Over 40 with a Toddler
Ranked #3,411 in Parenting & Kids, #111,382 overall
Starting All Over Again
About two years ago, my daughter was almost ten and more independent than ever. So I'm thinking -- I have it made. I'm home-free! Now, it's MY turn. But, wait a minute...along comes Camille!
I had my first baby at the age of 30 and at that time I felt like I was old. I always wanted to have lots of kids and then we finally decided that the time was right to start having babies. We weren't in the position financially that we would have liked to be in but I could feel my biological clock ticking. So then we had Ainsley (Baby #1) and she started to grow up and the years kept ticking by with no more babies.
For about five years, I was able to work at home on the computer making up newsletters, flyers, doing administrative and accounting work for clients. I also took on a bartending job at nights for awhile. Then, when my daughter was five, I took the full-time position of Traffic Director at a radio station (No-not directing cars in the street, but rather, placing the ads in the radio schedule for the day, working on copy, etc.). Now that our financial outlook had improved, I felt that I didn't have time for more babies. I kind of resigned myself to having an only child, and making sure that she was my primary focus.
I had my first baby at the age of 30 and at that time I felt like I was old. I always wanted to have lots of kids and then we finally decided that the time was right to start having babies. We weren't in the position financially that we would have liked to be in but I could feel my biological clock ticking. So then we had Ainsley (Baby #1) and she started to grow up and the years kept ticking by with no more babies.
For about five years, I was able to work at home on the computer making up newsletters, flyers, doing administrative and accounting work for clients. I also took on a bartending job at nights for awhile. Then, when my daughter was five, I took the full-time position of Traffic Director at a radio station (No-not directing cars in the street, but rather, placing the ads in the radio schedule for the day, working on copy, etc.). Now that our financial outlook had improved, I felt that I didn't have time for more babies. I kind of resigned myself to having an only child, and making sure that she was my primary focus.
Important!
Make sure to scroll down and enter a caption under the picture in my Caption Contest and sign my Guestbook!
Raising An Only Child
SURPRISE!
Then, God decided for me. I was in the middle of cafeteria duty at the school when I got a huge whiff of a garbage can that was 15 feet away and -- well let's just say I made a stop at the drugstore on the way home.
But - NO! I'll be forty when I deliver - I'm way too old!
Could it be - a little miracle on the way?
“Mommy, when I'm 20, you'll be 50 and when Camille's 20, you'll be SIXTY!!”
The Things People Say...
I'm not making this up!
I couldn't help it, I had to include the responses I'd love to give in parentheses. Sometimes I'd love to give a more shocking answer just to see what the person would say.
- Was it a surprise or an accident? (I hate when people say accident. I'd rather go with a pleasant surprise!)
- Didn't you use birth control? (What kind of a question is that?)
- So you're gonna have a baby every ten years, right? (Yes. That's where I'll make my mark. Look for me on the news having my sixth kid when I'm 80.)
- You'll almost be 60 when your daughter graduates from high school. (Really?!!?)
- Now you'll have two "only" children. (Again, with the ten years difference.)
- So were you remarried and your new husband wanted his own baby with you? (No, it was the same big dufus for both -love you, Frank!)
- You didn't want to have any in between the two? (hmmmm, no answer)
- I just assumed you were done having kids. (That's a huge assumption given the fact that I've never said that to anyone)
I'm too old for this...
My fears peeking out through other lenses
Important!
But It's Been 10 Years Since...
...I've changed a diaper....I've decorated a nursery.
...I've worried about carrying a diaper bag.
...I've been awake at all hours of the night.
...I've tiptoed around because the baby's sleeping.
...I've potty-trained another person.
...I've thrown a one-year-old birthday party.
...I've breastfed a baby.
A Must for Your Toddler
Important!
God knew what he was doing when he gave us Camille because...
...Now Ainsley has the little sister she's always wanted.
...I got to experience being pregnant and having a baby around the same time as my sister (she delivered 3 months later).
...Camille will have a cousin in her grade.
...She has kids to play with all the time (Ainsley didn't have this).
...We've gotten into the habit of biking and/or walking every day as a family.
