A good friend and I were talking the other night, she asked me, "What is the best part of you right now?"
I like that question, especially the qualifier right now.
Because I'd like to believe I'm made up of thousands of moving parts (both physical and not) which rotate and cycle, influx and flow and the best part of me is constantly changing.
But I answered pretty quick.
"My daughter."
She's the best part of me right now. And maybe that is because of her padded cheeks or darkening brown eyes, or how she smiles at me when I am not looking at her. And maybe it's because she rolls the entire length of our living room while I am cleaning up our house. And maybe it's because she likes to put her head in between my chin and clavicle and go to sleep. And maybe it's because she smells good.
Probably all those things.
But in times like this in my life when I am not so easy on myself, when I feel disappointed at the little things I can't seem to conquer, or the uncomfortableness I feel in my bubbly body, I know she is satisfied with me. She likes what I produce and man, it shows.
My goodness babies are a Godsend.
Post Edit- After some discussion I decided to take down that first photo of me holding Ever (previously posted). Though I am quite bubbly, Chup's wide angle made me even more so, and well, I need all the help I can get.
Tonight while looking through photos I found the black and white one above which I felt was more suited to the story. I love her even when she is fussy face.
I am c jane and I'd like to hear from you, what is the best part of you right now?
Leave a comment here, Facebook or Blog Frog. Heck, you can even email me:
cjanemail@gmail.com
98 Pieces of Opinion:
cjane, after 20 years of having my daughter she is STILL the best part of me:)
is Ever for hire? her cheeks are just gorgeous!
She's gnna be a looker- I can tell.
the best part of me right now...I'll get back to you!
Ever is just gorgeous. I love how you make me look forward to motherhood.
My favourite part of me at the moment is my 31 week pregnant belly cause it is doing amazing things growing our first child.
Jenny
The best part of me is my testimony. It keeps growing larger & larger from being able to "see" that which others generally do not see, I've noticed.
I understand about wanting to conquer little things, "bubbly-ness," & the incredible unconditional love of babies & children. Amazing, isn't it? ;-)
Love you, Courtney . . . Have a Wonderful Day!!
thank you for this post. Our babies are SO special, and they don't care if we haven't lost the weight they helped us gain, if our hair is brushed, if we have make up on...they are perfectly happy with us, just the way we are.
I'm going thru the same thing right now, Courtney. I had my baby girl a few weeks after you had Ever. I catch glimpses of myself in the mirror and I get so upset with myself for being so judgemental about how I look. I have four beautiful children and this is the first one that has successfully nursed for this long. Mainly because I stuck it out this time and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. I just wanted to say thank you for putting into words how I (and I'm sure so many of your readers) feel. Your daughter is so blessed to have you as her Mommy. Being a woman and a mother is a tough job sometimes but so worth it. I always say that I wish we could see ourselves as others see us. We wouldn't be so hard on ourselves. God bless. : )
~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
My voice -- deep and kind of throaty. . . all the rest of what used to be "best" parts also went to my kids-- new dimples destroying my smooth calves went to son #1. Softening of my arms goes to son#2. And my once flat stomach definitely goes to sweet Hazel #3. But I've still got that voice :).
First Comment! Wahoo! The best part of me is my little man. He makes me be a better person; I don't have a choice, I have to be better for him. When I study the scriptures, I'm finding out how to be a better mom for him, which in turn, makes me a better all around person. When I'm watching something on TV I shouldn't be watching, I simply have to turn my thoughts to him, and I can easily turn off the television. There's nothing quite like parenthood.
I used to think the EXACT same thing when my girls were all tiny. The unconditional love they feel for their mom is so awesome and empowering. They loved me just the way I was...even though there was plenty I was not in love with. Now my baby is one week shy of turning 2 and although they love me as much or more as they did when they were all fresh and new, there are also the looks of disappointments when they are told no :-) Always having to prove ourselves now!
Anyway...I would say the best part about me right now are my boobs. No for real, they are. And they are real. But a more p.c. response would be that my family of 4 is the best part about me. truly.
Oh my goodness, that photo of Ever is beyond adorable! I am childless & that photo makes my ovaries ache!!!!
