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Memoir Monday: Proud Momma

Monday, February 8, 2010

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!

Think Tank Momma

55 comments:

Lee said...

I'm here..sorta...and I can't wait to see pics of that little bundle of joy!!

Dual Mom said...

A little girl........

Oh wow Zgirl, I can't imagine what you're feeling right now.

But wow, a little baby girl....

Lori said...

Oh Sweetie..I know that you have been moving through every emotion possible, and sometimes many in the same moments! But what does this say about your relationship with her that she trusts you this much? I think it speaks volumes about how much she loves and admires you. Congratulations!

Corrie Howe said...

Wow! I can imagine but not truly understand the range of emotions you went through. I can for your daughter, in some way. I was ten years older than her when I discovered I was pregnant. Fortunately already through college and well established in a career with good pay and excellent benefits. I decided to raise him on my own. And eventually we found our knight in shining armor in my husband.

Travis said...

Those kids couldn't be any cuter iffen they was danglin kittens!

Cute kittens though, not the barn kind. Those are just nasty.

Thanks so much for sharing today!

Lily said...

Sometimes, we end up knocking life's curveballs out of the park for a home run.

THIS is going to be one of those times :-)

Best of luck to you and your fammily.

Trac~ said...

Congratulations! What a true blessing it is for your new daughter/granddaughter and your family. It may not be the conventional way but it is definitely a blessing! I can't wait to see the pictures of your new beautiful baby girl. Hugs!

Unknown said...

Oh Brandee! You alluded to something a few weeks ago and I wondered what was going on....

Your daughter is so lucky to have you and BDC. What a wonderful, supportive, caring environment for her baby to be born into! I know she will be loved and cherished.

I'm sure your emotions have run the gamut, but ultimately you are a phenomenal mother and this is going to be a new path for all of you.

Thank you for sharing all of this with us and we are here for you always!

Anonymous said...

my mouth just fell open at the due date. goodness. that's all i can think to say. and what a hard decision she's made--best of luck to everyone and hope the delivery goes smooth (and quick!)

Anonymous said...

I admire YOUR selflessness in this situation.

Kenna is blessed to have you and BDC to be such awesome and loving parents!

Your wonderfulness shines through!

Angelia said...

I can't imagine how you are feeling. You seem to be handling this so well! I envy your composure! My oldest is 15 and I live in fear every single day that she will "end up" like me. She and I were alone until she was nearly 10 years old when I married. We got along fine, we made it but I want to much better than that for her. It's so frightening. Stay strong! I admire you and your strength!

Tamara Dawn said...

Brandee, you are an amazing mom. You will be an amazing G-Momma. I think that is what you should dub yourself "G-Momma" hehe Your daughter is so lucky to have such great parents like you & your hubby! Hugs all around!

Shell said...

You've certainly been thrown a curveball. But, it sounds like you are handling it with grace and love. :)

Anonymous said...

See, my response is like Dual Mom's. A baby. A baby girl! I want to go buy her some pretties!

Aunt Juicebox said...

It's great that your daughter has someone like you to turn to. Lots of girls are too scared to tell their parents when something like this happens.

Dee said...

What a strong and smart young lady. She's made the most difficult decision she'll probably ever have to make. That really says something about her...I don't know if I could have the courage she does. Can't wait to see the baby! Best of luck to all of you!

Nancy C said...

You have the biggest heart. What a rough and tumble couple of weeks you've had! Sending prayers and good thoughts to you as you start this new journey.

Hissyfits & Halos said...

Khylee Anne. That's beautiful.

At lunch today, I was mixing up some Wasabi. You know, that puke green stuff that stinks something awful?
I totally thought of you, and laughed. ;)

Love you, girl! I can't wait to see sum pix! :)

Alicia said...

i'm so excited for baby k i can hardly take it!! kenna is a remarkable young woman...the fact that she loves that baby so much that she will do whatever it takes to provide her with the best life possible speaks volumes about her... i remember being in a situation similar to her and having to weigh the options...never easy as a single mom. i'm so proud of her! and CONGRATS to you and the family!!there's just something so beautiful about having a baby in the home...i can't wait!! big hugs and lots of love sent your way!!

GunDiva said...

Wow. What a bombshell. I pray every day that my daughter doesn't bring me the news that she's pregnant. You're an amazing woman and your daughter's lucky to have you for support. I'm glad things are going to work out for all of you.

Danielle said...

I bet you are going through a wide range of emotions, yet in the end you are so very supportive. What a great mom you are.
Congratulations!
Can't wait to see pictures.

drollgirl said...

i feel like i am going through all the emotions you went through. this sort of thing happens, and everyone needs to buck up and make the most of it. you guys have an amazing and supportive family (which makes all the difference in the world in tough situations), and you have an excellent plan for this baby's future. things will be ok. it might be tough, but such is life. things will be ok. hugs to you, to your daughter, and to your soon-to-be baby/grandbaby.

Quixotic said...

Oh wow! What can I say - I admire you so much for stepping up and supporting your daughter. I am SO impressed at the maturity and strength she showed making such a decision.
Sometimes life knocks you for six, (and I'm sure you're still reeling)but you later realise it was a huge blessing. That's what this baby will be. Congratulations!!

SurferWife said...

As I said before this amazing and you all are such a strong family.

And I love that I barely have to wait for this precious arrival for pics!!

Ed said...

Cute kids.

Anonymous said...

That is quite the amazing story, you are an amazingly capable person, and a beautiful human being. Your daughter is smart and sensible also. The baby stays in the family etc etc. The world is complex! All the best Grandma-Mama! The best to the new mommy too!

Secretia

Claudya Martinez said...

