My Son

Today's events have changed the dynamics of our family forever.  We found out that we are no longer just the parents to a bunch of sweet girls, but the Lord has seen fit to answer my prayers and has given us a son. 
In my mind, babies are girls.  Long before I was married, I had always hoped to have a bunch of little boys - I always found them to be so delightful.  Then, I had four little sisters, followed by four daughters, and in my world the children were always girls.  Girls have ruled my life for 13 years now (starting when the oldest of my little sisters was born) and the idea of having a male child has been and continues to be the most foreign, bizarre thought!  Not that I don't like boys- as I said, I always have, but I haven't been around them extensively, their ways are so foreign to me!!!
I would have been content to keep having little girls, I love having daughters and I am so thankful that God has given us the 4 blessings that they are already!  While I would have liked to just keep up with what I know (like I have a choice!  ha), it really hit me hard a few months ago how deeply my beloved husband desired a son.  Before I was even pregnant again, I was asking for the prayers of St. Joseph, that our next child, whenever that would be, would be a boy.
And now here we are, and what joyful news we received today!  I knew it was a boy...I've had such vivid dreams, such a markedly different pregnancy, and maternal intuition.  I can't wait to meet him.  Who will he be?
The prospect of raising a boy is so very intimidating.  Someday, he'll be a man, and for some reason the idea of raising a little child into a man seems extremely challenging.  Our world and our culture need strong, faithful men, and I hope and pray that this little guy forming inside of me will grow to be great and noble.
What an adventure this will be!