Reflections of Motherhood

It is rare that I see something and think "I must share this with everyone I know right now." I mean, I see funny stuff and cool stuff and share it, but not much moves me to the point I need to shout it from the rooftops, via any medium I can get my hands on. I have shared this on Facebook, tweeted it (a couple times) and posted it on LinkedIn. I will be sending it to people via email, too. Why? Because this is spectacularly awesome.

When Alison put out the request for moms to answer the question, "What advice would you go back and tell yourself when you were pregnant with your first?" ... and then asked who could join her for a video shoot for this project. I jumped at both. My answer to her question?

"My advice to my pregnant self? Be brave. Don't worry so much about what people will think of you and go with how you want to parent your babies (yes, there will be more). Nursing in public is ok - and you don't always have to find a quiet spot designated for nursing (unless you want to). Get over your fears of carriers - experiment more and find one that works for you - and wrap that baby to you more. Those days are fleeting. Oh, and that time you're spending with a sleeping baby on you (because he just won't sleep anywhere else) is not wasted. It's precious and gone in a whisper. (Yes, I just said 'he'. You won't meet him for a little bit, though.)"

I also excitedly answered the request for moms to be a part of the video. I knew a project being undertaken by Alison and Scott could be nothing but awesome. I had to be part of it. But, part of those words to a new mom would be... "You can have all the grand plans in the world, but they will come to a screeching halt when your little one's sick." Yup. Alexandria had been sick the night before, so I made the call not to go to the shoot. Good call because she got sick again around noon and then again that night...

Now, upon seeing the video, my gut was right. It is an amazing project. So simple. So moving. So true. Very sad I didn't get to be part of the video. Happy to have been able to share some words. And now, though, the most important thing I can do is share it with you.

I watched it with Zachary's little hand in mine. So powerful and moving. There were tears and goosebumps. You did good, Alison and Scott. (You can read the blog post about the video project here.)