Journey to Motherhood
I’ve carried a child within my body —THIS BODY. Slept with one on my chest. Shrugged off what society deemed as “fit” and “proper” to survive the long day, as well as nights. I’ve kissed little toes and even wiped away tears. I’ve been vomited on, peed on, and spent sleepless nights cradling our crying child … but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It was a struggle to go through the whole ordeal of carrying a child to term. Even more to give birth and welcome one into this world. Only to realize that it doesn’t end there. In fact, after your body heals … you realize that you now have bigger challenges. How to survive, to cope, be a mother, raise a child (a good, loving, and kind one), be a wife (or a partner), all while being responsible, grown, taking care of responsibilities, bills, AND also have time for yourself. Often, the latter becomes the last and the very least of all priorities. Which is sad and heartbreaking at the same time because “Mom / Mama” have needs too, but resort to simply shrugging it off or even say “next time” but there’s really no such thing as next time because the cycle repeats all over again.
I stared in the mirror blankly, and noticed that I don’t even recognize the woman staring back. Do I feel pity for her? No. In fact, I admire this woman. How so? Because she is showing me that life can AND will be hard, but she managed to stand back up. She is the better version of the younger me. Though she looks much older, tired, and feeling overwhelmed at most … but she is also fiercer, stronger, and wiser.
Now I am faced with another surprise. Another baby that we didn’t expect which literally changed all of our plans. A blessing nonetheless despite all the struggles it comes with. I am exhausted and I am down for the count. In JUST a few more weeks, the roller coaster ride starts all over again. Except this time, we now have a toddler in tow. It will be challenging. It won’t be easy. It will get hard before it gets better. But one thing is for sure, I am grateful for being given this opportunity.
Someday soon, I will reclaim “me” in the process. I will come back and do better than my last progress. For now, I will take things day by day. Hey, my body is NOT magazine perfect. I have stretch marks, cellulite, scarring, and even gained weight here and there. But it is also what made me a MOM … and there is no greater honor, love or blessing.
Lisa Joy Thompson
December 6, 2019Ahhh…motherhood. That amazing crazy roller-coaster ride that brings such intense emotions and feelings! And while my youngest kids are my 13 year old twins, this stage brings its own share of feelings and emotions. One of my daughters is getting married next summer and I have no idea where time has gone! Congrats on your growing family!
Heather
December 6, 2019I remember feeling what you are feeling. And then we decided to have a third and went through it all over again.
melissa Chapman
December 6, 2019This is a great story of a woman who gets lucky to be blessed more than once. I wish you all the luck in this journey
robin rue
December 6, 2019Congrats on your upcoming new addition. You will be just fine! I promise.
Amy
December 6, 2019Being a mom is the best job on earth. Congrats mama on your soon to be second bundle of joy!
Tara Pittman
December 6, 2019Enjoy this time in your life as kids are blessings. It does get easier when they are older but you will long for the baby days.
Stacie
December 6, 2019You ARE perfect! All those imperfections are what make you perfect. They are the roadmap of motherhood.
Kathy
December 6, 2019Congrats to you! I have two children myself. My kids are only about a year and a half apart. I think it’s wonderful having them closer together honestly.
Ronnie
December 7, 2019Congratulations on baby #2. 🙂 I know it’s hard and as moms we always put ourselves last. We also need to remember to give ourselves a day of pampering here and then.. we deserve it and need it!
Bill Sweeney
December 7, 2019There is no greater love than that of a mother. I think sometimes we as a society put a lot of pressure on moms to be and act a certain way, instead of just letting them parent how they see fit. I applaud your strength and tenacity as you and your husband embark on baby #2.
Sarah Emery
December 7, 2019I wish you all the best with your second blessing and that this holiday season will bring you and yours happiness and joy.
Ntensibe Edgar Michael
December 7, 2019Aaaawwww….I love you more for this post! So truthful and emotional. Keep at it….don’t cease and settle.
Scott J DeNicola
December 7, 2019You tend to find out with children that there is never the right time for another one. Our girls are about 4 years apart. We would have liked them a bit closer in age but it didn’t turn out that way. Once we were starting to get a good night’s sleep the cycle started all over again and baby #2 came along. Now never giving birth I can’t begin to understand what the body goes through but I know from my wife it is tough at times. Kudos to the women out there who make it all happen!
