Being 20 is so weird. I have friends that can barely remember to put a bra on (i.e. me) and friends who live on their own, have a family and are even married. Although I'm the same age as a majority of these friends, they had to quickly adapt to their fast-changing lifestyle, and I commend them for it. There's a lot of stigma put on girls and guys for young marriage or having children young, as well. I agree, getting pregnant young can be risky for the child and mother. Emotionally and financially it can be harder, but that is not always the case.
In high school, I was asked to be one of the bridesmaids of one of my best friend's weddings. Of course I said yes, but I had been to probably five weddings in my lifetime and had no idea what I was in for. There was dress fittings, wedding parties, decorating, planning, and honestly I loved every second of it. What I didn't expect is to realize how much my friends getting married truly loved each other. I barely knew them as a couple then, but now I look up to them for being such an amazing loving family. *Spoiler alert* they are still married with a beautiful baby girl.
Not only were marriages in the play for some of my friends, but babies as well. Lots and lots of babies. I have always loved babies. I love holding them, playing with them, watching them sleep (not in a creepy way) and I love the baby smell. I hate changing them, cleaning up their spit up, feeding them because it's so messy and even listening to them cry. So to all of my friends that can handle the good and bad times of motherhood at our age, major props to you amazing mommies out there!
Also, a lot of you had to grow up super fast to have these growing families! My idea of a fun weekend is not the same as yours anymore, and that's OK! I still love to hit the bars, go get really unhealthy food or do crazy water sports at the beach. A trip to the zoo or walk in the park can be fun, but it's just not my cup of tea yet. But they are perfect family activities and I love seeing all your cute Facebook pictures!
Really, I'm writing this because I want you to know I'm not judging you, I didn't forget about you and I still love you. You were my friends before you had to mature like this, and you are my friends now. Odds are I love all the new additions to you, whether that be a child or husband/wife. You are doing big things, I am doing big things, they are just different! I'll be your babysitter whenever you need a break, your lunch date when you take them to the park or a couch to sleep on if you and the significant other are fighting. You rock and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
