Space for a Child
This is the story of a child coming unexpectedly into our lives.
I was in my early 30’s when I became pregnant with my daughter. My parents and my in-laws always said that we waited too long to have a baby. We should have had one right away after we got married. The truth is, I’ve always imagined us traveling the world as a childless couple — completely happy with just each other. I loved my career and he loved his. In the back of my mind, I knew that he would eventually start wanting a baby. My husband loved his nieces and nephews and adored children. For most of my 20’s, I didn’t think about having a child or even wanting one. So, we never discussed it before we got married.
It happened though. I got pregnant. I sat on the bed for an hour or so thinking about space. How much space would a small human need? We owned a three-bedroom house. It was just the two of us — so we had our room, a TV room and I had an entire bedroom that I use as a closet.
I walked over to my dressing room, twirling the pregnancy test in one hand. I looked at the plastic stick one more time to confirm that it was indeed positive before chucking it in the bin. I have to give up those shoes. I thought to myself. 5-inch heels in hot pink seemed like it wouldn’t work with being a mom. I ran my fingers through a row of party dresses that I probably…
