June 16, 2005
Birth Control
Some of my favorite reads, ArmyWife and VW, have been posting about their adorable kids again. It's a popular topic for both of them. I can't relate to a lot of it, not being a mother, but I love to hear their stories and see pictures of their smoochable babies!
I've made a couple of comments saying something about my "daily dose of birth control" as a simple attempt at humor. I sat back and thought about it, and thought, that could be taken as rude or particularly about their kids.
That's in no way what I intend if anyone has thought that.
This is my thought on things. I love kids! I love their innocence, their mischief, when they discover something for the first time, the way they give hugs...and I love giving them back to the parents when they begin to get smelly or ornery.
And in that sense, I think mothers are amazing women that have a truly hard job that is rewarding in its own way. So when you mothers post about not being able to sleep through the night, sick kids, trips to the ER, etc....I just sit back in amazement and wonder if I could ever do that! Right now?...I couldn't!
My parents told me a couple of years ago that they were working on their will, and that if something were to happen to both of them, that I would have custody of Sis #2 (now age 7).
Wow! When they told me this, I was 20. My dad has 3 brothers and my stepmom has 7 brothers and sisters. All with families. And out of all the people they know (and they know a lot), they chose me.
To be in charge of another life. To have the responsibility of molding them into a good human being with morals, values, love in their heart, care for others and add something to this world. That's just so intimidating to me! It's a responsibility that I never want to take lightly.
So to you amazing women, thank you for your reminders of how you have to be ready to dedicate your life to molding these lives and that it is not a simple job and not a job to be taken lightly, although one of the most rewarding.
I always laugh when you post that. I have told complete strangers that my children are the poster children for birth control. :)
Posted by: Bou at June 16, 2005 11:06 PMWhen I was 20 I was not ready yet either. My eggs didn't start ticking till I was around 31. So don't panic. Another great thing you should know is this...."you do what you have to when you have to, what is the alternative?"
Women are amazing creatures, I knew this before, but after becoming a Mother....WOW. Moms rock.
I probably complain too much, but I honestly wouldn't change things for the World. I know I am blessed to have these little people. I came from a Mother that never complained. I never heard her complain one time. Seriously. So I don't think I knew how hard this was going to be. You are right it is an awesome responsibility.
You said some nice things here....about all Moms, me included so thanks....
Posted by: ArmyWifeToddlerMom at June 16, 2005 11:24 PM"Another great thing you should know is this....'you do what you have to when you have to, what is the alternative?'"
I think it's called adoption. or murder suicide . . . my mom has threatened both . . .
Posted by: Aris_Ravencroft at June 17, 2005 12:22 AMThey said it for me. I find it funny like Bou.
And you said some really nice things like ArmyWife mentioned.
And Aris reminded me that my mom would say "I brought you into this world, I can take you out". ;-)
Posted by: VW Bug at June 17, 2005 06:43 AMI always took it as a joke. Especially after some of the stories I've posted about Clone.
Posted by: Contagion at June 17, 2005 08:36 AMAs Aris says... you do what you have to do. People always say stuff like... babysit and find out how you like taking care of kids - yada yada yada. But it doesn't work that way - that only tells you if you like to work with kids. Your own are an entirely different ballgame.
I had my daughter when I had just turned 21 - was I ready? Oh hell no! Good grief no! But there it was and we all made the best of it I guess. Now she's all grown up and finished with college, married, has a good job. There were no police at my door.... you can't ask for more than that. Her brother is in the Army and takes care of himself.
So far as I know they don't despise me *grin*. I may not have been the best mom, but I guess I wasn't the worst... and you never really know until they're out on their own. That's a long time to wait to figure out if you screwed up!
Posted by: Teresa at June 17, 2005 10:16 PMI always thought that was funny too. I'm like you... I felt I wasn't ready for many years so I waited. Hell I didn't feel ready till I was 35.
As hard as it is, and as hesitant as I am as to whether I'm doing the right thing I'm discovering that all you can do is the best you possibly can. There's no perfect or right way to parent. You parent with love or with patience and then you hope it all turns out alright!
Posted by: michele at June 19, 2005 12:10 AM
