony!! Your girls are gorgeous. You've been through so much. Yet I see so much joy and gratefulness.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your dreams come true for you!!
A beautiful story. Thanks for sharing. Yes, God is SO good.
ReplyDeleteThanks! God is so good...I can't help but share!
Deleteyour beautiful photos perfectly capture a dream come true. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have certainly been blessed!
DeleteThe first picture is sooo sweet. It made me smile from ear to ear. What a fabulous dream indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been said, but I have to say it again... That was a beautiful story. You had me tearing up. God IS so good. You are a strong woman to have made it through 2 rough pregnancies and the babies' problems and go for more against medical advice. After 3 miscarriages I heard the same types of advice, added to the gloom and doom over my 40+ age, but I just felt God had one more for me, and He did. God's timing is not always the same as ours, but best! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story! God's timing is so perfect and His will is always best. We've been through a lot with our children, but I seriously feel blessed beyond measure at His goodness!
DeleteYou had me at the beautiful picture of your girls. The story was such a blessing. Our God is faithful. He knows the desires of our heart. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are right...so thankful to serve such a faithful and good God!
DeleteOh, I can't even tell you how much I love this photo - and more so the story. I am in tears. Thank you for posting the additional photos as well. We are right on the brink of "trying" for our second baby. Our girl is 3 years old and we both would love for her to have a sister. With that in my heart and mind, it was so lovely to see your girls together. Sisters...such a happy dream come true!
ReplyDeleteHoping your dream for a sister for your little girl comes true!! =)
DeleteWhat a beautiful story. It brought me to tears. I always wanted a sister. I now have 3 girls and 4 boys. I LOVE that my girls have sisters. I LOVE to watch them play and interact. I'm thankful for the sisters in love God has given me and the BFF that are like sisters.
ReplyDeleteWow, 3 girls! That's wonderful! I am loving how even though they are separated by 8 years, they already adore each other. It's so, so sweet. =)
DeleteOh how I love this story. I grew up with two sisters, and hoped so much for two girls, myself, so they could experience the same joy of having a sister. And now we have four girls. Sisters galore! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely PRECIOUS!!! Gorgeous photos and a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christa! =)
DeleteYes, He is good. Beautiful photos of your children.
ReplyDeleteThank you! So thankful for His goodness and blessings!
DeleteBeautiful Photos! thank you for sharing your heart....I have 2 girls that are 4 years apart and best friends! I yearned for a sister myself as well..my girls are adults now and even though I am still their mom I have the kind of relationship with them that I always wanted in a sister! God loves us so much, He cares about the deepest desires of our heart and His gifts are indescribable!
ReplyDeleteSo true! Many times I'm just in awe at the sweet children He's given us, we are so blessed! Happy to hear your girls are years apart and best friends. Hope mine will be too!
DeleteWonderful story. Praise God for answered prayer.
ReplyDeleteThank you...it is so awesome to see answered prayer!
DeleteLaine - thank you for posting this beautiful story. Once again you've been an encouragement to me!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Amanda! Thank you for always being an encouragement to me!
DeleteBeautiful picture! Beautiful girls! There's nothing like a sister.
ReplyDeleteYou are a Power House of a Mama for still having hope and faith especially. Amazing the miracles God gives us...always blessed. Your girls are very sweet.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! What a testimony to the faithfulness of God. He has answered your prayers!
ReplyDeleteSam is praying the same way too! He so desperately wants a brother...after 4 sisters anyone would! :) I'm leaving it in the Lord's hands though. He knows best and His timing is perfect. Sammy continues to pray and your testimony gives hope! Someday...even if when he's a Daddy...love this Laine!