We got through it, which was always going to be the case. Some parts were just as I predicted. Some were unexpectedly beautiful and amazing and left me feeling empowered. Pumpkin is perfect, and our little family feels complete.
The first child: brought the most powerful love into my life for the first time.
The next one: brought the most powerful love into my life for the first time, again.
(scarymommy.com)
The first time around approaching labour and birth I was blessed with the luxury of blissful ignorance. I had an open mind, no points of reference, and low expectations to avoid disappointment. I had a simple, straightforward birth plan and I was prepared to take advice from doctors and midwives and do whatever it took to ensure that we all came out the other side as happy and healthy as possible. And we did. And it was fine. Of course there was a great fear of the unknown the first time around, but after some Calmbirth training I found myself approaching the birth of my first child with excitement and confidence outweighing anxiety and fear.
After the arrival of The Bean, my husband and I used to wonder what we did with our time pre-child. We fantasise that we used to read books, watch movies, and sleep in. We probably got things done around the house when we weren't sitting around counting our disposable income. I know for certain that I used to have more time to take photos (although this is an activity that I have finally managed to drag into my post-child life in the form of a business venture). I am probably healthier now that I no longer have the time or inclination to indulge in excessive partying on the weekends. As anyone who has had the opportunity to combine a hangover with the responsibility of caring for a small child can attest to, it's just not worth it.