...Camille keeps us all on our toes!
Photo by my daughter: AinsleyKlar on Squidoo
Beautiful Sister Necklaces
Loading poll. Please Wait...
Give Me A Thumbs Up!
If you like this lens
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
All Feedback Welcome!
Tell me what you think.
-
-
Christine
Mar 18, 2012 @ 7:13 am | delete
- Thanks for sharing your story. I have two boys and the youngest is 7. Finally was thinking yeah I am car seat free and I can get a nice sedan. Life is so much easier with two kids in school and then I missed my period and I am going to be 40 in a month... Bit of a shock but god has blessed us with a precious gift.
-
-
-
Girlwithpearl2
Dec 9, 2011 @ 6:16 pm | delete
- There are 19, yes19 years between my two daughters. I had one when I was 23 and one at 42 with the same hubby. It's been a blessing. My older daughter got to see what it's really like to have a baby and raise one and I have gotten to enjoy raising a child again with a lot more appreciation and experience under my belt. My baby is still young and I have a ways to go but I am loving it the second time around!
-
-
-
anilsaini
Sep 6, 2011 @ 11:16 pm | delete
- great effort by you, lots of hard work and you know what? Now you have two beautiful and sweet babies as a result of your hard work. Great job, wish you a very happy life wid your kids.
-
-
-
Kris10P
Sep 4, 2011 @ 2:07 am | delete
- I was in the same boat as you. I was almost 39 and my fiance and I were high fiving each other because the youngest child was seven and we were "done". We were cheering for no more diapers or temper tantrums or having to lug all the baby stuff everywhere, etc. The Cosmic Powers That Be must have thought we were telling a pretty funny joke, because I got pregnant. I had a baby just before my 40th birthday, so now we get to experience all those things we said we didn't want to do again. But that's ok...Danny's the best little guy ever! Great lens!
-
-
-
grandmamarilyn
Aug 17, 2011 @ 2:39 pm | delete
- Thank you for the link to your daughter's Squidoo. My granddaughter is getting ready to get on Squidoo and I would like for her to see what other kids her age are writing about. Wish I knew how to find other children her age on Squidoo.
Great lens. I love all the loving thoughts you put into it. I love when people put themselves into the lens.
-
-
-
Heather426
Aug 7, 2011 @ 9:32 pm | delete
- My mother had a baby at 42 and you should have heard the remarks. Congrats, she's beautiful!
-
-
-
GrowWear
Aug 2, 2011 @ 10:42 pm | delete
- Congratulations for your purple star, and for your children. ...I do declare. It's truly amazing the things people will "remark" upon. :)
-
-
-
Tolovaj
Jun 5, 2011 @ 10:40 pm | delete
- Good reading! I liked the part "The Things People Say..." best. Maybe the "The Things People Did Not Say..." could be even funnier:)
-
-
-
careermom
Apr 7, 2011 @ 9:14 am | delete
- I have a sister 8 years younger and we're closer than the one only 13 months younger than me. My youngest three I had at 39, 40 and 41. People do love to comment but I wouldn't change it for the world.
-
-
-
MissMerFaery
Apr 1, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
- Bestowing an April Fools Blessing! Really enjoyed reading this, you have two beautiful girls! I am an only child and my mum was 37 when she had me. Now I'm 31 with a 16 month old daughter and my mum is 69 but you'd never know it. She is as young at heart as ever and loves having a granddaughter to keep her on her toes! Loved your story :)
-
-
-
tlholley717
Mar 30, 2011 @ 10:16 pm | delete
- My mother was 42 when I was born. I was 38 when my daughter was born.
-
-
-
Kaafscorner
Mar 18, 2011 @ 4:33 pm | delete
- What a blessing your daughter is! My daughter is also a precious gift from God, I had her just when we thought it wouldn't happen.
-
-
-
tvyps
Mar 16, 2011 @ 3:06 am | delete
- When I first read this, I thought it said, "Over 40 toddlers"..ha! ...now that would be a challenge!
