My wish list

Maybe I'm just naive but I honestly cannot wrap my head around all the controversy going on right now in the parenting world. It all started with the Time magazine cover of a mom breastfeeding her son and it has just exploded on the internet since. Does anybody even know if the magazine is even out yet so people can read the article?

I've read so many different newspaper, blog, and magazine posts the past few days and it amazes me how heated people get. What happened to being happy with the fact that your child is healthy and happy? Who cares how the child was fed (or for how long) or how they learned to sleep through the night. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am very proud to have nursed my son for over a year but in no way shape or form do I feel the need or care to look down upon people that don't. My mom made the decision to formula feed me and I think that I turned out pretty good.

As a mom I realize that every decision I make will impact my children in one way or another but at the end of the day.....I just want them to be happy and healthy. I read an article this morning by Kara Baskin about her wish list for her son. Read it here if you'd like. She seems to share my sentiment and has inspired me to share a few of my hopes for my children.

I hope that they know the things in life that really matter don't come easily and you must work hard for what you want.

I hope that they are polite and kind. 'Please' and 'thank you' are the most simple words but also the most forgotten.

I had to steal this from Kara because I agree wholeheartedly. I hope I raise a child who will stick up for a kid who’s being bullied on the playground. I also hope I raise a child who, if he’s the one being bullied, fights back. Hard. Oh, and if he’s the bully? I hope he realizes that his mother will cause him more pain than a bully ever could.

I hope that they love to read as much astheir mother.

I hope that they grow up and look back at the relationships of their parents and grandparents to realize that there is true love out there and to never settle for anything less.

I hope their hearts are full of compassion for others, human and animals alike.

I hope that they have a love of animals and think there's nothing better than pets in a house like their mother.

I hope that they are outgoing and can carry on a conversation with anyone (whether you like them or not) like their father.

I hope that they know their parents will always be there for them but also realize that they are their own person.

I hope they they know that not all their prayers will be answered and that's okay.

What are the hopes for your children be it born or not, adopted or biological? My hope is that whatever they are, that health and happiness are among the top.

Lane's Big News

This time it isn't about Lane getting teeth, which seems to have stalled at 2. Lane will be a big brother in a few months. Go ahead and reread that now if you haven't already. Just to make sure you're not crazy...yes, yes you are correct. Our family is officially growing by the addition of another person and this little person hopefully will not be making an entrance until November 12th. I tend to be a little conservative when it comes to sharing our news so this blog is dedicated so those family and friends that have been dying for an official announcement.

We planned on doing our official family and friend announcement about now but two weddings changed that and we had to tell some people at the end of March/beginning of April. Mark's sister wanted a destination wedding in November..definite no go and I'm in a wedding in September that was planning on very form fitting (aka non-flattering for pregnant folk) dresses. So what does this mean for the Widick clan??

1. YES we do know how this happens and no we aren't too crazy. Most people's responses (except 1..I love you Joni) has been 'Wow.' or 'Are you serious? That was quick.' Then it's the congratulations!
2. Mark's hunting this fall/winter will be incredibly limited, if at all.
3. We'll have 2 kids approximately 18 months and under. This is where most people have stopped and thought....you guys are crazy.
4. At least they'll be in two different grades!
5. I'll get to be home on maternity leave for Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Year's. I couldn't have planned that any better if I tried since I plan on taking the full 8 weeks that I'm allowed this time around.
6. We'll be spending approximately $10,000 a year in daycare. I hope to God that I'm over estimating that.
7. Approximately 6,000 diapers will be changed in this baby's 1st year for both kids.
8. It's very likely that not many people will receive Christmas presents from us this year...unless I do all the shopping before November or do it online. Or be prepared for gift cards that are available at Walmart!
9. This mama does not enjoy being pregnant any more the 2nd time around than the 1st. At least there shouldn't be any big surprises.
10. Meals are limited to prepackaged, frozen or grilling by Mark. Poor Mark barely had any home cooked meals while I was pregnant with Lane and those first few months! Very sad coming from a lady who loves to cook.
11. I recently found out that Mark is hoping for a girl this time so that way I have my girl and he's hoping I will want to quit having kids.

A big thank you everyone that has given us congratulations! We are very excited and here's our first picture of the little bean.