Mommy Life – La Vie Est Belle

Celebrating Valentine’s Day as a Single Mama

February 13, 2024 1 Comment

As Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, the aisles of stores are filled with heart-shaped chocolates, red roses, and declarations of love. For many, this day is synonymous with romantic gestures and candlelit dinners. But what about us, the single moms navigating the world of parenting solo? How do we celebrate Valentine’s Day when we’re not part of a traditional couple? The answer lies in recognizing that love comes in many forms and that as single moms, we have plenty to celebrate.

Embracing Self-Love

As single moms, we often prioritize the needs of our children above our own. Valentine’s Day provides the perfect opportunity to turn the spotlight inward and practice some much-needed self-love. Take this day as a chance to pamper yourself—whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, treating yourself to a massage, or simply curling up with a good book. Remember, you are deserving of love and care, and this day is all about celebrating you too.

Celebrating the Love of Family and Friends

While romantic love may not be on the cards for us right now, the love of family and friends is always present. Reach out to your loved ones and celebrate the bonds that tie you together. Plan a movie night with your kids, bake heart-shaped cookies together, or organize a virtual Galentine’s Day with your closest friends. Surrounding yourself with the people who lift you up is a beautiful way to celebrate the love that exists in your life.

Creating Cherished Memories

Valentine’s Day is not just about grand gestures—it’s about creating meaningful moments that will be cherished for years to come. Take this opportunity to create lasting memories with your children. Write love letters to each other, craft homemade valentines, or embark on a nature walk to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. These simple yet heartfelt activities will leave a lasting impression and remind you of the love that fills your home every day.

Max and I Make Valentines for each other

Finding Joy in the Little Things

As single moms, we understand the importance of finding joy in the little things. Whether it’s a spontaneous dance party in the living room, a laughter-filled game night, or a cozy cuddle session before bedtime, these small moments are what truly matter. This Valentine’s Day, take the time to revel in these simple pleasures and appreciate the love that surrounds you every single day.

As single moms, we may not have a traditional Valentine’s Day experience, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate love in all its forms. Whether it’s through self-love, the love of family and friends, or the joy found in everyday moments, there are countless reasons to celebrate this special day. So, this Valentine’s Day, let’s embrace the love that surrounds us and remember that the greatest love of all begins with loving ourselves. Happy Valentine’s Day to all the incredible single moms out there—you are loved, you are valued, and you are enough.

Love,

Tera Dunn

Mommy Life

Tips For Flying With Small Children

January 29, 2024 No Comments

Traveling with children can be a shit show, especially if your child has sensory issues like Max. However, flying with any kid can present its challenges. With a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, you can ensure a smooth and somewhat enjoyable journey. Here are some ideas to make your airplane adventure with children stress-free and memorable:

1. Plan for Comfort:

Before your travel day, do some research about the airline’s policies regarding child passengers. Some airlines offer amenities like kid-friendly entertainment. ALWAYS!!! reserve your seats in advance to secure seating together as a family. If possible, opt for direct flights to minimize travel time and the hassle of layovers.

2. Pack Wisely:

Pack a well-organized carry-on bag with essentials such as diapers, wipes, snacks, and a change of clothes for both your child and yourself. Don’t forget comfort items like blankets, pacifiers, or stuffed animals that can provide a sense of security during the flight. Consider packing a small surprise toy or activity to keep your child engaged.

3. Entertainment is Key:

Long flights can become tedious for kids, so be prepared with a variety of entertainment options. Load a tablet or smartphone with age-appropriate games, movies, and TV shows. Bring coloring books, puzzles, or storybooks to keep them engaged offline. Headphones that fit comfortably are a must for kids who want to watch in-flight entertainment.

4. Snacks and Hydration:

Airplane food may not always align with your child’s preferences, so pack a mix of their favorite snacks. Opt for healthy options like fruits, granola bars, and crackers to keep their energy up. Don’t forget a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the flight.

5. Timing is Everything:

Consider booking flights that align with your child’s natural sleep schedule. If possible, schedule flights during nap times or bedtime, so your child can catch some Zs during the journey. This will not only make the flight more pleasant for them but also give you a chance to relax.

