I think it's apparent from some previous posts that Jeremy and I use Natural Family Planning. Specifically, I use the Billings Ovulation Method. And, I teach it too!
For some, that may seem obvious. Sure, she's Catholic. Of course, she had three kids in less than 2.5 years. Believe it or not, NFP has "worked" for us. Some may think that three kids that close in age means that we failed at NFP...that it was just too difficult to abstain. Would it be too hard to believe that each of those babies was "planned" - would it seem that we had lost our minds?
Maybe we have.
Though, this is what we have gained:
A love unlike any other. When we were married, we knew that we would always be open to life. The Church has forever taught that marital love is a total, self-giving love...a love which includes one's fertility. NFP demands discipline, responsibility and communication. In return, it offers a closeness to one's spouse built upon a foundation of selflessness and faith.
A deep love for children. I have always loved babies. But, I never knew I could love them as much as I do now. It's a love so vulnerable and so deep that it hurts as much as it fills my heart with joy. I cannot deliver a baby without immediately desiring another.
A trust in His will. Will three be the most kids we will have? Will we have ten? Only He knows. However, we're open to whatever is in store, knowing He knows us so much better than we know ourselves. In fact, our family's "completeness" will always be led by Him.
This (and two more like him). The Church's call to complete, total, full and faithful love has resulted in me being called Mom and Jeremy, Dad. Miracles, they are. Gifts that only an openness to life allows.
So, for the days in which it might seem we've lost our minds, we know that beyond NFP being natural, free, healthy and effective, it is also life-changing...life-giving.
A burden? Actually, a blessing in every sense imaginable!
I am on birth control, but I completely support -- and would encourage -- this type of planning. Actually, I'm done using birth control as of next week (hopefully for the rest of my life). :) I'm not a fan of putting hormones in my body, and there are definitely side affects. Doing it in such a natural way is definitely healthier for a woman's body!
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Britt. Your words and the photos.
ReplyDelete~Tiffany
Such a beautiful post. May God continue to bless your family.
ReplyDeleteI love all of your posts in this section! We have been using the NFP method as well, and even though I'm sure people think we are crazy, all of ours have been planned and desired more than anything!! I may have some questions for you after this little one ;)
ReplyDeleteWe have 9 babies (and 2 in heaven), so it appears that NFP failed us, too. I completely understand your description of immediately wanting another baby after giving birth. It's all just so amazing. I love having the "maybe," the possibility of another baby. So glad I found your blog!
ReplyDeleteReally?!? I love that!! I come from a smaller family, so four children is new for everyone! I already want another. Some days though, I feel like I don't do a good enough job with those I do have. Do you ever feel that way? I just want to do what God wants, but sometimes I feel it's "my will" to have another - make sense?
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