Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

#ThrowbackThursday #tbt: Family of Three

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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.

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  3. 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!!

  11. 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 !

  14. 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).

  15. 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.

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

  21. 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

  23. 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)!

  25. 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