Parenthood

Parenthood.
Some say it's the greatest gift of all.
Others say it will suck the life right out of you.
I say...
Both statements are true.
Becoming a parent will turn your world upside down. Suddenly your entire existence revolves around someone else. Yeah, this is sort of what we tell ourselves when we get married... In sickness and in health, 'til death do us part. But the love you have for your children is something else entirely. There's nothing quite like it.

Perhaps that is why parenthood is the most difficult job in the world. Why your life changes as soon as you hear those first cries in the delivery room. Why - when they're babies - you melt with each tiny movement, each gassy smile, each hiccup and every barely audible sigh.
It's hard to believe that Mackenzie will be two in a matter of months. That there will be a new kid on the block, one who I'll end up loving just as much. It's a tough concept to grasp at the moment. I've watched my daughter change and grow through almost every second of her life. I've spent countless hours and weeks and days staring at her in awe. I've savored each hug and every wet, slimy kiss. And after the whole family was awake the other night due to Mackenzie's ear infection, Doug and I spent a good portion of the following morning and afternoon sleepily gazing at our almost 2-year-old with such deep, unconditional love we almost forgot just how tired we were.  We laughed at how much our lives have changed.  How making our way through the DVR - once a coveted ritual reserved for lazy Sundays - had now become somewhat of a chore.  As we sat at the kitchen counter and watched Mackenzie eat her dinner - our heads propped up in the palms of our hands - we were reminded that this life we have, this journey called parenthood, truly is the most amazing thing in the world.  Even if it means we will be forever tired... regardless of how much sleep we get.  Because we will always worry about our children.  Our children will always test our patience.  And their health, well-being, and happiness will always come first.