Dear Expectant Mama:
Dear Expectant Mama:
Mothers are the toughest people I know. We do so much. Physically, right now, you are growing a human being inside of your body. Next, you’ll birth the baby, going through one of the most physically demanding experiences of your life. If that isn’t some sort of superhuman strength, then I don’t know what is.
As mothers, we do it all and give everything. We worry and we pray. We sacrifice our bodies, time, finances, and energy. But the secret you’ll discover through motherhood is that you will forge the strongest version of yourself. You will acquire new perspectives, new strength, and new purpose.
So as you are welcomed into the sacred and fierce circle of motherhood, I want to give you a word of advice: Your child won't go to college (fill in the blank). Let me explain…
Some phases are laborious and I have found this to be such a good reminder. Someone said this line to me when my oldest was a baby, and it stuck. Once I had my second and the nursing was hard and he didn't sleep through the night until after he was a year old, I would recall this line and know someday the current difficulty would end.
You can fill in the blank with whatever experience you're going through. i.e. They won’t go to college not knowing how to sleep through the night. They won’t go to college not potty trained...etc.
So what does this advice mean? It means don't always be trying to figure it out. Whether it’s good or bad, it isn’t forever. Everything is fleeting. Figuring out why today’s nap was short. Or why the baby woke up an extra two times last night. Or why the baby is cluster feeding. It is just a phase. It isn’t worth your energy to research. It all goes by so fast. So take each day or phase as it is. Don’t try to rush anything — even the things that seem difficult — because you’ll look back and miss it, and wish it hadn't hurried on. There will be a day your baby no longer nurses, does sleep through the night and needs you way less.
No matter what each day holds, know that you are the best mama for your baby. You are about to enter a joy like you have never known. This baby will consume you and change you for the better. You will spend from now until eternity wondering how you lived without your baby. It is a love deeper than words can ever explain. It is unmatched happiness. It is everything. Soak it in. You were made for this and you’re going to be an incredible mom.
Happy first mother’s day to you!
Originally written at a letter to my sister on her first Mother’s Day, while pregnant.