I am a new mother. Along with that comes unbelievable love, patience, frustration, and lack of sleep. I cannot sit and write for too long because Jack will be hungry soon, or need a new diaper, or may just want Mom to hold him. I have seen many babies born, caught quite a few myself, but Jack is the most amazing of all I have seen. Maybe because he's mine, and I felt the experience of pregnancy and birth rather than just observing. The intimacy between us is amazing. We communicate in a way that I have never done with anyone else: we speak with our eyes, our touch, and with our minds, even when he's asleep. Sometimes I feel him calling me, usually looking for reassurance that I am here looking after him.
Living at Dancing Rabbit has been so wonderful for Aaron, Jack, and me. We income share with the rest of Skyhouse, so both of us can stay home to care for Jack. I feel grateful to the community for giving us the gift of an easy family life. I have seen so many young mothers, single or partnered, who have to leave their young babies, sometimes as young as four weeks old, in order to support themselves. Thinking about having to leave Jack, even now at two and a half months, breaks my heart. This is part of the beauty of the Dancing Rabbit community. Motherhood is an honorable and worthy position. Fathers are an integral part of the home life rather than the part time breadwinner. How lucky Jack is to grow up with both parents home and ready to give him all the love and attention he needs! We all know, however, that not even moms and dads who stay home can give a child all the attention co wants. This is where all the community's extended family steps in to provide support. Aaron and I both can get frustrated with parenthood. When we just can't change another diaper, or listen to any more crying, or play with rattles and bells anymore, we have many other hands who are willing to help us stay sane. Everyone has taken their turn with child care (better known as munchkin patrol) so Aaron and I can work on our projects, get some sleep, and have some alone time.
I am happy and indebted to my community for giving my family the chance to grow in a peaceful and loving environment. The alternative : living alone in a city, hoping to save the money to buy a farm, while Aaron works full time so I can stay home with Jack, without any help. It seems scary. Jack is a beautiful little boy, and a very special little baby. I am excited for all the times ahead in DR, and with the prospect of joining forces with Sandhill in raising our children.
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