That I am content with my life . . . right here, right now.
What a sweet, sweet little thing. She's gorgeous.
Oh boy, did I need this post, as I am feeling like a ginormous pregnant moose right now. What a great reminder that the little girl inside my tummy is the best part of me. Thank you, C Jane...I needed that. :)
I think I'd have to say it's my babies also. Two and a half year old who is right now refusing to wear anything but a sweater, even though I'm sweating just looking at her, and my seven month old baby who is a rival of Ever's in the cheek department. :)
My very pregnant belly, which is about to produce anothe little human! (3 weeks to go, more or less...)
It's my husband. It will always be my husband.
My daughters are the best part of me.. all FIVE of them! My oldest girls are about to turn 18, *sob*, and my youngest will turn 14 next month. (Two sets of twins and a singleton in the middle) I have no idea where the time went! They are each unique and special, and so very good at giving affection. I am so proud to be their mama!
You have such a BEAUTIFUL daughter! That little baby face exudes pure joy!
I don't think there's anything wrong with how you look. You spend as much time possible with Ever instead of spending countless hours at the gym for vanity. You'll lose the baby weight when you're ready. Or not. That's okay too!
I think the most important part is trying to be comfortable in whatever shape you're in. Self-loathing never did anyone any good.
Ever is ADORABLE! Too too cute.
The Harvest. Is there anything better than September and October and Farmer's Markets?!? Taking my kids and watching fruit juice roll down their chubby little chins makes "right now" even better!
My last baby was born 24 years ago. I'm still working on the body image.
The best part of me right now would have to be being a grandmother and a daughter to an older parent.
The best part of me RIGHT NOW is the growing baby inside me! But had I been asked this a week ago, not knowing then what I know now, I would have said my daughter too. 7 months of pure joy and chubby thighs all rolled into one little person
It's a given that my kids are the best part of ME and JEFE.
Next best thing? My sense of humor. But, you have to be weird like me to get it. Which makes it even better when someone does.
Word Ver: Undoress No. I was not undoress when I wrote this comment.
xo
i LOVE that last paragraph! ah, man - you just have a way of putting my deep down thoughts into words. :)
i'm going to have to get back to you about what is the best part of me right now, but i have a feeling it may have something to do with that last paragraph. :) (my little girls)
the best part of me right now is the willingness to be patient. i'm not where i want to be in life, but i'm so, so, so, very willing to be patient enough to let Christ guide me to my next adventure.
love this post. love it.
From a mom who feels terribly ugly and somewhat cranky and worthless today... I really needed to hear this. Thank you thank you thank you.
:)
Abigail Jane
In March I delivered our sweet angel girl and never got to bring her home. Letting her go with the knowledge that she was with our Heavenly Father was so difficult. But...I think the best part of me right now is that I am still breathing, still laughing and still loving the four angels that are still here with me. Life is joyful when you keep the faith and carry on!!
The best part of me right now is those 8 amazing children I brought into the world--they are my joy! And the grandchildren are a sweet bonus. It just gets better and better--you'll see!
The best part of me right now is my smile. After battling some nasty PPD last year, I don't take a moment of joy for granted. And it's something I can share with everyone!
So confession time. I sat a couple rows behind you in church when you were in St. Louis, and my goodness, that little Ever is even more beautifully cute in person! Don't get me wrong, I always thought she was so darling via pictures, but in person...oh my! Those eyes and those cheeks. When she'd make any noises my son kept pointing, "baby?" I couldn't help but "introduce" him to the cutest Ever I've ever seen.
I digress:
I think the best part about me right now is that I feel at peace with who I am. I am happy. Blessed. Content. Surely not perfect, but I'm good with that. I'm doing good things and I feel good about myself.
The best part of me (physically) right now would have to be my legs. I have been working on my bubbly-ness (from delicious food, not kiddies) for about 3 months and the only thing that I can see transforming are my long sexy gams.
The best part of me, that makes me feel like the bubbly-ness is non-existent is my husband, who loves me and calls me skinny (even when I know I am not!)
I have to agree with Jenny's comment above. You make me look forward to having a baby in my house again (my first is now 12 years old).