Lyosha
December 7, 2019thank you for this post. I am planning on becoming a mother (it’s a process and I work for it) and thinking about body impact is what is making me terrified. I am used to rely on my body being this or that, it is hard understand it will so drastically change
Catalina
December 7, 2019Congratulations! It’s really a blessing and you will do a great job for sure! Just relax and enjoy the journey!
Despite Pain
December 7, 2019This is a beautiful post. You have a beautiful gift..soon to be two beautiful gifts. Be proud of those stretch marks.
Danielle
December 7, 2019I love this post so much. I think all of us moms need to embrace the changes that come during pregnancy. They’re all signs that we’re doing something momentous.
Vanessa
December 7, 2019I had to learn to love the changes that happened to my body throughout my pregnancy. One day I realized that all of them were reminders of the beautiful life I”d just made.
Amy Blair
December 7, 2019I feel your pain! No one quite prepares you for just how much you are expected to take on.
We really do need a village like back in the day when families were more involved and helped more.
Fatima Torres
December 7, 2019This post brought tears to my eyes. It’s inspiring for those who are struggling to accept some of the changes that come along with motherhood. Hang in there, mama. You’ve got this! 🙂
Wren
December 7, 2019It is a fantastic thing to grow a baby in your body. Your body is perfect and has grown babies. You got this!
joy
December 7, 2019i’m so happy for you. yes even with the cellulite and stretch marks you are beautiful because you have the glow of motherhood. 🙂
joy
Britt
December 7, 2019Thank you for opening up and being so honest about your own journey. This is exactly why I believe that more mothers need to speak up and share – Both to allow new mothers to see that they are not alone, but also to share their tips and tricks regarding how to find ‘me time’ in the craziness of motherhood and the best ways to take care of yourself so that you can take care of those who depend upon you.
Angela
December 7, 2019I think you show a very positive attitude. It’s not easy at all but it is worth it. Hope it all goes well.
Toni
December 7, 2019I love this! Indeed, the journey to motherhood is the best journey we could ever take.
Natural Beauty And Makeup
December 7, 2019Such a beautiful, inspiring post! I am yet to be a mom, but often hear about this tough motherhood phase from my friends. Wish you all the luck and take rest ☺
Celebrate Woman Today
December 7, 2019I am very happy for you, Angela. Yes, take one day at a time and celebrate all you can in that moment.
tweenselmom
December 8, 2019I remembered how my husband always tells my daughters, who are young and have slim bodies, how I had the same body as theirs but got the bulges from carrying them and giving birth to them. It’s sweet how he appreciates me and my sacrifices as a mother.
Julia
December 8, 2019Beautifully said, Angela. Congratulations on your second baby! Yes, raising a child is a big responsibility, but it’s so worth it if we do a good job.
Please do take time for yourself, don’t shrug it off. Your family needs a healthy and happy mother and wife. You are your parents’ child too – no matter how old you are, and they want to see their baby happy, healthy, loving and loved, and successful. And of course, you want it for yourself. So, don’t wait for your children to grow up to reclaim yourself. Ask for help, delegate responsibilities.
Warm regards,
~ Julia
Kelly Martin
December 8, 2019I really like your honesty. This was a great read. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy and what lies ahead.
claudia Krusch
December 8, 2019Such a great post! Hope you have an amazing pregnancy and that your bundle of joy brings even more happiness into your life!
Sundeep
December 8, 2019Many congratulations on your new bundle of joy. May your new child bring you a lifetime of blessings.
Emman Damian
December 9, 2019You’re so brave and strong! Can’t wait to see the baby! Good luck!
Luna S
December 9, 2019It really is a crazy journey! This was a great post to read that many can relate to. Congratulations on your newest bundle of joy!
Chad
December 9, 2019oh wow!!! What a painful and delicious journey this is. It is amazing how you’re handling it, just amazing!!!! RESPECT.
Subhashish Roy
December 9, 2019Happy to hear your story and feel you are blessed. Wish you a great journey ahead.
Laura
December 9, 2019I’m trying to get pregnant for 2 years now. Anyway I’m so happy for you and I hope enjoy it every second x
Laura
Myrah Duque
December 9, 2019Motherhood has its sacrifices, but they are so worth it! You look great and congratulations on your pregnancy!
Alexandra
December 9, 2019It does feel really great to be a mom.
Melanie
December 10, 2019Aw I loved this read. You are blessed to be having a child and I’m sure all will go well. Congratulations xx
Rose Ann Sales
December 10, 2019You really looked great for a mom to be. It’s nice reading about your thoughts on being a future mom. It’s so emotional and exciting.