Memoir Monday: Proud Momma

Lip Smackers, it's a brand new week!  The last two weeks have been a whirlwind at La Casa di Romano.  I promised to share why I have been so scarce lately and the time has finally arrived.

But, it's Monday, and you all know that means it's time for Memoir Monday sponsored by the one and only TravyG over at I like to Fish.  I couldn't skip out, as this is a special edition, complete with pictures and everything.  Travis is debuting his brand new super fabby button made by the one and only FABULOUSLY talented Cheesecake over at Cheapskate Designs. (Look ain't it purty?)

                                                                                   

So since this is a photo opportunity, and because it's relevant to the story.  For your viewing pleasure, please meet Think Tank Momma's PRIDE. AND. JOY.

 

(Aren't they BEAUTIFUL?)

(If you can't read the text, from left to right:  Michael, Kamden, Kenna and Kooper)

It's funny how life throws you curve balls.  When you least expect it, and you have everything all mapped out, suddenly you find yourself not at all where you thought you'd be.

Two weeks ago, BDC and I learned that my beautiful, smart and funny daughter, Kenna is pregnant. She is only 18.  She is a senior in high school.  She is carrying a heavy AP load and preparing for college.

I don't think in my 37 years I have ever experienced quite the range of emotions as I have this last two weeks.  Terror, joy, heartbreak, overwhelming love and pride, sorrow, you name it, I have pretty much been there.

I have had many ask how we didn't know.  I can tell you, many of our friends and family were also just as shocked.  She had put on a little weight, but certainly not enough to make the automatic jump to pregnancy.  It's winter and she wears big hoodies, baggy jeans and jackets.  She is a tiny person, so really it wasn't that noticeable. 

Oh, did I mention she is due in 10 days?  No?  Yeah, she is due on FEBRUARY 17th!  HOLY CRAPOLI is right!

I immediately made her a doctors appointment and they were happy to see her right away.  We went to the doctor's office last Monday.  Thank the Lord and my lucky stars, everything seems perfect despite the lack of prenatal care.  She is young and healthy and very fit, which makes a whole lot of difference.  The doctor and sonogram technician sited her tight stomach muscles as the reason she didn't feel the baby until so late into her pregnancy.

So, after a whole lot of thought, and possibly the most difficult decision any young woman can make, my baby girl asked BDC and me to adopt and raise her precious bundle of joy.  She weighed all of her options very carefully.  She knows that she is not ready to be a mom.  She wants to finish high school, and go to college.  She wants to have a successful career.  She also wants to make sure that her daughter has every advantage in life she has had.

Additionally, Kenna and I were the awesome twosome for a very long time.  I was a single mom from the time her dad walked out on us when she was three months old, until our wonderful knight in shining armor (BDC) became part of our family when Kenna was almost eight.  She did see her dad on a semi-regular basis during that time, but it was not the same as having a two parent home.  It made a lasting impression on her.

While I did the best I could as a single mom, and we did quite well for ourselves, children really miss the other parent.  Kenna wanted to make sure she didn't hurt my feelings in the process, but said she didn't want her baby to grow up with a single mom.  I knew what she meant.  It's a struggle.  It's hard.  It isn't ideal.  It is what it is, and what it was for us.  For her and me, everyday, for most of her formidable years.

Since marrying BDC, our lives have become filled with joy and family.  We have a warm and gracious daddy who is there every. single. day.  He shows our family day in and day out what happiness is.  Little girls have a special bond with the man they call "Daddy" and Kenna wants that for her daughter.

I respect my baby girl's courage.  I respect her decision.  I will support her every way I can as we enter this new chapter of our lives.  As we turn the corner and she enters adulthood in the most difficult of circumstances, and I become Grandma and Mom all over again, I want her to know how much I love her.  How much I admire her courage, her love and her selflessness.  She is an amazing young woman.


(I will share more details of our story with you in the weeks to come.  I have condensed a bit and left out details in order to keep this lengthy post as brief as possible.)

I have been truly blessed with the most amazing group of friends and family that anyone could ask for.  THANK YOU so much for all your support and love.  I don't know what I would do without you.

I will keep you all updated and share our big news as soon as Khylee Anne makes her big debut!

Don't forget tomorrow is Thank You Note Tuesday.  Send some gratitude with attitude to those who deserve it most!