2010 – pain shot
through my breasts. It was a feeling I had never witnessed. And all of this was
while I was out of town for a journalism seminar. Was I having multiple heart
attacks? What was going on?
Turns out I was pregnant. My due date was January 18, 2011.
As the days
inched closer to my daughter’s impending birth I continued to wonder about the
little wonder growing inside of me. I have to admit, when I found out I was
having a girl I was somewhat disappointed. Not disappointed in the sense of
anger, I just had it in my head my first kid would be a boy – who in turn would
look out for his little sister.
But as it
turns out I couldn’t be more happy that I had my daughter first. She is such a
natural at nurturing and caring for others. The moment I found out my
grandmother died it was just me and the kids. At just two years old, Kura immediately sensed something was wrong
and it was Kura who wiped my tears.
If her
little brother cries – Kura is there – sometimes faster than me. The moment she opens her eyes in the morning, she goes over to her brother's bed to check on him.
In just her three
years on this Earth she has taught me so much about life and myself. I should
have known what joy she would bring to my life. While most people complain
about pregnancy – carrying Kura was easier than I ever imagined.
Morning
sickness didn’t last long and I cannot remember a single complication. Labor was
easy, too. (Yes, I still had an
epidural, my mama ain’t raise no fool)
I was
admitted in the hospital at about 8 a.m. and by 5:30 p.m., just a day after my projected due date -- one of my greatest
treasures was in this world. In fact,
the name Kura means treasure house in
Japanese. (I bet you thought her name was made up)
And as I
think back over these last three years -- my life has changed so much. My life now
revolves around my kids. Friday is usually “hair day” – which consists
of me fighting Kura to sit still and her telling me “that hurts!” or “stop
ma-ma!” I don’t remember what I did on the regular before I met my baby girl.
And as we
prepare to celebrate her birthday – I think of the many more birthdays to come.
Soon she won’t think I’m the best thing ever. Soon she won't watch me in the mirror as I get ready and try to imitate every move I make. One day when I come home from work she won’t run to the door to the door to greet me. But until that happens I will treasure every moment with her.
Happy Birthday
mommy’s baby!
