If Babies Could Talk

We love them when they coo. Their soft murmurs are music to our ears. But what if babies could really talk? What would they tell us?

I already know how challenging motherhood is even when I was not yet married. When Fave came into our life, this fact became more real. She became our world. Everything is centered on her-our schedules, our activities, our resources. During the first months, we lost our quality time as a couple. My “me time” is suddenly all about Fave or doing household chores. And motherhood really challenges my emotions. Even my husband could not make me feel better at times. What did I do to encourage myself?

Scrolling through Facebook is sometimes helpful. My other mommy friends would post something about parenting or breastfeeding or mothering. The “most helpful” post I saw is that of a letter or a post wherein they make it look like a baby wrote it for the mom. In that post, the baby enumerated the reasons why he prefers mom, why he cries a lot, etc. I bet that you have seen that kind of post in your timeline as well. That post moved me and made me realize that my baby needs me. I may have been missing many personal activities that I love, but Fave needs me. I could not let her suffer or be alone just to satisfy my desire to have that personal time. She is more important than that.

So I did the same. Whenever I feel sad and want to be alone, I would imagine that Fave is talking to me, letting her heart out. It does help me go back to my senses as a new mom. And this piece is all about that “self-talk” I am doing with Fave. If she could talk to me, what would she tell me?

Dear Mommy,

I am really sorry for taking all of your time and energy nowadays. I know that you are tired of carrying me again and again. You feel like crying when I become so fussy before sleeping. And I can feel how tired your feet and arms at the end of the day, but you keep on holding me. You hold me close to you, and you still stare at me with love. Mommy, thank you for always holding me and allowing me to sleep in your arms. Please know that I need these strong arms. I need to be so close to your heart and hear your heartbeat just like before. I am still unfamiliar with the environment I am in, and your arms are my only safe place. Your warmth gives me security. It made me feel like it is the same place as your womb.

Mommy, thank you for changing my clothes and diapers when they are soiled, as well as washing them even if you hate doing the laundry. Thank you for making sure that I have clean beddings. Thank you for eating healthy food so that I can have my precious milk. Thank you for enduring the pain during our first weeks of breastfeeding. Thank you for not giving up on me.

Mommy, I am sorry for giving you sleepless nights at times because you watch over me, even if you are still exhausted from the day before. I am sorry if you cannot eat well because you are always in a hurry. I’m sorry if your bath time became less than 5 minutes now. I am sorry if you cannot take some time off for yourself.

Mommy, I need you. I cannot do a lot of things for myself now, but I will in the coming years. I want you to know that I am very much thankful that you are taking good care of me. I have seen everything, Mom. My small eyes do. And I appreciate all of them, all that you are doing. I hope that my smiles will make you feel strengthened every day. That’s all I can do for now. I love you, Mom.

Love,
Fave