SURPRISE! ANNOUNCING BABY #2 AND CURRENT MOTHERHOOD REFLECTIONS
I would be lying if I said finding out we were expecting baby #2 so soon wasn’t a bit of a surprise! After the initial shock, I was met with so much excitement and joy. I feel incredibly grateful to have had such an amazing first pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I also know what an amazing gift it is to grow life and even though the timing was unexpected, we always wanted multiple, closer in age. PLUS- God’s plan has always been greater in every way and I am continually being reminded of this! Charlie has bought indescribable joy to our family and has been exactly what we needed in finding out this news- adaptable, even tempered and simply the sweetest boy. I know he will make the most amazing big brother and in 5-10-20 years this momentary ‘hard’ will be worth it watching our babies grow up so close.
All of my initial fears and negativity I heard about becoming parents feel silly now- “Is my life over?” “Will I really never sleep?” “Am I even ready?” All completely irrelevant now. My life is infinitely better and I have gained a confidence and strength that I never had before. My capacity and heart has expanded, priorities are clearer and my fears have been replaced with complete certainty that I can handle whatever comes my way. I’m not saying that this journey hasn’t been hard and I know many experience challenges- I just find that the most negative voices are often the loudest and I’m proud to share some positivity from our situation. I’ve learned that every person, pregnancy, baby, experience is vastly different. While sharing and connecting with others is important, I think it’s equally important to follow your intuition, be confident in your own decisions and trust that above all only YOU know what’s best for you & your baby. Everyone’s version of ‘hard’ looks different and your experience is uniquely yours- and what an amazing thing that is!
As I’m now 6 months into motherhood and halfway through my second pregnancy, I know this chapter will be the greatest of my life. Parenthood holds up a mirror- not just to who you are but who you once were and who you want your children to be. Through them, I get to heal myself, make things better, do things differently. It is not my entire identity but it is my motivator, purpose and strength.
Forever blessed to be growing our family. Baby girl on the way!