Chipper with children thread...

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I'm not looking to start a debate. I just wanted to start a thread on this subject. I respect other people's decisions. I have more respect for people who decide to not have kids than people who have them and don't take care of them. I also feel very bad for anyone who wants them and can't have them.

It took us years to have our son, and when I held him the first time, I've never been happier in my life.

I have read the childfree thread, and I didn't want to post on it, because I really had nothing to add. But I would see posts from time to time about events that people would share where people would see kids act a certain way or something, and the poster would say they're glad because of stuff like this they decided to not have kids.

I wanted to share stories of when I knew it was the right decision in my life, or if anyone has any they wanted to add. This isn't a correct way to parent thread or any of that stuff.

I was at the White Sox game Sat. night. The manager was losing another one because he insists on playing a third baseman at center field. I was pretty stressed and decided to take my son for a walk on the ramps on the outside of the stadium. We spent a lot of time splashing in the puddles. I went back inside and didn't really care about the score of the game. After the game they had fireworks, and I love watching my boy pointing at them and getting excited. Even though the WS lost, I walked out of there carrying him with a smile on my face.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Awwww, what a great post.

No matter how stressed I am with my daily life, whenever my dd puts her little arms around me and tells me that she loves me and that I'm the "best mommy in the world," nothing else matters. If I'm in a less than stellar mood and I hear her laughter or see her smile, I melt.

I was one of the ones who didn't want children. I have nothing against children, I just didn't think they were for me. DD was an unplanned surprise and now I would have it no other way. She's really the light of my life.

 

[L107ANGEL]

My children put my priorities where they needed to be and I thank god everyday for that. They certainly don't define me but they do make my life richer! (not in the money sort of way)
By the way, you rock!

 

[luvmy2sams]

I'm not looking to start a debate. I just wanted to start a thread on this subject. I respect other people's decisions. I have more respect for people who decide to not have kids than people who have them and don't take care of them. I also feel very bad for anyone who wants them and can't have them.

Great post, duckfan!

Many moons ago I vowed never to get married and never to have children. Fast forward to meeting my future DH, and 16 years later we're the proud parents of DD7 and DS3. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Watching DD7 thrive in school, watching her practice her ballet and jazz moves, is a joy I can't explain. She's the perfect combination of DH and I, and I look forward to watching her travel through this lifetime. Her love and compassion are overwhelming at times, as are her moments when she acts more like a hormone-filled 13-year-old than a sweet little girl.

DS3 makes me laugh. He's a rough and tumble boy, but he likes nothing better than to curl up on mommy's lap and kiss my arm from finger to shoulder, telling me that "I'm mommy's boy. I love you."

As another poster stated, my kids keep my priorities in order. They're not my life, but I thank God every day that they are a big part of my life. I'm blessed.

 

[TurboKitty]

Wonderful thread and OP!

Had the best time last night, sharing the new Animaniacs DVD with our DS, who will be 12 on Thurs. so he doesn't remember the show much. Just listening to him laugh as the rapid-fire jokes flew was fun.

I wasn't sure I wanted kids myself. I didn't have very good role models on how to be a parent. When I met my DH though, I changed my mind. I knew with him, I could be a decent mom.

DS is great, just easing into adolecence, but still a joyful kid. We still enjoy some things together, like Weird Al music.

DD is also great. Her giggle makes my heart sing. Seeing her spontaneously use new ASL words and really try to communicate lifts my downtrodden spirit. Having her make her own choices and allowing her chances to be more independant is a thing of beauty. She also gives great hugs and kisses. They may be rare, but they are worth it. It's hard to believe she's going to 9 this Nov.

 

[The Mayor]

My children are 24(son) and 22(daughter) now and just graduated form college this past May and I have thanked God every day since they were born that He brought them into my life...I could tell a million stories of the things they did to bring smiles to my face and make my problems go away...I am very proud of them and can't imagine them not in my life.

 

[IceQueen777]

I always knew that I wanted children, and it is just as fulfilling as I thought it would be. DH and I enjoyed our life before we had kids, and we will enjoy it also after they are grown and gone, but for now life is fun and never boring! My children are sweet, loving and fun. Sure, it is work raising kids, but the most rewarding things in life involve a little work. You get out of life what you put into it.

I'm off now to go and play with my littlest one...he is really enjoying music right now (he is 14 months) so we are going to play some CD's and dance!

Have a good day everyone.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Being a Dad has taught me that life is not all about me. No offense at all intended to child-free adults, but it was a little over 9 years ago, when our first child was born, that I came to understand that my life had a much mor eimportnat focus than myself. This is not to say that I have not given myself fully to my wife in our committed life together (I have), but there is just something different about being responsible for a little life in this world -or two lives as DW proudly are parents of now. To know that we have the responsibility to shape them, love them, provide for them, and help them be healthy adults is humbling and overwhelming. I love my kids more than words can say because they really do make me who I am.

