Operation Procreation Has Commenced.

Do you know what it takes to be a good parent? I am still learning. The main ingredient that I have learned that you MUST have is an open mind. Sounds easy enough, right? Umm...not when it comes to your own kids. I definitely have one. For now, anyway.
Many of us have this master plan for our kids. You know, a plan that sums up how we want them to be raised in extraordinary circumstances and how we want them to turn out. The master plan is a great baseline for parental perfection BUT each kid needs their own parental master plan and lemme tell you, you better be ready to adjust your master plan. OVER and OVER.

I learned the meaning of unconditional love after meeting Colin for the first time. I definitely have loved people before. In fact, I love and adore many people. However, Colin hit me right between the eyes. I never had a clue what love was until I met that kid. Then, my nervousness in having a second...it made me question if I could love Emma as much as Colin. I didn't know how it was possible to love two people so unconditionally. Oh my goodness, I did. In fact, I think my love for both of them went to another level the day Emma was born.

The decision to stop expanding our brood came quite naturally. I started realizing that if we had another child, yes, of course I would be happy and love them with all of my being etc etc. However, how the heck could I manage three kids with this Army lifestyle? I know that many many women do it, and flawlessly (or so it appears). I guess I just know my obsession with having an open mind with the two I have while maintaining patience. I can divide my love and attention so evenly right now. So, after months of discussion...two it is. Colin and Emma. A boy and a girl.

Chris decided to be the one to ensure surprises regarding another child would be eliminated. Such a sweet guy. After all, I was NOT volunteering to be cut open AGAIN. So, he did.

I was recently thinking back on our master plan that Chris and I discussed when I was pregnant with Colin. I realized that the plan included never getting lost in being a parent where we could neglect one another. So, here we are. Surviving deployment #3 in our marriage and surviving #6 through Chris's career which is forthcoming. I am mindful of our relationship and care deeply about what happens to it. I am also enjoying that I can invest emotions into other people in my life now. I am less overcome by emotions right now. I am starting to feel really comfortable with the way things are.

So, here we are. Just the four of us - for all time(well, and Sully).

xo