The good stuff.

Time. What a powerful word. When you experience a huge life change like a new baby, you all but lose any free time or down time. Pre baby days I could lounge on the couch and actually watch a show in it entirety or shower long enough to have the hot water run out. Now, the tv always has subtitles on, and I'm lucky if I get in a good face wash in the shower. With all of the shifting it is inevitable that peoples roles in your life will change. Some will become stronger, while others fade out. Friends that I once were really close to now are more of acquaintances and I find myself really narrowing in on the ones that are growing and changing with me. That is the key word. That is what I want to focus on- the people that allowed me to enter the role of mom while keeping my role as friend. I have some spectacular friends. Some have walked this walk with me for a long time. Beautiful Brittney, 23 years of friendship. Seriously. We met in Kindergarten. Some years not so close, but never far away. She welcomed her second baby into the world a few days ago and I went to visit them in the hospital today. As I was driving home I reflected on the friendship her and I have shared. She isn't a best friend simply because I have known her the longest ( or because we have silly matching tattoos we got when we turned 18), it's because when I am around her there isn't one single layer blocking us from being who are. She is comfort. Just straight up goodness. There are not enough poems or phrases to explain a friend like her. Everyone needs a Brittney in their life..just not mine.
My point is that you have to really make time for friends when you are a mom. That is why it is important to nurture the ones that you have and let them know that they are important to you. Becoming a mom doesn't make my need for friends any less. They are a vital role that made me who I am today and who I will become. Betsey, Paige, Jackie, my "family friends- Amanda, Chrystal and Laura. You all are a amazing woman and, if I haven't had the time to tell you how much you mean to me, then I hope this helps. Thank you for your kind words, your bright personalities, and your never ending support. You all have showed me what unconditional love is, and  I am a better person because of each of you. And I know you will be there for me, time after time. Love to all of you.