BECOMING A MOM

Wow, you really have no idea what being a mother is until you actually become one.  The very first time I heard the baby’s heart beat it was amazing to think that there was another life supporting organ beating inside of me.  Every move I made and every breath I’d take seemed to be more important in that moment then it had ever been before.  I was truly amazed that my life sustained another.  So, with a new-found love for who I would become I decided to read every new mom and new baby book that I could get my hands on.  I did not want to make any unnecessary mistakes.  I was passionate about becoming a mother and I wanted the baby to have every opportunity to be healthy and strong.

So the days and the months kept moving, I kept reading and then… the baby kicked.  Everything immediately became real.  I had heard the heartbeat, and even saw it during the ultra sounds but when I felt my baby move, oh what a sensation!  I cried in that minute of sheer joy and wonder.  I become conscious that I had never really taken care of myself until I realized how vital my well-being was for the life of my baby.  The miracle of life became my reality and the incredible feat that I would accomplish in the months to come.

From that moment forward I felt so special and it seemed that everyone I came in contact with must have felt the same way.  People smiled at me all the time.  They would go out of their way to speak to me and help me even if it was clear that I didn’t need any assistance.  It was a wonderful time.  I quickly realized that pregnant ladies hold a special place in everyone’s heart.  The attention was unsolicited but welcomed all the same.  I took full advantage of the helping hands not knowing it didn’t last always. 

The months rolled by and as the baby got bigger, so did I.  I felt our time together (being one) was coming to an end.  The baby would be born soon and I must admit I was a little nervous.  No, let me correct that, I was a lot nervous.  I wasn’t sure what kind of mother I would be.  I read every book imaginable, took every class, held many babies, hung out with moms, and went to the park… Note: moms spend a lot of time at the park, LOL, and with all of that I still wasn’t sure if I would be a good mom.  The bottom line was that I didn’t know what to do.

Well, that glorious day showed up with a bang.  After 24 hours of labor my sweet baby arrived and I fell in love instantly.  She was the girl of my dreams and the love of my life.  My passion was strengthened like never before.  I had this little person to care for and I knew she needed me almost as much as I needed her.  What was that?  It was a remarkable feeling that can only be described as a blessing.  I had been charged with making sure my baby endured all things and I was ready. 

Every move that I have made since that time has been about my children.  My life has never been the same and I can truly say that it only gets better.

Now, I’m back to "wow," and I had no idea what being a mom was until I actually became one!

Felicia, Atlanta, GA