And so the Adventure Began

I knew that raising my daughter wouldn't be easy. I became pregnant with her when my first child was only 4 months old. My husband and I were too shocked to feel anything when we found out I was already expecting again (I know you're wondering....yes, I've heard of birth control and it just didn't work for me!). The thought of having a newborn and 13 month old terrified me. I really knew it wouldn't be easy when she spent her first six months constantly crying, day and night. I knew it would be exhausting when she decided to make snow angels out of Ovaltine on the kitchen floor...at just 2 years old. And I knew it would be an absolute joy the first time she sat in the passenger seat with me, looked up at me with her big smile, slid on her hot pink sunglasses and turned up the music. When did I know life with Abbi would be an adventure? When she told me to "lighten up and have fun." I believe she was 7. If I'm honest, I'd have to admit that it took me a few years to enjoy her. To be real honest, I stayed exasperated with her most of the time. She sees life in purple and I see life in black and white. However, being the psychology nerd that I am, I knew that my attitude towards her wouldn't help the mother/daughter bond, so I began to ask God to help me embrace her personality and appreciate our differences. There are many days that I have to stop and say a little prayer to myself, "God, HELP! I just don't get her!" He reminds me that she just doesn't get me either, most of the time. Thank goodness, I've begun to see life with Abbi as an adventure rather than a chore. I must admit that she has taught me just as much as I've taught her.