34 years ago today

I became a mother, officially, for the 3rd time. Andrea (named after her maternal great-grandfather Andrew Schum) is a strong person, and she has overcome difficulties, just as Andrew did. He was the only one of his family who chose to immigrate and bring his family to America in 1911, when Andrea's grandfather was 2 years old. Her grandfather Martin is still alive and unusually healthy at 101. He has practiced prevention and lived a frugal life, worked hard, but retired early. Her grandmother is also a very hard worker, and has many talents that Andrea has chosen to continue: making quilts, cooking, sewing, knitting (grandma says she did when she was young).
She is a good mother and enjoys planning & hosting parties, family gatherings and maintaining family traditions. Such was the party she planned today. It was 'just right'.

Now that we have a nice large home, we hope to do that more-- as we did today. the kids played in the yard; we grilled. there was plenty of room in the living room for people to sit and chat. The dirty dishes were out of sight in our kitchen that is not seen from the front room! (I really like that!)

Andrea has been a 'special' youngest child. .and her brother and sister often teased me that she was spoiled. I would tell them that each child gets treated differently, based on their personality. I truly believe that. .and I don't apologize for any of my parenting with any of them. I am proud of them all, but mostly of Andrea, since she is JUST VERY SPECIAL to me. none of my other kids (and their families) would I want to live with me. .nor they have me in their homes. .they are different. .I think that Andrea and Chris and I have managed (and will continue to work toward) mutual respect.
This is the way families in Grandfather Andrew's and Martin's day managed, and raised children who learned to appreciate each other. .and we can too.
Our 3-gen family has already paid off in financial savings (utilities, food, shared vehicles/tools, shared gardening/yardwork). .and also in providing care for me during the recuperation from my shoulder surgery. I trust there will be many more instances that we find the benefits and values of this decision.

Back in 1976, Andrea was not 'planned'. .nor were her sister and brother-- like couples can plan the possibilty and timing of having children now.. .
but each day I am thankful for the special blessing that each of them brings to my life.
yes. .the pain of childbirth is so quickly forgotten. .and the recovery is not even as long as for a broken bone or rotator cuff surgery. The female body has fantastic abilities to be restored and refreshed by the birth of a child. LM