Bring On Lemons

Some of you know my story and I'm in no way ashamed...I was pregnant for the first time at 20 and had a lovely baby girl. She was placed for adoption and we have always been very open with our family about her. It's a pretty heavy concept for a 5 and 6 year old to grasp and I admit it took me by surprise when my 5 year old son asked "why did you sell my sister?" and we have since talked about loving someone so much that you do what's best for them even though it breaks your heart. Anyway - I've been pregnant 6 times. Here's the scoop: My Age             Pregnancy Details 20 - Had a lovely baby girl after being on bed rest for 3 months 22 - Had a devastating miscarriage 30 - Had a lovely baby girl after being on bed rest for 6 months (3 months in the hospital) "Carmen" 31 - Had a handsome baby boy ... totally text book pregnancy ... no bedrest "Andre" 35 - Had a devastating miscarriage and learned about something called a 'mi...

A Halloween to Remember This story may or may not be true…is it a trick? A treat? Both? Neither? You decide…or maybe you’ll never know because you’ve entered the ‘fiction zone……” I received her reminder exactly a week before Halloween:  Am I still taking the kids trick or treating Halloween night? I had nearly forgotten I had promised her. I didn’t particularly care for Halloween and was happy to have someone else endure the evening of begging door to door for candy, so I responded: Sure, if you’re willing to take them, they’re all yours. Just don’t let them eat the candy. Having been our family babysitter for years, she expected that sort of reply and meant the following literally: LOL I knew she would let them eat some of the candy, and she knew that I would be fine with a little candy as long as it was done in moderation and some of the Tootsie Rolls would be saved for me. We made arrangements to meet at the local college so she could pick up another friend as ...

It’s not him…it’s me…reflective parenting A few years ago, someone provided me with their opinion about my parenting. From their vantage point, I clearly favored my daughter who is the oldest. The individual providing the advice felt that I didn’t give my youngest (my son) the same attention I gave his sister who was 14 months older. Most people would argue the case in the other direction. They would tell you that I baby my baby and have unrealistic expectations for my oldest. Regardless… Two children, two different personalities, and yet I love each of them with 110% of my being. That said – my son is very accustomed to getting his own way and he has my bad temper and short fuse. Today, I cut the bottom of his shirt off instead of arguing about the shirt being too long. It was then that I realized that it’s not him, it’s me. I give into him WAY more than I do with my daughter. It’s definitely not right and I will work on it. I’m all about root cause though – asking WHY – so… ...

Who Would Have Thought.... that I would so thoroughly enjoy being a mother? Yup - you heard me...my life did NOT lose all meaning and direction when I no longer had a paycheck or fancy title. I now have the most rewarding title of all: MOM I learn something new every day. I am reminded to love more deeply. I am learning to appreciate our differences, embrace our quirks, and I'm finding more joy than I ever thought possible. Thank you to those who made this possible.  May your paths be abundantly filled with lemons, sugar, sunshine, and little people (who are usually sticky)! ~Crystal

Dear Andre, It felt like just yesterday that I brought you home from the hospital. You were very tiny and cried a lot. You wouldn't sleep unless you were in my arms or lying next to me in bed. And now...I took you fishing and watched you with joy and pride. You aren't afraid to do things by yourself and soon enough you won't have time for kisses and hugs and snuggles. It makes me want to cry when you hold the door for me and say "here you go my lady" or when you say that your mommy is the prettiest girl in the whole world. The last four years have gone by so quickly and in no time, you won't have time for your mom...and you'll realize that I'm not so smart or pretty. I love being the center of your world and I am so thankful to have you and your sister in the center of mine. You'll always be my baby. Love, Mom

My child, You wonder why I hug so tight and why I'm always kissing you, Someday you'll understand. I realize how quickly you have already grown and I know, Soon you'll be an adult. You once couldn't wait to sit on my lap or softly kiss my cheek, Those moments are fewer. I love each of our milestones and I couldn't be prouder of you, You amaze me each day. No matter how big you get, I'll always want just one more moment, To love and hold you close. Love, Mom