Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



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Michaela
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Posted: June 23 2009 at 8:22am | IP Logged Quote Michaela

On Father's Day, we found out that our prayers have been answered, and we will be welcoming our newest blessing in February.

My friends are so happy for us. They know this has been a prayer and certainly on my mind as I continued to get negative pregnancy tests.

The reaction from our family has been the opposite and unexpected. DH was told he is too old (he is 43). Then I was told that I'm too old (I'm 38) We heard "Don't you know how that happens?!". Even a sad, almost teary response from my mom which ended with "Well, as long as you are happy." After speaking with my brother (who had the most amazing, positive response)he must have talked to her because she called back and sounded happier, but kept saying "Everything will be alright" over and over.    All of this....from family!   

This pregnancy is a turning point or a shift within our family. I'm sure they will change their feelings, but now I know their true thoughts.

Our priest's words in Sunday's homily echo in my mind...."Turn to Christ"...

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Nique
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Posted: June 23 2009 at 8:47am | IP Logged Quote Nique

Oh Michaela, this is wonderful news! God definetly knows what He is doing, and He is happy you are happy! And on Father's Day, what an special gift for your Husband:):) Ah, what a good and generous God we have!

I am sorry about your families reactions (with the exception of your dear brother). Unfortunately we get the same reactions However once our baby is born, their reactions change and EVERYBODY is happy, happy!!

Just know, "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven".

Praying a Rosary in thanksgiving and for peace in your heart, soul and mind

p.s. I'll bet your kids were thrilled! And really, that's all that matters!

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Mary G
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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:13am | IP Logged Quote Mary G

Wonderful news, Michaela! Sometimes it's just a case of surprise, but they don't mean the negative stuff ... at least that's been our experience. Yes, they joke about it ... and make fun of us a bit ... but they love the babies when they come and even when they're all grown up!

Prayers for a healthy, successful pregnancy!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:18am | IP Logged Quote JodieLyn

And don't forget that our moms worry about US.. and there's so much out there about the problems of being older and pregnant.. It may be more about her worry for you than about the baby. congratulations!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:18am | IP Logged Quote Matilda

Congratulations!!! Like Mary said, it might be hurtful but they are saying these things out of their misguided love and concern for you and they will be happy for you once they get to see that sweet one and see how the baby is welcomed into your family. My parents were always concerned about each of my pregnancies (no matter what age I was) but they also completely adore each of their grandchildren!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:26am | IP Logged Quote SuzanneG

Michaela, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
JodieLyn wrote:
And don't forget that our moms worry about US.. and there's so much out there about the problems of being older and pregnant.. It may be more about her worry for you than about the baby. !

I was just thinking that!!!! It's true. Maybe your mom is concerned about you!

And, about the "age thing" you can just tell everyone that a mere 45 minutes away is a daddy who is FORTY-SEVEN with a baby, and I'm pretty sure he'll be breaking his own record     Nothing wrong with a 50-year-old daddy with a newborn! 43 is SO YOUNG!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:30am | IP Logged Quote stefoodie

Congratulations!!!

I've found that kind knee jerk response is common, even among family -- probably the product of years of conditioning. People don't realize how they've been, in a way, brainwashed by the media, anti-life propaganda, etc. Even my mom who is very pro-life and was better catechized than I was has moments when she uses phrases used by the anti-life crowd. Then she catches herself and switches.

ITA with what Jodie said -- they also worry about us; in our case, they worry about dh's health, our finances, my stress level, etc. I take comfort in the fact that these people CARE, unlike the stranger comments that come out of nowhere.

Prayers for you and your wee one!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:42am | IP Logged Quote MarilynW

Oh Michaela - I just saw this AWESOME - I am all teary and emotional!

We are rejoicing for you. I am sure your twin boys are going to be all goo goo gaa gaa over their new sibling like my 10 year olds are - in fact the twins told me they are now praying for triplet sisters as little girls are so cute (shocked mama face icon here!!)

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 9:56am | IP Logged Quote Mackfam

Oh, Michaela...joining in the sent to you with the joyful news!!!