6. Safety First:

Make sure to comply with airline safety regulations, especially regarding child safety seats. If your child is under a certain age or weight, they may require a car seat approved for air travel. Check with the airline well in advance to ensure you have the correct information.

7. Be Patient and Positive:

Children can get restless during flights, especially on long journeys. Stay patient, and maintain a positive attitude. Bring along a sense of humor and flexibility – sometimes things may not go as planned, but a calm and upbeat demeanor will help keep stress levels low. Max and I have had so many delays over the years, I can’t stress enough that your attitude is a mirror for theirs.

8. Engage Their Curiosity:

Turn the flight into a learning experience by pointing out landmarks, explaining the mechanics of flying, and sharing interesting facts about the destination. Engaging your child’s curiosity can turn the flight into an educational adventure.

9. Explore the Airport:

Some airports offer play areas or kid-friendly spaces, and some offer museum-type exhibits. If you have a layover, use this time to explore these areas, allowing your child to burn off energy before the next flight.

10. Celebrate Milestones:

Once you’ve completed the flight, celebrate the accomplishment with your child. Whether it’s their first flight, an international journey, or simply a new adventure, acknowledging their achievements can make the experience more memorable.

Remember, every child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child’s age, preferences, and needs. By approaching your journey with a sense of adventure, patience, and preparation, you can create positive memories and instill a love for travel in your children that will last a lifetime.

Bon voyage!

Tera Dunn

Mommy Life, Uncategorized

Balancing Act: Work-Life Harmony as a Single Mom

July 30, 2023 No Comments

Being a single mom and entrepreneur comes with its unique set of challenges, but it’s entirely possible to achieve a fulfilling work-life balance. In this post, I’ll touch on juggling a small business, a school-age child, extracurricular activities like soccer and baseball, and maintaining an active social life filled with playdates.

Setting priorities and establishing a routine is going to be a major key, with multiple responsibilities on your plate, setting clear priorities is crucial. Determine the most important tasks and obligations for both your business and personal life. Create a daily and weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for work, quality time with your child, attending their activities, and nurturing your social life. Having a routine helps bring structure to your days and ensures you allocate time for each aspect of your life.

Leveraging technology and your flexibility working mostly from home provides flexibility, which is a valuable asset for a single-mom entrepreneur. Embrace technology to streamline your work processes. Utilize project management tools, online calendars, and communication platforms to stay organized and collaborate effectively with your customer and clients. Take advantage of remote work options to attend to your child’s activities and manage your business simultaneously. This particular tip works best for obviously those who work for themselves.

This next tip works best for those of you that have the ability to hire help. So if that’s not something you can afford, no worries but I had to add it, because it’s important to mention.

Recognize that you can’t do it all on your own. Delegate tasks that don’t require your direct attention, both in your business and personal life. Hire help for tasks like accounting, administrative work, or childcare, allowing you to focus on core business activities and quality time with your child. Remember, seeking support doesn’t signify weakness; it’s a wise move to maintain your work-life balance. Also try to remember time IS money.

Communicate and Collaborate, open and clear communication is key to managing your various commitments. Talk to your child about your work and explain the importance of balancing responsibilities. Engage with their school, coaches, and other parents to ensure you’re aware of schedule changes or any conflicts that may arise. Collaborate with other parents to share carpooling duties or alternate supervising playdates, enabling everyone to have a balanced schedule.

Prioritize Self-Care, taking care of yourself is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a single mom, it’s easy to neglect self-care but remember that you need to be your best self to succeed in all aspects of your life. Find moments for relaxation, exercise, and hobbies that recharge you. Set aside time for self-reflection and personal growth. Remember, you deserve to thrive in both your personal and professional endeavors, I actually wrote about self-care a couple post ago, look it over for tips.

Bonus Tip…… whenever you can, you should enlist your little one’s to help with small tasks in your business, make them feel apart of it, also you spend time together. My son loves breaking down boxes and putting them together too. Obivously this is aplicalble if it your business and not a requirement in most cases. This one works for us.

As an entrepreneur with a school-age child engaged in sports and active social life, achieving work-life harmony requires intentional effort on my part. By setting priorities, establishing routines, leveraging technology, outsourcing, and communicating effectively, I can find the balance that allows me to succeed both in my business and personal life.

