How Do You Talk About Motherhood?

How Do You Talk About Motherhood?

A question that friends and family often ask me when we catch up for the first time since I had Coco is - how are you finding motherhood. I find it quite easy to be honest, and usually say something along the lines of, it's harder than I ever thought it would be, but so fulfilling/rewarding too.

It has been quite a journey, remember this post about my naivety, and were only four months in. I am almost still not fully believing that I am someones Mummy. That I am responsible for making sure she is fed, healthy, safe, secure, warm and happy. It is quite a big responsibility, and probably why my thoughts don't dwell on that side of things, often. It makes it feel so much bigger than me, which it is. I am very much still a novice in this world. I am very humbled by the experience and really appreciate every step of the way that has been made easier by the online community, my family & friends, my Mummy & baby group from antenatal class, and sometimes even strangers who have been kind or helped us on our way.

A baby is a great way to teach you what is important and what isn't. I can't say I am no longer childish about anything, that would not be true, but I am more introspective, I know that I care so much more about not hurting peoples feelings (same way I would want them to treat my daughters feelings in the future) and generally I just want to do better and be better. All the old cliches about motherhood are totally ringing true for me now. I remember when I would hear people say I just want to do better for my daughter, and I would roll my eyes, like, what does that even mean, anyway. Haha. At about 24 weeks pregnant, it really hit me that I no longer had an excuse. That I had to figure my 'ish' out, fight my battles myself and put my best foot forward because I was about to become a role model to this innocent baby girl. I want to be bolder, braver, and more trusting of my instincts and inner voice. And I also wanted to listen to (and act in line with) what God would have me do. Really what I am saying is, I do not think I could appreciate motherhood, until I got here. In it's all-encompassing, never ending, all giving, all selfless way, it has taught me grace.

x

With a lot of the craziness going on in the world, most recently, the extremist attacks in Nigeria by Boko Haram (over 2000 killed) and France (gun attack), this morning, my thoughts are with the children and parents adversely affected.

How Do You Talk About Motherhood?