Mom and Dad

Geoff and I are often asked about our decision to become parents and about the difficulty of raising children in a world that can be so negative and frightening at times. I felt inspired by  recent wonderful message I got about our parenting to write down our thoughts about being “mom and dad”. My first thought was how to you put into words what it is like to have your heart walk around outside of your body?  The answer is not a simple one but usually it goes something like this:

Having children whichever way they come into the world is by far the most challenging yet rewarding job you will ever hold. Of course there are moments when exhaustion and elbow deep diaper changes make you feel the need for a day off; however when you are about to throw in the towel and though a mommy size tantrum yourself a tiny hand will reach out for you, give you a slobbery gummy kiss or a superman hug and you will summon super power strength you never knew you had. There will never be a moment as a parent that you will have any regrets about your decision for you have never known love like this. Being called “mom” is something I have deamt about and will forever cherish. It is a privilege that is often taken for granted and a desire that so many would give anything for. I thank god every day that I have been blessed with two beautiful babies. From the moment I felt my babies move in my belly a love story began that will last forever. The first glance between a parent and their baby is a magnitude of love that words could never explain. When your first born is blessed with a sibling you may experience a fear that you will not be able to love another as much as you love your only child. How foolish was I to think that; for I didn’t have to even share my heart between the two..I simply grew another for my daughter.  

Although we live in a world that can sometimes be so depressing we can choose how our children see the world. We can create deams and hopes and raise them in a world with make believe and giggles and kisses and in sad times we teach them that it is okay to cry and wrap them in a bandaid of a parents love. You can teach your children to love everyone and that although we may look different we all are loved the same. Teach them that although apples come in different colours, the core is the same and they are all delicious and beautiful in their own way. We can show them that people grow and develop in different ways so that although someone may have legs that do not work the same or a brain that developed differently that they deserve the same love and respect that we do. Tolerance and manners are something that can be fun to teach your children and you will fill with pride watching them ask questions and being kind to strangers. We can teach them to give to others and the importance of sharing and loving one another. There is also an amazing ability that children possess to bring you out of any sadness that will surprise you. A “can you put my spiderman costume on please mom” can brighten my day anytime J

You will be amazed at the moments that will make you cry, such as a little face telling you he loves you and you are the best mom in the world or watching siblings giggle together.

So to sum up..our children are the best thing that has ever happened to us and when we are asked When will I know if I want to have children or are ready..we exchange a glance and wonder how to put into words all of these things that make up our hearts and have changed our lives in so many amazing ways. We often stick with, “it is a job that you will never regret and although no one can tell your how hard it will be..it is worth every second”.