I am going to be 42 years old next month.  I had two children in my 20s.  I was a single mother almost all those years.  My son, Derek, is now 19 and lives far away, although I can reach him online every evening if I wanted to bother him that much.  I try not to bother him that much, though.  He's got a lot of online friends.  Who wants to be chatting with their mom every night?

My daughter, Brianna, is the prettiest girl in the whole world.  She is loving and caring.  She's gone through so much and stands by her mother no matter what.  She's 15 now and in high school.  I'm so proud of both of my kids.

So, why did I decide to have a baby after all that time?  When other women my age are starting to become grandmothers, I want to be a mommy again.  I don't have any answers for you.  But, all I need to do is look at that face and know that I've done the right thing.

Having a baby at this stage of my life holds many joys and MANY challenges.  The biggest difference is that I am staying at home with Christian.  With Derek and Brianna, I always worked outside the home.  They learned a lot in day care and, I'm sure that I missed so much.  In fact, I KNOW that I missed so much.  I missed things I didn't even know about.  But, I see this all with Christian.

I see every little thing that he learns.  I know exactly where he learned it.  For instance, the other day, I told him his diaper is Yucky.  And, he made a little phitszz sound.  He didn't learn it from me.  He learned it from my neighbor upstairs.

He learned to point at things the other day and shows me things all the time.  He learned to touch his nose when I asked him where his nose is.  There are hundreds of things that I see him doing that I didn't have time to notice with my other two.

Don't get me wrong.  I love all three of my kids equally.  But, to actually see these things and be such a big part of his life.  Well, it's the most fantastic thing.  Truly an amazing blessing.

I love my children so much.  And, having this little blessing, no matter how challenging, is truly one of the best gifts I could ever receive.

I stayed at home with my three children for 12 years. Now I could have been teaching and making some tangible income, but my hubby and I were committed to my staying home for those kids. Now that the 2 boys are in college and my youngest daughter is a sophomore in high school, I wouldn't change a thing. I treasure the memories that we made during those very rough years. Financially, we were considered to be very poor, but we never accepted welfare or any other aid. Yes, it was rough, but we made it and the kids were the beneficiaries--what more could a mom and dad want? You go, girl. Stay home with your baby and ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!! Been there, loved that.
Susan

what a lovely post!
i can't believe i haven't visited your blog in so long. you're up to so many things!

Kim... that is such a great post. I am a single mommy (my first and NOT in my 20's..she is 4 I am 36). I have to hand it to you for making it through as a single mom with 2 of them! I know I miss things with my daughter, and I hate that fact. Glad you are getting to enjoy Christian!
tallyhoney@yahoo.com:)

Hi Kim: Your post about Christian was so sweet and heartfelt. I know how you feel. I just turned 42 this past June. I have two daughters, who will turn 21 and 14 next month. They are the absolute lights in my life. I am a single mom and truly have been for most of their lives. Until recently, my parents were their caretakers while I worked outside the home. I lost my mom four years ago this past June and just lost my dad this past January 24. I could have paid to put the girls in day care so I could work, but my parents would not have any of that. They took care of my girls from birth till they both passed. Mom and dad retired the year my oldest daughter was born and from that point were insistent that their grandbabies be with them so they could enjoy them, but also so the kids could enjoy nanny and pop and those memories that you mentioned could be shared within the family. I am eternally grateful for my parents' support. Now that they are both gone, the girls and I are reminded daily of the true impact of my parents' generosity and love for their grandchildren and for me. We spent countless hours together - my parents, my children, and I. And it really has been comforting. I had the great fortune of staying at home for a short while with both of my girls while they were babies. My girls are so protective of me and I am of them too. We get along fabulously well and they are focused and are great students too. I couldn't ask for better kids. At this point in my life, if I were to remarry, I would certainly consider one or two more children. I would even consider adoption and really am thinking that would be something I'd like to do because I am adopted and that also is such a wonderful gift. I do work outside the home, but for a major oil corporation, so my job flexibility is so great that I can balance work/family and all works out okay. I admire you for your talent and your dedication to your kids and family. I know what it is like to be a

I stayed home with my children and I wouldn't trade a second of it. But I realize for some Moms that staying home is not an option but I am so happy that you can stay home with Christian and enjoy all the things he is learning and the ways he is growing. He is adorable.