The girls and I had a good time at the shower. We left around 7:40 in the morning and were back around 6:15 in the evening. It was nice to see my family including a few aunts who I haven’t seen since my grandpa’s funeral five and a half years ago. I met my sister’s future mother-in-law for the first time as well. My brother and I were the only ones she hadn’t met. I didn’t realize all my mom was doing to put on this shower and she had tried very hard and succeeded to make it nice.

While we were on the way home I gave Laura some advice. I felt like I needed to at least give her some words about motherhood before she left to go back. I broke it down into three categories. Herself, her marriage, and her baby. The first was to keep something in her life that helps her feel like herself. Going on a walk. Having a little job on the side. Going out with friends. Whatever that thing was for her that would help fill her cup. Once I learned that I appreciated its importance.

The second was just a heads up that at some point it might start to feel like his life hasn’t changed as much as yours has, and not to get mad at Ethan if/when these certain things about motherhood feel unfair. If I could go back I feel like there’d be better things I could spend my energy on. The final thing was to have fun with the baby. I feel like this is something that I did try to do. That was my more personal way of trying to say to her “enjoy it”. It’s crazy to think we’re in August again.