Motherly Stories
Motherhood changes us. Celebrate the ups and downs with these honest, insightful essays about becoming—and being—a mom.
The way we talk to our children becomes part of their conscience for years to come
I want him to practice courage over comfort and not make choices so that his friends think he is cool.
To my village: Thank you for helping to shape me as a mother
I am the mother I am because of the collective group of women I have in my life.
Our kids have the best Nana and Grandma in the world—thank you
You are both such special, key characters in our story.
Dear Mom: Thank you for taking care of me, because I still need you
Even though you are the best Yaya in the whole world, I know that at any given moment, your primary concern is still me.
To my friends who let me vent—thank you for not judging me
Thank you for letting me text you 10 messages in a row detailing what my kiddo is melting down over. Multiple times. At various points on various days.
My C-section scar is evidence that pain can fade
When I look at my scar now, I see my body's ability to heal, to survive.
Working dads have guilt, too
I feel as though I am often just as compromised as my working wife feels. It's frustrating for the both of us.
To the mom who is spread way too thin—it’s time to start saying ‘no’
You—and your kids—will be happier for it.
Thank you for being an ‘aunt’ to my son—I couldn’t do it without you
Thank you for being a constant, positive and loving presence in his life, just like you are in mine.
What got me through the first raw months of motherhood? Messages from other moms
The flood of private messages after my baby’s birth was just what I needed. I just wish it wasn’t such a secret.
True life: My house is messy and full of children growing older every day
So no, I’m not spring cleaning.
True life: I plan my life around my baby’s nap schedule
Ain’t no shame in my nap game.
Becoming a SAHM was harder than I expected
In motherhood, there are no grades, or awards, or gold stars. But, it gets better.
To the mama battling postpartum depression: You are stronger than you realize
I discovered the strength, resilience and inner warrior I had hiding within myself—ready to battle.
To the moms who keep it real, thank you
There’s no greater gift than to be invited into another person’s truth.
A love letter to my best friend: Do you know how amazing you are?
For the one who's doing it all and giving it her all, you amaze me every day.
My child: I hope you keep your innocence as long as you can
Because you don’t get to go back and re-do your childhood.
Dear husband: I am all in, forever
I choose you no matter what life throws at us.
To my baby—Being your mother will be my greatest privilege
I promise to show you just how loved you are every single day.