motherhood

Cabin Daze With A Five-Month-Old

Cabin Daze With A Five-Month-Old

…Oh, Danish. He’s entering Leap 4, if you’re familiar with @thewonderweeks. Won’t sleep without much convincing, or without me as a pillow. Bet-Lou, his Nana’s cousin-in-law (there’s a lot of fam up here), invested 45 minutes of bouncing him on the beach and was rewarded as Dane finally passed out in her arms.

Bitter smoke, like the smell of resentment, rolled in thick overnight and tints the light a warning amber. We still enjoyed more rock hunting in the creek, Dane snoozing in the carrier on my back. Speckled cubes, sparkling eggs, one russet flagstone that the men refused to heft home; the treasure we left behind.

Postpartum Superpowers — How a Selfish Introvert Adapts to Motherhood

Postpartum Superpowers — How a Selfish Introvert Adapts to Motherhood

As a freelancer, I spent 90% of my week working alone. I chose how I spent my time. I could say yes to work that interested me, and decline projects that didn't. How would I possibly adapt to the ever-changing, always urgent demands of a newborn? There were no deadlines, no wrap-ups, no closed books—this next season was a lifelong responsibility. Even in the last weeks, when I reflected on how to finish well, I was mourning the looming loss of independence. 

Well, the little one is here now, and something very interesting has happened. I thought my battle would be one of spirit—that I needed to will myself to selflessness and self-discipline. But my body knew better. 

Matrescence

Becoming a Mother

In one short week, 
two become three. 
What was inside is outside. 
All our research, 
wonderings, 
and knitted things
are now in play.
Sleep-dazed nights
lit by the salt lamp’s rosy glow
transform rookies into veterans. 
A short list of firsts—
a long list of perfections...
Seven days of matrescence.