Photo credit : Mr. Creep Warfield. I handed him the camera, and he got these in just a few shots. I may try to convince him to join my photography adventure. He’s awesome.

Anyone who is even slightly familiar with me knows my resumé is quite extensive – everything from journalism to teaching to photography. All of these careers and hobbies have made me a very open-minded and multi-skilled person. My personality thrives off of creativity and the desire to learn new things.  But I am not here to brag or talk about that. The new undertaking … this new job opportunity I have been blessed with is one for the records. It is one that will turn my life upside down and all around. And I’m so ready for it.

It’s funny how they say you don’t know how much you need/want something until you no longer have it. In this case, I never knew how much I needed something until I received it – the great news. After feeling all kinds of weird and eating things I haven’t dared to touch since college ( chicken-flavored Maruchan Ramen noodles), I discovered that the job of all jobs was upon me – motherhood.

I cannot lie; I was shocked, initially. I must have taken about five pregnancy tests – different brands and types. Of course, I knew how it had happened. But I wasn’t expecting it to happen so soon. Just months after heading down the aisle with my creep Tony, here comes  my creep #3. (My dog, Aja, has already taken on the job of creep #2). It honestly took a few weeks to sink in. I … Garesia La’Shay Warfield … am going to be someone’s mother. How awesome and crazy is that? God thought enough of me to give me such an important responsibility. I’m amazed and grateful beyond words.

After the initial shock faded and I found out that I was having a baby girl, the questions I’ve always had about my future child/ren became even more real to me. What will the baby look like? Whose  personality will she inherit? Will she laid-back like her dad or will she attempt to do the absolute most like her mother? What kind of parents will we be? How do we raise a kid in such tumultuous and crazy times? I carry these questions in my mind every day. But I guess the best thing I can do is hold on to God’s promise of making me a mother and giving me all the necessary tools I need to raise her when the time comes. I’m certain that almost ten years of teaching and interacting with other people’s children has been part of my grooming process. Everything I have done in my 31 years has contributed to this moment, and I just have to be confident that I will be ready when she makes her debut. Most importantly,  I will remind myself to be grateful that I have an awesome husband/partner with whom I can share this journey. I get on his last nerve, but his patience and love do not go unnoticed. My creep is a keeper.

So as my belly stretches out and my clothes become snugger by the day, I will embrace this journey. I miss my days of kickboxing and hardcore work outs. But I have grown accustomed to working out as much as my body allows and resting just the same. Even the days when I am sick or can’t remember anything to save my life, I will be thankful. It’s not always easy every day, but I have to keep my eye on the prize and sacrifice a little to receive this great gift. And I just know she will be worth it all. I love her so much already. I can’t wait to kiss her tiny toes and snuggle my nose under her neck to inhale her sweet baby scent. I just pray she  doesn’t grow too quickly. I’m claiming that she will be a mommy’s girl. But I bet her daddy’s charm is sure to win her over. We shall see.

Mommy will see you in May, creep # 3.  I love you. Now, get off of my bladder, lady bug.