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#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Family of Three

April 17, 2014 By Lena

In 2014, I will be participating in #tbt courtesy of the Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One printer, the ultimate choice for scanning and printing. Ultra powerful and ultra slim, it produces stunning borderless photos and documents quickly and affordably. Featuring the ultimate in wireless printing, the XP-810 makes it easier than ever to print from your iPad, iPhone, tablet or smartphone, whether in your home or out and about.

2009, Ryder’s first birthday. We have very few photos together as a family of three, and at the very moment this photo was taken, I was content for Ryder to be an only child. Never a “natural” at this parenting thing, I found it difficult to relate to my little man. I found it difficult to find the patience, understanding and most of all, stamina to keep up with the demands of an unpredictable toddler. I found it difficult to cope. And so, I resigned myself to the fact that maybe a big family simply wasn’t for me, and I had better stop at one. For a while, we were a happy trio.

However, shortly after his birthday, I began to wonder if perhaps Ryder needed a sibling. A playmate; a confidante, a partner in crime. I rationalized that if I couldn’t – or wouldn’t – get down on my knees and play trucks with him, then it was in my power to provide him with a brother or sister who would. And I finally stopped being so hard on myself, acknowledging that many moms simply grow into their role, and perhaps all I needed was a little more practice (and a little more motivation) to come around. Baby Reid was conceived the very night I made the decision to have him.

But before there were two, there was just Ryder – the sunshine in my life; the feisty, mischievous little man who inspired equal parts awe and frustration. We were a family of three for almost exactly two years; and now, when the boys do something crazy (inappropriate, maddening, destructive, etc) – I try to remember that I purposefully brought them together, and take full responsibility for their exuberance… and in turn, my happiness.

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #tbt, #throwbackthursday, Epson Expression Premium XP-810 Small–in–One

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tricha

    April 17, 2014 at 9:16 am

    What a beautiful trio but aren’t you glad Ryder now has a playmate?

    • Lena

      April 17, 2014 at 9:52 am

      YES. Heck yes!! Wouldn’t change it for anything!

  2. AC

    April 17, 2014 at 11:45 am

    Great picture! Liking the blue theme going on. Having siblings myself, I’m glad Ryder has Reid.

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:48 am

      Thank you AC, totally agree :)

  3. Lynda Cook

    April 17, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    glad you changed your mind and had another one, I am an only child and you know what IT SUCKS!!! but I do love the picture of the three of you’s, such a beautiful family!!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:50 am

      Thanks for the reaffirmation, Lynda!

  4. Anne Taylor

    April 17, 2014 at 1:09 pm

    Gorgeous wee family! I’m also glad you had a sibling for your first born!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:54 am

      Thank you Anne :)

  5. Judy C (Judy Cowan)

    April 17, 2014 at 1:53 pm

    Great picture! I am sure Ryder will be glad you decided to have Reid!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:54 am

      I think so too Judy!

  6. jaimeem

    April 17, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    such a beautiful family

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:55 am

      Thank you Jaime :)

  7. Marissa

    April 17, 2014 at 4:14 pm

    Ryder looks so adorable and what a beautiful family picture!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:55 am

      Thanks Marissa!

  8. Susan T.

    April 17, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    What a great picture and a super cute baby!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:55 am

      Thank you Susan!

  9. heather robbins

    April 17, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    Beautiful family!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Thank you Heather :)

  10. Darlene Schuller

    April 17, 2014 at 7:13 pm

    What a beautiful picture of your then family of three :)

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Thanks so much Darlene :)

  11. Flora M

    April 17, 2014 at 7:26 pm

    I grew up as an only child, and there were times I thought it would be nice to have a brother or sister. I did have lots of friends that lived close to me, so that kind of made up for it.
    My daughter is an only child as well. But now she and her hubby have 5 children, and I am SO glad I didn’t have any siblings growing up LOL !

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:57 am

      Hahaha I can see how you’d think that now!

  12. A.Smith

    April 17, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    What a sweet photo

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:58 am

      Thank you :)

  13. Victoria Ess

    April 17, 2014 at 10:43 pm

    Beautifully written.

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:58 am

      Thank you Victoria :)

  14. Nicole W.

    April 18, 2014 at 2:25 am

    Awww, what a sweet post. Gorgeous photo, and great message for moms who may be struggling a bit (like my BFF, who’s baby boy is 5 months old).

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Nicole, appreciate it!

  15. Debbie S.

    April 18, 2014 at 8:30 pm

    Such an honest written piece, it is hard finding patience all the time, and glad you decided on one more. The boys will have each other as siblings and friends.

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:58 am

      They certainly will, thanks Debbie :)

  16. sarah sar

    April 18, 2014 at 8:40 pm

    Beautiful! I’m glad Ryder got a little brother….they will be best friends for life.

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:59 am

      Yes they will! Thanks Sarah!

  17. Stephanie LaPlante

    April 21, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    You have a very beautiful family

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 7:59 am

      Thank you Stephanie!

  18. Melinda L.

    April 22, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Awww that’s sweet. It’s good for kids to have siblings…or partner in crime ;)

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:00 am

      Agree, Melinda!

  19. nicky

    April 22, 2014 at 2:49 pm

    great pic – what a lovely family! Always fun to get a sibling added to the mix!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:01 am

      I agree Nicky!

  20. Treen Goodwin

    April 27, 2014 at 10:17 am

    You have a Beautiful family , great pic :)

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:01 am

      Thanks Treen!

  21. Tina F

    April 27, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    family is so important isn`t it Great picture of you 3 Its important to have another sibling to fight with, to confide in to have fun with to tell secrets to and to get introuble with :) I had twins

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:01 am

      Aw, completely agree Tina!

  22. Rick F

    April 28, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Very nice pic.

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:01 am

      Thanks Rick!

  23. Karen

    May 2, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    I was an only child, and so was my mother. For 8 years so was my eldest daughter, and up to when she turned the age of 7 I had resigned myself to the possibility she may be an only child as well (her bio dad & I had split when she was 2). Then I met my wonderful husband and his son, and now we have 3 children together (which makes 5 kids in our little blended family)!

    • Lena

      May 4, 2014 at 8:02 am

      So wonderful Karen :)

  24. kathy downey

    March 10, 2015 at 5:33 pm

    You have such a beautiful family! Blessings

  25. kathy downey

    March 16, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    A beautiful story and you tell it so well.Its just so magical somehow when you look at their flawless beauty and think…omg i made this little person

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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