Chapter 1: The Unexpected Journey Begins

"Are you prepared for the baby?" my husband inquired.

My joy, my pride, my entire world. Today, I find myself reminiscing over four decades ago, recalling how I answered, "Am I ready for the baby? Absolutely! The nursery is ready, and we’ve gathered all the essentials—clothes, bibs, bottles, pacifiers, and diapers. Did I forget anything? Oh yes, the car seat, the stroller, washcloths, and towels. I’m confident everything is checked off the list. I even packed the hospital bag!" Little did I realize that this checklist wasn’t the true preparation I needed for my first child. I had skipped classes, sought no advice from experienced mothers, and lacked any hands-on practice. Can anyone be fully prepared for this monumental role? It’s a 24/7 commitment, and readiness is crucial. Nowadays, even with the plethora of information and support available to expectant mothers, the most profound lessons will come from the baby itself.

The day unfolded like any other: breakfast, my husband heading to work, and I preparing for the day ahead. Around 2 PM, while ironing, I experienced a sudden sharp pain in my back. It subsided but returned, lingering for about fifteen minutes. I panicked and called my husband, who urged me to drive to the hospital—a mere fifteen minutes away. Upon arrival, my gynecologist reassured me, suggesting it might just be a false alarm. After an hour of monitoring, he examined me and concluded that I was in labor, admitting me to the hospital. I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me; I hadn’t anticipated this. The due date was just days away, and I hadn’t even packed an overnight bag. Fear crept in as the reality struck: I was about to give birth and would soon be responsible for a new life. Did I really know how to do this? Would I be capable?

Separated from family in a foreign country (my husband was stationed in Germany), with minimal knowledge aside from some books I had perused, I was genuinely terrified. There was no time to panic, as I was rushed to the operating room to prepare for delivery. My husband, working at the same hospital, requested to be paged once I was ready to give birth. The next moments are a blur of intense pain at regular intervals, and once the doctor confirmed I was sufficiently dilated, the nurse instructed me to push—again and again. Exhaustion set in, and it felt endless until the miraculous moment arrived—my firstborn, a beautiful, tiny human, wide-eyed and curious, was placed in my arms. It was a moment of pure worth, and though I didn’t realize it then, the real journey was just beginning.

We returned home as a family of three, and nothing would ever be the same again. This little person, with a distinct personality, demanded attention and care. From nursing to choosing her first outfits, every moment became an adventure that drained me, yet she was my life, my joy, my closest companion. The life lessons she imparted were invaluable. I learned to share my time, my rest, my food, and my possessions with her. Patience was essential as I deciphered her cries—was she hungry, uncomfortable, or seeking attention? I had to be attentive to her needs, prioritizing her over everything else, including my husband. The first child always presents challenges, regardless of how prepared you may feel. It’s a daunting task, and you learn through the experience of this miraculous journey. I went on to have two more children—a son and another daughter. Each experience became gradually easier as I gained familiarity with the routines of feeding, changing, and caring for infants. Each child brought their unique personality and special place in my heart.

Now, four decades later, reflecting on that journey, my only regret is not savoring those moments more fully. I rushed through their childhood, eager for them to grow independent, thinking it would grant me more time and freedom. But once they were grown, I longed for the sound of tiny feet, the delightful babble, the laughter, the hugs, the kisses, and their soft presence against me. Cherish every moment with them—their laughter, their cries, their happiness, their sorrow, their childhood, and their teenage years. Once those moments pass, you can never revisit them.

Chapter 2: The Lessons of Love

In this heartfelt video titled "Are You Ready, Baby?", the journey of motherhood is explored through the lens of personal experiences and emotional insights.

The second video, "Are You Ready For A Baby Brother?", highlights the transition of welcoming a new sibling and the lessons learned along the way.