Mature Parenting

Behold, Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3

Is 40 the new 30?

If anyone had told me 10 years ago when my second child was born that I would have a 1 year old right now, I would have thought it nonsense. Well, that nonsense is very real, very exciting and very exhausting!

At 29 years old I gave birth to my son.  Nearly 4 years later, my second child, a daughter was born. By my perceived standard, that was a somewhat late start to parenthood. However, I found many blessings buried in being a "more mature parent". Ha! If only I had known then what being a mature parent truly meant.

My second child was born in 2003, fast forward my life to present, 2013. God has blessed my husband and I with a beautiful, spirited, full of energy (the energizer bunny, type of energy) baby girl, that turned 17 months old today. Amazing. Through trials and disappointments, death and life changes, the Lord has been faithful (He always is). Here I am, in my 40s blessed with an inspiring, amazing, loving husband, a busy, busy, nearly toddler, a beautiful, energetic tween and a handsome teen that loves to learn about, well... most anything.  So is 40 the new 30? Well, in some ways, yes it can be. I gave birth just prior to my 42nd birthday (I think my pregnancy experience may be a blog in itself, another day). Yet, on the other hand, one cannot defy the passing of time, or many of the effects it has on a body. 

Mommy or Grandma? What!

I will admit that I was caught a bit off guard the first time someone asked if I was Grandma. What!? I carried this baby for 9 months, endured a natural delivery, and I was the one to get up and nurse her every 2 hours, how could they even ASK such a thing. And if I am looking a little frazzled, and OLD ENOUGH to be her Grandma, well, it's just because...I AM.  I am old enough to be her Grandma, hmmm. The two subsequent times, (oops, three times counting the person in NY)that I was asked, I just silently assured myself that I DON'T look old enough, it's just my mature and diplomatic way of handling myself and my children that led those totally thoughtless people to ask me that question. I am certain as the years pass, and gravity seeks to attack, and time drags more pigment out of my hair, I'll need to be even more convincing in my self-assurance. But, hey it's okay, because I hold the best position available...I am Mom, and now again Mommy.

Train a child in the way he should go,

and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 22:6

She'll keep us young or do us in

My husband and I often joke that when our baby girl is in school and we attend events, she will insist that we are her grandparents. But, nah, I don't think so. I think we can come along side the "cool, hip" parents, and maybe even shine in doing so. There's a lot to be said for life experiences. I think that knowledge, and wisdom, and lack of big debts all make you look pretty darn cool! 

Here's to parenting in your 40s, 50s and maybe even 60s. You're only as old as you feel, and as your birth certificate states that you are.  Blessings on your parenting journey, no matter your age.