I’ve learned a lot about becoming a mother from other mothers. How to move in my own, different skin. How it’s OK to need and want different support- from friends, family, my husband. I have learned that while community is necessary, it’s not always where you live. I’ve learned to forge some of these, and I am proud I have because it’s helped me find my tribe.
One of my favorite meeting places in my community is Bellani Maternity; we’ve been coming here since Addie was a few months for baby necessities and classes. Admittedly, I was intimidated at first. Cloth diapers and wooden toys and top of the line strollers felt uncomfortable and nothing like the big box stores, where I could proudly walk in with my list of researched items and know it all. At Bellani, I knew very little and that didn’t feel OK. I felt out of place. How was I to mother when I knew nothing about it?
Slowly, I began to ask questions, research the products and moved into a comfort zone. I began to talk with other mothers- who listened and nodded. We shared stories which sometimes sounded like our own repeated, and other times was a whole different world. I found that top of the line products didn’t mean I was spending any more money, but I was getting a tailored product- items that have been chosen based on Addie’s abilities and Millie’s current stage of development; personalized suggestions from the owner and employees. Women in my community caring for my babies, for me, through this small venue.
As we move on to preschool and a dance studio for Addie, I am excited to watch her continue to flourish. The love, confidence and skills classes at Bellani have given her, give my heart peace. We will miss ballet with Miss Sandy- but I know Millie will love joining her soon (and she will be in the Little Explorers class!).
Being a Bellani family is so much more than just being a customer- it’s about being the support we need, in whatever capacity we need. My life lesson? To take a step back and have confidence in myself. As a woman. As a wife. As a mother.
Addie’s first and (second to) last dance class at Bellani
Sometimes it takes a total stranger to help you find your footing- I am glad I walked in the door and took that chance, so I could find the support I needed. What’s a life lesson you could bestow upon me?
I remember when my girls were that age and took ballet classes. Such a great time of their life!
Scott recently posted…How Many Ninjas in Your House?
It really is! I treasure these moments!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
This is so sweet and I’m sure this new stage in her life is going to be a memorable one! Some of my best childhood memories are from dance classes when I was young.
Jeannette recently posted…Snacking Our Way Towards an Exciting School Year
Oh, I hope she feels the same way!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
OH my gosh she is adorable!! it is so much fun to compare the beginning of things like this to current pictures.
Vera Sweeney recently posted…5 Tips For Balancing A Hectic Work and Family Life
Isn’t it?
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
This is such a special post. I really felt connected to it! Congrats on your beautiful baby and for finding what helped you get grounded!
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
It sounds like a truly wonderful place that you have found. Best of luck in the future as you move away from that setting and onto something else.
Valerie recently posted…Strawberry Watermelon Slush Recipe And Balls Vodka
Thank you, val!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
I love when I feel good about being a part of something, especially when it becomes so much more than you originally hoped. Dance class looks like a lot of fun too!
Marcie W. recently posted…Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Official Trailer #ScorchTrials
YES! Exactly!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
Your daughter is adorable! I always wished that my daughter would have wanted to take ballet but she never wanted it 🙁
Addie does love dance! Totally warms my heart!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
This is so sweet and heartfelt to read. Those simple moments like first and last classes seem to go by so quickly that sometimes its really hard to just stop and enjoy it. It’s awesome to take some time and really reflect on it!
It’s sad and exciting all at once!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
Not to be too hard on yourself. As parents, we don’t always think that we are doing a good job but we probably are.
Toughcookiemommy recently posted…Tweet Your Best Clean #PottyHumor Jokes To @Charmin For A Great Cause! #Partner
Love that! Thank you for sharing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
My daughter was a little older when she did ballet. I am glad she stepped out of her shell a little to try it!
It’s amazing to see them blossom before our eyes!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
Addie looks so cute in her ballet outfit. So glad for you that you found the support you needed.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted…12 Must Haves To Transition Your Outfits From Summer To Fall
Me too, thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
Every day is full of life lessons, not matter how old you get. This is a well written, sweet post.
Brandy recently posted…You Have a Choice, Everyone Does
Life really is a never-ending learning process!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
I love the pictures of your daughter in her ballet outfit. So cute!!
Thank you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
What a moving post and a sweet set of photos of Addy at ballet class. My kids took ballet too at that age and then gave it up for the next thing… 🙂 As a mom, I learned to keep an open mind and go with the flow.
It’s all we can do!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
The best moments in life end up being the moments we didn’t plan.
Sacha recently posted…Reflective Sunday
So. True.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool
Oh isn’t she an adorable ballerina. 🙂 None of my girls have taken ballet but I wish they had wanted to.
becka recently posted…Box Top’s For Education Buggy Keeper
<3
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…#CountMeInCarters for #BackToSchool