Our Joy is Whole

Three years we waited before expanding our family. The anticipation and longing grew with each passing day, as we hoped for another child to join us. After our first child was born, we made the deliberate decision to wait two more years before trying for a second pregnancy. There were many reasons behind this choice. At the time, our first child was still very young, and I was aware that I was growing older. We also wanted to make sure that our family was ready—not just financially, but emotionally and mentally as well. Our goal was to be fully prepared before welcoming a new baby. We wanted everything in place so that our next child would enter a loving and stable environment.

But God had a plan for us that unfolded in His own mysterious way, a plan that didn’t align with our carefully laid hopes and timelines. The passing of five years felt like an endless stretch of seasons, each one coloured by anticipation and silent prayers. I still remember the morning sunlight filtering through the curtains, catching dust motes in a gentle glow, when at last, the long-awaited sign appeared—two faint red lines on the pregnancy test. My hands trembled as I held the little stick, heart pounding in my chest like a drum. My vision blurred with tears, the salty taste of relief and happiness mixing as I pressed my palms to my mouth to stifle a joyful sob.

The air around me felt electric, carrying the unmistakable scent of hope and new beginnings. Sounds seemed sharper, with every heartbeat echoing in my ears. The cool bathroom tiles beneath my feet grounded me in the moment, their chill contrasting with the warmth blooming in my chest. Each breath I took felt sweeter, tinged with the anticipation of dreams about to come true.

This second pregnancy was more than just a long-awaited answer; it was the fulfilment of our deepest longing. The texture of the journey—its ups and downs, its silent nights and tearful prayers—now felt softened by this miracle. The world around me seemed more vibrant: the gentle touch of my husband’s hand, the reassuring beat of his heart as he held me close, the scent of home filling every corner, all became reminders that our prayers had been heard. Every sense was awakened by the promise of new life, and we knew, deep in our souls, that joy was finally coming to our family.

Day by day, the pregnancy brought immense joy. The happiness felt complete when the first ultrasound showed that our baby was a girl. A boy first, then a girl—it felt perfect. We decided to name her something that means “Joy” in Hebrew, a name that would carry our hope and prayer that she would always bring happiness to our family and everyone around her. God had heard our prayers, and her presence was a tangible testament to His love.

As my pregnancy progressed, I faced unexpected challenges. The severity of Hyperemesis Gravidarum caught me off guard, making even the simplest tasks a struggle. My energy faded, my weight dropped, and some days, I felt utterly defeated. One morning, after another restless night, I sat at the kitchen table resting my head in my hands.

Carino joined me, his presence gentle and reassuring. “Are you feeling any better today?” he asked softly, pouring me a small glass of warm water.

I shook my head, sighing. “Not really. I feel so weak, and sometimes it feels like I’m losing hope.”

He reached across and took my hand. “You’re not alone in this. We’ll get through it together. I promise.”

His words settled over me like warmth, and even as the discomfort lingered, I felt comforted by his unwavering support. Throughout the pregnancy, Carino never once complained—no matter how many sleepless nights, rushed hospital visits, or moments of fear we endured.

Later, during another particularly difficult afternoon, I found myself crying softly in our bedroom. Carino walked in, wiped away my tears, and smiled.

“You’re stronger than you know,” he whispered. “And soon, our little girl will be here. We just need to hold on a little longer.”

Those moments of quiet encouragement gave me strength I didn’t know I had. The day of delivery arrived with surprising speed and smoothness. Despite the challenges, our baby girl was born healthy, her cries bringing hope and joy.

As I cradled her for the first time, I looked at Carino and said, voice trembling with relief, “We did it. She’s finally here.”

He pressed his forehead to mine, tears shining in his eyes. “You did it, Amo. You’re amazing.”

Through every trial, Carino was my anchor. His strength and smile carried us through, and in those small exchanges, I realized how much love can endure and how joy emerges even from the hardest days.

The older child’s birthday, which was just a day after his sister’s birth, was almost cancelled due to a flood that swept through our rented house. But with all our limitations, we still celebrated simply. The older one looked so happy, even though he knew our attention was now divided. He even looked proud to be a big brother. At that moment, I realized that happiness doesn’t always come from big things. Sometimes, happiness comes in small, meaningful moments.

Now, as I look at our baby girl sleeping soundly with her soft, little snores, I feel that all the struggle was worth it. God has given us abundant joy through her presence. She brings overflowing happiness to our family. And Carino, truly, is an amazing husband and father. Without him, I might not have gotten through all this with such strength.

This experience is one of the moments we will never forget in our lives. The joy that comes in the midst of every difficulty makes us even more certain that God always has the best plan for our family. And now, we are ready to begin this new chapter in our lives, the four of us sailing the sea of life with its gentle breeze and rising tides, full of gratitude and happiness. Praise be to God who has filled my joy.

Kreator : Vidya D’CharV