I am more than excited and happy for my friends. I know that motherhood is something that each of them desires greatly and that they will be fabulous role models, teachers, and lovers of their little ones.
I am also (less than enthusiastically) anticipating changes in my relationships with each of these moms-to-be. Although some women (including a few of my friends) do an excellent job of maintaining their friendships, I have found that most do not. I can understand that their lives and priorities are bound to change with the advent of a baby. Looking at it from my viewpoint, however, it feels like a loss.
I am honored to play a role in the lives of these new little people. I have become a designated “aunt” to many of them and it is a joy to watch them grow and learn.
I am saddened by the fact that I am not in a situation where a baby is the next logical life step. I have plans in place to become a “Single Mother by Choice” if the years continue to pass by without a partner, but for now it can sometimes be hard to watch others arrive at that mommy “place” ahead of me.
For now, I am okay. I think that all of these thoughts will go into overdrive if and when my best friend or my sister becomes pregnant. Until then, having them as fellow childless women is enough to make me not feel alone.
