Friday, August 28, 2015

Newsworthy - Or So I Think

The news is slowly creeping out, spreading to the far reaches of the world (a bit of a hyperbole), and is being met with astonishment, happiness, uncertainty and a bit of disbelief. Some people are over-the-moon, while there are those who are nursing hurt feelings, put off by being kept in the dark. It's hard to understand, I suppose, why one would keep the most wonderful thing they've ever done to themselves and their small inner circle. All these emotions are perfectly normal, but even though I can understand them, my little masterpiece is just that - my little masterpiece.

In the beginning, I wanted to keep it hush-hush because it was new and scary. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out, what the outcome would be, and all that mattered was keeping it close to me. As time went by, I realized this was our experience, the Sidekick's and mine, and it wasn't necessary to share it with the entire world. Really, in the past nine months, the entire world has been just the two three of us. It didn't matter what other people thought. I didn't care to share it with everyone because I wanted to keep it to myself. It was my secret to revel in and enjoy. It was my journey. 

Yes, I could have posted belly photos and foetal updates, which many people do and is perfectly fine, except it was intimate for me. It was something I wanted to experience without the pressure of other opinions. Besides, I've always felt to live happily and healthily in this world one must keep a modicum of anonymity. Sounds crazy, huh? The girl who blogs and vlogs, who puts her face and words out into the world, actually advocates the power of privacy. This isn't a new thing. I've always felt this way and worked diligently to protect the privacy of friends, family and myself.    

We are so accustomed to seeing every part of everyone's lives and it's weird when we aren't in the loop. But I am a firm believer the loop isn't for everyone. The loop isn't intended for every Tom, Dick and Henry. The loop isn't made for all the people you have ever known, ever will know, and may know in the future. With social media comes responsibility. We are responsible for what we post, who we allow to see it, how safe we keep ourselves, and some of us open ourselves to be vulnerable in a space where vulnerability can be exploited. We've all seen someone (or many someones) post about the lack of support, love, responses, attention their updates receive. That's because even when you have nine billion friends on Facebook, you can still be overlooked, missed, and ignored. Quantity really is no replacement for quality, and that applies to social media and networking too. In private moments of need we turn to those people in our loop and if your loop includes everyone then you are going to end up being disappointed and, probably, feeling alone.  

My loop is reserved for those who have supported and loved me, shown me friendship in the dark times and celebrated in the light with me. 

Maybe this is hard for people to understand. Or maybe I'm making complete sense, for once in my life. But if anyone is taking it personally, please don't. It isn't personal - not for you. For me, it is. Very personal. For the Sidekick, too. And the Timbit, who came three weeks early and is utter perfection. Like I said, this is the most wonderful (and hard) thing I have ever done and I cannot tell you how incredible it has been. I am proud to be a mother. Incredibly in love with the little man who is sleeping soundly on my right side as I write this. And thoroughly amazed our family unit has grown. It's all so surreal. 

It's all so amazing. 


17 comments:

Unknown said...

Congratulations! He is adorable :) they grow up so fast enjoy every second

Unknown said...

Congratulations! He is adorable :) they grow up so fast enjoy every second

Allison Merritt said...

He is beautiful. Congratulations!

Philip van Wulven said...

Always unbelievable, incredible, unique, and yet truly part of the stream of life. Welcome to the world of parenthood. Well done, be well, and formal congratulations, mum.

Sessha Batto said...

Congratulations!! You both look marvelous ;) little ones come when they will, regardless of their due date (mine was three weeks early as well...and now he is a looming giant, the time flies). Best wishes to you all!!

internetg33k said...

I was having a convo with my eldest, about how excited she is about an upcoming thing, but how hesitant she was to share her news with the world yet. Then I saw your post on Facebook. Kudos to you for keeping this to your small circle until you felt ready to share. Much love. <3 <3 <3

me said...

Awesome news! Bazillions of congratulations!

Hannah said...

The sheer brilliance of it all! Marvelous news and so timely!

Unknown said...

Beautiful, Really happy for you, great photo. And a good blog. Well done bird x

Priscilla Shay said...

Congratulations, Tee!! He's beautiful :) And, honestly, you shouldn't have to explain why you kept any of this to yourself. The internet isn't your home or your family.

Simon B said...

How lucky is he going to be with you as his mother. xxx

Amanda Washington said...

Congrats, T! He is absolute perfection.

Tricia said...

He has a mother who knows what she's doing. That is a great gift. Enjoy him, he's beautiful.

Unknown said...

Congratulations! Everyone has the right to protect their privacy. Family is the most important, you're just protecting those most precious to you.

Beth said...

So happy for you and yours, darling! You look beautiful, it suits you, and you need play by noone's rules but your own xxxxxxxx

Exmoorjane said...

Never feel you need to explain yourself. Particularly when it comes to matters related to your body, your feelings, your family (the key is in the 'your' bit). ;)
Now I'm not a baby person as such but that pic is just melting me (and I'm not a natural melter either). Just so damn happy for you and, yes, just wing it, follow your instincts and you won't go far wrong, my friend. xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

A picture paints a 1000 words. Mother and child. Congrats to all 3 of you. This now means the zombie apocalypse is officially cancelled.. Love life and live it ;-)