deep thoughts
So, most people who know me, know I LOVE newborns and babies. Not just photographing them. . . but having them. We made the decision our family was complete a couple of years ago and took the necessary precautions to make it a done deal (Do you read me? I’ll give you a hint. . .frozen peas!). I cried a little. . .ok, that’s not true. I cried A LOT. Think Niagra Falls meets a wicked rainstorm. Snot flying, tears streaming. . .well, you get the idea. Every month since then, I convince myself I’m pregnant. “I’m feeling a bit nauseous tonight. . .pregnant!”. “I am SO Hungry!! I must be pregnant!” “Holy CRAP I just gagged while brushing my teeth! I am SO pregnant!” Umm hello Kristin! We’ve had a surgery to fix this problem, you’re not pregnant! I’ve just heard all of the stories about people finding out their expecting after their husband has had the big V and I thought maybe I’d get lucky.
Here’s the thing though. Kids are expensive! Private school is INSANELY expensive and once kids turn past the age of one, they aren’t sweet, little chunky cherubs anymore (and I honestly don’t mind the sleep deprivation when their babies, just don’t talk to me about the sleep deprivation when their almost three years old and still waking me up every night to pee or climb in my bed at 3 in the morning). They often turn into 2 year-old little tantrum freaks who destroy everything in your home or 7 year-old sassy pants who slam their doors while yelling at the top of their lungs how mean you are. Now don’t get the idea I don’t love my kids to death. They are the joy of my life, but I’m good with three. 🙂
I came to this conclusion while watching my 1 year-old niece recently for almost a week. You’ve all seen her plenty of times on my blog, she’s a blonde-haired, blue-eyed cherub. I finally was feeling complete with my “We’ve decided not to have any more babies” campaign after she was here. Not because we didn’t enjoy her or that she wasn’t a ton of fun, because she and I seriously bonded over lullaby’s, and snuggles, and warm baby bottles (and maybe a couple of chocolate chips sneaked topped it for her. . . .sorry Sarah!). But I realized I’m ready to move on into the next phase of life. I’m enjoying my kids becoming more independent and being able to take them out for the day and not worry about nap-time meltdowns. I’m enjoying them letting me sleep in a bit on Saturdays and I love that we can think about taking a vacation in the car longer than 2 hours without me pulling all of my hair out (their dad has already pulled out all of his and while men look distinguished bald, I’m thinking women really don’t). So, I can’t promise that I won’t freak out every time I gag a little while brushing my teeth or when my kids tell me I am looking like I have a baby in my tummy (it’s called stretched out stomach meets too many enchiladas con margaritas), but I think I’m finally feeling at peace that we won’t have a new baby ever again. I might cry every so often that part of life is over and mourn the chubby cherub sweetness, but I am really looking forward to creating some new memories with my kids now that they are getting older.
If you made it this far, bless your heart for listening to me blubber on! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
xoxo,
Kristin
P.S. Because no post is good without a picture, here’s one of my kids watching Daddy play Wii. Gotta love little C’s hand on daddy’s head.
I am SO with you on that entire post. Three is a handful but I often wonder myself the ‘what ifs’ since my hubby got the big V. I know more would send me over the edge.
I am SO with you on that entire post. Three is a handful but I often wonder myself the ‘what ifs’ since my hubby got the big V. I know more would send me over the edge.
OMG..I love this post…so funny, but so sweet!!! xoxoxoxo
OMG..I love this post…so funny, but so sweet!!! xoxoxoxo
Kristin, thank you for writing this. Thank you for sharing.
My baby is 6 and we also visited frozen peas territory when he was 6 months old. I also hoped to get pregnant from the time he was 2 to 4 years. Now that he is 6 and my youngest I am so glad we made this decision when we did. I take nothing with me when we leave the house that isn’t already in my purse (and camera bag). NO snacks, no sippy cups, no extra clothes. We just leave the house, it’s freeing.
Kristin, thank you for writing this. Thank you for sharing.
My baby is 6 and we also visited frozen peas territory when he was 6 months old. I also hoped to get pregnant from the time he was 2 to 4 years. Now that he is 6 and my youngest I am so glad we made this decision when we did. I take nothing with me when we leave the house that isn’t already in my purse (and camera bag). NO snacks, no sippy cups, no extra clothes. We just leave the house, it’s freeing.
that was a good read. enjoyed it. you are a funny funny girl K. 🙂
that was a good read. enjoyed it. you are a funny funny girl K. 🙂
This was a fantastic read – right to the end:)
This was a fantastic read – right to the end:)
I’m there with you! Struggling to feel complete with 4, but really longing for one more baby. Terribly sad to think I might not ever be pregnant again. It’s a tough transition I’m not sure I’m ready for.
Well … Gotta run! My 2yo little sweet pea is handing me her boogers!!
I’m there with you! Struggling to feel complete with 4, but really longing for one more baby. Terribly sad to think I might not ever be pregnant again. It’s a tough transition I’m not sure I’m ready for.
Well … Gotta run! My 2yo little sweet pea is handing me her boogers!!
I enjoyed reading your blog! My husband and I have an 18 month old who is going on 18! The idea of having more scares me, but I look at all the sweet times and wonder how I don’t already have 10 (maybe it’s cause I’m 20 and that would just be wrong lol)
Have a great night!
I enjoyed reading your blog! My husband and I have an 18 month old who is going on 18! The idea of having more scares me, but I look at all the sweet times and wonder how I don’t already have 10 (maybe it’s cause I’m 20 and that would just be wrong lol)
Have a great night!