I am a sobbing mess right now. I can only begin to imagine the emotional roller coaster you have been through. I am so happy to hear that your daughter and her child are healthy. I am also very happy for everyone involved that you and your husband are willing and able to take on the responsibility of parenting this baby.

I'm sending you all love and support.

Happy Hour...Somewhere said...

Zgirl...I cannot figure out how I'm feeling right now because for years I thought I would end up in this situation. I am so excited for you and your daughter...I am glad everything is well with her and your grandbaby. I'm with Secretia, baby gets to stay with her big and loving family and that is fabulous. All my love and support.

Unknown said...

Wow!! and....wow!!! again and again! Congrats! Life sure does throw us curveballs, huh? But this too is a blessing in disguise...truly...any baby is a blessing no matter when it happens! :) Bless you all! *hugs*

Kat said...

Whew girl, you have your hands full! Supportive to the max - your daughter is such a lucky girl and I hope she knows that. And the fact that she trusts you and your husband to raise her child shows what and great relationship you have and how well you have raised her.

Post pics of the new little one when she arrives, and my prayers that all goes well and everyone is happy and healthy throughout the birth and this transition...

You have definitely been blessed...

Iva Messy said...

wow, while I cant imagine all the emotions you and your entire family must be going through, I do want to say congratulations on baby to be Khylee Ann. A beautiful name. I think in the end, all the matters is that, everything is going to be ok. A lovely, growing, family.

Mammatalk said...

Wow. What a major life event! I am speechless. You must be going thru so much....shock, worry...and happiness.

Congrats on your bundle! Sometimes the stork delivers in strange ways. It must be fate! Much luck and warm thoughts sent your way!

Ducky said...

Congratulations! The photo is beautiful and easy to see why they are your pride and joy. What an awesome family bond demonstrating its strength and grace!

We anxiously await the baby's arrival with you!

KristinFilut said...

Tick tock, tick tock!! She's gonna be here so soon! I'm so excited!!! Kiss Kenna and tell her we are all so proud of her!

Unknown said...

wow...just wow. she is an amazing young lady for making such a selfless decision and you are an amazing woman for being so understanding.

wow. the best of luck to you all.

Anonymous said...

There can be no girl luckier than Kenna. So many young girls have to struggle between accepting responsibility for their actions or walking away. This way, it's almost a "get out of jail free" with a wonderful mother like you. I hope she realizes this.

Cameron said...

sooo happy that the baby looks healthy, what a relief.
keeping you in my thoughts and prayers - you and your whole family.
Can't wait to hear all about the baby when she arrives!
Cameron

Tgoette said...

Congrats Zgirl! You are going to be an awesome Gmomma! Great post!

Anonymous said...

Well I to but I about the collection should prepare more info then it has.

Miss Spoken said...

Wow. Just wow.

Sending you good thoughts and virtual cupcakes and vodka.

ScoMan said...

Sounds like life did throw you a real curve ball. But in the end, I guess the outcome was awesome for all involved.

I guess that's partly to do with the fact you are obviously a family who loves and respects each other very much.

A heartwarming story.

rachaelgking said...

Oh, wow. How exciting. And scary. And awesome. And, just, HUGE!!!

Congrats. It may be unexpected, but it will be wonderful!!!

Unknown said...

First of all congrats to you and your hubby on raising such a wise and responsible child. Secondly holy cow this is like the I didn't know I was pregnant show on TLC.. I watch that show and after 3 babies go HOW did you not know?? OK so it happens..that baby is beyond blessed that is all there is too it.

Ed said...

Holy SHIT!

Geez Grandma, looks like diapers are in your future.

Who's the daddy? Or is this going to be something we find out from Maury Povich?

MostlyFlumxdArt said...

Wow. Just wow! What an amazing story to share...Can't wait to her more about this unexpected blessing!

Mae Rae said...

you know it is kind of funny how I am so not a skimmer. I think that once I read the whole thing I felt a stronger bond with you. You are awesome to do this for this future little girl. Grandma and yet a mommy all over again and this time no extra stretch marks to deal with.

gayle said...

Wow! You sure are an amazing lady!! This post is so full of love!!! I know this must be hard on all of you but the way you are dealing with this is unbelieveable!! We all should learn from you!! I know you inspire me to want to handle things better than I do.

The Peach Tart said...

I honey, I've been away too long with life getting in the way. Wow. I'm sending lots of love to you and your daughter.

Tracie said...

Your daughter is very lucky to have such a supportive family. Best of luck to you all. I can't wait to see pictures of the baby.

Anonymous said...

Im hoping to get my Baby K package sent out tomorrow!! =)

Menopausal New Mom said...

OMG! I just read your news! Wow! You're daughter is one brave lady and so are you. Hugs to you both and congratulations!

This little bundle of joy with surely bring lots of sunshine into your home.

Hugs,
Deb

Anonymous said...

Oh wow.
I can't imagine all the emotions involved. But that is great that she isn't putting her future plans aside, and even more awesome that she has you and BDC as parents that are willing to step-in like that and make sure everyone is taken care of.
So very very lucky.

Anonymous said...

I'm a little late to the game...

Brandee, you're an amazing mother and your daughter is LUCKY to have you in her life!!!

Good luck to all of you in this new adventure!

The Random Blogette said...

What an amazing story. You are such a great parent to be doing what you have done. You can also tell by your daughter's decision. Even though I am a little late...congrats!

Holly Lefevre said...

Now it all makes sense. I was a little confused but almost always am. How lucky for your daughter to have a wonderful set of parents to help her through this and give her baby a wonderful loving home. And how smart her mom must be to have taught her how to make such a mature, thoughtful decision. I am going to send you some clothes...my daughter wont wear anything unless it has a monkey on it...so you even understand how many beautiful things she has outgrown.