Saturday, August 6, 2011

My Biggest Fear and Mother's Guilt




For the past 22 months, probably even longer, life in my household has been about him. In every breath I find myself thinking about him, worrying about him, smiling at him or telling someone how in love I am with him.

And now, there is another baby who is going to be here in less than three weeks and the same thoughts keep creeping in my head, "Is there enough love? Do I have the capacity to love two the same? Is there enough depth in my heart to love completely, fully and will I be able to show both of them how much I love them? How can I possibly explain to him that he is my first born and no one will ever have the place in my heart? How I can tell him that giving him a sibling is one of the greatest gifts I could give him? How do I make sure he feels special and knows that his mama loves him no less because his sister came in this world?"

There are days that I think he could have been enough. He brings me that much joy and I so consumed with loving him, nurturing him, protecting him, and teaching him that I can't figure out how another one fits. These are the days that I think I am being selfish for wanting another and that I didn't think about him, his needs and his life.

But, I know that this baby will complete us. That these emotions, thoughts and fears while real are irrational and will disappear the moments our eyes meet her. It doesn't make it any easier. It doesn't make my guilt disappear. It doesn't make my tears disappear when think about how much change he will have to adapt to in a few short weeks. Most of all, it doesn't make me love him less. It makes me love him more.

4 comments:

  1. I won't lie. It's hard, but they will both love you and you them. It'll be perfect when you see them smiling at each other. Here for you!

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  2. Aww...congrats!

    My first two are 21 months apart and I felt the same way. The good thing is your heart just grows bigger. And I believe one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a sibling - even though they might not always agree!

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  3. I have been thinking about this lately as well- counting down the weeks until baby is here means that those are the weeks left with Brayden as my only. *sigh* I just KNOW there will be so much more love, we just can't even begin to question it.

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  4. I have 10 weeks to go and every time I snuggle up with my 3 year old son and he wraps his arms around my neck and says, "Mommy, I you best friend," I cannot help but wonder if he is going to feel that way once a new baby is taking up so much of my time. It is helpful to know I am not the only one who is worried about this.

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