The best part of me right now is my 15 week pregnant belly, and the exciting happenings going on inside, with such promise and hope for what is yet to come!
xoxo
Ever is soooo cute! Thank you so much for this post.. I have a huge smile on my face right now ;)
Have a happy lovey week!
The best part of me right now are the 36-year-old wrinkles across my forehead, and the cute bangs that I can use to cover the wrinkles when I want to feel younger.
hey cjane...those kids of yours are precious. i'm going to have to agree with you. the best part of me is my daughter, rosie. she's eight now, and oh, so full of life, excitement, wonder, and questions. she has grey eyes, which are amazing, a juicy booty, and the softest skin ever. she can turn a perfect cartwheel and loves to read. she cannot stay still when music comes on. she's smart and sooo loving. sometimes she rolls her eyes at me and uses a not-so-darling tone of voice, but i guess i have to take the bad with the abundant good. thanks for asking...
Hallelujah! I love your posts about your love for your babies... you always express exactly how I feel too.
The best part of me? The smile that comes through when I think of my blessings. Life is a blessing and I am grateful- so I smile a lot. ;)
CJane, thank you, for being such a lovely you. For sharing your ups and downs and for sures and your not so sures. The best part of you? You.
the best part of me right now?
hmm.
can i answer 'me' ?
that's the best part of me because i found and am in love with ... me. all over again.
and it feels good.
so good.
because i missed her ... and i think she missed me too.
bex.
my fiance is the best part of me right now. we've been engaged two weeks tomorrow and he makes me want to make the right decision the first time. he makes me want to be the absolute best version of me, all the time. he truely is my better half. <3
My husband's wife is the best part of me. He brings out the best in me, and I love him for it! and lots of over things of course, but his wife is my best part.
my toes. Even when the rest of me is chubby or not they stay the same. :)
cjane, YOU are just wonderful.
The best part of my life right now is the excitement/challenge/surprising delights of starting up my last semester at BYU.
O the adventures to be had!
The best part of me is the life growing inside me. Soon he'll enter the world and he'll still be the best part about me.
Thanks for this post. It was beautiful. And so is Ever and so are you!
My favorite part of me right now is my mission call.
To PARIS.
Isn't that lovely?
That I'm still trying.
Best part of me right now? My sunny boy Sam. Especially when he is playing in his kindergartner soccer league tournament and stops in the middle of his game to wave and blow me kisses.
I did something for myself for once...trained for my first ever triathlon and completed it.
I WAS ON FIRE! Now can we get an AMEN? Check out my awesome finishing pic.
http://rachel-supermom.blogspot.com/2010/08/success.html
You are awesome
Great Post!
I always laugh reading your posts, I love how you write, I think that I could also say that I like what you produce, wonderful woman ...
Belen from Spain
soo sweet :)
I struggle with my bubbly body as well. It's hard to find the best part of me right now, but I think It's my young women group. My hub and I don't have kids and I SO desire to have them, but those girls make me feel young again and make me feel like me again.
hmm good question! ?? part of me?? not my body of 58 years although it isn't too bad...my best part of me is my other half...my hubby, he is the best part of me right now. In my life in the past my children were (still are along with the grand babies) but....hubby....is my life.
The best part of me right now...is the letting go.
My beloved son begins college this week, very far from home. I am letting go with love and it is hard work.
Definitely my boys!!! I'm outnumbered, but loving it.
My first thought was, "well, I'm fresh out of the shower!" Being clean always makes me feel better about myself.
I have a good singing voice. I'm studying opera. (it's sooooo much fun!) So that Is good thing about me.
I feel like a much better mom when my kids are sick. I'm more patient and loving and FAR less selfish. Today, I feel like a good mom. :)
As a Mom of a preemie (1 lb 9 oz) at 25 weeks, I would LOVE to have earned some stretch marks. Of course, he is now a thriving 4 year old, so he would be the BEST part of me!
My new found love of writing. It's always been there but with all of my children starting school this year and me being the ripe old age of 30, I'm rediscovering that passion. Thanks for the inspiration.
courage
You know how once in a while some person will weasel out of having his/her picture taken because "it might break your camera"? I think Ever just added year's to the life of Justin's shooter, that's how adorable she is. His jazzy Canon is now unbreakable; it's been fortified.
