The Mother in Me.

I had a realization yesterday.

I am a mother.

I just don't have any children.

I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with a friend of mine that's a new mom. It was great to see her and absolutely wonderful to meet the new baby.

Getting a "baby fix" is such a centering, grounding experience for me. Holding them, comforting them is so relaxing, such a stress reliever. My friend was surprised when I said this- she says she doesn't feel relaxed very often. I'm guessing it's because I have the luxury of enjoying the baby, enjoying the moment, before handing him back to his mom. The one who is ultimately responsible for his life, his well being.

So how can I possibly consider myself a mother without having any children of my own? Perhaps it's more accurate to say I am lucky enough to have a mother's instinct. I don't think I was born with it. I think it's something my mother taught me from a very young age. I know a lot about babies and children. I feel like I understand them. I know how to take care of them. I grew up surrounded by babies: younger siblings, cousins, kids I babysat.

As I sat with my friend's baby, successfully comforting him, I felt like it's something I'm very good at. It wasn't a "oh how sad, I won't have kids" moment... It was more like a "I am so lucky I have this skill" moment. I love babies and babies love me- how beautiful is that?