You Are My Greatest Adventure
To My People,
Recently we were hanging out with a group of married friends when it dawned on me that Daddy and I were the old-marrieds of the bunch. Everyone else had been married two years or less...and here we are fast-approaching our 5th anniversary. What the what???
I'm realizing more lately how quickly Daddy and I really did have kids. Sure, we'd been married two years before Miles came along, but here we are five years and two kids into marriage, when some of our friends have been married five years and are still [purposefully] waiting. My Instagram feed seems chock-full of childless married couples going on grand adventures together and living nomadic lifestyles. Meanwhile, my personal Instagram feed is exploding with pictures of the cutest little chubby faces you've ever seen (yes, I'm biased). And in case you didn't get that, Little Munchkins, that would be you.
Settling down and having kids isn't for everyone, I'll give you that. But for Daddy and I, it really was and is. And really, the family life is a bigger challenge and adventure than any fast-paced action movie showing at the theatre. What is an adventure after all? It's full of unknowns and fatigue and pushing you beyond what you thought possible. It's full of challenge and hurt and mistakes and worry. What's a bigger adventure than getting married and having kids? I mean, the Fast and the Furious crew can't hold a candle to me. I'd like to see them navigate traffic with one hand holding a paci in the back seat and not be distracted by the loudest, most obnoxious screaming ever (again, a little biased). Oh, and Jason Bourne? I'll bet I can function way better than you can on no sleep. I've conditioned myself...I have babies. Don't get me started on kicking b*** with super human strength. Have you ever tried to mess with mama's babies? And I'd like to see MacGyver figure out a way to hold a potty training toddler over a public potty while simultaneously holding a newborn as well as I can. (And Miles, I will be telling the pooping-on-my-foot story at your wedding someday because...you owe me.)
In all seriousness though, you all are the greatest, most fulfilling adventure I've ever been on...or probably ever will go on. No, I don't spend my days scaling mountains or living out of a station wagon, but my days are still incredibly rewarding. We really try to keep traveling and going on spontaneous adventures with you little crazies in tow (#babywearing or #carrythemwithyou anyone???). We throw in our fair share of crazy. Think: flying cross-country with a two-year-old and an 8 week old, flying alone with a 23-month "lap" baby and an ever decreasing preggo lap, camping big and pregnant, camping with an 11-month old, or hiking with two kids on our back. Yet, even on the days when I'm just home with you all day there are still challenges to overcome and new adventures to be had. Although it may seem like it sometimes, being a wife and mom is not mundane. It's an adventure that's not for the faint of heart. It's gritty and raw and revealing and strengthening all at the same time. It's one of the hardest and best things you'll ever do.
Some days as parents, Daddy and I thrive. Others, we just barely survive. Yet, I know we wouldn't trade the adventure of parenthood for a billion solo adventures out in the world.
Andy, Miles, and Nora, you are my greatest adventure.
Love,
Caitlin (aka, Mommy)
Recently we were hanging out with a group of married friends when it dawned on me that Daddy and I were the old-marrieds of the bunch. Everyone else had been married two years or less...and here we are fast-approaching our 5th anniversary. What the what???
I'm realizing more lately how quickly Daddy and I really did have kids. Sure, we'd been married two years before Miles came along, but here we are five years and two kids into marriage, when some of our friends have been married five years and are still [purposefully] waiting. My Instagram feed seems chock-full of childless married couples going on grand adventures together and living nomadic lifestyles. Meanwhile, my personal Instagram feed is exploding with pictures of the cutest little chubby faces you've ever seen (yes, I'm biased). And in case you didn't get that, Little Munchkins, that would be you.
Settling down and having kids isn't for everyone, I'll give you that. But for Daddy and I, it really was and is. And really, the family life is a bigger challenge and adventure than any fast-paced action movie showing at the theatre. What is an adventure after all? It's full of unknowns and fatigue and pushing you beyond what you thought possible. It's full of challenge and hurt and mistakes and worry. What's a bigger adventure than getting married and having kids? I mean, the Fast and the Furious crew can't hold a candle to me. I'd like to see them navigate traffic with one hand holding a paci in the back seat and not be distracted by the loudest, most obnoxious screaming ever (again, a little biased). Oh, and Jason Bourne? I'll bet I can function way better than you can on no sleep. I've conditioned myself...I have babies. Don't get me started on kicking b*** with super human strength. Have you ever tried to mess with mama's babies? And I'd like to see MacGyver figure out a way to hold a potty training toddler over a public potty while simultaneously holding a newborn as well as I can. (And Miles, I will be telling the pooping-on-my-foot story at your wedding someday because...you owe me.)
In all seriousness though, you all are the greatest, most fulfilling adventure I've ever been on...or probably ever will go on. No, I don't spend my days scaling mountains or living out of a station wagon, but my days are still incredibly rewarding. We really try to keep traveling and going on spontaneous adventures with you little crazies in tow (#babywearing or #carrythemwithyou anyone???). We throw in our fair share of crazy. Think: flying cross-country with a two-year-old and an 8 week old, flying alone with a 23-month "lap" baby and an ever decreasing preggo lap, camping big and pregnant, camping with an 11-month old, or hiking with two kids on our back. Yet, even on the days when I'm just home with you all day there are still challenges to overcome and new adventures to be had. Although it may seem like it sometimes, being a wife and mom is not mundane. It's an adventure that's not for the faint of heart. It's gritty and raw and revealing and strengthening all at the same time. It's one of the hardest and best things you'll ever do.
Some days as parents, Daddy and I thrive. Others, we just barely survive. Yet, I know we wouldn't trade the adventure of parenthood for a billion solo adventures out in the world.
Andy, Miles, and Nora, you are my greatest adventure.
Love,
Caitlin (aka, Mommy)
Labels: family, husband, life, motherhood, parenting
posted by Unknown @ 1:03 PM
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