Three years ago, even two years ago, I wasn't sure if I wanted a fourth baby. I felt very done after three children in four and a half years. I wasn't sure I could parent another baby the way I feel is right.

Obviously my thinking changed, as Simon is such a part of our family now. He is such a gift, my little chubalicious darling. Looking back now, I realize that my concerns weren't about having a fourth baby, but rather about having four babies in, say, six or seven years. I was burnt out on babyhood and toddler years. I needed the larger gap, the four and a half years that separate Simon and Vincent, to get my feet back under me and to recenter my life.

In many ways, Simon is like having a first baby again. With Abigail, Isabella and Vincent being older and capable of more independence, I can focus on Simon's babyness. I can spend more time having raspberry blowing contests and kissing baby toes. I will never regret having the older children so close together. That was an amazing experience, a wonderful parenting journey. Their relationship is so neat. It was exhausting to parent through, though, and if I had had Simon sooner, I believe that I would not have been able to be the parent I would want to be for him.

I am so thankful that Simon is here with us, and that I am able to find such joy in him being with us. He is a darling with a deep belly laugh. I know he will bring our family much laughter in the coming years.

I do love this handsome baby boy!