Approximately sixteen years ago, my then-boyfriend and I began discussing the possibility of getting married. We were pretty sure this was a forever-type thing we had gotten ourselves into and, being the radical, pinko commies we were at the time (now we’re just socialists), we would have been just as happy without an official marriage license as with one, but ultimately we decided our families would prefer it if we made it all legal and legit, so we did. But I had one condition he had to agree to before I shackled myself to him for all eternity. One rock-solid, unassailable, deal-breaking condition: I did not want to have kids.
He mulled it over for several weeks. Made lists of pros and cons. Finally, secure in the knowledge that he had done his research and searched his own soul, he decided that he would accept my condition without reservation. And thus we embarked upon the adventure of our life together, two kindred spirits unencumbered by the responsibilities and burdens of parenthood.
Our first daughter, Harper, was born seven years later in 2003, and her little sister, Devon, arrived in 2006.
Yes, I had a change of heart. Usually I only admit to having developed an inability to take pills on a regular schedule, which is also true. But as vehemently as I hadn’t wanted kids in my twenties, in my thirties I knew beyond any doubt that I wanted—needed—to be a mother. And my wonderful husband, ever adaptable, was more than happy to wad up our original plans, throw them over his shoulder and say, “Okay, new adventure! Let’s go!” I will never forget the moment that Harper was born and my husband and I looked at each other, both of us crying, and said, “She’s here! She’s really here!”
Our lives have been immeasurably brightened by the addition of these two amazing girls. They are so completely different, and so confident about who they are and what they want. Harper is my tomboy, into insects and sharks and climbing trees. Devon is my pretty princess, dressed head-to-toe in pink and experimenting with her wardrobe. I can’t imagine life without them. I don’t want to imagine life without them. They are smart, good-natured, and seem to have inherited their mother’s sense of humor—which they will need in order to survive life as the daughters of someone who writes bad jokes on the internet. They not only tolerate my quilting habit, but encourage it, as they seem to assume that the products of my efforts will naturally be for them. And why wouldn’t they think that? Everything I do is for them.
When I look at them, I am so grateful I had that change of heart.
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COMMENT #1
I loved reading this!
COMMENT #2
Great post, Megan. You have a beautiful family!
COMMENT #3
Congratulations on your change of heart! 2 more humorous beings added to the universe – and we can use all the laughs we can get, right?
Thanks for sharing Megan.
COMMENT #4
I’m so glad you changed your mind. Those girls are adorable little geniuses, aren’t they? And with you and David for parents, they HAVE to be awesome. It’s some law of genetics or something.
I signed up to be a part of this, but I’m thinking maybe it’s best that I don’t. Mine would just be depressing. 🙂
COMMENT #
Why would it be depressing? I know you have a lot of great things in your life. Shoot, you can just talk about me if you want. I’ll even provide a photo. 🙂
COMMENT #5
Who knows better than Gramma the cuteness, brilliance and sweetness of these girls? They are my beautiful and always amazing grandaughters. I went along with Mommys notion of no children but how happy she has made us
all when she saw the light, (oops) changed her mind. What we and their parents would have missed. I can’t even
get a picture of life without Harper and Devon. Thank you, thank you! You are wonderful parents too. though the girls have to show you the way. Love, Gram (Mom)
COMMENT #
Ladies and gentlemen, my real, actual mom, the source of my sense of humor. Love you, mama!