Bottles, bibs, diapers and wipes. Just a few of the many, many items found in the over-sized monogrammed diaper bag that a mom totes with her everywhere from the mailbox, to the shopping mall, and of course on any road trip. Now if you know me well or know me at all, you'll be wondering why on earth I'm talking about baby items, especially since I'm not married (yet) and most certainly not in the stage of life to be expecting a child of my own.
Hosting a baby shower for not just one, not just two, but THREE mothers-to-be who are dear friends this past weekend has thrown me (and my group of girlfriends) into frequenting Target and every baby boutique buying up pink and blue gifts, planning Saturday trips to fabric stores to dive through reels and reels of fabric to decorate the nursery, and altering our weekly runs to simple walks to maintain some fun exercise and time together. Being able to share in teh joy of celebrating such a special time in teh lives of so many couples truly is humbling. Words really cannot describe the sheer joy that wells up in my heart and the tears of love that come to my eyes knowing some of my dearest girlfriends will soon bring another life into this world to shower with love and encouragement, teach this little one about the things she knows and values, and guide this child through the future stages of life.
Just to think about each girlfriend and her respective husband makes me grin from ear to ear at the realization that each set will be absolutely amazing parents in their own way and will love their son or daughter wiht a love that cannot be described. My mom always says, "You can never understand the love parents have for their children until you are a parent yourself." Each woman already gives amazingly in her friendships and in her marriage relationship. How much more she will give so her child will know unconditional love and acceptance through her soft voice and by seeing the twinkle in her eyes, while being cradled in her affectionate arms. Oh the delights of motherhood!
The dads-to-be already exchange chatter of how that little girl will have him "wrapped around her finger." You can tell these macho men are just as excited for the doctor appointments to hear the heart beat, to get up early on a Saturday morning to paint the nusery walls or shop for baby bedding, and even against their understanding, to tray and figure out the overwhelming number of necessary items needed for taking care of and raising a child.
Through all the anticipation, what is most remarkable is the physical change that takes place of each of my dear friends. Going from the early stages of finding out they are pregnant to actually seeing the baby bump and months later being able to feel for the little one kicking proves the miracle of life is just that...an amazingly beautiful miracle. Stop and think about it for a second...
To those remarkable women that are already mother and have little ones crawling, walking, even driving around, I say thank you for the wisdom, advice, support and encouragement you can give.
To the beautiful women who have yet to experience that stage of life, but have friends going through it (which happens to be the group I fall in), I say count yourself more blessed than ever to have amazing women in your life who allow you to share in this joyous time they are experiencing.
To those lovely women and dear friends currently encountering the marvels of pregnancy and trying to reach for a simple glass of sweet tea (decaf of course!) over the baby bump, I encourage each one to cherish the miraculous moments of pregnancy, while excitingly anticipating the arrival of your newest additional to the family.
Whether you're expecting a baby boy or girl, THANK YOU for letting your friends and family be part of such a remarkable milestone in your life!