Remember, taking care of yourself is essential for long-term success and overall happiness. Embrace the journey, be adaptable, and cherish the precious moments with your child as your navigate your beautiful life.

Much Love,

Tera Belle

Mommy Life

Fun Summer Activities to Enjoy with Your Kids in LA

July 3, 2023 No Comments

Are you looking for ways to keep your kids entertained and create unforgettable memories this summer? Look no further than the vibrant city of Los Angeles! From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, LA offers so many activities that both you and your kids will love. Get ready for an action-packed summer with these 7 cool things to do:

1. Coming up first and my favorite, Universal Studios Hollywood. Max and I have already been here twice in this last year. Your kids will never forget walking through movie set-ups. We were there a month ago and the Fast and the Furious Cars were on display. There are also pretty cool rides for all ages, even a place to take babies. Your kids can meet beloved characters from Harry Potter and the Minions, and be amazed by live shows and interactive experiences.

Max at Harry Potter World in Universal Studios Hollywood

2. Griffith Observatory is pretty cool, get a taste of the cosmos, lol. Your kiddos can marvel at the wonders of the universe. Witness breathtaking views of the city, explore interactive exhibits, and gaze at the stars through powerful telescopes.

3. Natural History Museum is super awesome, a safe place to encourage your kids’ curiosity and explore the wonders of science and history. You can see dinosaur fossils, marvel at gemstones, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of California.

4. I really like Malibu but Max loves the Santa Monica Pier, kids can experience the magic of a classic seaside amusement park. There is actually a lot to see and even more to do, and don’t go on a budget because there’s also a lot they will beg you to buy. Also if you get tired or get sensory overload, you can walk over to the beach and chill.

5. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to Griffith Park for a little picnic, it’s one of the largest urban parks in North America. Some people like to hike scenic trails(I don’t care for hiking) but your kids can enjoy the playgrounds and pony rides.

6. Cool Off at the Los Angeles Zoo, and beat the summer heat. Watch as your kids’ faces light up with excitement as they encounter exotic animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and giraffes. Honestly, I could live without the zoo but Max thinks it’s Magical.

7. Engage your kids in interactive learning experiences at the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena. With hands-on exhibits, outdoor play areas, and educational programs, this museum offers endless opportunities for fun and discovery.

Also, be sure to check the websites or call ahead for updated information on operating hours and safety protocols.

Make this summer a memorable one by trying out these incredible activities in the sunny city of Los Angeles! Whether it’s exploring theme parks, immersing in nature, or engaging in educational experiences, there’s something for every family to enjoy. Let the adventures begin! 🌞

love you,

Tera Belle

Mommy Life, Wellness

Single mama and self-care

June 26, 2023 2 Comments

Being a single mom of a 6-year-old boy(almost 7) is a beautiful yet demanding role. With the added responsibilities of making a living, and making a home. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain balance, energy, and overall well-being. I’m going to share some things that work for Max and me.

Set aside some “Mama Time”:
Finding moments for yourself is essential. Set aside dedicated time each day to engage in activities that bring you joy and recharge your energy. Whether it’s early mornings before your little one wakes up or during nap time, use this time for self-care practices such as meditation, reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or pursuing a hobby.
Get outside:
Where I live in LA offers a diverse range of outdoor spaces to explore. Take advantage of nature’s healing power by incorporating regular walks or visits to local parks into your routine. Breathing in the fresh air, soaking up sunlight, and connecting with nature can boost your mood and provide a much-needed break from daily stressors.
Be tribal:
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Build a support network by connecting with other single moms in your community. Join local parenting groups or online communities where you can share experiences, seek advice, and offer support to one another. Having a support system can make a significant difference in your well-being.
Live simply:
Recognize that you don’t have to do everything alone. Delegate age-appropriate tasks to your 6-year-old, such as tidying up toys or setting the table. Simplify your routines and home management by organizing and decluttering spaces, meal planning, and using time-saving strategies. By lightening your load, you create more room for self-care.
Go to bed:
A good night’s sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Establish a bedtime routine for yourself and your child to ensure restful nights. Create a calm and comfortable sleep environment, limit screen time before bed, and consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as reading or practicing gentle stretching.
Eat healthy-esque:
Cooking homemade meals is an excellent way to prioritize your and your child’s health. Plan and prepare meals in advance, making use of batch cooking and freezer-friendly recipes. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide sustained energy and support overall well-being. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Practice Mindful mama-ing:
Being present with your child is a form of self-care in itself. Engage in quality time together, where you actively listen, play, and create cherished memories. Embrace mindfulness by fully immersing yourself in the present moment with your child, letting go of distractions, and focusing on the joy of there for with them in this season, as you know time flies.

