We found out on Mother’s Day…

Michael and I were having a silly fight over something stupid. It was so stupid, I forgot what we were arguing about. I needed a break from the back and forth tit for tat and decided to go to Walgreens. I was late, but wasn’t sure if being late meant stress or the onset of a pregnancy. I wanted an answer and the constant wonder was driving me nuts.

Our condo’s garage connects to the Walgreens in our complex. That short walk felt different. I was cooling off from a husband and wife quarrel, but I also wondered if I was pregnant. ‘I couldn’t be. We just started trying’, I thought. I heard so many stories about how long it took women to get pregnant that I assumed it would take us at least 6 months.

I picked up a double pack of First Response – just to be sure. I walked back home in a huff, went to the bathroom and took the test. I was relaxed and honestly thought that I was just stressed and that my period would come the next day. Then it happened – the ‘Pregnant’ line appeared.

I opened the bathroom door shaking. It was a combination of excitement and sadness. Here we were, arguing on the night we find out I’m pregnant. To be safe, I took the second test and bam, pregnant. It took a while for things to sink it for me. You have to understand something - I’m a planner. I’ve been that way since birth. I know certain things in life can’t be planned, but getting pregnant on our first try was a big surprise!

Meanwhile, Michael was sitting back in his chair, hands behind his head, proud as can be. ‘I knew you were pregnant’, he said. He had this permanent grin that slowly melted away our arguing. I sat on the toilet seat for I don’t know how long and kept whispering, ‘I’m pregnant. I’m pregnant. I’m friggin pregnant!’

It was late on a Sunday night, but I had to call my mom in Detroit. How could I let the rest of Mother’s Day go by and not tell her? I dialed my parents’ house, activated the speaker button and realized that I woke my mom up. Whoops! We shared the news, my mom wanted to know if I was joking (of course), then realized we were telling the truth.

I could tell mom was happy, but cautious at the same time. I told her I’d take care of myself and keep her posted with every step. I’m 33 years old and talk to my parents at least four times a week – and that will never stop.

So there we were. Married for just over a year and about to embark on the most amazing ride ever. As we got ready for bed, I made a quiet promise to the baby. I would do everything I could to instill the traditions and lessons that my mother, grandmothers and great grandmothers passed on to me.

And so here I am, going thru motherhood as a modern gal, putting a first generation twist to the way I do things. I’m sure I’ll make mistakes along the way, but know that I come from a strong stock of women that raised some amazing kids.

May the ride begin!