The Call

It was approximately 11:00pm that night. My husband had already fallen asleep, but I laid awake with thoughts running through my mind. Getting up and grabbing my cell phone, I walked into the nursery and took a seat on the rocking chair. I had a few more weeks before baby girl would make her appearance into this world, and all of a sudden I felt overwhelmed. I dialed my sister's number and waited for her to pick up before letting the tears flow.

"Hello," she answered.

"I'm pregnant and it's a girl," I whispered into the phone.

Almost like she didn't hear me correctly, she said again, "Hello?"

"I'm pregnant and it's a girl," I whispered again, trying to hide the fact that I was crying.

"Who is this," she asked.

"It's Sasa," I answered.

She got really quiet as if she was trying to figure out whether this was a prank call. I mean, I was three weeks due, and of course she knew I was pregnant. After a minute of silence, she finally said, "Ooohhh... I know what you're doing. You're having an anxiety attack. I did that. OK, this is what you have to understand..."

She shared with me how she experienced the exact thing weeks prior to having her baby girl. I told her what my fears were, and she eased my worries by simply telling me, 'To Trust God, Give Her To God'. That night, the responsibility I will soon have in keeping another human being safe hit me hard. I worried about her getting hurt. I worried about her innocence being taken advantage of. I worried about how to make sure she grew healthy and smart and secure in who she will be. That night I became overwhelmed with the job of being a mother.

That was not the moment I became one, though. I took on that role the moment my husband and I received the news we were pregnant. I researched what I needed to do to make sure this baby was healthy. I purchased prenatal vitamins, eliminated carbonated drinks from my diet, ate much healthier, read to her, played music for her, and was mindful of strenuous activities.

Motherhood begins the moment you take action to make sure this other human being is well taken care of. Don't be afraid to lean on those who have started this journey before you. Whether you're feeling anxious, confused, afraid, or those moments when you're bubbling over with love, excitement, and giddiness; pick up your phone and make 'The Call'. Another perspective can make things much clearer, and remind you you're not in this alone.