I can empathize with your feelings over the responses. I suspect many of us face less than excited responses to an announcement of this kind, but you've got us to cheer for you!!!! And we will!!!! I'm thrilled!

SuzanneG wrote:
And, about the "age thing" you can just tell everyone that a mere 45 minutes away is a daddy who is FORTY-SEVEN with a baby, and I'm pretty sure he'll be breaking his own record     Nothing wrong with a 50-year-old daddy with a newborn! 43 is SO YOUNG!


That's what I was thinking!!! Rob will be 48 in a couple of months and I'm betting/hoping/praying there will be a pink stick sometime in our future!    43 sounds down-right spring chicken-ish to me! And take heart, I'm 38 and my family has the same concerns about my age, health, crisis filled pregnancies. It is natural for them to feel concern. My husband feels it to a certain extent as well. God provides for all though! If He has gifted you and your husband with this child, He will surely provide all the graces necessary exactly at the time you need them to handle all the challenges to come. Trust in His goodness and mercy. Smile and find joy in your family - even those who find it challenging to accept this little one. And know that your 4Real sisters are jumping for joy!!!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 10:23am | IP Logged Quote Lisbet

Michaela, I am very very thrilled for you!! :) But I know how your joy can be dampered by negative reactions from those you love.

With my last baby my mom flat out said "I'm not surprised or happy, do whatever you want." And that was all she said to me about it. But during my pregnancy with my 9th, she revealed something else to me that I never thought of. She is embarrassed to have so many grand kids from one of her children. Yep, my brother has two, and that's perfect. But she is embarrassed to tell people (when they ask) that she has 2 children and 12 grandchildren.   

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 11:02am | IP Logged Quote insegnante

Congratulations, Michaela!

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Posted: June 23 2009 at 11:10am | IP Logged Quote Mimip

Michaela,

YEAH!!!!!

I am so very happy for you! Congrats on this blessing from God.

Lisbet, It is funny how perspectives are. We have a friend who has only one sister. Between the 2 of them they have 15 children. Her mother wears a necklace with a charm for each of those children and brags all the time about the fact that God did not give her "much fertility" but gave it to her daughters    She also mourned with her daughter when they experienced a miscarriage. When I spoke to her later she told me she was so sad to not "get another grandchild' What a blessing that attitude is for that family.



to you all!


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Posted: June 23 2009 at 3:16pm | IP Logged Quote joann10

Congratulations!!! and many prayers headed your way...
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Posted: June 24 2009 at 11:38am | IP Logged Quote hylabrook1

Congratulations Michaela! This is great news! Praying for a healthy, happy pregnancy.

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Posted: June 24 2009 at 12:18pm | IP Logged Quote Bridget

I am happy for you, congratulations to you and your husband!

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Posted: June 24 2009 at 1:24pm | IP Logged Quote Stephanie_Q

Congratulations! I know how important it is to have support when the initial reaction from family is negative - it happened to me too. My grandma wrote a letter to me, "I hope this one was a 'surprise'"; my brother asked with disgust, "What do you need another kid for?" and, the worst: when my kids expressed their excitement, my dad told them that if we keep having babies, we won't be able to visit them because they don't have room for all of us to stay at their house. God bless you!

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Posted: June 24 2009 at 9:07pm | IP Logged Quote Mary K

congratulations michaela! i'll be praying for you and your sweet gift. as for age my dh was 51 when meg was born last july and i was 44.
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Posted: June 25 2009 at 11:07am | IP Logged Quote Michaela

I've been down in the dumps the past few days, but reading through this thread has been a wonderful blessing and my spirits are lifted.

You are right, my mom is most likely just concerned not against a new baby.

Last night, I shared your responses with my sweetie. He took time to also visit your blogs, and saw quite a few Father's Day pictures with very very happy dads and children.   

I really love this board!   


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Posted: June 25 2009 at 12:58pm | IP Logged Quote JennGM

Micheala, a hearty congratulations! I'm praying for you, and am so glad that you're feeling more heartened...

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Posted: June 27 2009 at 10:47am | IP Logged Quote Ruth

Congratulations, Michaela!

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