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Every Year, I Celebrate My ‘Motherhood Eve’
by Emma J. Lee
Updated: Jan. 19, 2023
Originally Published: Jan. 19, 2023
Exactly six years ago, I found myself on the brink of motherhood, staring at a photograph taken just hours before my life transformed forever. When I glance at that image, it brings a poignant thought to mind: Each year, we make it a point to celebrate our children’s birthdays, despite the chaos that often accompanies these parties. As mothers, we cherish the moments that honor our little ones, but what about our own journey? Why not establish a tradition to celebrate Motherhood Eve?
It’s easy to overlook the woman in that photograph—the one who hasn’t yet embraced motherhood. Acknowledging who we were before the title of “mom” is vital. This reflection has turned that photograph into a cherished symbol for me, and I revisit it every year.
The day your first child arrives, you experience a rebirth yourself. You may resist acknowledging it, but the woman you were just a day before motherhood, and the one who now holds the title, are distinct yet connected. Motherhood is not our sole identity; it represents a new chapter in our lives. It’s thanks to that woman in the photo, with all her choices and experiences, that you’ve become who you are today.
And so, here’s my message to her, six years into this motherhood journey, which I hope resonates with you as well.
Dear woman in the photograph:
I know you’re feeling a whirlwind of emotions—excitement mixed with fear. You’re brimming with dreams and aspirations yet anxiously awaiting to meet your little one. You picture her face and feel a surge of hope, but doubts creep in. How will it all unfold? Will it hurt? Will you manage? You question every plan you made during those nine months of anticipation.
You’ve spent countless nights dreaming about this moment, making promises to yourself. You swore you’d never don yoga pants, that your home would always be immaculate, and that toys would never clutter your living room. You vowed to remain put-together, even when the world saw you at your most vulnerable. You believed you’d raise perfect children—ones who would never throw tantrums or get sick, all thanks to your organic cooking.
You assured yourself that you would manage your time like a pro, that you wouldn’t fall into the trap of mom complaints, and that you would bounce back like the models you see in magazines. I can’t spoil the surprise, but I will say this: You will find joy. It won’t matter if those promises hold up or if they fade away. In just a few hours, you’ll hear a sound that will sweetly and chaotically alter your world forever.
Motherhood will unveil a strength within you that you never knew existed. You’ll tackle challenges you never thought possible, learning that each choice you make is the right one—regardless of the outcome. You’ll tune into your instincts like never before and discover untapped talents. Simple pleasures—a sunrise, the aroma of morning coffee, or a glass of wine with friends—will take on new meaning.
Your relationships will evolve; some will deepen, others will fade, and many new ones will blossom. Love will envelop you fiercely, and your heart will swell each day. You’ll navigate countless obstacles, but together, you’ll strive to create a better world.
I promise not to forget you, especially your dreams, and I will continue to fight for them, even if it takes longer than you anticipated or requires adjustments along the way.
Today, I celebrate the nearly 32 years you spent as a woman before motherhood and the six years I’ve enjoyed in this extraordinary journey. Let’s raise a glass to you and to me—today is our Motherhood Eve. Thank you for shaping me into who I am: your resilience, determination, choices, fears, promises, triumphs, and even your mistakes have led me this far. I’ll continue to grow as a woman, and for both of us, I vow to face life head-on, no matter what unfolds. No one ever claimed life would be simple, but the way we choose to live and cherish it remains between you and me.
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Summary
Each year, I honor ‘Motherhood Eve,’ reflecting on the journey of motherhood and the woman I was before becoming a mom. It’s a celebration of growth, strength, and the beautiful chaos that comes with raising children. Embracing our past selves allows us to appreciate our transformation and the love that fills our lives.