Hmmmm... best part of me is my passion for party planning. Worst part, tendency towards alliteration.
Jill
She is so adorable. And so are you!
Right now....the fact that I've finally become comfortable in listening to what my gut is telling me.
I needed this post today...as I was putting my oldest daughter to bed, after working a full day, going to the therapist, cooking dinner, picking up, feeding my youngest, my oldest says " you didnt play with me at all!" And I burst into tears...why cant I do it all? why cant I lose the baby weight? why cant I find time for everything and still keep my sanity? why cant I be closer to the person I want to be?
Hi CJane. I've been reading you for a while, and finally decided I should comment more often.
My favorite part about me is my determination and perseverance. Every time I've fallen, I seem to always find a way to get back up and keep going.
Also the best part about me is that I am soon to be a first time mother!
Okay, that is one of the cutest happiest smoochable babies I've ever seen in my whole life. That photo just made my day.
did you know that Milla Jovovich has a daughter named Ever as well?
The best part of me right now...I would have to say it is my devotion to my family.
Don't get me wrong, I've always been devoted to them, but something happened last fall when I delivered my sweet Eva. She is our 4th child, it's not like it was anything new (other than the fact that it had been six years...)
But her birth awoke a deep yearning in me to re-dedicate myself to these 5 people that I love so much. And in those 9 months since...I have found so much joy and peace.
Hey, you got some of those Tom's wedges you wanted! But not in cranberry, it seems...
You should know that I think you are absolutely beautiful, curvy, and utterly fantastic. (And I'm super-jealous of your bright, clear skin.)
And today I really like my hands.
Ma fille a 5 ans, et je dis souvent d'elle "c'est moi en mieux" cest aussi "the best part of me"
bons baisers de Belgique
first things first. ever is just delish. it's that simple. how do you even get anything done with that temptation?! and when i first read the ? - my initial thought was "multitasking". having a 5 year old sassy lady, a busy 3.5 year old little man, antoher busy little man at 3 years old and a perfectly yummy 10 month old princess. i'm finally feeling somewhat capable to meeting their needs...so they are the best part of me - hence the multitasking.
and thanks for giving us some positive food for thought...
thank you again for another inspiring and smiley post :>
"Babies are a Godsend." Here! Here!
C Jane...you are someone I look to every morning and aspire to be more like. Especially because I love to blog and write, but in so many other ways too. I feel like I know you...it could be because we are meant to share grandchildren one day. Your Ever and my Carson are weeks apart and so gorgeous that if they were to ever procreate, a new word for gorgeous would have to be invented. Im sure you could come up with one. You are witty like that. But seriously check out my blog or Facebook, my Carson is a fitting match for your Ever's adorableness...
Anyway, best parts of me are all sleeping. One next.to me snoring like a chain saw. He opened my soul and loved the real, raw me like no one ever had. I was half, and was whole the day he walked into my life. The other two are my aforementioned Carson and my beautiful Montana. My heart is in two pieces, one half sleeping in a pink and brown striped room in Dora pj's. And the other in a crib sucking on a passie. If I could be known for any quality or characteristic, take away any talents I have and brand me as their Mother, and I'd still be the most proud of my life and what I have to show for it.
Thanks for all you do to touch and brighten our lives.
my determination to be gracious
That...well that was precious. I'm still trying to find the beauty in the small stuff..and I have two, like you, a boy and girl, 19 months apart. Say it with me..."drowning".
I'm giving away a Free Blog Makeover over at Bushel & a Peck if anyone is up for it! Come see me...
http://keirajoy07.blogspot.com/
I think you spend as much time possible with Ever instead of spending countless hours at the gym for vanity.
I just can't help smiling myself when I see your Ever with her entire face smiling out at me from my monitor. What a sent-from-heaven-sweetie-pie.
Just have to tell you I dreamed last night I was at some sort of family reunion slumber party and we saw a commercial with you doing an ad for moisturizer. You were rubbing it into your face and so expressive and funny we all laughed and laughed. I don't know where that came from, but I woke up smiling!!
