When you have that first baby, your heart swells. You feel love like you’ve never felt before. You look at your husband and your parents in a different way. Her needs and wants consume your life, and you can’t imagine ever loving another person as much as you do her.
Then you find out you are pregnant with baby number two and your heart breaks a little bit. You feel bad because you know there is just not room in your heart to love anyone else as much as you do your first. Guilt starts to stab at you because you know that this new baby is going to take time, love, and attention away from your precious first born.
But then that new baby is born and something miraculous happens. Your heart grows. It makes room for the new baby. You realize that you DO love him as much as the first. Maybe not the same way, because he is a different person, but just as much. Then you see the new baby with your first baby and you feel a love that you never even imagined possible. That’s what second babies do.
Happy birthday Bud! I’m so glad you came into our family four years ago. I don’t know what we would do without your silly grins, funny jokes, or most awesome hugs. You remind me on a daily basis what love and happiness is, and you can always make me smile no matter what, just like your daddy. I know we had a rough start, but I’m so glad we persevered. I can’t imagine my life without you.
Linking up with Memories Captured.
Happy 4th Birthday little guy!
You have perfectly described my feelings about my soon-t0-be-born second child – and reassured me that I WILL love him as much, albeit probably differently.
Thanks for linking up with us!
I promise. You will. Awhile back, like more than a year ago, about what it is like to be the mom of two. You can check it out if you want, http://www.jenniferpwilliams.com/2010/03/what-is-it-like-to-have-two-kids.html
You said it PERFECTLY. I too wondered if I would have space to love another child (even though I had twins) – and then … just like a miracle: it grew. Beautiful post.
It really does. All of the sudden there’s just more love there.
Awesome post! And so true even for 3 (and I imagine more) kids!
Happy birthday, handsome boy! I am hoping you’re right. I am hoping that two will mean more love, not less to go around.
It does. It grows exponentially. It is kind of like magic.
So sweet. You made me cry.
Happy birthday Bud!
Awwww. I’m sure you know exactly what I was meaning.
Beautiful! I love the ” I love you Mommy and your my best friend” *Swoon!
Ahhh, he says that when he wants something. “Momma, I’ll be your best fwiend.” But when he gets mad it is, “I’m not going to be your best fwiend anymore.”
I want to eat him up, I love him so.
He is very munchable.
Cute guy! I hope he has a wonderful birthday
Oh he is loving it. This year he is totally getting what birthdays are all about. Presents.
Okay and I had to come back and comment here- I have been reading his birth story! What an awful horrible experience. Wow! I get the shakes after c-sections too- but wow I can’t even imagine all you went through.
It was pretty horrific. I have to try not to think about it too much or I have flashbacks that are not pleasant. I had some dental work last year, and the anesthesia caused me to have shakes and really bad flashbacks. It was horrible.
Awww.. Happy Birthday, Bud!
Thanks.
Oh, Bud. He steals my heart just from your words about him and pictures of him.
And yes, our heart certainly makes the room…
He is definitely going to be a heart stealer. Poor girls.
Oh, happy birthday to your guy!
(Your words here are so very true, and so very beautiful! Love!)
He is my sweet boy.
My guy just turned four too. I love your guys crown! What a wonderful picture~
The crown was actually provided by the place where we had his party. And just fyi, he will not let ANYONE wear it.
Four is an absolutely fabulous age. I really love your Bud stories.
It is true. Second babies.
Oh those second babies. They help us learn just how big love can really be.
Happy Birthday Bud!
Such a sweet pic!
You described a mama’s love perfectly. I remember sitting in the rocking chair beside my oldest’s crib when I was enormously pregnant and sobbing b/c I felt bad for taking the spot of being the baby away from my oldest. But of course it all worked out.
He’s such a cutie! Love this sweet post. Seeing a relationship develop between our children is magical.
Thanks for this post Jennifer! We have just started trying for our second and I have had all of the thoughts that you mentioned. Thanks for letting me know it’s normal and OK. I can’t wait to let my heart grow!
It is so perfectly normal. I promise that second one will fill up your heart with so much love you will wonder how it was ever possible.
Aaawww, look at those EYES!!!
Happy birthday! Hope it was a great one!
He’s such a handsome thing.
You really have two pretty babies.
Thank you. I agree.