Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Blessings of Parenthood

My son, the smiley baby
Yesterday evening, my family welcomed a new addition.  My cousin had her fourth child, a precious baby girl.  Since she and her family don’t live near by, we waited impatiently for the first photos to be shared on Facebook.  Finally, last night, I received a notification that a photo had been posted and I was ecstatic!  There’s nothing like the excitement after the birth of a newborn baby.

My son (6) and daughter (5) gathered around my laptop, eager to take their first glimpse of their brand-new cousin.  My daughter, particularly, was beside herself with anticipation.  She had known for a while that the baby was going to be a girl and had been waiting for so long to finally see (as she calls the baby) her new best friend!

When the photo loaded the room was flooded with my children’s exclamations.  They thought their new cousin is so cute and the cutest baby ever!  And then, the zillion questions started:

“Mommy, what’s her name?”
“When can we see her?”
“Why is she so tiny?”
“Why are her eyes closed?”
“Why is she wearing a hat?”
“Where is her mommy?”

As I tried to answer all their questions, my mind drifted back to the days when my son and daughter were born.  Those days were two of the happiest days of my life, and I can’t imagine my life without my kids.  Sometimes, I try to picture what I might be like or where I might be in life if I hadn’t been blessed with them.  But it’s impossible!

All their hugs, kisses, romping, giggling, smiles, and yes, even their mischief have become such an integral part of my life that who I am has been and continues to be shaped by my children.  The old me hasn’t died or been erased.  In fact, the old Amanda is still right here.  But the more time I spend with my children, the more I grow and evolve, adding on to who and what I used to be.

Some people are terrified of becoming parents because they are afraid they will lose themselves.  Yet, after over 6 years of motherhood, I can assure you that you gain so much more than you ever lose.  Yes, gone are those late nights out and lazy Saturdays when you can sleep in until noon.  Yes, you may find yourself with a few extra pounds and stretch marks.  Nonetheless, under it all, you will see that rather than losing yourself, you find more of yourself.  Without even trying or expecting to you discover new things about yourself and finally find the person you truly want to be!

10 comments:

  1. So true of parenthood, children truly are blessings. I only wish time could stand still with them, it really goes to fast.

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    1. Yes, the time goes much too fast! It still seems like yesterday that my son was this sweet, smiley baby, and that was 6 years ago.

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  2. I so agree; those of us who are parents are incredibly "rich" and blessed beyond measure, indeed!

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    1. Yes, my children have made life richer than I had ever imagined!

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  3. I read a quote - something like, "People who have kids, and people who don't, are both sorry for each other." - so true, right? Lol. You don't really understand how much of a blessing kids are until you have them.

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    1. That is quite accurate, Meagan. I used to think I never wanted to have kids. Now I think I was crazy for ever thinking that!

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  4. This is wonderful. Reminded me of when my oldest was born and the first time I was ever home alone with her as mom went to a Dr. appointment. I was a DJ at time, doing weddings, proms, etc. so I had a great record collection (for you younger folks records are like CDs). I remember sitting on the floor playing classic wedding songs like "Daddy's Little Girl" and "The Men In My little Girls Life" while I held the baby and balled my eyes out.

    I think we, as parents, DO lose ourselves a little bit, but it a loss you will never regret. Now I have 2 grandchildren and I am amazed by them daily.

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    1. So true, Eric. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful memory!

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