As a single mom, prioritizing self-care is vital for your well-being and the well-being of your child. By incorporating these self-care tips into your routine, you can nurture your physical, mental, and emotional health. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s an act of love and empowerment. Embrace the journey of self-care, and watch as it positively impacts both your life and the life of your own children.

Love ya,

Tera Belle

Mommy Life, Uncategorized

Where I left you

June 18, 2023 No Comments

The past three years have been a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges for me. From the devastating loss of my husband followed by the Covid lockdown to navigating the complexities of single motherhood while being a small business owner, life has thrown its share of obstacles my way. Amidst it all, finding the time and strength to return to blogging has been a struggle. But here I am, ready to reconnect with you, my readers, and share the updates on my life.

My son and I have embarked on a long journey of heart healing. Therapy has played a crucial role in our lives, providing a safe space for both of us to express and process our emotions surrounding our loss. Our therapist has been a true blessing, offering guidance and support. It warms my heart to see my son opening up in ways he couldn’t before, and witnessing his growth and resilience fills me with pride. Together, we are navigating this sometimes lonely journey of motherhood, one step at a time.

Incredible as it may seem, my son, Maxwell, has completed first grade and is now ready to embark on his second-grade adventure. The passing of time brings a mix of emotions, but seeing him grow and thrive fills me with hope and joy. Witnessing his enthusiasm for learning and the way he embraces new experiences is a constant reminder of the resilience of children.

While balancing the demands of motherhood and my role as the owner of Mama Vibes Coffee and Mama Drip, I felt a calling to delve into the realm of healing. I have recently become a certified Reiki practitioner and established my own practice called Lemon and Lavender Healing. Healing has become an integral part of my life, and responding to this calling to become a healer myself feels like a natural progression. By combining my passion for nurturing others and the transformative power of Reiki, I am embarking on a new chapter filled with opportunities to support and uplift others.

As I reflect on the challenges, growth, and exciting developments in my life, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my readers and the strength I have found within myself. The journey may be arduous at times, but with each step, I am reminded of the power of healing, resilience, and the capacity for personal and professional growth. Thank you for being a part of my journey, and I look forward to sharing more with you as we navigate life’s twists and turns together.

I love you so much,

Tera Belle

Mommy Life

7 things motherhood has taught me(extended version)

September 30, 2019 No Comments

I actually did an Instagram about the 5 things I learned and wanted to not only elaborate but also give more insight.

1. I think the first and most important thing that I’ve learned as a mom is that I actually want to be a mom.
Before I got pregnant with Max, I was very indifferent to the idea of having a child.
Somewhere between 11 and 20 weeks I was madly in love with my baby and would be anything for him. I think this realization surprised me the most. Everything I do now including my career is just a how can I do this in a way that would make me a better mom?

2. Learning that I was strong and fragile simultaneously was a very interesting thing to learn. At one point there I am growing a human being, then you give birth to this human being, then you’re able to feed this human being with milk that your body is making, and on top of all that you’re able to keep this baby alive with hardly any sleep. Mind blowing! I am a BADASS. Unfortunately for some women, like myself you’re also experiencing crazy wicked postpartum anxiety. Which for me felt like constant worrying about things that most likely wouldn’t come to pass but feeling extremely unprepared. I remember a time I woke up in tears because I didn’t know what to do in case a bear attacked my baby. First of all, when would a bear attack us? One of our weekly visits to Nordstrom’s perhaps? I can’t explain it but the fear was real and I cried for a long time while my baby laid safely next to me. That time in my life was so rough, you can’t be afraid to ask for help.

3. The value of tribal living! You NEED other mommies in your life. The minute you realize you are bringing a baby into the world, you become desperate to join the mommy groups! Not to mention being pregnant and then a new mom is lonely and isolating.

