I'm 49 and what's new?

I'm 49 (my neice just informed me I am only 48 because her dad my brother is 49, BONUS) today, one two years away from 50, so what's new?

I always knew I was going to get married, go to college and have babies but never really thought about what I would do “after that.” Well, it’s “after that” and I’m married, finishing another dang blasted Master’s and raising babies. My fellow 50ish friends have all called me crazy, insane, nuts, a lunatic and various other adjectives. All this got me to thinking about why I really don’t mind raising another baby at my “advanced” maternal age. (Though I do sit in front of the hockey rink waiting for David watching the 60ish crowds go in to play racquet ball and swim and realize that when I am 60ish I will still be sitting in my car waiting for a kid to come out of the recreation center.


Why it is easier to raise a baby/toddler when your 40 or 50 then when your 20. Not necessarily in order:

1. Teenage and adult children living in the house who help take care of the toddler.

2. I am not poor

3. I am not living in a 12x60 mobile home

4. The toddler sleeps in a queen size bed, which means when I sleep with toddler I am comfortable.

5. Sippy cups that don’t spill

6. Drop in day care

7. Cool fold down toilet seats for toddlers

8. I don’t sweat the “baby stuff.” Five grown and almost grown kids have given me perspective. I’ve sat in a room and had half a dozen “professionals” tell me my child was mentally retarded and would always need “special help.” I’ve spent countless nights sleeping in hospital rooms with a seriously ill child. I’ve listened to half a dozen gastroenterologist give me their diagnosis of why my son is sick with pancreatitis. (They finally identified a guilty gene). I’ve gone to the police station at 2:00 a.m. on prom night to pick up my handcuffed daughter. I’ve seen a teenager through rehab. I’ve experienced family “intervention” night. I’ve had kids with hair dyed every color of the rainbow. I’ve been to awards ceremonies, basketball games, hockey games, debate tournaments and experienced the juvenile court system. I’d say as a parent I’m pretty well rounded. I know that the normal toddler things aren’t worth stressing over. I know that a baby who cries for hours will eventually quit crying. It doesn’t matter if a toddler insists on wearing the same shirt for two days in a row. (Even if it’s his sisters). Toddlers eventually get potty trained so why push it. Short of life or death, serious illness or injury or the court system it isn’t worth stressing about. (I do have to stress that someday Sean’s parents may try to regain custody! Hence, the court system).

9. I have a really supportive husband.

10. Did I mention not being poor!