Want to change your simple life? Read between the lines

DO you see two? Well... uh, kinda... actually, maybe not.

Well, then again, maybe — hold it up to this white background.

Ah yes, the wonderful realm of pregnancy tests.

For those not in the know, two lines means you are pregnant, one means you're not. It was in 2003 that we got our first set of lines. Two beautiful, unmistakable lines staring back at us, forecasting a radical change to our previously simple lives.

Some 14 months have passed since we got those first two lines and I have come to the realization that "simple" is no longer in my vocabulary.

Even going out for coffee is a carefully choreographed event.

The diaper bag is a loaded arsenal of paraphernalia; Cheerios, toys, books and milk, to list but a few items. You name it; I can probably pull it out of that bottomless bag in three seconds flat.

I have a back-up plan for every possible scenario. Grumpy? Look, Mummy has this fun toy! Hungry? No problem, munch on a few Cheerios. A few unscheduled meltdowns by my son have taught me well.

We have managed to co-ordinate working full time, moving into a new house, training for half-marathons and Iron Man triathlons while raising our fabulous little man.

It has not been easy; at times, it was a big, soggy, sleep-deprived mess — why didn't anyone tell us how bad teething was? Honestly! A heads-up would have been nice.

I have to admit, I still run around like a scalded flea on occasion, but who doesn't?

That said, I think we have got the hang of it. So of course, now that we are experts, our thoughts moved to the idea of having another. I am an only child, so I always knew that I would want more than one child.

I had the best childhood, but at the stage of life I am in now, I would love to have a sibling. My husband has two brothers and I see the camaraderie and friendship that they have, and I knew I wanted that for my son.

We have tossed the idea around, how it would work and how much it would cost.

For future reference, this is a completely futile line of reasoning in deciding to have a child.

Some experts say that one child can cost in excess of $500,000, including university. If you want to have a child, know this — there is never a perfect time and you will never have enough money. Period. Somehow though, things manage to work out.

I am a planner; every aspect of my life is planned down to the tiniest detail. I have to-do lists for my to-do lists. But I realize that some things might be better left up to chance.

So we let nature take its course and I am pleased to announce there are two beautiful, unmistakable lines staring back at us, forecasting a radical change to our previously simple lives.

The next chapter has just begun.

Jodie Hargreaves is a mom

and writer living in Winnipeg.