Babies Galore

Since September, there have been additions of lots of babies in families close to the Light Trio....Baby William, Baby Teagan, Baby Simon, Baby Emmett  (not posting last names or photos due to copy right infringements). These babies are all the first born in their families, which of course means the moms and dads are all new parents. It seems like so long ago when Alex and I were in that same position, and it is amazing how quickly the memories of those days flood my brain as I am holding these new precious little angels.  I get exhausted for the new moms and dads just thinking back to those long, sleepless nights, which are bitter-sweet because you are more tired than you think possible, yet you are enjoying the most amazing bonding experience with your little one. I remember when afternoons were filled just rocking away with Hunter cuddled up on my chest. I remember going down the check-list of possible reasons for when he was crying...is he hungry, does he need a new diaper, does he want a change in scenery...and then after we figured it out and he stopped crying the house seemed so quiet and peaceful.

A quick 2 years later and now the only time the house is quiet is when Bubs is sound asleep. He fills the halls up with his chattering or laughing or drum playing or sports-players impersonation or pretend whining or real whining or singing or running or falling. Getting Hunter to go to sleep is less of that bonding experience is now more of a battle of the wills as he does his very best to manipulate us into forgetting about bedtime. The afternoons are no longer filled with relaxing in the rocking chair, but are now filled with whatever activity Hunter is in the mood for (usually sports or music related). Toddler-hood is certainly a far cry from infant-hood, but the great thing about it is that the family evolves into it together so it doesn't seem so foreign when you get there, whereas with infant-hood you are more or less just thrown into it on the day of the birth, there's no way to truly prepare for it.

To all those new moms and dads out there, welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood...its not always the easiest job on the planet, but it certainly is the most rewarding; and the best part is, you gain a new best friend out of it. Oh and even though the sleepless nights are making you tired now....your energy levels are certainly going to be pushed to the limits starting in the next year or so...so I would advise that you bottle up all that energy you are saving during those long hours of rocking and cuddling, because it will come to good use once you hit this stage....

ps....the "terrible-twos" is a myth, don't let it scare you...if you ask me, age 2 has been the most fun yet!!