MOM
TO MOM
new to the club
MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING A MOM
I’ll admit it. I never craved
motherhood. I wasn’t in any
rush to have children. But after
two years of marriage, my
husband and I began thinking
about starting a family.
I
got pregnant right away, but, unfortunately, it ended
in a miscarriage. Going through this traumatic
experience made me realize how much I really did
want to become a mom.
Even after the devastating news of losing our first
baby, we decided to try again. And a few months
later, we were pregnant.
All I did was worry. I worried at each doctor’s appointment t
we wouldn’t hear a heartbeat. I worried when I didn’t have
morning sickness. I worried when my active baby didn’t kick
me for a few hours. To say I was anxious is an understate-
ment. But, besides my constant worrying, I did have a
pleasant pregnancy.
Then seven months ago, my beautiful daughter finally
arrived. I knew as soon as I held her that I was meant to be
her mom. This little peanut, with a full head of hair and dark
blue eyes, was perfect. She was part of me.
And I actually missed being pregnant – talking to her in my
belly and feeling her kick (even waking me up at night). But,
now I get to hold her in my arms, which is even better.
Every day is something new. My husband and I went from
surviving on sporadic bursts of sleep (no more than two hours)
to a having a baby who slept through the night before she was
2 months old. I know, it’s like finding a unicorn!
My daughter is truly a wonderful baby. She loves to eat,
sleep, laugh and play. The only time she really cries is when
she is cranky because she is hungry or tired. I tell people that if
I knew all my children would be like her, I would have 10 kids.
Going back to work was hard, especially after getting to
spend four months bonding with her. She became my best
friend. And I know she loves me too because she actually
smiles when I sing to her – and I am a horrible singer.
I am looking forward to watching her grow into a beautiful
little girl. And watching that little girl grow into a thoughtful,
kind and smart young woman. I hope to lead by example.
Before my daughter arrived, I never really knew what I
was missing – maybe that’s why I wasn’t in a rush to have
children. Now, I can’t imagine my life without her. I can’t wait
for her to call out “Mom!” for the first time. I am sure it will be
one of the best moments, among so many memorable ones.
I am a wife, daughter, sister, friend…but, most importantly,
I’m a mom. ●
LAURA ADAMS STIANSEN
40
JUNE/JULY 2017 | (201) FAMILY
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