Ohhh Janelle this brought me so much joy 🥹 that is a huge compliment to you and I’m not surprised at all, you’re going to be a fab guide mother to A and she will learn so much from you💕 I know the joy of playing a huge role in the life of a growing little human and I’m excited for you🥰 I think my biggest joyful surprises have been through writing — every time my writing is complimented, shared, etc.; it’s very baffling but wonderful as I’ve said previously.
Aw that's so kind of you say, thanks Cyrene. I actually got to see her yesterday and have a cuddle.
I can tell from some of the times you've written about that you're an incredible auntie and that moments with your niblings have brought so much to you.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have more young'uns in my life now. 🥰
Oh wow, this is so wonderfully uplifting and also poignant and touching — your letter to her is just perfect in every way. A gift and an honour, and she too is very lucky to have you as her guide mother x
Congratulations! This is a gorgeous post. I was on the edge of my seat. Sharon Blackie's chapter on the godmother archetype (from the book Hagitude) gave me a whole new appreciation of the role, literally and metaphorically. I wonder if you've read it? In any case, this baby is blessed to have you as a guidemother!
Thank you! And thanks for the kind words, Emily. This has really made me smile.
Ooh! Thanks for the recommendation. I've seen Sharon talking about the paperback launch, it looks like such a brilliant book. I haven't read it but you've really piqued my interest now. I'll have to seek it out.
Once again very relatable Janelle! I too have no desire to have my own kids (maybe one day this may change but right now I really can't see that happening!) but I LOVE being an aunty and a guide to my friends' babies, I'm so excited for them to grow up and for us to experience more things together. I didn't realise how much joy it'd bring me. There's nothing like seeing your closest friends navigate parenthood with what appears to be such ease (though I reality I know it's bloody hard) and slip into that role with grace. Congrats on your guide parent role!
Aw yes, I massively relate to this. It's exciting to think that even if we don't have our own children, we can still have young people in our lives and maybe even support and influence them as they grow up. I've gone from having 0 kids in my life and 0 experience a couple of years ago, to a beautiful next generation arriving. I think I've got about 6 'niblings' now!
Yeah I'm so proud of my friends. I'm still getting my head around it too :'D. Sometimes I forget we're not all 15 any more haha.
This is so beautifully written, Janelle. I was up in Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago and could absolutely visualise you sitting there through your writing.
I don't have kids either, but spending time with my baby niece is always so joyful. Watching my sister be an amazing mum is wonderful to see and makes me very proud of her.
Beautifully written as always, Janelle! I've never heard the term 'guide mother' before but this baba is lucky to have you in that role. I was asked to be a friend of mine's baby's 'odd mother' which I loved as a title, and it's added so much poignancy to our bond as we watch her son grow.
Ohhh Janelle this brought me so much joy 🥹 that is a huge compliment to you and I’m not surprised at all, you’re going to be a fab guide mother to A and she will learn so much from you💕 I know the joy of playing a huge role in the life of a growing little human and I’m excited for you🥰 I think my biggest joyful surprises have been through writing — every time my writing is complimented, shared, etc.; it’s very baffling but wonderful as I’ve said previously.
Thank you!!
Aw that's so kind of you say, thanks Cyrene. I actually got to see her yesterday and have a cuddle.
I can tell from some of the times you've written about that you're an incredible auntie and that moments with your niblings have brought so much to you.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have more young'uns in my life now. 🥰
Oh wow, this is so wonderfully uplifting and also poignant and touching — your letter to her is just perfect in every way. A gift and an honour, and she too is very lucky to have you as her guide mother x
Aw thanks so much, Lyndsay. It was so joyful to write to be honest. I'm excited to step up to this role <3
Congratulations! This is a gorgeous post. I was on the edge of my seat. Sharon Blackie's chapter on the godmother archetype (from the book Hagitude) gave me a whole new appreciation of the role, literally and metaphorically. I wonder if you've read it? In any case, this baby is blessed to have you as a guidemother!
Thank you! And thanks for the kind words, Emily. This has really made me smile.
Ooh! Thanks for the recommendation. I've seen Sharon talking about the paperback launch, it looks like such a brilliant book. I haven't read it but you've really piqued my interest now. I'll have to seek it out.
wonderful! And I much prefer the term 'guide-mother' - what an honour!
It really is! Yes, me too Debs
Once again very relatable Janelle! I too have no desire to have my own kids (maybe one day this may change but right now I really can't see that happening!) but I LOVE being an aunty and a guide to my friends' babies, I'm so excited for them to grow up and for us to experience more things together. I didn't realise how much joy it'd bring me. There's nothing like seeing your closest friends navigate parenthood with what appears to be such ease (though I reality I know it's bloody hard) and slip into that role with grace. Congrats on your guide parent role!
Much appreciated, Zabby!
Aw yes, I massively relate to this. It's exciting to think that even if we don't have our own children, we can still have young people in our lives and maybe even support and influence them as they grow up. I've gone from having 0 kids in my life and 0 experience a couple of years ago, to a beautiful next generation arriving. I think I've got about 6 'niblings' now!
Yeah I'm so proud of my friends. I'm still getting my head around it too :'D. Sometimes I forget we're not all 15 any more haha.
Same! Zero babies around to babies everywhere! I know, so weird seeing friends you knew as kids now caring for their own kids. Beautiful though!
This is so beautifully written, Janelle. I was up in Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago and could absolutely visualise you sitting there through your writing.
I don't have kids either, but spending time with my baby niece is always so joyful. Watching my sister be an amazing mum is wonderful to see and makes me very proud of her.
That's so kind, thank you Hannah!
That's beautiful. Auntie is such a special role. Yeah it's amazing seeing people you love stepping into parenthood isn't it.
Congrats, Janelle. Thanks for sharing this sweet tale with us. How exciting. I love the note you wrote for her.
It was a joy to write and share. Thank you, Pip!
Beautifully written as always, Janelle! I've never heard the term 'guide mother' before but this baba is lucky to have you in that role. I was asked to be a friend of mine's baby's 'odd mother' which I loved as a title, and it's added so much poignancy to our bond as we watch her son grow.