their your kids, now take care of them!

I'm going to be brutally honest (& probably get myself into trouble) but here goes.  They are your kids.  You need to learn how to take care of them BY YOURSELF!  Sure, it's often easier to have someone else with you to lend a hand.  And every once in a while it is crucial.  But you have to be able to handle your own kids.  You have to be able to live your life with your kids, not in spite of them.  They are not a disability, they are an advantage.  I once heard a women who was pregnant with triplets ask a mother or triplets who were about a year old, how you go out alone with all 3.  The mothers answer "you don't".  I cringed when i heard that.  My girls were about the same age as that mother's & i took them everywhere with me.  I'm not superwomen, I'm just a mom.  I'm a damn good mom, but still, just a mom, with 2 eyes & 2 hands.  If i can do it, so can you.  I guess i do have one secret weapon. But since I'm willing too share it with anyone who will listen, i guess it's not much of a secret.  Here it is, pay close attention.  Confidence.  Unlike that mom, who told the mother to be that it couldn't be done, i was lucky enough in my pregnancy (& before) to be surrounded by strong, confidante women.  Women who told me that i could take care of my babies & told me they would show me how - & they did.  I learned from the best moms around.  Mom's who embraced their children & held them with pride & i thank them.  I thank them for lifting me up, when it would have been so easy to fall.  & i hope that i can continue to pass on that confidence.