That's What They Said

There has been one quote that got me through having a baby when I felt like I already had a baby. While pregnant, I had questions about whether or not there would be enough love in me to share between two children. Then I read this and returned to it over and over:
"Only love can be divided endlessly and still not diminish"- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

And now I know its absolutely true. My love for Elijah remains and my love for Andi is now present. They are equal but unique loves.
When Drew and I married, we understood we didn't have enough love then to sustain a lifelong marriage. We knew God would sustain and grow us up in love. I'm assuming the same sort of thing happens with the gifts of children...that our love for them will grow, be molded, and intensify. I know all of this love depends on the One who is Love. And that Love is so great we'll never fully understand it.

There is so much about parenthood and mommy-ness that I don't yet know or understand. These quotes help me too!

"When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments: tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become" -Louis Pasteur

"Pregnancy defined is: Getting company inside one's skin" -Maggie Scarf
(Here I totally agree...in a sense I miss my babies once they are born...in my tummy they were always with me and we shared many great chats and adventures without the stress of carseats!)

"Children seldom misquote you. They more often repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said"- Mae Maloo
(This is our present reality with "Elijah the Mimick". There was a recent incident involving Drew and backing up our minivan and an unfortunate scooter of the neighbor girls...a bad word was spoken, and repeated!)

"Once you bring life into this world, you must protect it. We must protect it by changing the world" -Elie Weisel

"If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in"- Rachel Carson
(I don't completely resonate with the fairies part but like the idea of going with kids into discovery)

"List of parental requirements: Affection without sentiment, authority without cruelty, discipline without obligation, companionship without possessiveness."- William E. Blatz

"Parents are often so busy with the physical rearing of children that they miss the glory of parenthood, just as the grandeur of the trees is lost when raking leaves." -Marcelene Cox
(This is a tension I face with all of the pooping, crying, holding, washing, feeding that is required with two under the age of two. I hope I pause to take in the grandeur, even amidst the poop.)