Common sense....or something like it.

Here's the thing. After you have one child it is very easy to get caught up in the business of wanting another one. The precious wittle bay-bee that once was is now a big shrieky, tantrumy, whiny mess and you are consumed with an insatiable craving for a new little adorable ball of pudge. You miss cuddling an infant against your chest. The goos and coos and gurgles that only a newborn can generate. Even the semi-odorless poops that a new baby produces at an alarming rate seem like little diapers from heaven compared to what comes out of a toddler on a daily basis. It is very easy to find yourself "accidentally" forgetting to take your pill for a couple of days in a row.

If you find yourself in this mental land of baby-want right now feel very lucky you are reading my blog. I am here to save you with this little nugget of wisdom. That diminutive little person that you long for will also grow into a child. One that screams at you. One that doesn't listen when you tell it for the ten millionth time to quit playing in the damn dog water. One that tells you with great certainty that you are the most horrible parent in the entire world and that they would be much better off going to live with (insert name of beloved aunt, cherished teacher, or random stranger that just looks nicer than you could ever be). Yep, they don't stay little forever.

It is also very possible if you have two that when the second child turns to the dark side it will be approximately at the same time that you are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the first one. When the elder child is leaving that stage they call the "terrible twos" (this happens sometime between the ages of four and never) all of a sudden you have to go through it all over again. And yes, I am speaking from experience. Vanessa is beginning to show some strong indications that she has indeed made a pact with the devil and has given up her sweetness and ability to mind for something far more important and enticing, such as a powdered donut.

I don't mean to scare any of you with a young second child or one on the way. I myself have three offspring. (I believe, however, that this is a strong indication of the high amount of crazy in my system.) The trials and tribulations that come with having more than one child is, of course, counteracted and overcome by the additional quantities of hugs, kisses, and "I love you's" that you gain. In the end, I don't regret having three babies. Sometimes I may wish it were legal to sell them on E-Bay, but I never regret them. They are the loves of my life, three separate pieces of my heart existing outside of my body. I realize they are not going to be these ages forever and I try very hard to appreciate each and every stage they go through. I just thought I should pass on these lessons of parenthood that I am learning everyday with you. Your welcome!