That is one great picture, but I know you know that. I love the pictures that capture them between expressions. And by the way, I'm not a fan of "different" names or spellings of old names, but I really do like Ever. It fits.
my favorite thing about me RIGHT NOW? That my amazing girl parts are contracting and dilating at this very moment allowing my first little guy to sometime make his appearance in this world! His daddy and I are so anxious to meet him! Come soon little one!
Hi Cjane!
I've been reading your blog for two years now and have never commented; however, that last picture of angel Ever made me actually want to lick my screen...just a little bit!! I even called my friend and fellow reader and told her, "drop everything and go look at Cjane!" She agreed!
You have a beautiful family and you always find a way to brighten my day. God bless you all.
Without question, the best part of me are my 3 children, DS 17, DS 14, and DD 11. They make my life a lot like that energizer battery. It just keeps getting better and better.
so sweet, makes me cry! The best part of me at age almost 61 is I am alive and my body still works, thank you God, and hopefully i look as good as your lovely Mom.
I have learned to accept myself, as hard as that has been for me. I guess my BIG hips rock for me fianlly.
Susie
Great post!
The best part of me is my wonderful husband. He gives me unconditional support and hides love notes for me in fun places.
When I read your blog now I always sing 'I'm going to love you forever. Forever and Ever Amen.' by Alan Jackson
LOVE this!
The best part of me right now would be the mommy part, I spend my days nursing, feeding, playing with, and generally caring for 3 little ones...I run a happy home and I LOVE it! I spend too much time thinking of all the WORST parts of myself when really I should focus on the things I am amazing at! Thanks for the post :)
It's so true! My "baby" is now three and he is the best part of me. He doesn't care that I can't get into my normal jeans, let alone skinny ones. He doesn't care that I miss a deadline or overdraft by a few bucks in my checking account.
Kids are a Godsend. And my goodness is yours just darling!
Thanks for posting this. I really needed to read something like this today.
Ivy
Best part of me? After a very challenging and sometimes scary pregnancy and delivering my baby boy 7 weeks early...my favorite part of me right now is that i am HERE raising my FIVE incredible children and that I have a smile on my face. Life is very challenging with a needy baby and 4 other spirits needing me. My house is a mess, I haven't had a shower since Monday and I am exhausted, but I can find JOY in what I am doing and I can smile about it..because the alternative might be to cry about it and smiling is much more fun!
I'm commenting because when you asked, I didn't have an answer, so I am forcing myself to figure it out. The best part of me right now is...my hope. I wish I had something tangible, like a daughter, but I don't yet. But I hope that someday soon our adoption dreams will come true and I will be able to answer that question in no time flat!
You are beautiful. And Ever, oh my goodness. I just want to juice those cheeks and drink them for breakfast. Darling. :) I know you don't know me so the previous comment may sound a little scary...I'm a nice Mormon mom with three kids of my own. I'm harmless. :)
Hehe I'm all for the photo change, though I did not notice any particular wideness in the original. The new photo is better suited indeed, and I am a STRONG supporter of keeping a flattering photo record of yourself! You-in-20-years will never remember that photo with the awkward face you deleted, the double chin you scooted over to the recycle bin, the frumpy hair you nixed from the collection! You-in-20-years just wants to sigh and say "sigh...I was so young and sassy and beautiful..."
the best part of me is my housekeeping. my goal for the year is to get better at keeping a clean house and though it is not at all how i want it, its getting better and its something i'm proud of.
Best part of me? Hmmm... I'd have to say my sense of smell. Very acute. Right now my house smells like the gardenia bush at my front door, and it's heaven!
The best part of my life right now is on his way home from work. hooray!
boo to taking down the first picture, it disqualified the self-love nature of this post.
but, you look beautiful in both by the way.
I am with Janie of Dorothy's red shoes - taking down the original picture defeats the message that was so honestly placed in the blog.
it took me a while, but i finally just did my own blog post from your thought-provoking, soul-searching, inspirational question. Thanks girly, for being such a wonderful inspiration to me!
Post a Comment