A True Blessing...

Every day I am told by a different person that I am blessed.  My mother is helping to raise my boys.  She ran an at-home daycare for almost 30 years, raising dozens of "Meme's kids".  Although she retired last year, she still cares for Big-A and Lil-J five days a week while my husband and I are at work.  I don't need people to tell me that I'm blessed ...I remind myself every single day.  I do like hearing it from others, though J

The thought of returning to work after my first maternity leave was depressing.  I loved being home with my little guy, visiting my mother & sister (we were on mat leave together) and just hanging out, watching Big-A grow and develop.  For financial reasons, though, I had to return to work.  I had always known that my mom would take care of my children.  Her having an at-home daycare made this possible, and she placed 'dibs' on him early in my pregnancy.

I remember feeling nervous and nauseous leaving Big-A that first day.  Would he be good for her?  Would he sleep and eat well?  My mind was racing all day.  That night, I came home to a very happy baby.  I soon knew that he was in the best place he could be.  He was with family - my mother and father and a couple of my siblings.  And he had other "Meme's kids" looking out for him, welcoming him into their little family.  This positive experience made returning to work after my second maternity leave so much easier.

Big-A is a really good kid.  I mean, a REALLY good kid.  Discipline is rarely used in our home - it’s not needed.  He eats what we put in front of him, goes to bed without a fight and is an incredibly loving big brother to Lil-J.  He’s reading and writing and is doing amazing in school.  I know that this is a reflection of Hubby & I, and the way that we raised him.  But it is also a clear reflection of being raised by family, and I will always be thankful for that.  I look forward to watching Lil-J grow up with such a strong family influence as well.

Growing up, I was close to both my Grandmothers.  I looked up to them, and still do.  Everytime I bake, I know that my Nanny Orange is with me in spirit.  And I can’t control my excitement when my Nanny Green comes to visit from New Brunswick.  But I did miss out on this closeness when it came to my Grandfathers.  I wish that they were as interested in their grandkids as we were of them.  Things couldn’t be more different with my father and his relationship with his grandchildren.  He adores his two grandsons and three granddaughters, and the feeling is definitely mutual!  The highlight of Lil-J’s day is seeing his Papa in the morning.  As a parent, it is such a pleasure watching these special relationships grow.

I'm sure most people don't believe me, but I really do thank God (or whomever is up there listening) every day for this true blessing.  My husband and I have an amazing and supportive family.  And my boys have the best Nana & Papa, Gramma & Grampa, Aunts & Uncles and cousins that any parent could wish for.  To know that they are receiving unconditional love while we’re away from them each week is the most comforting feeling in the world.

It truly is a blessing...