4. Marriage is a big topic, almost needs it’s own blog post. It’s so important that you and your partner discuss expectations. I feel like a woman goes into this experience thinking my partner will help me with diapers, meals, rest and whatever else. The man may think “she’s got this” after all she’s the mom. I would just say that was probably the toughest part of it all. My husband and I REALLY had a hard time adjusting, It gets easier the more you communicate.

5. Dealing with unsolicited advice….I don’t spend a whole bunch of time defending my choices or actions. I just don’t. My son was 18 months, all I heard everyday is that he needs to be done nursing. He is wasn’t ready. Maxwell actually didn’t wean until he was a 26 months. And that was that! Moms are wise! I will always instinctively do what’s right for Maxwell.

6. Mortality, I’ve never in my life wanted so badly to live, so badly to love, so badly to express myself. Wanting to live just to protect another human being, dreaming of them grow up. The thought of not being around for every single second is terrifying! Every headache, every ache or pain makes you nuts or so it does me(I’m neurotic remember). Anyway the only way I have found to combat that is gratitude. It seems to me that being grateful for every moment you get with your loved ones helps with that particular anxiety.

7. Stay at home mom/Working mom……… um we all fuckin Rock!! DO YOU. All of our families are different and will require a different operation. I’ve been on both sides, I stayed home with Max for two years, I went to work for a year or so also… both extremely difficult. It was hard to have no social life. I loved being home with Max but it was isolating and running a home and trying to work from home was tough. The hardest day of my life was dropping Max off at nursery school for the first time, My first day at my new job I cried in front of my new co-worker(she understood). I missed him and he was only 25 months, we were both devastated. Now I work from home but Max still goes to nursery school; I’m the one to drop him off and when my work is done I go get my kid! He loves all his friends and is very social.

Mommy Life

Why I took a break from my blog

May 1, 2019 No Comments

I think that it’s important as women, as bloggers, as mommies sharing our lives with other mommies, that we are vulnerable to one another. I want to be vulnerable, I want to share my journey as a mom, and even as a wife. The reason why I stepped back was that I was extremely overwhelmed, I was overwhelmed as a wife and a mom, I simply didn’t know what to share and how much was too much. I’ve learned so much about myself and other mommies, I’ve had an extremely blessed year. I’m excited to share my journey and retroactively share past lessons in hopes that I can a help other mommies through shared experiences.

On my blog going forward, I’d also like to share fashion, beauty tips, recipes, and lifestyle hacks that I’ve been able to pull off…….. If I can do it, you can too.

XOXO

Tera Belle

Mommy Life, Mommy style

5 Things that made breastfeeding easier

July 1, 2018 No Comments

In honor of Maxwell’s 2nd BIRTHDAY!!!!! Our breastfeeding journey has been long and strong, he will be weaning soon due to me taking on more work. I wanted to wish all you new mommies well on your journey and give you some tips.

Before I had my son Maxwell, I had a plan to breastfeed. No matter how many books you read, until you are going through you can’t really anticipate what it will be like. Here are some things I’ve learned that I think might be helpful to a new mom or a mom who finds nursing your baby to be a challenging.

1. The right support. Starting with your husband/partner. I had a talk with my husband before our son was even born, and I told him what I needed and expected from him in terms of things he can do to help. In the beginning, it was just things like propping a pillow under my arm or grabbing me some water and or a snack, but as time continued and we exposed to more people I needed him to be comfortable with my boobs always being out. That sounds funny but let me explain, I needed for him to not feel uncomfortable if we had people over or if we were in a cafe or out on a shopping trip, I needed him on my side. My husband is very supportive but he would cringe if I had a nip slip in public and it started to make me feel bad. Look it is what is is and sometimes you fumble and people see your nipple especially when you are learning and the last thing you need is someone saying “babe you’re nipple!!” It’s not helpful, in fact, it’s just plain annoying our babies and their need to eat in a prompt manner is way more important anyone’s sensibilities. Also just knowing he was in my corner should anyone had anything negative to say help me remain confident and less stressed.

