Meet Kate

This beautiful little lady, Miss Kate Nicole, was born to my cousin Elizabeth and her husband Toby on March 12. Today, we celebrated her baptism. How time flies! She seems so tiny to me, especially when I look at my own two kiddos and see how much they've grown since their own infanthoods. Is there anything sweeter than a tiny babe, full of possibilities?

Holding an infant always reminds me how powerful becoming a mother truly feels. Effortlessly, I am reminded of how my children transformed my life in the best ways possible. Indeed, the older I get, the more sentimental I seem to become. Not only do I celebrate Kate's arrival, as I watch my cousin and friend light up with her own motherhood, but I am also excited to announce that my sister-in-law will also become a mother later this year. I'm going to be an aunt!

So much happiness, so many new beginnings. In honor of these first-time mothers, and as a reminder to all of us that have already embraced motherhood, I wrote a simple poem to celebrate this miracle. (Honestly, I probably wouldn't have attempted this if my aunt hadn't asked me to write something for Elizabeth that captured the experience of one's firstborn child, so thanks, Sandy! You helped me tap into one of the most meaningful wells of emotion for women and brought back wonderful memories for me of birthing my own sweet Ava and Hudson.)

My Firstborn Child

A hope, a prayer, a miracle
From your very first breath

A glimpse of love eternal
Nestled warmly at my breast

A moment filled with magic,
With a lifetime to embrace

Words could never capture,
The vast power of your face

None will ever truly know
How my heart exploded

All my life from that point on
Its focus newly molded

This realization, my first time,
There will never be another

Loving you transformed me
From mere woman to a mother

P.S. As I posted this poem, I realized there are many women out there who yearn to become a mother and struggle with conceiving. I can't imagine what that feels like, but I do believe miracles can happen. Please, as Mother's Day approaches, say a prayer for anyone who's trying to create a family. May motherhood bless those who hope for it.