The only thing I miss about being childless is being able to knock around town with big M without regard for time. That's it. Everything else I love more than when I was childless. I love my joys more. I appreciate my frustrations and hopes more. I like being a parent more than I like eating breakfast on the odd Saturday with my husband without kids. I also like and appreciate surprises more. Even though it's been really rough going at times, I've found I'm better than most with surprises like, "Your son will die if he eats any form of milk or egg and does not receive medical attention within 5 minutes of ingestion." I am also good with surprises like, "Your daughter has her own mind and will wear whatever costume she deems necessary: even if it is an impossible mash-up like a princess-ballerina-cowgirl-costume of her 3-y.o. doing that is not based in reality or your motherly desire for the order and tidiness found in other children." I am also good with surprises like, "Your son knows how to raise the roof and line dance." This latest surprise I discovered at the Halloween Party thrown by the school. Apparently, the Scots like to line dance and little M, being a social guy and game for most anything, has no fear on the dance floor. He rallies the boys to join the girls and will "raise the roof" when things get a little dull on the oaks. He will not, however, dance with his gestating mother. But that's I guess that's no surprise.
