Tag: motherhood

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Good Night (38)

Shaun Bradford

Around this time last night, I was at my daughter’s place watching “Bringing Down The House” and laughing like crazy. Now, I’m back home, showered, and in bed, and it’s barely 8:30 PM. Although our visit wasn’t even a good 18 hours, I believe it was one of our best times together. Seeing her smiles and hearing her laughter was worth the short trip.

Can’t wait to celebrate her 30th tomorrow!

I hope you had a great weekend. Wishing you a peaceful night and wonderful week ahead.♥️

Love you always,

Shaun

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My Milestone, Too

Shaun Bradford

Listen, the tears are flowing! I was just texting with my daughter about her plans for her birthday and she mentioned that it was a milestone for me as well. Y’all, the fact that she recognizes her 30th birthday as a milestone for me means a lot. It makes my heart smile. She doesn’t have to keep reminding me to celebrate myself as well, but she does.

I remember when I first felt her move. At that moment, I was committed to becoming the best mom that baby could possibly have. Now, don’t think I was a laid-back, “do whatever you want to do” kind of mom. No, I was, and always have been, a real momma. She had rules to follow, and I never allowed any disrespect. However, I allowed her to be who God created her to be. I gave her room to express herself (believe me, she has never been one not to express her opinions), and I tried my best to make sure she could do whatever she aspired to do. Of course, we didn’t always agree on everything and still don’t (smile), but that doesn’t make me love her any less. I actually believe I love her even more because she’s who she is and has never tried to be like anyone else. I love watching her move through life. It’s so beautiful to watch. Y’all, I can’t believe I am so blessed.🥰

At 3 years old.
At 29 years old

Yes, I am truly blessed.☺️

Shaun

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Around This Time 30 years Ago

Shaun Bradford

I haven’t shared much about my daughter’s upcoming 30th birthday lately, but I haven’t forgotten about her big day—which she says is also mine and that I should buy myself a small cake and celebrate too. Y’all, I just love her!🥰

The first picture is from my surprise baby shower, which the ladies from work had planned for me. As you can see, I have pink and blue balloons. I had decided I wanted the sex of my baby to be a surprise, so I had no clue what I was having. They were very creative in finding gender-neutral baby items. I was so blessed to have their friendship and support.

The next ones were taken days before I went into labor. I was working my last set of mid-shifts (10 PM – 6 AM). I remember telling my coworker, Tim, that my mucus plug had come out before I came on shift. When I tell you that chain smoker smoked more cigarettes than he’d ever smoked during a shift. Baby, he was so nervous.😂 I ended up going into labor my first night off. Crazy but good memories.☺️

By this time, I was tired. I couldn’t even tie my boots on my own. Had to wait until I got on shift for help. My coworkers were so sweet.

On the wall behind me were pictures of astronaut crews that had stopped through. They loved flying into Eglin. Ft. Walton Beach/Destin, Florida, then was nothing like it is today, so I imagine they come in more often now.

I think about all the pictures I took back then, and I didn’t even have a cell phone. Well, I had one—a big, bulky one that plugged into the car—but not like I have today, with easy access to my camera. So, it amazes me that I always kept a camera with me. Wow! I was very intentional about documenting my pregnancy. Pretty cool!😌

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Ten More Days!

Shaun Bradford

Soooo…

Prepare to be sick of me and my pictures because they are coming!!😅😁

January 1995, Eglin AFB, Florida

I was about to POP!

It’s wild that this was 30 years ago! How?! Where did the time go. I was so pregnant. Look at my face! And my head.😂 It was really my hair. It was so long.

I loved being pregnant. Just like I love everything about motherhood.🥰

Shaun