-
-
-
zoes32flavaz
Mar 2, 2011 @ 2:25 am | delete
- Entertaining story that kept reading until the bottom. I gave birth to my 1st child at 36 and we're trying/hoping for another now which puts me that much closer to forty should we be so blessed in the near future.
-
-
-
GonnaFly
Feb 27, 2011 @ 3:59 am | delete
- Thanks for sharing your story with us and congratulations on two precious children :-)
-
-
-
Tipi
Feb 26, 2011 @ 10:38 am | delete
- Father knows best! Children are the heritage of the Lord......you are BLESSED!
-
-
-
pacrapacma
Feb 26, 2011 @ 8:03 am | delete
- Wonderful story! My husband was born eight years after his older brother and sister. He has a great relationship with his brother. His sister lives far away, but they love each other very much. I'm so happy my husband "surprised" his parents, and they are too.
I love the picture of your oldest holding her sister.
I'm lenrolling this to my Reading Starts at Home lens.
I just joined Rocket Moms, hope to see you there.
-
-
-
capriliz
Feb 24, 2011 @ 2:25 pm | delete
- What a wonderful story! I am so happy for you. I was 38 when I had my daughter. Her brothers were 20 and 18 years older. That age spread just makes life more interesting and fun. Congrats on your purple star.
-
-
-
amandahobbs
Feb 24, 2011 @ 5:24 am | delete
- I really enjoyed this lens. Great work! Now to check out some of your other lenses ...
-
-
-
SereneSea Feb 22, 2011 @ 12:57 pm | delete
- I really marvel at your energy. Over 40 with a toddler requires some high levels of energy and enthusiasm.
-
-
-
WeddingZazzle
Feb 19, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
- Blessed by a SquidAngel :)
-
-
-
SueM11 Feb 11, 2011 @ 2:04 am | delete
- It must be take some adjustment but the joy of having another addition to the family outweighs all the negatives of having another one at 40. Great lens.
-
-
-
Senora_M
Feb 4, 2011 @ 2:03 pm | delete
- Oh man! That sounds like so much fun! We have a 2 and 1 year old and I'm about to turn 33. We aren't done having kids yet and everyone keeps asking me when #3 is set to arrive! I think they think we're going to have kids every year (and my husband would be okay with that--not me). I'm good with a few more to add to our clan. :) My oldest and youngest brother were 10 years apart and there were 2 of us in the middle. I think a 10 year spread is pretty good. So sweet!! God bless!!
**Blessed by the Toddler Neighborhood Squid Angel**
-
-
-
aj2008
Feb 4, 2011 @ 6:07 am | delete
- Ah, toddlers in your 40s, I remember it well, I had 2! Then along comes the menopause, what joy!
-
-
-
Othercat
Feb 3, 2011 @ 12:05 am | delete
- Very cute! My son had that same bewildered face on his first birthday.
-
-
-
emerald125
Jan 29, 2011 @ 6:22 pm | delete
- I have a 14 year gap with my kids and hear all the same comments as you do!
-
-
-
CitiesChick
Jan 27, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete
- Very nice story! I think you are blessed!
-
-
-
jmsp206 Jan 27, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
- More and more people are having their children later these days.Over 40 would be abit of a stretch.Keep on keeping on,you seem very happy with your famly.Well done!
-
-
-
kidsandbibs
Jan 27, 2011 @ 8:24 pm | delete
- Loved your lens as it is very similar to my story...but well I am 36 and the age gap is 7 years and also my sister and me were pregnant same time. My son is 4 months older to his cousin and my big boy is so happy to have a baby brother :)
-
-
-
Blessedmombygrace
Jan 27, 2011 @ 2:55 pm | delete
- Love your lens. I'm 47 with kids who are 6 months, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, and 14. (Yes I gave birth to them all--4 times in my 40's). I get all kinds of questions too. Yes, I do know how old I am thanks! Blessed.
-
-
-
windygig
Jan 27, 2011 @ 1:17 am | delete
- Wow. My first thought when I saw the title was "Somebody shoot me." I had two 14 months apart at 33 and 34 and am glad I lived to tell about it.
