It Takes a Village

People always say "It takes a village to raise a child." The more the days pass, the more I realize how true this is. 

My family is Cuban. If you're Cuban,  you know what I mean. If you're not Cuban,  I'll give you some insight. We are all up in each others business. In our family, we share too much information, we give too many opinions, and we will kill anyone that messes with one of us. (Ok, that was a little dramatic-also a Cuban quality)

My big, amazing, nosy, loud, Cuban family is the reason I survive. We have stuck together since the day I was born. My mom had me and my twin sister when she was 15. Too bad Teen Mom wasnt around,  we could have been rich. She's the real OG. Sorry, I digress.  Having 2 babies at 15 is tough. We lived in a 3 bedroom house with my grandma, grandpa, mom, and 2 aunts. We were basically raised by our own mini village. Everyone took turns between school, work, and baby duty. I grew up thinking that everyone had 4 moms and a grandpa that they considered a dad. I was lucky. Lucky is an understatement.  

When I got married,  I spent a lot of nights alone.  Franklin worked late hours but we made it work.  It was just the two of us.  Once I had kids, I realized how much I needed my village.  

With Tyler,  I worked full time. My grandma would watch him while I worked. My sister and her hubby would take Tyler so I could take a shower and anytime I needed a breather. 

With Olivia, it has been different.  I stay at home throughout the day but Franklin has been traveling...a lot. Luckily, my mom's house is connected to mine! I refer to her as my "momsband". Giving me my daily shower break, sharing adult conversations, and having a nightly dinner make all the difference in my day. I also started a tutoring business.  This is where my grandma and sister's mother-in-law step in to watch the kids while I go make some money honey! 

I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my crazy tribe! I would survive but I think I would look 20 years older and cry often (more often than I do now).  I have such respect for single moms that don't have a support system. You guys have a special seat in heaven! 

Now, I am happy to be part of Ryan's village. He is my amazing little nephew/godson/3rd child. To know that I'll have a little piece of his heart makes all the chaos worth it.  

Blood doesn't make you part of a village. Many blood relatives don't even know my kids. I think it's their loss. If you get the chance to join a tribe,  whether through family or friendship,  do it! They'll be a mommy in that village that will appreciate the shit out of you🤣