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On the eve of Marlowe’s 1st birthday, I’ve been thinking a lot about growing up and what that means. I’ve been thinking about how much emphasis we put on making sure we are all in the exact right place– emotionally or physically or financially– before we become parents. About the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect for our children, and how the process of becoming a parent seems to fly in the face of that. I have only realized how much I don’t know since welcoming Marlowe in to our family. The humility of figuring out how to parent has made me almost childlike at times, while also giving me a thicker and stronger resilience than I have ever known. I think all of these qualities are so important, and part of what makes parenting such a gift. As Marlowe grows, I hope I continue to allow myself growing pains along with her. I hope that I continue to realize how much I don’t know, and how much learning she and I both have to do together.
The musician Macklemore just came out with the most beautiful song, “Growing Up”, that perfectly encapsulates all of these feelings. He wrote it for his new baby daughter, Sloane, and you can listen to it here.
xoxo
EAM
Happy Birthday Marlowe!! X
Eva, this post encapsulates everything I’m feeling as my 7 month old daughter grows. The emotions are sometimes impossible to put into words. My little girl can make me feel the highest of highs and also bring me to my knees. I am continually amazed (I hate that word now, thanks to The Bachelor, but it’s the only way I can describe it) at how I can be so happy looking at someone that has me awake at 3am. Your way of describing how raising your girl makes you feel childish at times but also resilient and strong is spot on. Thank you for putting some of these “mom” feelings into beautiful words.
Jess