Tuesday, April 12, 2011

When Does Motherhood Begin...

this is my entry into the "When Does Motherhood Begin?" Essay Contest




There are so many moments in a mother's journey that motherhood begins.

The first of my many moments was watching in anticipation as those two blue lines appeared on the pregnancy test that I held in my hand. It is amazing how something so simple can change the course of your life forever.

The second motherhood moment of my life came at the sight of, not one, but two little yolk sacks appearing on the ultrasound monitor. (This ultrasound was performed earlier than usual because I was spotting.) What a revelation, not only to see that all was well with the pregnancy, but that there would be two little ones joining our family.

The third, but heart breaking moment, was the brief passing of a little one that left me as swiftly as it had arrived. Who lived and died within me. From two blue lines to an ultrasound that would show a hollow shell of what was to be. This moment will be a part of me forever.

Then there was the moment, the moment of conception that was planned. A moment where I knew with all my being that there was a life beginning in me from the moment that he began. What a gift we have been entrusted with to create life.

Another moment that I have been blessed with was the birth of my last son. I have never been so trusting in the power of my own self, of my body, and my baby. I knew that I had the power to entrust my son's life to my body and my mind, and I did. When the heart rate could barely be found, when things did not look good, when a cesarean looked inevitable, I looked deep within myself. I focused on nothing but his life and my strength. The power of a mother and of her body is more incredible than words could do justice. His life was saved and my natural birth was preserved because I believed in myself.

Motherhood moments renew me every day. In the milestones that my children accomplish, in my baby's "firsts," because he is my last, in every smile and every hug. But most of all, in the connection of love that my husband and I now share since we started our journey into parenthood together. We look at them and they are a part of both of us, made in love. What a blessing.



There are so many moments in a mother's journey that motherhood begins.

Pregnancy....Birth....Motherhood. They are the most empowering experiences that we are given in this life. It humbles me to be blessed to be a part of them.



Kristin Dahman, 30 year old, wife of five and a half years, and stay at home mom of:

Fraternal twin girls Emilee Elizabeth and Olivia Grace (they will be five this summer), my angel baby who will never be forgotten, my first son Owen Michael (he will be three this summer), and my baby boy, the completion of our family, Evan Joseph (he is six months old)



PS The Leaky Boob sent me from Facebook