I was remiss in not recounting at least a little of the joys this holiday season brought us. The Cutlet, who turned 1 on Dec. 26, has been making us smile, giving us near heart attacks and then filling our hearts with so much love for an entire year. This year, Christmas was all about him. And it turned out to be one of our best ever because of that. Really, all I wanted was to get some socks and underwear for myself (sadly I didn't).
Some of you don't enjoy stories about children, so I'll make as painless and brief as possible. My son is so important to me, however, so here's a list of what the Cutlet has given me and the Petite Filet over the past year:
1. A compelling reason to stay home and have family time more often than not.
2. Someone who is excited when one of us comes home. He rushes to greet us at the door.
3. A legitimate reason to hang out at the toy aisle at Target, and the removal of some embarrassment when we buy something. ("I swear, Laughsalot Grover is not for me!"). We're also rediscovering how clever some children's books are, as well as a few of the fine programs created for children on the tee vee.
4. The realization that it is possible to love someone too much. So much that it hurts. Our love for our son has deepened our feelings for each other and helped strengthen our marriage.
5. Heart palpitations when he learns to climb up on things, then fall down. Minor murmurs occurred when he first learned to crawl, then walk, then run around the house. Then calming down when we realize we have to let him get hurt so he'll learn, and that it's all a part of growing up.
6. We have an almost perpetual state of worn-outness that comes with parenting.
7. Neither one of us would have it any other way.
8. Adult "alone time" is sweeter when we have the chance. The fact that she breast-fed him for 10 months also meant I was denied some husbandly benefits during that time – all for a good cause, of course. So glad the priveleges have been restored!
9. We now have a reason to budget our finances even more carefully. Babies are expensive! And I don't mean toys and batteries. Food, formula, diapers, medicine (and we have a healthy one!), etc. etc. etc. It has amazed us how we can live primarily off my salary. The numbers don't always add up, but by the grace of God we have a house, two working cars, food to eat, clothes to wear and a happy child.
10. We don't live only for our son, but he has added dimension to our sense of purpose in the world.
I've said this a few times before, but before we got married, the Petite Filet and I were complete people. Marriage made us more complete. Having a child has completed us further exponentially. We don't deserve it by any measure, and maybe that's why I consider it such a blessing.
My heart is with those trying unsuccessfully to start a family. That was us. After the miscarriage, I wasn't sure I ever wanted to try again. The fact is, when two people love each other, that IS a family. Everything else is gravy.
What wonderful sentiments. I love the babies too. They seem to make you happier, no matter how happy you were before.
Happy New Year, my blogfriend.
Cas
Well said...
Though you might want to remember these comments when the cutlet is 16 and comes home and tells you he backed the car (no damage to our vehicle)into a lady's car at school and he didn't bother to call the police, because she didn't want to. Then gave out all of his information but didn't take hers in return, so we had no way of figuring out who she was until the claim of $3000. showed up at the insurance company!
Comments like yours make you remember why you had children or at least married a man who had them already! In the end all the good stuff is gravy. The bad things are just the dishes you have to wash in order to have gravy again!
Happy New Year
(4) and (10) are the ones that struck the strongest chord with me, but they're all good. Your Cutlet is a cutie-pie. You are blessed. Happy New Year.
He is just SOOO adorable! You can talk about him all you want! :)
I can't believe how much he's grown. He's almost as cute as my sons :þ
I love your baby posts.
Happy New Year!!!
Great pic of The Cutlet. He's a cutie! Great list, too. It makes me want to have kids (of course I need to find a woman to help me in that endeavor).
Not that you really care, but I did get myself some new undies for X-mas (are you jealous? hahaha).
Your L'll Cutlet is gorgeous! As a parent too, I frequently - read almost always - talk about our children too. So I like to hear about other peoples experiences with their children.
I found your blog to be very touching. Thanks.
Have a great 2004!
The Cutlet is adorable. And I will leave off on the horror stories of teens behind a wheel, or first dates, and all that other tough stuff. All in good time, my man. All in good time.
Enjoy them when they are little. Once they reach teens, they are too cool to hang with you much.
He is adorable!!!! Happy New Year!!!
i love all of your stories. love the baby ones!! very well put T. makes me wanna go squeeze matt!
Awwww... makes me want to get married and have kids. And that is no small feat my friend. :)
Yeah, that was really sweet. Happy New Year to you all!!
I agree. People you love, they're your family. A husband and a wife, they're a family, and the rest is gravy.
Some time soon, may we all be as happy as you, T.
oooh he is so big!
Nice pic. Recently I have found the paternity bug biting. I wonder if '04 will have a surprise for me? Hmm.
He is such a cutie - what a sweetheart!
That's a fantastic photo!
Glad to hear your Christmas was spectacular and full of joy. :)
I lost you there but I found you again. The little guy is soo big and soo damn adorable. I love kid stories and for those who don't - screw them. lol I'm so glad I found you again. Hope you have a great holiday season!!
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