Every Year, I Celebrate My ‘Motherhood Eve’

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Six years ago, on this very day, I took my last photo as a non-mom, just hours before my life transformed utterly. Whenever I glance at that snapshot, I’m reminded of a poignant truth: each year, we throw grand parties for our children’s birthdays. While these celebrations can be a bit of a circus, we mothers revel in honoring our little ones’ lives.

But what about us? Why not establish a tradition of celebrating ‘Motherhood Eve’? We often overlook that woman in the photo—the one who hasn’t yet stepped into the role of motherhood. It’s vital to take a moment to reflect on who we were and recognize how far we’ve come. That’s why this photograph holds such significance for me, and I revisit it each year.

The moment your first child arrives, you undergo a rebirth. It’s a reality that might be tough to accept, but the woman you were just 24 hours prior to motherhood is, in many ways, a different person—yet still part of the same divine journey. Motherhood is merely a new chapter in life, shaped by the choices of that pre-mom woman.

Dear Woman in the Image

I know you’re feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now—joyful yet terrified. Your heart brims with dreams, but anxiety lurks as you await your baby’s arrival. You envision her face, filled with hope, yet you can’t shake the questions: How will labor unfold? Will it hurt? Did all my planning amount to anything?

For months, perhaps even years, you’ve pondered this moment, making promises to yourself. You vowed never to wear yoga pants, always maintain a tidy home, and keep toys out of sight. You promised that your children would never throw tantrums, that they’d always be healthy, and that you’d whip up organic meals daily to ensure they grew up brilliant.

You also assured yourself that you’d master time management, never be one of those mothers who complains about the chaos, and, of course, if those magazine models can bounce back in two months, so can you!

Well, I won’t spoil the surprise, but here’s some news: You will find happiness, regardless of whether you keep those promises. They’ll fade away in comparison to the life-altering sound you’re about to hear—one that will bring sweetness and wildness in equal measure. From that day forward, you will embark on a remarkable journey.

Motherhood will bestow upon you an unexpected strength, enabling you to achieve what you once thought impossible. You’ll learn that every choice you make, right or wrong, is the best one at that moment. You’ll discover a profound connection to your heart, seeing life through a fresh lens. Hidden instincts will awaken, and you’ll find skills you never knew existed. The simple pleasures—like a sunrise, the aroma of morning coffee, or a glass of wine shared with a friend—will take on new meaning.

Your relationships will evolve; some old friendships will fade while new ones blossom. You will love fiercely, and your heart will swell with emotion daily. The bond you share will multiply, and together, you will face countless challenges, growing alongside one another. It will no longer be you against the world, but rather two of you striving to make the world a better place.

I vow not to forget you or your dreams, and I will continue to pursue them, even if it takes a little longer than you anticipated or requires some adjustments along the way.

Today, let’s raise a glass to the nearly 32 years you spent as a woman before motherhood and the six years I’ve enjoyed in the motherhood club. Here’s to you and to me—today is our Motherhood Eve. Because of you, I’ve come this far, and I’ll keep evolving as a woman. For you and for me, I promise to navigate life with my chin held high, no matter what challenges arise. Life isn’t always easy, but no one can dictate how we choose to live, appreciate, and honor it—that’s a secret between you and me.

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In summary, celebrating ‘Motherhood Eve’ allows us to honor the woman we were before becoming mothers and recognize the transformative journey we undertake through motherhood. It’s a day to reflect on our growth, dreams, and the joys and challenges we embrace as we navigate this new role.