Ok, I always knew families were supposed to have a mom, a dad and however many kids. I always felt bad for single moms, having to be both nurturer and provider. It wasn't until tonight that I realized, and truly appreciated, how divinely inspired the basic family unit is. And all these feminists that are having kids without a husband are absolutely BONKERS! I know there are other situations out there that result in single motherhood, but those that are actually choosing to be single moms... I can't imagine.
Tonight, I baby-sat for our neighbors. It was their anniversary and I figured everyone deserves to go out on their anniversary, especially if they have kids. So, when he asked, I was a little hesitant since I'd have to do it alone and they have 3 kids... 2 rambunctious little boys and a little girl who is only a few months old. And I'd be bringing my own kid along... he's still inside, but that has it's own obstacles. But, it was their anniversary. It wasn't an awful experience or anything... they were actually pretty good. I mean, they did fight a little and make a few messes and of course the baby cried an inconsolable cry while I was trying to get the oldest to bed and only wanted to be walked around with, turned facing out (which was killer on my back... and our little bean wasn't too fond of the screaming person sitting on his already cramped quarters)... but it made me grateful to have a husband that is excited to be a dad and that actually wants to help raise our kids. He even says he wants to help with middle-of-the-night feedings. I'll be on my own for the first few weeks, but once little bean can take a bottle, I won't turn down offered help. We'll see if he still actually does want to help with those feedings once we have to do a few of them... especially with the crazy, long hours he's been putting in at work. He'll probably be just as exhausted and sleep-deprived as me, even if he doesn't help in the middle of the night.
Like I said, it wasn't an awful, horrid experience. It just gave me a new sense of gratitude for my amazing husband and for the uplifting and sincere hope (who knows what this life will hold and what may happen) that I won't have to raise my children alone.
