The sisterhood of motherhood

I became an aunt for the second time. My niece, Sophia, celebrates her two week birthday today. When my first niece was born, I was six months into my pregnancy so her arrival brought along feelings of joy and anticipation for my own experience of birth and motherhood. My sister-in-law was also a good sounding board, being one step ahead of me in the arena of trying to figure it all out. This new baby is my sister's daughter and I am consumed with feelings of nostalgia and empathy. Being able to share my experience with her, the joys and challenges has strengthened a bond that had been somewhat weakened by finding our own way on life's journey. Those of you with sisters know what a wonderfully complicated relationship we share. Second only to mothers and daughters, I suppose. But when someone close to you has a baby, especially when you are a mother yourself, things change. Babies have a way of separating out what is important and what is left just falls away. Lives are changed, relationships formed through the birth of a baby. Husband and wives become moms and dads. Moms and Dads become grandparents. Brothers and sisters become aunts and uncles. We as women may birth the baby, but unto that new life is born a family and the ripple effect is profound.

Congratulations Jami, I love you. Welcome to the club.