Love it Up has come and gone. We had 37 entries to our love-letter challenge, and Sarah and I finally had a chance to sit down with our computers (albeit farther away from each other than usual–one of us is at Geege’s) and select a winner (thank the computer goddesses for iChat). We read about love of equipment, stuffed animals, family members … even states of consciousness. And we loved reading every single entry.
It was difficult to choose a winner. I know, that’s so cliched! But it’s true, of course. We want to send all of you chocolate goodie bags. Alas, we hope Elizabeth from Life in Pencil will enjoy the package coming her way. Elizabeth’s entry, Dear You, struck me to the core. In a letter to her unborn first child, she captures the all-encompassing near-obsession of coming to motherhood. The excitement. The nerves. The questions.
When I read her lovely letter, I couldn’t help but remember so much of that time, for me more than six years ago, when motherhood was such a mystery and yet just around the corner. And in reflecting back to that time, I found myself feeling like I was flipping backwards through a photo album, and in hindsight seeing just how much has changed. How far I have come as a mother. My pregnancies were so consuming–emotionally, physically (and, medically in ways that I’ve shared before). But now, it’s as if they have just fallen away, replaced by the children. The children who are my life every second of every day.
As all of you moms know, Elizabeth is in for the adventure of a lifetime. She is a beautiful writer, and I hope she will share more of her experiences of nearing motherhood with us through her blog, Life in Pencil, which she maintains with her good friend Anne. If you don’t know them yet, go visit Life in Pencil. Read Dear You. And congratulate Elizabeth on winning Love it Up!
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High five and a herky!! I love these ladies! So glad Elizabeth has a box of chocolate coming her way! Congrats! I love checking in with them and reading their thoughts. Awesome choice.
What are these herkys you speak of? YouTube please.
Jen and Sarah, I am so honored and thrilled to be selected as the winner of the Love It Up Challenge, especially amongst so many great entries from such talented writers! You have made a pregnant lady’s Saturday night — even helping me to temporarily forget the monster indigestion that is currently plaguing this early pregnancy (I admit, the fries and rootbeer float I just consumed does NOT help). Thanks, again, ladies!
Ah, the rootbeer float. Big fan. (Though not when pregnant, interestingly enough!) Thanks for sharing the love!
Ooh, I will have to send you the herkie shot. Quiet impressive, sister. I’m sure you could have done some in your dancing days.
Way to go Elizabeth! I too agree that Life In Pencil rocks. It is navel gazing at its best. Coming from one who likes to ponder the meaning of things, I have enjoyed Elizabeth and Anne since their first days. And looking forward to reading more at Momalom as well
Reading her words, I can see why. Just beautiful!
Congrats, Elizabeth! Loved your letter.
Great choice girls…Elizabeth really captured that anticipation of a new mother…Just a beautful read…So sorry that you girls weren’t together to share some chocolate and sisterhood therapy to make your choice…
SOOOOO wonderful! The perfect pick!
I agree, perfect pick! I don’t envy you ladies having to decide the winner, though, because I was moved by each of the entries and felt so proud to be in the company of such amazing women.
Hooray! I love Life in Pencil and adored that piece. As a mom and a fan of great writing, I commend Elizabeth for a wonderful love letter to “you.”
Thanks, Jen and Sarah, for another great community event!
I loved Elizabeth’s letter. A worthy winner indeed! Thank you guys for hosting another wonderful, community-building challenge.
Reading her letter made me think (fondly) of my pregnancies, and although I am so glad I’m not doing THAT again (wink), I can appreciate it even more now when I look at my boys.
Jen and Sarah…thanks again for this challenge. It was great to write and read. If it hadn’t been for you guys, I never would’ve written that letter to Hubs, and although he already knows I felt all of those things, it was something magical for both of us to put it out “there.”