Motherhood is a joy. It's also really hard! Especially when you're so tired you can't think straight or talk properly, and you find random food in your cupboard that was supposed to be stored in your fridge. Oh, and your keys in your freezer. Mamas have a lot on their plates.
I was so excited when Eileen from Our Sacred Women approached me about a collaboration to encourage mothers, especially in the post-partum stage. We dreamed and schemed and came up with something we're so delighted with. We were even more thrilled when Alissa Bell agreed to letter press it for us in her studio.
Alissa's sister Audra takes letter press to the next level for us!
I try to be in the habit of telling mom friends I think they're awesome, as well as mom strangers that they're doing a good job. Like when I see a mama talk tenderly to her little toddler who is so frustrated and doesn't understand why he has to wait and why it's so hot. I like to let her know, I see you. I get it!
Where this card collaboration gets even more exciting though is in teaming up with Alliance of Moms for a "buy one, give one" campaign. This fabulous Los Angeles-based organization serves pregnant and parenting mamas in foster care. They provide education, resources, and a supportive community. When you buy the "You got this, Mama!" card, we will send a card to one of these young parents who could use the reminder that she's got what it takes. You can even choose to customize the message -- either way we'll hand write it to keep that personal feel.
Did you know that 75% of girls in foster care are pregnant by the age of 21? And that 40% of the babies born to these girls will be detained their first year of life and enter the foster care system themselves? May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, as well as Mother's Day, so it's such a great time to take a minute and send a card to a mama with the same words of encouragement you'd want to hear yourself.
Eileen and her daughter Celine. Many baby cuddles were involved in the making of these cards.
We are truly all in this together!
Hand-written cards are such a tangible, meaningful way to encourage the mamas in our lives (and those we may never meet!). I hope you'll take part in this campaign, here.
Find out more about the great work of Alliance of Moms here.
Thanks to the Ann-Marie Espinoza (and her beautiful baby bump!) for the photography!