I'm PREGNANT and expecting in June 2013! The Importance of Family.

Big news on the home front - We are expecting our first child! I have a little baby bump and can no longer hide it under my clothes (no matter how much I think I have become the Master of Disguise).

We have been overwhelmed with the wonderful support and well wishes from all of our family and friends and cannot wait to bring a child into this wonderful world to share it with all of these beautiful people in our life! The response really got me thinking about the importance of family and how the changes in life affect the dynamic and the part family plays.

They say you can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Well, at face value, this is true. But the choice you have when it comes to family, is whether or not they are existent in your life - which I believe is more important! They say friends come and go, but family is forever. At face value, this is also true, but it is all about perspective. Being that family is forever is no indication of the value they place in your life over your friendships. So, why do we embed these sayings as if they were based on inevitability? Are there friendships that threaten the place the family holds?

There are no two families that are the same, and they are all beautifully (and purposefully) unique in their own special way, but I strongly believe that you do have a choice and that choice is your responsibility. Should you wish to have your family in your life and play a major role, regardless of their choice to do so or not, it is your responsibility to ensure the possibility and the desire. 

We have all experienced family issues and disputes, it is a part of life and generally a necessity to grow and develop. I have also seen it go too far, where domestic violence and trauma is unacceptable and the choice of family interaction and involvement is ever so apparent!

Psychologists believe that children learn the very most from their family life, which is a great perspective to have when you consider what positive influence you can have on your child's life. I believe each child is born into the world with their own luck, but it is the responsibility of the parents to guide them in the right direction with sound morals and respect. 

Significant life changes are sure to change not only your life, but the family's life. I know how much it will change my sisters and brothers-in-law lives in such an extraordinary way. The way in which they have taken on their almost premature role of Aunties and Uncles have been astonishing and have really touched my heart. Little might they realise how this will change their lives, both directly and indirectly. One thing I love about children is how we want to be better people when we are around them - what a great thing that is! My parents and mother-in-law will undoubtably anticipate the change, but being the first child in the family, maybe... just maybe, they might be surprised with its effect upon holding their brand new grandchild and welcoming him/her into the family. It is really important that people support and nurture the changes in their families life (even if the biggest change is coming from you!) and be considerate at the rippling effect.

I choose to spend my life showing those I love that they will always have their family in me, no matter what.

Lots of LOVE,

Samantha K
xx