Tagged

Recently Krissie "tagged" me. Being somewhat new to the Blogger world I had no idea what that meant until she explained it to Avery and I discreetly overheard (of course I had to appear like I knew exactly what it meant). I can't remember everything I'm supposed to write about, but I know I'm supposed to write about what I was doing 10 years ago. It's amazing to think about it really.

Ten years ago I was nervously expecting my first child. Bret was in the Army and we had just moved to Fort Drum, New York. I was desperately trying to finish my degree, at BYU, before the arrival of the baby knowing it would be extremely difficult afterward. However, at the time of my pregnancy I was planning on staying home with my baby for the prescribed year and then returning to work. From the studies I had been reading on infant brain development, early peer interaction seemed to have positive effects on a child's social development. Daycare was in our future.

Looking back I don't know how Bret listened to me pontificate about all the perceived benefits our child would receive from daycare. He says he just hoped something would change, but that he was willing to support me if I really wanted/needed to work. Wow.

I had no idea the change that would occur almost the instant I held that baby in my arms. I guess you could call it biological, but it was more then that. I looked into the eyes of this brand new little baby and realized what I was being asked to do. I was being asked to give shelter and guidance to another of God's children for the duration of her earth life. So many of her perceptions of life and people would come from her experiences with me and the things I would teach her. I looked into her eyes and came to three conclusions: 1) I would never, willingly, go to work outside my home as long as she was living with me. 2) She would only be living with me for a short time (20 +/- years) and I had better make the most of it. 3) The hospital actually expected me to take this baby home and be in charge of her!

The changes which took place in that hospital room had a lasting effect. I have not had to go to work (thankfully). I still feel like my time is short with each of my children and I try to make the most of the time I have. And, as a result of having to actually care for that baby, and the others who followed, I have grown and matured in unexpected ways. The past 10 years have been incredible and I am truly blessed.

Thanks Kris for the opportunity to reflect!