We Chose to Love You

After some time when we had your brother, 

The question was muttered, "will they have another?"

Having our first born was something we'd planned

but having a second, well, your father had banned 

He said the thought of going through it again,

Would put fear in even the strongest of men.

but inside my heart was a voice growing stronger, 

Don't let him be an only any longer

Throughout my pregnancy I continued to worry

"How is it possible to love another" raced through my mind in a flurry. 

I needn't have worried for little did I know,

With each child you heart doubles and continues to grow  

Bringing you in to this world was an amazing feat

What a long wait but as soon as I saw you I felt complete

The voice within my heart shouted louder and true

and in that moment I realised that we had both chosen to love you. 

Although you brought so much joy to our lives 

In the first year it's a wonder how parents survive

through sleepless nights, colic and teething

Lying awake listening for you breathing

There was nothing more magical than feeds through the night

getting the chance for a cuddle and holding you tight

Losing myself in those eyes, deep pools of blue

your fingers gripping me tightly and feeling the warmth of you

A year on and my heart continues to grow

You are loved by all around you more than you know

So Happy Birthday to you my beautiful baby

and as they question "surely you are finished" I will simply mutter

"Maybe". 

Happy First Birthday Jamie Boy xx

It's Not All About The Blood

As part of raising awareness of CLIC Sargent's Do Something Yummy campaign, I am taking part in a writing link up with prompts from Nickie at Typecast.

The prompt this week is: What does family mean to me?

Up until my twenties I was an only child. I lived with my mum and dad who had had their share of marital disputes but were still together. When they divorced when I was 21 I think it's safe to say that it was a shock to everyone, including them. I had lived a sheltered, close knit family life. I think that divorce is difficult at any age but at 21 I was set in my ways. I had never imagined that my family dynamics would change.

My Dad moved abroad to Czech Republic and he has since remarried and had another child. My little brother Daniel is 3 weeks older than JC.

Danny

My Mum remarried and I gained 2 step sibings, Kate (21 yrs) and Shaun (18 yrs).

Kate 

Shaun

These weren't the only changes. The ripple in the pond of divorce touches everyone in a family so there was disruption among the grandparents, extended family and close friends.

I went on to make my own family too. I got married and gained in-laws and then went on to have JC.


So in a nutshell, family means more than blood to me.

I have learned that the value of family lies in being there for each other regardless of blood ties. It's about being patient and recognising that we are all different and that nobody is perfect. It's about celebrating the good and accepting the bad bits. It's a living organism that is dynamic and ever changing.

It really wasn't until I had my own child that I understood a mother's love - which I wrote about here.

I love my family, warts and all. It's not always easy but I am blessed to have each and everyone of them enriching my life.