I've never been much of a family-oriented person...not to say that both my mother and father's sides of the family weren't loving...I just felt like I was always kept at arms length, which isn't exactly heart-warming. I'm the (self-proclaimed) 'black sheep' of the the family...my mother being Thai and expecting me not to move out of the house until I was married with kids, and maybe not even then...my father not being exceptionally religious, like his brothers and sisters, thus keeping my brother and I out of the cousins holy circle camping trips and what have yous.
This pregnancy has been such a gift, allowing me to discover my ideals as far as family is concerned. Knowing that I want to be able to have a relationship with my children beyond "because I said so!" or "when you grow up, you'll understand." I want conversations, I want a bond, I want traditions (even the corny ones!)...I want a family!
I'm so excited to start this journey...and absolutely terrified...which I've been told is completely normal. Drew, my baby-daddy, is in this 100%. My family doubts us because we've yet to get hitched (I refuse to get married while I'm fat, end of story!) and it's a sin and all that goodness...but they don't seem to understand love beyond the bible and blind faith. We're in love...and this little miracle is the fruit of this love we share...it was no accident...you don't go 26 years without getting knocked up by accident either. I don't believe the label of a ring or a marriage license in any way qualifies a couple to be ready to have a child. Our hearts are in this, and we just felt ready. :]
