The Journey of Parenting: Embracing the Magic of Three
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Chapter 1: Our Journey Begins
When I was 26, having been in a relationship for three years, the questions began. Friends and family were curious, asking when we would tie the knot and when we would be welcoming a child.
Our parenting adventure truly commenced two years after our wedding, prompted by a medical necessity linked to my recently diagnosed endometriosis. This challenge only strengthened our bond, culminating in the arrival of our first child—a beautiful symbol of our love.
As we celebrated each milestone, new inquiries emerged. "What about giving your son a sibling?" they would ask, and before we knew it, our family grew once more.
The questions didn't cease. "What about a third child? Surely after two boys, you'd want a girl!" They had to wait as we welcomed our second child first.
Eventually, we did have a third child—a daughter—though I was initially skeptical during a 20-week ultrasound. I found myself debating with the doctor until he clarified how to distinguish between a male and female fetus. It was a day filled with laughter and joy.
After our daughter's birth, the questions continued. People wondered if she would need a sister. However, she has two brothers and several male cousins, and we felt complete as a family after her arrival. For a deeper look into our family milestones and my personal fears, click here.
Cultural Perspectives
In Hungary, it’s common to see families with three or more children, and there are ample opportunities to enjoy outings as a larger family. In other cultures, we sometimes receive mixed reactions—curiosity, admiration, or even judgment.
Personal Reflections
None of our children were unexpected; we actively chose to grow our family. I don't believe in "accidents" when there are so many contraceptive methods available. Our decision to have three children stemmed from our shared desire.
We absolutely adore babies and found ourselves wanting more. The joy of our first child encouraged us to try again, just a year later. We always envisioned a family with at least two children.
Our kids love the idea of having more siblings and occasionally ask if we plan to expand our family again (the answer is no; they will be having their own kids in about 20 years!). I’ve always dreamed of a bustling household filled with laughter, play, and the delightful chaos of children.
Balancing Career and Parenthood
I never felt that I had to sacrifice my career by staying home with the kids. On the contrary, I wanted to be present for their growth. In the future, I hope to build a career from writing or remote work, which has been a fulfilling journey of self-discovery.
Motherhood has opened up numerous avenues for personal development, and I’m sharing my experiences online.
Future Aspirations
I look forward to the days when our children are older, holding hands, playing together, and forming deep connections. It's already heartwarming to see them chase each other on bikes and unite against us in playful mischief.
We chose to have children because our love multiplied, creating an abundance of joy and gratitude in our lives. Whenever we catch a moment to observe them interacting, it fills us with excitement.
When faced with questions from others about our family choices, remember that such curiosity often stems from their interest in our lives rather than a reflection on our choices. A little kindness could go a long way.
If you feel secure in your journey and know where you're headed, that's what truly matters, along with understanding generational beliefs. My own journey of self-discovery has shaped my conscious parenting approach, which I discuss further here.
Embracing the curiosity of others can enrich our own narratives, and our story is a tapestry of quirks, challenges, and blessings. Keep faith, cherish your partner, and find joy in life's small moments!
Have you experienced similar questions on your parenting journey? Please share your thoughts in the comments about how these inquiries influenced your path.
For those interested in conscious parenting resources, feel free to explore this article I wrote here. Thank you for taking the time to read my story—happy parenting!
Author’s Banner made in Canva Pro, personal photos.
Gabriela is passionate about technology and knowledge management while studying and raising three young kids. She is pursuing graduate programs and MOOCs to enhance her skills. Gabriela shares her stories on Medium and Substack to inspire others and support her journey. If you appreciate her work, consider buying her a tea or a Ko-Fi.
Chapter 2: Embracing the Magic Number
In this video, "Schoolhouse Rock #1 Three is a Magic Number," we explore the significance of the number three in family dynamics and its representation in children's growth.
The video "What Is the Magic Number?" delves into the wonders of family and the magic that three children can bring into our lives.