Life
Becoming friends with my parents as an adult has been amazing. Getting to know who they are as people and having fun hanging out with them is, well, awesome. I don't have to pretend to be OK when I'm not, or try so hard to impress them. In the end, they love me no matter what. I've also learned so much about them, especially now that I'm pregnant. In fact, I would go so far as to say there are some things you can only learn about your own parents during pregnancy, which can at least help making the whole morning-sickness-feeling-like-crap-all-the-time thing worth it.
During my pregnancy, I've learned things like: my parents want to help however they can, they don't judge me for having a messy house while on bedrest with a high risk pregnancy, and they feel scared and vulnerable when I am hurting. It's also been amazing to see them get excited for new grand babies. My mom is my biggest cheerleader and, although I still haven't told her what we're naming the baby, she keeps making silly guesses. (Hint: it's not Rupert, Harrison, or Morgan). My dad and I didn't always get along when I was young. I was, shall we say, a difficult teen; rebelling in multiple ways that often involved an older guy with a motorcycle. Now I know my dad loves me and supports me no matter what. I also know how much I need him in my life. I don't want to raise my kids without him as a their papa.
I have learned so much about them throughout my pregnancy, especially when I have needed help. Being pregnant is no joke, but I have been able to count on them for love, support, and even meeting us at the hospital in the middle of the night.
How Awesome They Are
They really are amazing. My parents have helped us watch the kids when I've had to go to the hospital or we've needed a break, helped me when I've needed help around the house, and even cooked when we wanted to host Thanksgiving dinner at our house during my difficult pregnancy. They are seriously awesome.
How Scared They Still Get When You Are Hurt
As a mother, I know how hard it is to see my babies hurting. I've learned from my parents that that doesn't go away when they are grown. Pregnancy has not been an easy ride for me and it hasn't been easy for them to watch.
How Much They Love You
You know your parents love you when they spend the day cleaning your house and watching your kids when you are on bedrest. You definitely know they love you when they drive 30 minutes to the hospital in the middle of the night to pick up your four kids, when you go into labor two months early.
Their Opinions About Parenting
Even though I don't parent the same way as my parents did me, I listen when they give advice. When I'm pregnant, I definitely love to hear so many stories about my mom's pregnancies and thoughts about how to successfully raise a baby. Fortunately, my parents trust me to do a good job, even if I make different choices.
How Much They Love Their Grandkids
My parents are seriously pumped about their grandkids. They also can't wait to meet our next child in a few weeks.
They Don't Care If Your House Is Clean
My parents not only don't care that my house isn't spotless, they have come over several times to help clean it when I've gone completely bonkers on bedrest.
How Much They Want To Help
They seriously want to help make my life easier. Even if my mom has her own magical ways of doing things that are different than my way of doing things, they have helped me more than they can ever know.
They Really Know What They Are Talking About
My parents have "been there and done that" in a lot of different ways over the years. Some of their advice is outdated, but often they have some really great ideas and thoughts that make me a better parent and person. I still have so much to learn from them.
They Can Give You Comfort Like No One Else
Sometimes I just need my mommy or daddy to hug me and tell me everything is going to be OK.
How Much You Still Need Mom And Dad
When I was pregnant with my son, my dad got seriously sick. It was so frightening to think about my life and my kids' lives without them. So far they've supported me through almost three pregnancies (including the one currently in progress), marriage and divorce from my ex, countless moves, the huge challenge of becoming a single mom, and another marriage to my awesome husband.
They have always been there for me, and I will always need them, especially now that I am about to become a mother again.
