That's It! I'm Moving to Neverland!

I have had enough of being a grown up. I mean, it used to be pretty cool with perks such as staying up as late as I wanted, going wherever I wanted, and eating as much ice cream as I wanted, any time I wanted. Now, I'm way behind on my obligations, elbow deep in dirty diapers, would sell my kidney for extra sleep, have a car that won't work, and a baby that won't allow me to eat ice cream. All in all, I feel a little ripped off.

Maybe I'll move to Neverland.

This may be why so many young "adults" wait to grow up. I can see the allure in a life where your budget has ample wiggle room, and you live in a home that you own, the walls of which are adorned by framed diplomas before embarking on the marvelous and challenging journey of parenthood.

By the way, I would move to Neverland, except that moving is like super concentrated grown up work...blech


There was a time, when I was so afraid of the responsibility that comes with being a parent that just thinking about becoming one made me feel a little sick. When Zac and I both realized that it was time to start a family, we were...well, we were freaking out! We were trying to dig ourselves out of the trenches of car repair debt, living with family, and had no idea where our lives were headed. I'm sure that there are ways to be less "ready" to have a baby, but I can't really think of any applicable ones. I did a whole lot of searching, pondering, and praying and stumbled upon 1 Nephi 17 verses 50 and 51.

 50 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done.

51 And now, if the Lord has such great power, and has wrought so many miracles among the children of men, how is it that he cannot instruct me, that I should build a ship?

This had a profound impact on me, and I decided to be faithful like Nephi and trust that if he could build a ship, then I could have a baby. Soon my heart changed and I found that I had the courage to do what had before seemed impossible.

Seven months later I was pregnant with Henry, and during my pregnancy amazing things happened! Zac was accepted to a school, I got a high paying short-term job that allowed us to pay off our debts, and our friends and family rallied around us to make the entire process much more do-able. These were huge blessings for us, but we still didn't have the financial security many consider prerequisite for starting a family. News Flash: Those prerequisites don't matter! When the time is right, it's right.



Henry was born when we had been married for about a year and a half, other couples begin a family immediately, others after five years or longer. The time table for each couple is different, so I can't dictate when the time is right for anybody else. All I know is that every moment I am in awe of Henry's perfection, and it makes me shudder to think that if I had let the fear of unpreparedness keep us from beginning a family at that time, than the glorious and unique combination of cells and soul that is my son, Henry, would not exist. Putting off starting a family when the time is right is always, without exception, a huge mistake.


My heart hurts for people who chose to pursue careers or possessions in place of beginning a family, and truly breaks for those who desire and pray for a child, but have not been blessed with one yet. I know that nothing I could ever earn or own would be superior to being a mother. Mother and Father may be common place titiles, but they are still distinguished.

That being said, Neverland is still tempting at times.

Now my biggest problem is that I keep noticing that Henry is growing up, and it is quite devastating. For example, last week Henry wasn't ready to go down at bedtime. I apparently tearfully told him that he could either go to sleep or stay awake listening to me cry while telling him about how he is growing up too fast. He chose sleep. Afterward Zac told me "This happens every time you don't feel well or get too tired...it's weird."

I'm going to take him with me when I move.  (And Zac, of course!)

Actually, on second thought, we'll just stay here. Life is more complicated, taxing, and stressful with our little bundle of joy, but I don't mind the difficulty. It is also happier, more exciting, and fuller. I think we will save Neverland for all who foolishly choose not to grow up. Being a grown up is awesome, but it has less to do with ice cream than I had originally thought. Life as a grown up is actually amazing because embracing grown up responsibilities gives you the opportunity to become the absolute best version of yourself, and to make the best possible mark on the world. I guess I don't feel ripped off at all, I feel blessed and rewarded beyond measure. Though, I am still keenly interested in more sleep if anyone is in need of a kidney...

*Note: This post is not written as a judgement on anyone. I know how scary starting a family can be, and my intent is to share my experience in the hope that it might help others have confidence in their own intuitive decisions.