I gave birth to my last baby when I was on the cusp of 37 years old. Unfortunately, it was just before the term “advanced maternal age” had replaced the term “geriatric pregnancy,” so right off the bat, I started my role as a mother of two feeling a bit . . . old.
I have no regrets about having my children in my thirties.
Waiting to have children allowed my husband and I to develop a strong relationship when we were younger . . . and, if I’m honest, travel, enjoy brewery festivals, and attend metal concerts blissfully child-free. It also allowed me to pursue my academic interests and establish a fulfilling career. By the time I became a mom, my life was tamer and more settled. I had developed a strong sense of who I am and worked hard to create a life l love.
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We’ve found ways to keep enjoying our favorite pre-parent activities.
We’ve mastered traveling with kids and have found family-friendly brewery patios. I’m looking forward to the day when my children ask me to take them to their first concert! What I lack in energy that was more abundant in my 20s, I make up for with a depth of contentment and patience that simply didn’t exist for me back then.
But I do have a few more wrinkles.
I was lamenting those wrinkles with my coworker who is also a mom, and she responded in a way that I will never forget. “My wrinkles used to bother me too,” she said, “but they mean I’m still here.” She explained that, sadly, a friend of hers, a fellow mom, had left this world before seeing her children grow into adults. Her story about embracing her wrinkles and seeing them as a badge of honor changed my perspective.
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Not all moms have an opportunity to wear their wrinkles.
While I still treat myself to luxurious creams and enjoy a facial at the spa from time to time, now, when I notice new wrinkles, I feel gratitude.
This year I am turning 40 years old. I have two beautiful young sons. How lucky am I to have lived such an exciting, fulfilling life before my children, and to be here now, happy, healthy, and wrinkly, enjoying my babies every single day?
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
