We are Family....

It's no surprise that we are often asked why we have such a big family. When you look around it seems most people have one or two, sometimes three children. It is unusual today to see larger families. I am sure there are many reasons people choose the number of kids that they choose but I imagine the number one reason people do not have large families these days is the cost of raising all of those kids. It's hard to think about so most of the time I try not to focus on what we *will* spend and try and think about the here and now.

So, how big is your family anyway you ask? Well, we have seven people total...FIVE of those people being children. Now, when the Dad and Mom are outnumbered like that it can throw you for a loop. But my hubby and I have found that with incredible teamwork, no secrets, LOVE and the Guidance given to us through God's word we can conquer anything. Oh, those rascals try and trick us, they argue with us, tell us we don't understand, they fight with each other and take a lot for granted....but on the flip side they are each others best friend, protective, loving, kind, smart, FUN, energetic and a whole plethora of other adjectives that make their father and I smile every day.

So, without further ado I would like to introduce you to each of the Wogan children. I will introduce them to you in birth order and give you a few stats on each kid. They are all so very different and each bring something unique to our family.

My beautiful daughter Alexis Camille. She came into my life on a crisp, spring day in April of 1999. It was a long labor, 16 hours to be exact, and with it came a few battle wounds, but the moment I saw her and heard her cry my life instantly changed. It was like slow motion....a whirlwind of all the things my parents had said to me over my teenage years, and they were all ringing true in that moment. She is a teenager herself now, and I hear myself saying those same things to her. I am proud of her and trust her. She has shown me that her heart is HUGE and that she loves the Lord. She can be a bit shy in new situations and doesn't like any attention shown to her in front of others. But give her some alone time and she thrives and opens up. I love that we can talk honestly with each other about the things in her life. I cant wait to see what she turns out to be!

Jake Owen....this boy came into my life on a cold New Years Day in 2006. He was the first New Years delivery for my OBGYN and the first baby delivered in our hometown for that year. Up until his 6th birthday he thought that the ball dropping in Times Square was the whole world celebrating his birthday countdown! Jake has a love for his siblings that really shows through his actions. He doesn't just say he loves them. He acts it out every day. Whether it is letting his brother have the toy he is playing with or inviting his little sister into his room to play, he always looks out for them and plays the big brother role very well. He is quick to give you a hug and kiss and still lets me hold his hand in parking lots even though he knows he doesn't need me to. He still lets me read him books even though he can read because he knows it would break my heart to not have anyone to read to he says. Jake is an all around great kid who will be an excellent leader some day.

 

Cian Grant...he has to be the feisty one of the group. He came into my life on a rainy September Day almost three years ago. He came into the world screaming!! He was even labeled "unruly" by a nurse in the hospital and lives up to that label every day. He gets into mischief just when you think everything has finally calmed down for the day. He is quick to cry if he doesn't get his way. Yet, he can understand some of the hardest things and take them in stride with no tears attached. He loves with all of his heart, and it is big! He is very protective of his younger siblings and is quick to help me calm them down if they are upset or share something with them when I need him to occupy them for me. He is a lover of hugs and crawls up in my lap every day and says "I love you". I hope he does this every day for the rest of my life!

Here is little Grace Elizabeth, also known as Tiny Girl. She came into our lives on a chilly December day about 1 hour after getting to the hospital. She was the smallest of our kids weighing only 6 lbs 11oz. Her hips were dislocated at birth and she had to endure a major cranio reconstruction surgery at 15 months but NOTHING stops this kid! Through all of her trials, braces for her hips, surgery, and limitations that have been placed on her she has overcome every single thing. She does all of it with a smile and a laugh that is so beautiful. She is quick to give a kiss to a cat, her favorite animal, and she loves to carry all of her "babies" (stuffed animals) around with her. She loves to talk to her younger brother when he is crying and loves to give kisses and "big big hugs" to all of us anytime we ask. She is a special girl and from her adversities she will grow into a special woman one day.

Last but not least my beautiful little boy Micah Caleb. Micah came into this world via C-section on an unseasonably warm (there were tornados that morning) January day in 2013. He was breech up until his due date and seemed to be a big baby...so he came into the world butt first at 8 lbs. and 11oz. For sure our biggest baby! He is only seven months old now but we already see quite the personality in this little guy. He loves to eat that's for sure! So much so we have nicknamed him Tater. He loves to be tickled and laughs this contagious belly laugh that will brighten your day. He loves to be held and protests sometimes when that cant be, but overall he is a very HAPPY baby. I cant wait to see all of the growing he will do this year!

And there you have it! A brief synopsis of each of my beautiful children. Each was brought to me by God during a specific time in my life. They were just what I needed and completed me each in a different way. I think The Bible says it best: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

When we go out we usually meet two types of people. We meet the ones who don't know what to say or the ones who say a lot and then follow it up with "You all must be super mom and super dad..." Nope, we aren't! We are just two people who wanted a big family and we are trying to figure all this out just like you are. So, are there any questions out there for me to answer about what its like having a big family when everything out there is geared for the average size family? Nothing is off limits here...remember, we have three kids in diapers....there's a lot to talk about!! Go ahead ask me anything!