The right support could also mean going to a support group. I had been going to La Leche League meetings since I was 20 weeks. I can’t stress to you how empowering it was for me and still is, I go every month. I imagine there would have been several times I could have given up or would have felt pressure to do things that would have been either counter productive for my baby or interfered with milk production. Listen, there are going to be people, well meaning, or just plain nosy people that want “help” and tell you what to do or not to do. You have to remember it has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with you. Some of the things I was told was quite discouraging but the things people say are from their own experience and or trauma. You and your baby deserve a fresh start without any prejudice based on other people’s fear or limited thinking. Going to a support group gave me the confidence to say bugger off to everyone including but not limited to doctors. Let me give you an example. When my son was born I knew I wanted him right away for skin to skin and to put him to the breast as soon as possible. My hospital was great about it, I also knew I didn’t want my baby given anything but my colostrum, no formula, no sugar water, no nothing. When we got home from the hospital Maxwell developed Jaundice. Often times pediatricians recommend supplementing with formula but I knew that could possibly hurt my supply and hinder his ability to nurse. I nursed him a lot, a lot, a lot, and gave him a little sunlight and it went away. Another example is when I was pregnant I mentioned to a well-meaning family member that my plan was to breastfeed, and she said to me “oh that won’t last”. Not only is it second nature but we are going strong, my supply is amazing, no end in sight, we will wean when he’s ready.

2. The right bra for you. I’ve found success with bralettes, unfortunately for me, nursing bras were really difficult for me to use, navigating the clasps caused me so much anxiety. If my son was hungry and we were out unless I was wearing a tank top it was impossible for me to unsnap it with any grace. With bralettes, I just pull it open like Clark Kent removes his shirt to reveal the Superman S. Trust me when you go from a screaming infant to a soothed nursing infant you feel like a superhero too.

3. Washable/reusable nursing pads. It’s pretty self-explanatory but it’s helpful to be in control of the things you can control. You can hand wash them with a nice relaxing scent and let them air dry, doesn’t take very long and you are back in business. Disposable ones are fine but don’t get caught with an empty box and you are not in a position to leave the house to get more. Not only that, the whole taping them to your bra, they don’t really stay anyway, and it’s less expensive over the long haul. I like the Bamboobies.

They come 8 in a box, so you can always have them in rotation.

4. Nipple cream. I used nipple cream, in the beginning, it does really help. It hurts in the beginning, I won’t lie to you, it freakin kills. Nipple cream softens the skin and helps with cracking and dryness.

The Boob Ease is Organic, contains no lanolin which isn’t great for you or your baby. P.s no judgment if someone bought you the Lansinoh you and your baby will be ok. In my experience, Maxwell did breakout so the organic nipple cream seemed to be better. The point is nipple cream is awesome!

5. And lastly, foods that support lactation. Lactation cookies, I’m not a scientist, can’t guarantee the results but I think they work and a great excuse to eat cookies whenever I want. Same with the Mother’s milk tea, I can’t guarantee the results but I like to feel like I’m doing everything I can do to aid in my long-term breastfeeding success. There are many things on the market, but these are what I’ve tried so far. You can go to your local grocery store for tea and for cookies you can go Babies R Us or go online.

Milkmaker’s chocolate chip lactation cookies are freakin tasty! Homemade ones are much better, but to be fair not everyone feels like baking.

These are just the five things that really helped me. But there are so many other things that can help mommies breastfeed. Some honorable mentions are nursing pillows,(I used the breastfriend) he’s bigger now, so I don’t really use anything. A glider or rocking chair, having plenty of water bottles, premade snacks and meals, and other local mommies who can trust and randomly text.

This journey will be up to your baby, Our breastfeeding journey lasted 26 months, some are shorter, some are longer. All is well.

XoXo,

Tera Dunn

Mommy Life

Blessed

May 2, 2017 2 Comments

When I found out I was having a baby, I was elated. Maxwell wasn’t in my plans, but he was exactly what I needed in my life. I didn’t know who I was, or what I would ever be without him. No matter what or who I would ever become it wouldn’t be as fulfilling as when I’m nursing my son, and I see one little eye looking up at me as the other one buried in my once tiny boobs, or when he says mama mam with his little surprisingly raspy voice. Every time he hits a milestone, my heart could just burst open into a million pieces leaving me vulnerable to the thoughts of my inevitable demise that doesn’t have any power over me anymore because I taught a human to wave, hold himself up, give mommy a kiss. I am blessed.