Totally enjoyed this, and can sooo relate!! 🙂
Totally enjoyed this, and can sooo relate!! 🙂
I’m in the exact same place as you are, Kristin. I SO get what you’re talking about! 😉 I’m good with 3 as well.
I’m in the exact same place as you are, Kristin. I SO get what you’re talking about! 😉 I’m good with 3 as well.
This was a great read Kristin. We have made a similar decision and will be making it permanent soon. It’s great to read someone else’s experiences on the topic. 🙂
This was a great read Kristin. We have made a similar decision and will be making it permanent soon. It’s great to read someone else’s experiences on the topic. 🙂
Oh how I could have posted this. I cried forever and ever after having my tubes tied after #5. Still 2 years later it is something that makes me incredibly sad. It has only been recently that I am coming to terms with it a bit more. I truly believe photography has helped. It gives me an outlet and is something that is just for me. Don’t get me wrong after a newborn session I get a little sad and miss those little peanuts but, I know deep down it was the best decision for our family. Hugs to you =)
Oh how I could have posted this. I cried forever and ever after having my tubes tied after #5. Still 2 years later it is something that makes me incredibly sad. It has only been recently that I am coming to terms with it a bit more. I truly believe photography has helped. It gives me an outlet and is something that is just for me. Don’t get me wrong after a newborn session I get a little sad and miss those little peanuts but, I know deep down it was the best decision for our family. Hugs to you =)
Such a wonderful text, to true and honest ! I discovered your website today and love your photos. Anne (from France)
Such a wonderful text, to true and honest ! I discovered your website today and love your photos. Anne (from France)
I know exactly how you feel! There are days I’m pretty sure I don’t even like kids. But then there are those days, where you get to hold one for a while, or cuddle one…then give it back. As soon as I give it back that feeling goes away. That’s how I know for sure we’re done. And I’m glad. We’re finally getting into this thing (several years ahead of you on this one) this thing where we are starting to have a life, with and without the kids. It’s really nice.
I know exactly how you feel! There are days I’m pretty sure I don’t even like kids. But then there are those days, where you get to hold one for a while, or cuddle one…then give it back. As soon as I give it back that feeling goes away. That’s how I know for sure we’re done. And I’m glad. We’re finally getting into this thing (several years ahead of you on this one) this thing where we are starting to have a life, with and without the kids. It’s really nice.
I understood every single comment you just made. I have five, but my oldest is 22. I have four with my current husband. I am very ready to move on to the next phase. I keep calendars all over the house. They remind me that each day is important and should be celebrated for what it is. I take pictures of my kids every year, then I can celebrate that they are moving on to different phases of their lives. I have a ceremony of putting their “next age” picture in the book. I enjoyed reading about your kids because my kids have the same quirks that can make a parent think, “Oh my! When do I get my life back!” Which is never, I guess.
I understood every single comment you just made. I have five, but my oldest is 22. I have four with my current husband. I am very ready to move on to the next phase. I keep calendars all over the house. They remind me that each day is important and should be celebrated for what it is. I take pictures of my kids every year, then I can celebrate that they are moving on to different phases of their lives. I have a ceremony of putting their “next age” picture in the book. I enjoyed reading about your kids because my kids have the same quirks that can make a parent think, “Oh my! When do I get my life back!” Which is never, I guess.
I can totally relate. That’s why it’s so nice to be a baby and children photographer. You get to be around lot of babies and children that are given back before you go home. 🙂
I can totally relate. That’s why it’s so nice to be a baby and children photographer. You get to be around lot of babies and children that are given back before you go home. 🙂
sniff sniff. We have two kids and with the thought of being ‘done’ in my husbands eyes, it makes me a little sad…BUT your story has shown me I’m not alone with the feelings and it’s ok to move forward with our journey. Thanks! 🙂
sniff sniff. We have two kids and with the thought of being ‘done’ in my husbands eyes, it makes me a little sad…BUT your story has shown me I’m not alone with the feelings and it’s ok to move forward with our journey. Thanks! 🙂
I feel exactly the same way! I have a 3 year old and 22 month old….I feel complete and excited for our piece of independence I feel with not having a child under 1 in my home but I am holding out for this to possibly change as the girls get a bit older.
I feel exactly the same way! I have a 3 year old and 22 month old….I feel complete and excited for our piece of independence I feel with not having a child under 1 in my home but I am holding out for this to possibly change as the girls get a bit older.
Oh! Thank you for this post! My husband & I are struggling with the same decision. We have four (the last two were twins) and at this point I DO NOT want any more (especially now that I know twins are a possibility) but we’ve decided not to make such an important decision when I’m so sleep deprived. (the twins are only 3 months old
Oh! Thank you for this post! My husband & I are struggling with the same decision. We have four (the last two were twins) and at this point I DO NOT want any more (especially now that I know twins are a possibility) but we’ve decided not to make such an important decision when I’m so sleep deprived. (the twins are only 3 months old
Sorry, I’m on my iPod (nursing) and that got posted before o was done. Anyway I appreciate you writing about it. When we eventually go through with it I’m sure I’ll feel the same way.
And my kids love watching their dad play video games too! 🙂
Sorry, I’m on my iPod (nursing) and that got posted before o was done. Anyway I appreciate you writing about it. When we eventually go through with it I’m sure I’ll feel the same way.
And my kids love watching their dad play video games too! 🙂