Introduction: Appreciating Life with Two

Hello! My name is Kate, and I am new to blogging. Just like so many people out there, I have been looking for a creative outlet and a place to share my thoughts and reflections on family life. The journey to being a mom is never ending and has so many lessons to give me every day. My amazing hubby, Dean, and I have two wonderful children, Jax and Bella.

Navigating the many choices, actions, and decisions there are for children is nothing new for any family. I have found, however, that with our second child, Bella, who is 8 weeks old, the choices we have made for her have affirmed the confidence and intuition I have as a mother and this has given me the ability to trust myself to know what is right for us and what is not. Jax, who is four now, is an energetic, vibrant ball of precocious who tested my limits and fears from day one of being pregnant. As a toddler and preschooler Jax has often taken the brunt of my busy schedule, with me running off to work early in the morning only to get stuck there late. (Thank GOODNESS for the family I am blessed with to be there to help so much!) I often gave in to the advice or admonishments of others and doubted myself to be able to do what I knew deep down would be good for him- natural birth? I hoped for it but did not arm myself (or the Hubs)with the right information, ending in a terrible, side-effect riddled induction where Jax teetered on the edge of losing him. Breastfeeding? I depended upon the trust I had with the Lactation Consultant the hospital had, who was a joke and could offer no helpful advice, and we ultimately failed. No matter how much I love Jax, deep down I was left with the feeling I had somehow let him down. I swore I would never have another baby, after the experience we had bringing Jax into the world. Why on Earth would someone want to go through that again?

Fast forward to the day we found out Bella would be joining our world. There I was, elated to have this discovery, but at the same time, panicked! The thoughts of everyday things went through my mind, How will it work with two? What about money and my job? What about the times I question if I'm cut out for being a mom to ONE, let alone two? What about the fact that I've always lusted after the idea of NOT having a job and just concentrating on the REAL job, being a mom? But the overpowering question I faced was, Oh my Lord, How am I going to get through that again! I am terrified. I slowly discovered the truth behind birth and maternity care in the United States and am proud to say I have found a true passion in natural birth, the practice of midwifery, and the trust I am now able to place in what women are meant to do. Because of Bella, I found the ability to trust myself, and to appreciate both of our children for how amazing they really are.

So, here I am, with the newfound respect I have for life and how precious both of my kiddos are. How precious my family of four (plus our dog) really is.Thats not to say I didnt appreciate Jax- but it is to say that since I have two babies, I realize more often than not how fast they grow, how amazing it is to see them learn, and how special even the little moments are. How amazing it is to see my four year old affectionately sing a song to his little sister, or how much we'll always remember their first smiles. I also realize how many things I am passionate about because of them- natural childbirth, attachment parenting, breastfeeding, babywearing, cloth diapering, and even a glass of good wine! I will be here to share my experiences while I discover the many more ways I can try to be a 'good mom', while I surprise even myself with some of the choices I make for them. Wish Me Luck!