It’s funny how you can discover similarities between the people you love the most in the world in the most unexpected of ways. That’s what happened to me when I told my mom and my husband about my blog. They were both excited, and encouraging, and dare I say it, proud. But they also both noted how they relished their privacy and couldn’t imagine putting details of themselves out there in the way blogging required.
To be honest, other than whether or not to use my kids’ first names, I hadn’t really considered the whole privacy thing. I figured if something was not ready for prime time I wouldn’t share it. But they had a point that my blog was a more permanent way for me to wear my heart on my sleeve, something I’ve been fighting all of my life. So now I get to embrace that part of me that shows the world how I feel no matter how much I try to hide it. Only this time, I’m putting my heart on my sleeve, not just wearing it.
So without further adieu, I introduce to you the loves of my life. Sometimes they’ll be the stars of this show; sometimes they’ll just make a guest appearance; and sometimes they’ll get to hang out in their trailers waiting in the wings for the next post.
My Husband: Marc
We met at overnight camp, and it wasn’t love at first sight by any means. He wore aviator glasses and sported braces. But he was still a big flirt with a wicked sense of humor that I loved even as a teenager. When we reconnected a decade later, he’d ditched the glasses and braces but still managed to keep me laughing. How could I say no when he decorated our apartment in rose petals and popped the question? Since then, we’ve moved a few times, had a few kids, and somehow managed to find the humor through it all. Some days are easier than others, but I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
First Born: “Mr. C”
Mr. C arrived in our lives in June 2005. Alert right from the start, a friend gave him the nickname “The Mayor” when he was just 8 weeks old. He’s always had a way of connecting with people and making friends wherever he goes. I hope he never loses that and always sees the good in those around him.
Second Born: “Miss J”
Miss J is a Halloween baby circa 2006. She’s the one who brought tears to my eyes after I welcomed her into the world. She continues to amaze me with her giving nature, her spunk, her creativity. I love when people say she’s a mini version of me. For now at least she seems to love it too. Hopefully that won’t change, even as she grows into her own person.
Third Born: “Miss N”
Baby number three came as a bit of a surprise to us. We always planned for at least three, but this mama had different timing in mind. Make plans, though, and you know who laughs. And with Miss N, there’s always something to laugh about. Her giggles are infectious. When she joined our family in October 2008, we shared an instabond. It was as if she knew I hadn’t been expecting her at first, and so she was going to give me no reason to ever question her arrival.
Fourth Born: “Mr. B”
Our caboose was my idea, and it’s fair to say he’s definitely my little man. He prefers me to most anyone else, and while he’s given us more of a run for our money than any of our other kids, I can’t help but love his love. The bear hugs he gives me, the doe eyes when he says, “I missed you,” if I have to be away from him, are all part of my final chapter in the world of very little kids. There’s nothing like feeling his small hand in mine as we walk together to our next stop.
Of course, there’s so much more to my peeps than these thumbnail sketches, but I wanted to give you a little taste of who they all are and the timing of their arrival into my life. I look forward to sharing more of them with you!