New to Parenthood

So I’m brand new to this parenthood thing. Like really new. I’m almost 4 months in full-time. I would actually consider myself a parent for 7 ½ months. If you wondering, “what is she talking about?” I guess I should explain further. I did not do the standard or most common way to have kids which would be biologically.

One of the first things I thought I would be experiencing from people was comments like: “Well she’s not really yours then”, but surprisingly I have not heard these as of yet. Which is good because I know that is absolutely not true and being through the whole process to get my daughter I have realized that it means more. I have been around other moms discussing their labour and pregnancies and such, and that has been hard at times as our story is different. However I was thinking of similarities too.

Instead of the pregnancy test I had a phone call. The waiting period folks wait to tell everyone, except maybe some family and close friends, I had as well when I was in between the phone call and the final acceptance. Sure it was only 3 days, but there was a waiting period before I blabbed it to the world per se. I also told people this good news like when my friends would inform me of their pregnancy.

My friends would receive an ultra sound and they could find out the gender of the baby. Sometimes these pictures get put on their fridge. Well I received a picture of my daughter with my referral and I have it on my fridge.

I had an instant mothering flood of emotions to start nesting when I heard the news. I also had the mom brain all my friends were talking about when they were pregnant and I had no idea what they meant until I had it myself.

I would sleep so soundly pre-kids. I was actually concerned I would sleep through my baby’s crying. But like other mothers, that has changed. My body has been in-tune to hear her from that first night.

My recovery time was actually jet leg. I get time off of work like any other mother would. I get to watch and partake in those intricate moments in my daughter’s life as she is learning and growing. I see my influence already as she imitates things I do. I get to start family traditions.

I heard someone say once “A child either grows in your heart or under your heart.” I have realized through this entire journey God prepares a mother’s heart no matter how the child came to be. I’m still amazed how God can prepare our hearts for the little ones who enter it.