As a parent we know our kids birthdays are bittersweet. We are excited because that day represents to us the bringing of that child's life into the big huge crazy world. Every year that passes we look back amazed at how much our child has changed. Not just in the past year, but since they were born. How much they have grown, how their physical features are maturing, their interests have changed or in some cases some interests just intensified. How much they have learned, challenges and obstacles they have overcome and/or solved.
But it's bitter too. The time goes too fast, the stages just coming up at us. Especially when we as parents are just figuring out the current one. We get nostalgic. We wish we had a little more time at each part of their life. And for a lot of us, our eyes tear up. Hell mine are right now just typing this out. This is me today...times two.
I never planned for E-man and Lil-man to be born on the same day. I was trying to avoid it. I really believed that each one deserved a day that was all about him. E-man was born first, 10 years ago. Other than I did not realize my water broke, so had to be induced as a precaution, it was a normal pregnancy and normal delivery. No pain meds etc. Smooth as smooth can be. Lil-man was born 3 years ago. Again induced, but this time by request. It was a rough pregnancy for me due to discovering a lump in my breast and dealing with breast cancer (and two surgeries to be sure we got the whole tumor and the loss of my breast). My body was exhausted, I was worn out, no energy at all, Complete opposite of my experience 7 years prior. After talking to my OB/GYN, it was agreed that it would be in both the baby's and my best interest to induce. This was on a Thursday, she told me she her hospital day was Wednesday, so I agreed the following Wednesday we would induce, if the lil booger didn't come sooner. He was stubborn, but had been in position for weeks. On the drive home, I looked over the information and saw the date: April 6, 2011. I looked over to my then husband and said...E-man called it, Lil-man is going to be born on his birthday. Just what I didn't want.
E-man was thrilled, excited, and was gloating. And for the record, in less than five hours after arriving at the hospital, Lil-man was born. He did great! So now it's three years later, and so much has changed, good and bad. But I look at my boys and I have that bittersweet feeling wash over me. Lil-man has now entered the "preschool" age. And E-man? He's now "officially" a tween. I'm just not ready for this. I'm not ready for them to grow up, but at the same time I'm amazed at the people they are becoming.
Now if E-man could keep his room clean and Lil-man would just learn to use the potty, things would be a bit easier. But I still wouldn't change them for anything in the world. By the way, I will happily accept donations of Tylenol or Aleve for all the headaches I know that will be coming in the next year!
But it's bitter too. The time goes too fast, the stages just coming up at us. Especially when we as parents are just figuring out the current one. We get nostalgic. We wish we had a little more time at each part of their life. And for a lot of us, our eyes tear up. Hell mine are right now just typing this out. This is me today...times two.
I never planned for E-man and Lil-man to be born on the same day. I was trying to avoid it. I really believed that each one deserved a day that was all about him. E-man was born first, 10 years ago. Other than I did not realize my water broke, so had to be induced as a precaution, it was a normal pregnancy and normal delivery. No pain meds etc. Smooth as smooth can be. Lil-man was born 3 years ago. Again induced, but this time by request. It was a rough pregnancy for me due to discovering a lump in my breast and dealing with breast cancer (and two surgeries to be sure we got the whole tumor and the loss of my breast). My body was exhausted, I was worn out, no energy at all, Complete opposite of my experience 7 years prior. After talking to my OB/GYN, it was agreed that it would be in both the baby's and my best interest to induce. This was on a Thursday, she told me she her hospital day was Wednesday, so I agreed the following Wednesday we would induce, if the lil booger didn't come sooner. He was stubborn, but had been in position for weeks. On the drive home, I looked over the information and saw the date: April 6, 2011. I looked over to my then husband and said...E-man called it, Lil-man is going to be born on his birthday. Just what I didn't want.
E-man was thrilled, excited, and was gloating. And for the record, in less than five hours after arriving at the hospital, Lil-man was born. He did great! So now it's three years later, and so much has changed, good and bad. But I look at my boys and I have that bittersweet feeling wash over me. Lil-man has now entered the "preschool" age. And E-man? He's now "officially" a tween. I'm just not ready for this. I'm not ready for them to grow up, but at the same time I'm amazed at the people they are becoming.
Now if E-man could keep his room clean and Lil-man would just learn to use the potty, things would be a bit easier. But I still wouldn't change them for anything in the world. By the way, I will happily accept donations of Tylenol or Aleve for all the headaches I know that will be coming in the next year!