– Posted by Leah
They say it takes a village to raise a child. I’ve never raised a child before, but I was fortunate to have a community of loved ones raising me – weekends at my grandparents’ houses, movie nights with aunts and uncles, summer vacations with family friends – I grew up surrounded by people who cared about me and my parents. And I know without a doubt that I am the better for it.
One of the things I’m most looking forward to about raising Jonah is seeing how he will benefit from being surrounded by a circle of love and support. Mark and I are so fortunate to have a large community of family and friends – people who have already generously and lovingly celebrated with us, gifted us with needed items, and offered assistance time and time again. I tear up whenever I think about just how much love we’ve been shown, and how excited people are to see us become parents and to meet Jonah. It makes the overwhelming responsibility of parenthood feel so much easier, knowing we have this amazing community embracing us.
I’m so happy my son will grow up with all of these awesome people in his life. I’m excited to see his village grow as he forms his own unique relationships with our loved ones, and as he makes new friends over the years. He will bring new people into our family, he will form new bonds with existing members of our community. He will be shaped by these relationships in ways I can’t predict. And he, too, will be the better for it.
So thank you for being there, thank you for loving us and for welcoming the newest member of our family with open hearts and open arms. He’ll be here before we know it!! And we’re so excited he already has a village to come home to. Y’all rock.