A New Flame

When I was pregnant with Bennett, I had a conversation with a library patron about growing families. She said that having another child was like lighting a candle from another flame. The first flame does not diminish any when you light the second, and the second isn't any smaller than the first. They end up equal, but different.

I've added a third flame and though this is totally true again, I find that the flames are glowing brighter than ever. I look upon my (existing) children with new eyes. Soon, too soon, Owen will be as big and capable and intelligent as these two are. Weren't they just this small? Wasn't I just worrying and fretting over nursing them? Those are the eyes I used to gaze into while they drank, whose tiny hands I held.

We have our issues. Maddie is finding her "Trombley Temper". Bennett suddenly has forgotten how to do things he's been able to do for a long time, in response to me not being as available as before. Owen is unreliable in the eating department. This makes planning of any kind really difficult. But I watch them interact with one another and know that this was (mostly) worth it.