These kids, a 5-year-old and a 2.5-year-old, were born on a farm. They have never not known what it's like to live among animals. They learned how to crawl in the kitchen next to an orphan piglet and they cuddle with newborn baby goats in their bed instead of stuffed animals.
An appreciation for reading doesn't just happen. It needs to be nurtured and
encouraged until a child develops an intrinsic desire to read and the self-confidence to pick up a
book on their own.
I've stood sweating in this woman's exact position, barely commanding the tears to wait until I got to my car. I've felt my face grow red and hot as my toddler screamed and kicked, waking up my baby who was angry and ready to nurse. I've felt so alone and so out of control.
You are all my firsts. And you may also be all my lasts. Whether Daddy and I can give you a little brother or sister is unknown to us. Giving you a sibling would be one of the greatest gifts, but nobody knows if we will be able to have more children.
Tonight my daughter introduced me to Luna, a light pink, dark purple, and orange cat, and a large, red dog with floppy ears called American Dog who also goes by the nickname of Dave.
I feel compelled to focus not on the disastrous, negative effects my divorce may be having on my children, but rather on how it might be serving them well.
