Before I became a parent I was an idealist.
I had the misconceived notion that I would be fair with my children. That punishments would be consistent for them and that they would receive equal measures of my time and resources. I would love my children exactly the same way. I had visions of an orderly house with cute little shelves for all of their heirloom-quality wooden toys and books and educational games. No character toys or cheap plastic would adorn their floors or be scattered underfoot. Not in my house. My children would have amazing closets and all of their clothes would be adorable and organized. My imaginary children were always clean and loved to help me out around the house.
But I was very, very wrong. Here is a little glimpse at reality.
I’m the mother of two natural wonders:
CurlyQ: Our daughter “CurlyQ” is a typical, yet extraordinary seven year old girl. She blows us away with how smart she is. She reads extremely well and understands complicated concepts. She has an extraordinary propensity for math and science. She is wise beyond her years. She is also remarkably kind and sensitive to the needs of others and is friendly beyond measure. Because she is mine, I believe she is the most beautiful little girl that God ever made – inside and out. There isn’t a bit of meanness in her.
Little Man: “Little Man” is the polar opposite of his sister. He is three and he is everywhere. He is the reason that childproofing equipment was invented. While CurlyQ waited to take her first steps when she was certain that she would be completely successful at 13 months old, Little Man was swinging his leg over the side of the crib and climbing down unassisted at 9 months. He is equally as smart as his big sister and possesses similar charm, but his wit and sense of humor definitely stem from his father’s genes. He is a funny little guy. And he thinks he is SpiderMan and gets angry when I call him my “baby boy”.
They have strengthened the relationship I have with my dear husband. I’ve learned that this isn’t always the case with many couples but that is what it has done for us.
My husband tells me that our children and our life together is beautiful because our love for each other is beautiful. Yes, he really is that sweet. And yes, I believe he is right. Because it isn’t the perfect house that makes a home. We are definitely not living in our dream house.
Our home is what it is because of the love that made it all happen in the first place. And it is that love I am clinging to as we inch along toward the looming “teen years”.