-
-
-
TheresaMarkham
Jan 26, 2011 @ 9:04 pm | delete
- REALLY great lens! My stepdaughter is 15 yrs older than my daughter, and they absolutely adore each other. The almost-10-y/o has had sooo many benefits from having an older sister. I'm so happy for all of you!
-
-
-
rlivermore
Jan 26, 2011 @ 7:58 pm | delete
- This is a special lens. I agree that God knows exactly what we need, even if it is something very different than we would have chosen for ourselves.
-
-
-
sandyspider
Jan 26, 2011 @ 4:45 pm | delete
- Congratulations on your purple star. So many women are having babies in their 40s. You look like a happy family.
-
-
-
tssfacts
Jan 26, 2011 @ 2:34 pm | delete
- Great article. Thank you for introducing your girls to us. They are real cuties.
-
-
-
hayleylou
Jan 26, 2011 @ 1:29 pm | delete
- Looks like a complete family now :)
-
-
-
bdkz
Jan 26, 2011 @ 12:14 pm | delete
- Love this lens! I can relate. I am 41 and have an amazing 4-year-old girl.
-
-
-
tandemonimom Jan 26, 2011 @ 9:49 am | delete
- Very cool! My first was born when I was 30 also, and my last when I was 38 (with two in between). It's an adventure all right!
-
-
-
wordstock Jan 26, 2011 @ 8:37 am | delete
- I'm 61 and my grandson is 10 today. When he calls me "mom", you can understand the looks I get. Oh well, not my issue. Great story and very cute kids. Congrats on the two great kids who will keep your and your husband young.
-
-
-
vikksimmons
Jan 26, 2011 @ 8:02 am | delete
- How cute. A good friend of mine nearly had two oldest raised at 13 and 14 and along came two more little ones. :) Life does has its turns.
-
-
-
GiftsBonanza
Jan 26, 2011 @ 7:23 am | delete
- Lovely - I got a few giggles from what people say, as I'm sure you see the funny side to it. At 30, I got asked, "When did you decide not to have kids?" - that was well over 10 years ago and haven't been asked that since :)
-
-
-
LissaKlar Jan 26, 2011 @ 8:07 am | delete
- I think it's hilarious, actually! Sometimes people just put their foot in their mouth and truly don't mean anything malicious by it. It don't let it bother me too much because I'm so blessed with 2 wonderful girls!
-
-
-
Serenia
Jan 26, 2011 @ 5:57 am | delete
- I married late in life and had my first child when I was 38 so I was in a similar position to you. I am now 46 and my son is 8 years old. He will be an only child as my body has now decided that there will be no more kids. I will be 56 when my son graduates from high school. I will be 60 when he is 22 and graduating from university (if he decides to go).
-
Proud to be a RocketMom
Check out some Fun RocketMoms Lenses
There are all kinds of moms out there. Here are some great Rocketmoms lenses that I love.
by LissaKlar
I love being a SAHM and I'm a HUGE Harry Potter fan! I'm proud to be a RocketMoms' graduate and FINALLY a Giant Squid. I invite you to visit my lenses! more »
- 60 featured lenses
- Winner of 20 trophies!
- Top lens » Over 40 and Pregnant
- This lens »
Won purple star
Feeling creative?
Create a Lens!
Explore related pages
- Over 40 and Pregnant Over 40 and Pregnant
- Tattoo at 40?. . .Help Me Decide Tattoo at 40?. . .Help Me Decide
- Movie and TV Stars Become Mommies After 40 Movie and TV Stars Become Mommies After 40
- Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe Quick and Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe
- Freelance Writing at Elance - Review Freelance Writing at Elance - Review
- A Motherless Daughter A Motherless Daughter
My Baby Blog
My "Over 40" Pregnancy and Parenting Blog
Celebrity Moms and Dads Over 40
Purchase the Baby Book
No new mom can live without it!
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition)
Amazon Price: $12.81 (as of 06/03/2012)
This book is definitely my baby bible. Having forgotten more than I remember about the day-to-day tasks of taking care of a baby, this book has been a lifesaver. It covers everything from breastfeeding, to symptoms of different sicknesses, and bathing. Best of all, it explains how your child is developing and what they should be doing each month of their life. I couldn't live without it.
