Aren’t I More Than Just a Mom?

home insemination Kit

By: Emily Carter
Updated: Feb. 21, 2023
Originally Published: Feb. 21, 2023

My husband and I recently enjoyed a delightful dinner with some new friends. We met a few months ago and had been trying to coordinate a double date, but life with little ones often gets in the way. Finally, we hired babysitters and managed some much-needed adult time. The food was delicious, and the conversation flowed easily. We exchanged stories about toddler shenanigans, messy homes, and those lovable but kooky in-laws. Connecting with friends over shared experiences felt rejuvenating.

Kids truly are the universal icebreakers.

As conversation meandered on, my husband casually mentioned that I’m a songwriter who once got an invitation to audition for a popular singing competition.

“Wait, what? You play guitar?” our friends exclaimed, clearly surprised.

I was taken aback. Anyone who’s crossed my path knows just how passionate I am about music. I’ve been strumming my guitar and penning songs for as long as I can remember. But since stepping into motherhood, I guess I’ve squeezed that part of my life into an ever-tighter corner.

The past two years as a stay-at-home mom have been consumed with ensuring my son has a joyful and enriching environment. Every moment has been meticulously planned, filled with trips to playgrounds, splash pads, and endless puzzles. I’ve sculpted a world for him, and it takes a heap of effort. My schedule is packed, my home is busy, and my heart is full. But deep down, I can’t help but wonder: Am I more than just a mom?

When my son came into this world, he entered the life of a woman full of stories and talents. I was an artist, a musician, a lover of books and horses, and a passionate foodie. Fast forward two years, and here’s how I introduced myself just last Sunday at church:

“Hi, I’m Emily. This is my husband Jake. We have a wonderful 2-year-old son we call ‘Little Bean,’ and, umm, that’s about it?”

I’ve been so focused on crafting a perfect childhood for Little Bean that I forgot something vital: his world isn’t something to create; it’s something to explore. My role is to introduce him to the wonders all around us, and in that quest, I’ve overlooked the things that once inspired me.

Just yesterday, I stood before my neglected guitar case, and a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Has it really been that long? I opened the case and embraced my old friend. As I strummed and hummed, I rediscovered an old hymn that transported me back in time. Closing the case after an hour of musical bliss, I smiled, realizing my soul had been nourished.

One day, I envision a conversation with my son that begins like this:

“So, Little Bean, tell me about your mom.”

In that moment, I hope he recalls the love I poured into him, the secure, nurturing childhood we shared, and perhaps a little about my passion for music, my love for his dad, and my struggles with the love of cheesy snacks over running marathons. I want him to remember me as someone who embraced life and encouraged him to do the same.

Because yes, I cherish motherhood. But I am so much more than just a mother.

For more insights, check out our other blog post on intracervical insemination and learn about the options available to you. If you’re curious about home insemination, Make a Mom provides excellent resources on the subject. Additionally, CCRM IVF offers insightful articles about pregnancy and home insemination that you won’t want to miss.

Summary:

In a heartfelt reflection, the author navigates the challenges of motherhood, realizing that while she loves being a mom, there is much more to her identity. As she reconnects with her passions, she contemplates how she wants her son to remember her—not just as a mother, but as a vibrant individual with dreams and interests of her own.