I am remembering today the first time that I came in contact with an actual female that had been pregnant and close to my age. I was in 8th grade and although I want to say that it was in Health class, I really think that it was in Home Ec class. These moms were invited to talk to us students about teen pregnancy. I don't remember any of the lessons leading up to the discussion. I do remember what one of them told us.

The girl was petite and very pretty. She came into class with a group of others and a teacher from the alternative school where they were offered child care for their baby. Towards the end of the class time we were all laughing and talking about life after having a baby and she said this one thing that has stuck with me and has rang true as I have become a mother. She told us, "After you have the baby, nobody gives you any attention anymore. They only want to see the baby!" She then went on to say that in the mall, when her friends from her old school see her, they come running. To see the baby. Even her grandparents didn't visit her anymore, they visited the baby. She said that that was hard for her.

I remember thinking how much that would suck! Here I was in 8th grade and probably wouldn't have said that I got enough attention no matter how much was paid to me. I always wanted more. But the thought of my own Nana wanting to see a baby more than me? I couldn't imagine it.

But it is the truth. It happened to me today as I was at the Farmer's Market with my family. One of my aunt's commented to us, "We noticed your kids before we noticed you." Questions and conversation are kid only. But now, being all graduated and grown, I don't mind. I love it. By paying attention to my kids, my family does pay attention to me. There are days when I feel like, there is more to me than my son and my daughter, but those are few and far between. I also feel like I get too much attention at times from that son and daughter and like having the focus off of me for awhile. I also wonder what that says about me as a person, to remember that one and only comment from so many years ago.