Yesterday my pal Alisa and I had a conversation (via e-mail) regarding how one's priorities change once they have a child (unless you're Britney Spears). Eight years ago, before the arrival of her beautiful son, Grey, Alisa and I had very similar sleeping patterns and shopping habits. Now, her life is filled with early Saturday morning cartoons, Boy Scout meetings, soccer games, and shopping for school clothes and video games. I, on the other hand, continue to nap every Sunday afternoon and buy $400 cell phones and multiple pairs of black boots.
And occasionally, between good nights' sleep and selfish shopping trips, I wonder if I'm missing out on something important. Like when Peyton climbed up in Jen's lap last night and declared himself "momma's boy." Or talking to Ashley about preparing for the arrival of her bundle of joy... picking out nursery paint and baby names and diaper bags.
Then I remember that Jennifer rarely gets a good night's sleep with two or three little boys tangled around her while her hubby isolates himself in a pillow fort. And Ashley spent the first 12 weeks of her pregnancy too sick to eat. And Alisa's traded chick flicks for animated movies and the Speed channel. I know each of them would say without hesitation that every sacrifice is worth it for the joy that these boys (and one gender to be determined) have brought into their lives.
I wonder if my life will ever be changed by the pitter patter of little feet, the screaming of a colicky baby, and the expense of day care. I suppose things would be different if I'd met a man I wanted to procreate with. Honestly, my testostrone embargo isn't so much a choice as a worldwide male pact not to date me.
Perhaps I'm meant to forever revel in my singleness. To buy expensive toys for myself instead of a child, to sleep in on Saturdays and have control of the remote. Perhaps God replaced my maternal instinct with a gadget obsession.
And I'm okay with that. Thankfully my life is full of good friends and great family who have beautiful children they're willing to share with me. And then I can give them back and take a nap.
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5 comments:
While I'm usually pretty in tune w/God and His plans for all my friends and family, I must admit I'm not completely sure what he has in store for you as far as a hubby and child go. However, I do know that I've thanked Him more times than I can count for you. You're such a blessing to us and the boys. They LOVE you! It has been so nice having you just 20 minutes away. And for what it's worth, I think you'd be a fabulous mom. :)
Aw, that's so sweet! I wasn't trying to fish for compliments, but I'll take 'em anyway I can get 'em. And I love you guys, too. Especially when I walk in your house and B.R. says, "Who invited you here?" and Peyton tells me to "Doe home."
i know that you thank my family for sharing me with you, bunk mate.
Yes, and I thank your Mimi for calling five times in a row at 6 a.m. There's no one I'd rather have sleeping in the floor than you, Nanner.
Or you could be married and not have kids like me...go ahead everyone and stare...everyone else does. I live where I'm expected to show up pregnant any day because I've been married for 4.5 years, odds are, I'm not gonna.
I love kids...as long as I can spoil them and send them home with someone else. I do, however, reserve the right to change my mind 10 years from now.
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