 

[Alice28]

I have 3, and they have changed my life. They do not define everything about me, but they have certainly matured me, made me think outside myself, and best of, they make me laugh every day. Sure, I may be more tired, and most of my money I spend are on my kids and their needs, but I enjoy it! I love looking at them and seeing them grow into their own little persons, and yet seeing glimmers of myself and DH in there too.

 

[lindalinda]

I always wanted 5 or 6, but was only blessed with 1, but even as a 14 year old slob, he's my best buddy and I have more fun with him than anyone!

 

[disneymama73]

I have made so many mistakes in my life, but they have all brought me to having my 3 girls. I cannot imagine life without them. They have taught me the true meaning of selflessness and patience. They are everything to me.

ANGEL MOM
(author unknown)

Once upon a time there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God:
They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless? Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you.

But tell me, here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy. Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and be happy.

And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me, if I don't know the language that men talk? Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.

And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you? Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.

I've heard that on earth there are bad men. Who will protect me? Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.

But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore. Your angel will always talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you.

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly:

Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name Your angel's name is of no importance, you will call your angel:

Mommy​

 

[Chipperdini]

Nice thread.

 

[oxfordcircus]

I received an email from our senior minister last night concerning my 4 year old son. Apparently between sermons, our minister stopped in and gave a short lesson to the 4 year old sunday school class. My son, who knows no strangers, asked the minister "do you know my dad?", to which the minister replied "Yes, I know your mom and your dad!" It's nice to know the little fellow likes his old man.

 

[lyeag]

I think I always wanted to have children. I have 3 now ages 14,8 and 5. I can't imagine my life without them. I love being able to see things "new" again through their eyes. I love spending time with them, reading, talking or just hanging out.

Yes, they make me crazy sometimes, my 5 year old son talks non stop most days, my house isn't always so clean, and I can't just pick up and do whatever I want, but the joy I get from having them in my life is priceless. When oldest searches the audience for my face before a concert, or when my 8 year old dd looks to see my face after she breaks a board, or my youngest proudly brings me a picture he made at school, I know I am a positive force in their lives. I love the chaos, the joy, the noise, the fun, the hugs, the silliness, even the problems that comes from being a parent.

Yes, right now, they pretty much are the center of my world, but that is because I choose it to be that way. As the younger ones become more independent and older, it will change. I know I am able to give up things for myself now because I had time to find myself when I was younger. I went places and saw things and had fun before I decided to have children. I had been in the military and got to see other parts of the world and enjoy being single . I got the wildness out of myself early, so when I had my first child at 23, I was ready to put her needs first.

 

[georgina]

Count me in the chipper with children group! Mine are 16, 14, and 11. I can't imagine my life without them, I am extremely proud of them, and I feel that raising them has been the most important job of my life. In a few years we will start launching them out into the world to fly on their own. I will always worry about them, but I feel good because I know they will be ready.

 

[3princesses+aprince]

I have 3 daughters and a stepson. When I met Dh, Anthony was 2 months away from his 2nd birthday. He was so cute. I knew I wanted kids before I met Dh and Anthony, but after I met them I couldn't wait. I love my kids so much, and I look forward to every day I spend with them. I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with them too I love when we do things together, especially for the first time,like Disney, seeing the fireworks this past fourth of July was awesome, my dd2 didn't remember them from last year, she was so amazed. She kept saying" oooohhhh look"

I LOVE MY KIDS!!!
I can't imagine living your entire life without children, I can't think of anything else that would be so much fun, so much work, and so worth it.

 

[Luv'sTink]

Count me in too! Gosh where to start......Some days I look at DS and think how sad life would be for me if I never got to have him. He is my own little miracle. He was an "accident" and at the time caused me a lot of dismay but from the day he was born (before actually) I knew it was right and no accident. In fact without DS I would never have met DH.

I agree some people know they shouldn't have kids and thats fine for them, just not for me. I will admit it is hard for me to understand how anyone could not want children but again there choice.

 

[Jennifer S]

Very nice thread I have two boys ages 10 and 6 and just love them to death. Yes we have our bad days like evryone else but they make me appreciate the good ones even more. I'm so glad I have them.

 

[lillygator]

Awesome idea!!

Count me in as well...two princesses 3 and 1. There is NOTHING better at the end of the day than the excitment on their faces and in their voices when I pick them up. I love hearing their little I love you's before bed. They have made my life and relationship richer in so many ways.

 

[PixiePop]

Count me in.

I just love my DS so much, I can not express the happiness I have watching him grow, learn and become the person he will be.