As many of you know, I’ve spent the last nine months pregnant with our seventh child. At 46, yes, I’m feeling the birth, but not just the physical. I’m experiencing the beauty of it that I’d forgotten-the smell of a newborn, his soft skin, his sweet smiles and coos, his little hand resting confidently on my neck.
Having written Motherhood Matters while pregnant, I can honestly share that having gone through the birthing process yet again, I feel even more strongly-if that’s possible-just how true that simple phrase is. As I hold him, feed him, and care for him, a kind of deep and connected love continues to wrap around the two of us, the kind of love that is hard to describe but that compels me stare at him for long periods of time without doing one single productive thing. And not caring.
When I first found out I was pregnant, several worries went through my mind (important things like, how fat will I get?) that quickly moved to more serious concerns, like chromosomal issues, our other children’s responses, and long-term effects on my own older body. But I can honestly say that all the things I worried about have come to naught. Sweet Bryson is healthy, strong, and without any seeming issues. My children have not only taken to him but actually fight to hold him. And if anything, I had more energy during my pregnancy than usual (is that possible?).
I’ve learned a lot through this experience already-a good deal about submission to things we are given and not necessarily seek-and about faith in God’s timing. I continue to see how perfectly tailored this experience has been, and continues to be, for me and my family
So I encourage you to embrace the difficult in your own life, knowing that even with the worries, concerns, and very real possible issues at stake-now and in the future-things have a way of working out, not perfectly, but just as they should.
Now I must get back to my important projects-nuzzling his neck and capturing his yawn on film.
Best,
Connie
P.S. To celebrate Bryson’s birth, any purchase of Motherhood Matters comes with the free ebook, Life is Too Short for One Hair Color. Simply email me@conniesokol.com where and when you purchased your book and we’ll send you download info. Enjoy!
Congrats beautiful! What a cute little boy!!!!
Our Soleil came as a surprise at the wort time and i agree. I had to embrace it and trust the Lord it would be ok. It was hard but we made it like everything. Love ya and miss ya. You are the best and give me so much inspiration!
Isabelle
Thanks so much, Isabelle, and big congrats on your little one (beautiful name, too!) Give your kids a kiss for us, my kids will still mention them:) Hang in there and enjoy the newborn ride!!
Oh, Connie – he’s beautiful! It was so good to see you in Costco a few weeks ago – you were planning for the birth of this handsome boy and I was planning for my daughter’s wedding. Those two events have now occurred, and we are both exhausted but celebrating! Congratulations to you and sweet little Bryson. I hope you enjoy every single unproductive moment. 🙂
Thanks tons Cindee, it was soo great to see you at Costco–you’ve been connected with me for a long while now, it’s been so sweet:) Congrats on your wedding, a huge “whew” is in order I’m sure. I hope you’re able to put your feet up and play diva–that is such the undertaking. Thx for thinking of me:)
Oh Connie….
He is so sweet….wishing you both the best! What a sweet gift to be able to enjoy this little one and savor this time in your life. My mom and dad had children up into their forties but have always looked much younger than friends their age. We always said that us kids kept them young! You are amazing!
So good to hear from you!! I’m so glad you get to be in Portland, the land of the green. I can see the trees out my window and it makes me miss, miss, miss the green there. Thx so much–we are loving him! And that’s what women I meet keep saying (who have had cabooses–I’m shocked how many of them there are) that they keep you in the loop because you’re still going to football games and doing PTA carnivals:) I can’t think that far ahead–we realized in 12 years Dave would be doing scouts again–that’s when we said, don’t go there…:) So we kiss on him and enjoy the here and now. Give our love to your fam:)))