“I hope you celebrate this weekend and bask in the life + love that are our two children and know how much you are loved + appreciated today, and every day. Happy Father’s Day, B, and thank you.”
Tag: Motherhood
Love On, Little Man.
"I think there’s a reason many species are matriarchal in the animal kingdom—Mamas are freaking fierce. Many talk about the abnormal strength you get via adrenaline when we’re face-to-face with fierce physical obstacles—but we don’t talk about the abnormal strength you get via oxytocin, when faced with the emotional complexity and obstacles of love. Both hormones give you the means to protect—but one also gives you the reason to. And I (subjectively) think the reason to is a lot more powerful... Love"
Teddy’s Birth Day.
“I decided to name you Teddy Abbott after your two maternal great-grandfathers and two of the greatest, most loving, kind, and genuine men I'll ever know. The WWII generation of really good men-- I figured you needed one hell of a strong name and although they are big shoes to fill, I have no doubt in you, my little love warrior. I may have given birth to you, but in many ways, you and your sister are the ones who breathe life into me, everyday....”
Memoirs of a former parent judge(r).
“Can we all just talk about the fear perpetuating elephant in the room? When it comes to parenting and well, life, can we all just admit we have no idea what the hell we’re doing (and that’s OK) while also acknowledging that each one of us is doing the best we can. And oh dear god, stop the shaming...”
Open Letter to Our Foster Dog (who also happens to be a Pitbull)
“No, I don’t know your past, but I know you—and you are a big-headed dog filled with the need to give and receive love. That’s all I’ll ever need to know....”
Navigating Life’s Waters.
“My beautiful Charley, life hasn’t always been sunshine and rainbows, and I am so thankful for that because it allowed me to fully understand that life is beyond beautiful. Knowing heartache and hard work has allowed me to truly embrace the good things. Life is a perpetual learning and self-discovery process—and I can’t wait to watch you navigate through the many changes, challenges and triumphs life has in store for you too. As you navigate these waters independently or alongside me, I’ve compiled a list of things I’d love you to hear...”
Your “Birth Day”
“Happy 364 days. In a few short hours, you will be 12-months old, I can’t even explain how fast the past year has gone or how crazy beautiful it is watching you to morph into a new person every day as you navigate your uncharted world and absorb everything in sponge-like learning fashion. Feels kind of like the day I jumped out of a plane, only a million times more exhilarating, exhausting, and beautiful. From the day I first felt you kick, I knew motherhood was going to fill me more than I ever imagined possible. I guess I didn’t realize it would test my ability to multitask on limited hours of sleep (or food) [Trust me folks, if you need something done at work or life in a timely and efficient manner, ASK A MOM, they’ve got whatever is needed HANDLED]. Being a mom surely is a paradox of love & craziness, but I digress...”
What’s in a name? Let me tell you about your uncle, Jeffrey Charle(s), Charle(y).
“I smile when people ask me what your name is and then continue to ask, “Oh is that short for Charlotte,” and I proudly state: “Nope, she’s Charley. She is named after my brother, whose middle name was Charles...”
11-Months & Happiness.
“I think you changed me more than I ever thought possible—or maybe you made me stop long enough to catch my breath, actually see life's bigger picture, and giving me the best reason to stay true to my heart. In many ways, I’ll be your mentor in the things you need to learn about life—but in reality, you may be a bigger mentor to me...”
Post Partum Depression isn’t always “Depression”— [A Story of Post Partum Anxiety]
“I look at you and I’m constantly in awe that I’m your mother. Despite the hardships endured the past year, I have never been so happy. Everything I thought was so important before you, suddenly doesn’t seem as important anymore. Maybe it’s so many life transitions all at once, I’ll never know, but I do know that being your mother is the most important job in my life—and you, my health, your father, and your fur-siblings are my number one priority. All else can wait. What a ride, but the most beautiful ride I’m lucky enough to experience...”
