Friday, September 17, 2010

Lucky 13

This is it, folks. Our 13th year.

The year we remember not because of job loss or financial issues. The year marked by no births, pregnancies, or house purchases. The year of figuring things out together and growing closer and achieving some of our dreams. The year of doing more for us as a couple and less for the needs of the children.

The year of focusing on US.
The one thing that has me embracing this whole "no more babies" idea is knowing that by finishing that stage of our lives, we are allowing a new stage to take precedence. The time where we can finally pay attention to each other!! What a concept... The whole reason for starting up this family gig of ours was the love we share. It's nice to have the ability to put our relationship back where it belongs: Above the Children.
It may be hard to picture if you have only little bitty kids. When your eldest is under 10 and you have several little kids going in different directions, it's ROUGH. Their needs are so immediate; so physically draining. There isn't always a lot left at the end of a day to stare into each other's eyes and profess the love that is still there, but slightly hidden...

Emotionally and financially, we were strapped. I am beyond grateful that Patrick's new job has opened up our lives to living together and seeing each other again. Throwing exasperated sticky notes at the other person as we passed in the hall on our shifts for sleeping wasn't the happiest time in our marriage...

Having my "baby" turn 5 in one month WILL be tough on me. I can't deny that I will always remain nostalgic for tiny babies and little kids. There's something special about that time in a parent's life. BUT. There is something special about this time in our lives, too. And I will NOT miss out on it by bemoaning what we used to have. Change is constant and I am embracing this new period, for as long as it lasts!

This is our Lucky 13th, babe. I can't wait to see what it brings!

17 comments:

Kat said...

Beautifully and perfectly said. I am not there right now but I know I kind of dread my kids growing up, though I know I have so much to look forward to in that. This was a good post for me to read. Thank you.

And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!! :)

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Happy Anniversary! Cheers to the two of you!

Mom24 said...

Happy 13! I hope it holds wonderful things.

Debbie said...

Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for the reminder that my boys won't be so little forever. It makes me scream with joy and sadness, together in one moment.
Love your wedding picture. I don't think you've aged a day! Beautiful you!

Kim Moldofsky said...

This is the time we wait and anticipate the fun of beings grandparents. I think our oldest boys are about the same age, so I'm sure you join me in hoping that grandparenting is at least a decade away.

Happy anniversary!

Gettysburg Mom said...

Happy Anniversary!

(I'm glad nobody was eaten by a bear this year. Would that be your cover story to the authorities if you'd slipped and killed him this year? "Ummm, camping. Yeah- that's right. He went camping..."

Joy said...

Have a wonderful time reconnecting and enjoying each other. Happy Anniversary!!

Eliza said...

Congrats to lucky thirteen!!!

PS: we can't be friends....I'm a cubs fan! Oh no! Just kidding. But seriously, I am a cubs fan...is that a problem for you? ;)

*~(boom)~* said...

What a beautiful wedding photo. Makin' me feel a little bit misty over here, darnit.

Happy 13... :)

Me said...

Happy Anniversary!

I loved this post...

Hannah said...

Happy Anniversary! I am so thrilled for you guys, that you are going to make an effort to put your marriage first. It's hard when you have little kids. My eldest is 8 but I think we are pretty much where you are now. It is so much EASIER!! They don't NEED us as much now, and they are old enough to understand that their parents want and need some time on their own. Enjoy your long-awaited special time with Patrick, this IS your year!

Anne said...

Congrats!!! GREAT perspective - your marriage SHOULD be above the kids, not that they're not the most important people in the world, but because you can only be good parents if you take care of each other. Here's to many many more!!

Kamis Khlopchyk said...

How neat that there are currently 13 comments!

Happy anniversary Tracey! I agree, there is some nostalgia but date night while my 9 and 6 year old have a blast with sitter? Appealing to the nth degree.

Here's to life after babies! It's pretty cool

mep said...

Beautiful post! Hope your anniversary was wonderful and that this coming year is your best and luckiest so far! As a mom of small children, I find that nurturing my marriage really takes a back burner. Your post reminds me that it won't always be that way. Thank goodness.

nmaha said...

Congratulations. What a lovely idea, focusing on the two of u. I still have one more baby to go, so can pick up tips from u guys in the mean time.

You look gorgeous in that wedding dress.

Sorry for such a late comment, just catching up on all my favourite blogs.

Michelle said...

happy belated 13th anniversary! and many more wonderful years together!

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