I was 34 and the mother of two darling daughters, ages 4 and 7. Between home, church, family, and work responsibilities, I was a busy, busy gal. Still, I felt that something was missing, and we began talking about having another child.
In his gentle way, my father-in-law kept hinting that we needed a boy to complete our family. My mother-in-law looked at me, the girl in a whirl, and wondered aloud whether I could handle the additional responsibility. A male friend at work intimated that I was too old to have a another baby; another colleague, a female, took me aside one day and told me that I still a young woman with no idea how much richness lay in store for me. “Don’t rule out having another baby,” she implored.
One day it hit me that we didn’t need to consult anyone about this important decision. It was our business, our family, our life, our choice. This story has a happy ending, a gloriously happy one. On Saturday November 19, 1983, Paul Benjamin weighed in at eight pounds and seven ounces, and our family was finally complete. One look at his perfect little bald head and his baby blue eyes, and I was in love with the new man in my life. Still am.
25 years later, Paul’s a married man, a returned missionary (Mexico) a college grad (cum laude, no less), a graduate student, and the best looking 25 year old around. My long ago colleague was right; I had no idea how much richness this child would bring into my life.
mom's musings 
Happy Birthday to the handsome “devil”
awwww. all teary eyed here… I have two girls and my baby boy came last January. He’s a wonderful blessing in our lives, too. There is something about a baby boy, after girls, that is so precious. And vice versa, I’m sure… after having mostly boys, having a girl is such a sweet change, too. I love all my kids and am grateful I have them… families are the best.
I remember being so thrilled that you were having a baby, and I was determined that it had to be a little boy; I wanted a little brother more than anything!!!! Now that Paul is the big 25, I’m stil thrilled you had him; I sure love that little bro’ of mine, and I have fond memories of the first time I got to hold him. I remember I ran past everything (including the bathroom, where Granny had instructed me to wash my hands firts) to get to you and Paul; all I cared about was seeing my new baby brother. Luckily, Granny didn’t get mad at me for my brief disobedience. 🙂
my wife was so lucky, married a returned missionar, gopod writer, wonderful senzence of humor and a good speller