Aug 01 2010
Mommy Sisterhood
Today I experienced the sisterhood of Mommies–the way two women who have never seen each other in their lives can almost immediately bond over kiddos, no matter how brief the encounter. After watching Caleb play a great game of soccer this afternoon, Bryan and Sam and I headed to Borders to read some books and just hang out for a while. (Remember, I was an English major – the bookstore is one of my very favorite places in the world.) When we got there, Sam needed clean pants (he was RIPE!) and something to eat. Daddy took care of the clean pants part (thank you, honey!), and I found a quiet seat in the Travel/Reference section and for Sam to nurse (thank you, Uddercovers, for allowing me to modestly nurse my baby boy in public!). Now, I purposely chose the travel/reference section because 1) it has comfy chairs and 2) it’s typically not very busy. Even though the Uddercover really does a fabulous job of keeping Sam and his meal private, a quiet spot to nurse is always appreciated.
Not too long after Sam began his meal, a young Mommy (I say young, she seemed younger than me) and Daddy with two ADORABLE red-headed little boys came over to the travel section looking at Costa Rica books (I won’t get into the jealousy that popped up overhearing them saying that’s where they were going soon). When sister-Mommy saw us, she smiled and said, ” Oh, we’ve been there not too long ago. We used to come to the bookstore to nurse, too.” I smiled and commented on how precious her boys were and how much I just loved their red hair (I’m partial to red-headed boys; I think it’s because of my cousin Nick’s gorgeous red hair). She thanked me, then proceeded to remind her boys (who were, maybe 4 or 5 and just over 1, and one of them was named Samuel!) to keep their voices down because the baby over there (motioning toward us) was trying to eat. Now, these boys had already shown they were very well behaved, so I’m sure the reminder was unnecessary, but in our short exchange, I was again reminded of the bond that mommies automatically have with one another.
No one but another mommy can truly understand the pain and joy of 3 am feedings and the constant worry that you’re doing the right things, in the right balance, for your precious angel. No one but a mommy can sense when you’re near the end of your rope and call just to let you cry or vent, or send an email that reminds you that it REALLY is ok to be frustrated or exhausted at times, or even to get angry, and that this Mommy job is really hard work.
Today’s Sister-Mommy encounter is, of course, not the first I’ve had, and I know it won’t be the last. I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by fabulous mommies in my family and close friends–amazing ladies who have a wealth of wisdom and empathy that they’re always willing to share. I also am lucky enough to be sharing the new baby experience with three good friends–Laura’s Shelby was born in March, Sara’s Lily was born a week before Sam, and Tori’s Austin was born just 3 days before Sam (welcomed by big sister Sophia). And, I hope I’m aware enough to recognize future Sister-Mommy encounters and maybe even, in the future, initiate some with other new mommies when I (hopefully) have some insights to give, too.
2 Responses to “Mommy Sisterhood”
It’s amazing how you bond with all sorts of women once you have a baby. I’ve made friends with women who are both much older and much younger than me that I never would’ve connected with otherwise. It’s so cool how age really doesn’t matter.
P.S. I’m jealous of their impending trip, too! I’d take a night away at this point (sans baby) and call that a fabulous vacation. 🙂
We are so happy to be sharing the sister-mommy experience with you too! I just wish we lived closer. It’s so hard knowing you have a baby the same age and we can’t get together. Miss you!