It's not that bad. . .

A special post, with a special person in mind.

At a family potluck yesterday a nearly 6 month pregnant cousin was listening to people talk. And somehow the conversation turned to camping. I did say something about it's different this year with a toddler and heard someone in response say, your going to scare her.

Now wait a second- I didn't say it was bad. I said it was different. Different in that last year, she wasn't mobile, so she got passed from family member to family member, and mostly slept on our camping trips. This year, different family member's attach themselves to her following her around as she walks around and explores EVERYTHING. There is special care and precautions that are taken for taking a 14 month old with you on a camping trip. After all there has to be- she's only 14 months! There are things that have to be packed just for her, that otherwise wouldn't be needed. 1/2 of the car is her things! It's not bad having a toddler. . . in fact on a daily basis I take time every day to sit back and watch her and realize how much I love her. How dear she is to us.

Hannah is a fabulous child. I love her so much. Yes she is fussy sometimes. Yes, poopy diapers are not my favorite. Yes, the grinding of the teeth, the teething, the curious hands into everything, eating of rocks, and the list goes on are tiring and require a lot of attention. However, I do it because I love her. And I love her for who she is. Sometimes I have to just laugh at her fussy self because yes I do find humor in how my daughter will fuss sometimes. The way she blubbers when she's tired and fussy, it's cute, it's adorable and it makes me love her more- cause I know she doesn't feel well.

So Brittany (don't know if you read here or not). . . having a baby is not a chore, or a pain, or even a bad thing. I love my darling a TON! And those less than great moments are a part of it. And only last a bit compared to all the good things. Every week is a new challenge. Every day is a new moment to love. I wouldn't trade my treasured parent moments for anything. Yes financially we have had to be creative, frugal and bargain shop- but really, I love that too- how cheap can I get something for, oh yeah I do cost compare and do know where to get diapers and wipes at good deals! Again yeah it's a challenge. But we all grow from our experiences and I know that I have had a great chance to become a better woman, better mom, and better all around because of my experiences with my daughter.

As I told John (cousin's finace) yesterday- you find a rhythm, that works for you. Jason and I found what works for us, and that has been the best part. The way we are a team, and we support each other. It's hard work- but probably the most rewarding work I've ever done.

J.