This Sunday May 12th will be the final year that I am technically not yet a mother to be celebrated on Mother’s Day. Or am I? I've been growing a little human inside of me, feeling all the little movements for months now, and the only thing I can think about is what are they gonna look like? What colour will their eyes be? What will they sound like? This time next year, I'll be celebrating the best gift ever: my baby. Motherhood. The excitement of becoming a new mother is the fuel that is driving me to be a better version of myself. I am caring for myself now more than I have ever been before because in turn I am caring for them.
For me, expecting motherhood is a kaleidoscope of emotions, each hue painting a vivid picture of joy, anticipation, and boundless love. It's a journey that begins with a flutter, a whisper of life within, and unfolds into a symphony of maternal instincts and tender affections. The joys of motherhood are woven into the fabric of everyday life, from the gentle curve of a growing belly to the rhythmic cadence of a baby's heartbeat heard for the first time. There's an undeniable magic in feeling those tiny kicks and somersaults, each movement a testament to the miracle of life burgeoning within.
As the days pass and the due date draws near, there's a sense of wonderment that permeates every moment. From nesting instincts that transform a room into a sanctuary fit for a newborn to quiet moments of reflection, expecting mothers find solace and joy in preparing for the arrival of their little one. My fiancé and I have just finalised their name to be. We call our little bundle by various nicknames, full name, and sweet titles, perfectly detailing the love we already feel for them. It’s these beautiful moments where we get to plan for their future without even knowing who they are yet that make the journey of pregnancy so exciting (and yes, a little overwhelming).
But perhaps the greatest joy of all lies in the deepening connection between mother and child. It's in the whispered lullabies sung to a sleeping belly, the tender caresses and murmured promises of love that echo in the quiet of the night. For in the journey of expecting motherhood, there is a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment, a knowing that one's heart will forever walk outside their body in the form of a precious child.
This Mother’s Day I'm trying to do something for myself, something that honours this time of anticipation and uncertainty with a letter of love and reflection. This letter will be kept safe until next year. It’s my way of capturing a moment in time before the whirlwind of motherhood transforms my world. It's a letter filled with hopes, dreams, and aspirations, penned with the knowledge that life will never be the same once little one arrives. I hope this letter serves as a touchstone, a reminder of the woman I was before motherhood changed me in ways both profound and beautiful. It's a testament to my strength and vulnerability, a snapshot of a moment frozen in time before my heart expands to encompass the boundless love of a mother for their child.
Mother's Day is a celebration of the incredible journey of motherhood, and for mothers-to-be. It’s a day to pause and reflect on the blessings of a new life, to express gratitude for the support of loved ones, and to marvel at the miracle of life growing within. Gratitude and appreciation is overwhelming me during this time of celebration, as I reflect on the unwavering support of my loving partner. From the late-night cravings satisfied with a smile to the reassuring words whispered during moments of doubt, to each time he talks to my stomach, each gesture is a testament to the love and dedication surrounding our baby.
As I embrace the beauty of journey to be here, I find gratitude in the simple joys—the first flutter of movement, the sound of a heartbeat in a scan. Each moment is a precious gift to be cherished, a reminder of the gift of life. But amidst the joy and anticipation, there's also a recognition of all the challenges that lie ahead— the sleepless nights, the endless worries, the sacrifices, both physically and mentally, made in the name of love.
As Mother's Day arrives, expectant mothers like myself, are filled with a sense of wonder and awe, marvelling at the miracle of life growing within us. It's a day to celebrate our strength and resilience, our capacity for love and sacrifice, and to honour the beauty of motherhood in all its forms.
So, to all the mothers-to-be on this special day, may you feel a warmth of gratitude surrounding you, may you bask in the love and support of those around you, and may you embrace the journey ahead with open arms and a heart full of joy. For we are embarking on the greatest adventure of all — the journey of motherhood – and the world is a brighter, more beautiful place because of you.
With love,
Sophie x