That picture, my friends, is evidence that we have hit the age of the “Twonado.” If you’re a parent, you know it takes them about 2 minutes to create that scene and afterwards, they are on to the next location to create something similar. In fact, I’m not sure I will ever be able to keep a full bookshelf again. While I don’t know that my house will ever be neat and tidy during this phase, I (oddly) don’t really mind.
Which sort of brings me to the point of this article.
I read a blog yesterday that left me sort of … bothered, I suppose. The lady went on and on about how she regretted having her baby at an older age. She said it was a decision that she and her husband “didn’t really think through.” It was quite a long article.
It wasn’t written in a mean-spirited sort of way, though I thought it was sad (the depressing sort of sad). However, I think it was good for her to write it in some ways, because it may make others realize that parenthood isn’t for them if it isn’t. It was truthful on her end and made the point that just because the biological clock is ticking, doesn’t mean some people shouldn’t just hit the snooze button and find fulfillment another way.
I am her polar opposite I guess, because this post will show you a completely different outlook. This opinion is not buttered and sugar-coated. It’s how I really feel.
Bug just turned 2 and I’m 47. It turns out that I am the same age as the aforementioned blogger. It doesn’t take a scientist to realize that a 47 year old does not usually have the energy that a 20-something year old does. There are times I’m exhausted and my back is sore. There are times that I wonder how I’ll keep up with him as I get older.
There are also times that I fear, because I do the math and realize how old I will be when he graduates and all of the health risks that I could encounter between now and then due to my age. Heaven knows that the advertisers on TV and the internet would never let me forget them.
But, you know what? I have never, ever, even for a minute, regretted having my baby. I feel like he’s made our family complete. I enjoy him so much. He fascinates and amazes me. He is just the most precious gift from God.
That’s not to say things are perfect.
There are times (now that he’s two) that he’s challenging. There are times those challenges are almost humorous (like when I calmly say “no” and he storms into the other room and yells “NOOOOO” back at me, then thinks about it a few minutes and comes running in to give me a hug to say he’s sorry and wants to be friends again).
There are times I worry too much and times I cry when he starts crying, because it breaks my heart when he is truly sad.
There are times that I worry if I will have enough energy to keep up with him as he grows because I am getting older.
There are times we hit real power struggles and I get frustrated while he gets angry.
But, really, in two years I already have so many precious memories with him and my husband that I can only imagine how many great things are to come.
I guess it’s all about where you are in life and what you want out of it. Parenthood is not for everyone and I cannot promise that you will get the joy that I have from embarking on this adventure. It really is a personal decision that has to be weighed out carefully if you are at that crossroads. For me, it’s one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.
If you want to read more about some of the positive side of parenthood over 40, read “6 Great Things About Being a New Mom Over 40.”