“…because i want to remember it all, feel it, relive it.
our first year, the raw and pure memories. the tears of exhaustion, the despair, the insecurity. the warm flood running through my veins when i feel her tiny chubby body fall asleep in my arms. that sweet, redeeming calm after a stormy period. his hand on my back while my aching body feeds her once again in the darkest of nights. her chatter, the tiny fingers fiercely holding on to mine, the sweet scent of her hair. her innocence, fearlessness, her wondering eyes. the process of getting to know her, the recognition, a small human slowly changing into her own person.”
About the book
‘motherhood — a memoir of our first year’ came about over the course of the first year of motherhood. those overwhelming fears, natural instincts, the search for a new identity as a parent, to the immeasurable feelings of pure happiness. written during endless feedings, in the shower, while breathing in nature, in the darkest of the night, accompanied with tears, love and overwhelming feelings of immense joy, the book is composed of a series of thoughts, memories, diary entries, figments of the mind and heartfelt cries.
above all this book is a tribute to motherhood, through all the highest highs and lowest lows, while slowly coming to accept and appreciate all of it.
About the author
Carolijn Braeken graduated with a degree in corporate law and was on the fast track to become a renowned lawyer. She soon discovered that she was unable to use her creativity and decided a career in law was not meant for her. In search of finding her true passion, she made a name in photography, creative consulting and even branding. Throughout her various career paths she kept thinking back to where it all started: with a small notebook and pen, writing whatever it was she was feeling, thinking, and composing her whole world around her.
From that moment on she made a promise to always stay true to herself and follow her heart — and to keep writing through all the layers of life. Her words are honest, vulnerable and raw. She writes intuitively about her personal life, in order to understand and process her thoughts and feelings. She also writes in the hope that those unable to find the words themselves, will find comfort, recognition and acceptance in her words.
