I know that I have talked a lot about being scared and worried about having a baby and being a mom and although a lot of those fears are still there (newborns are SO fragile), I am glad that at the end of the day, I am still the same person I was before I got pregnant. I still have the same hopes, goals, and dreams.
I guess I was worried that once I had a baby that I would change and become a completely different person. I was sure that my lifestyle and personality would completely change. And although my priorities have since shifted, I am happy to see that I am still me.
So the reason I am saying all of this is because I want to share one of my goals. I want to graduate from college still. Yes, I know that I will be a super senior, but I am so close. From here on out I will only be going to school part-time and will be graduating next spring so I really am almost there.
Growing up, my mom and dad always said that all of their children will go to college and they will all graduate. So far, three of their four kids have done it. I have big shoes to fill. Especially since my oldest sister Shelby is the first and only woman in my family to get her Master's.
Now, I know that graduating from college is not my parent's dying wish for their children. Living a happy and healthy life is probably their biggest wish for their daughters, but I have seen how proud my parents have been each time my sisters got their degrees. Now I just have to finish out this last year of school and I will finally have the same education level as my sisters!
And although I know it will be hard with a baby, I have the best support group in the world. I have the world's best husband who has always told me that I can do anything--including graduating from college--and will support me through it all.
I also have Brit who has told me on multiple occasions that she will watch Zoey anytime so I can go to class or do homework. Plus, I have my wonderful parents, other sisters, and in-laws who have all offered to babysit Zoey as well so I can finish. With everyone's support, I know that I can finish off strong! So when you see me next year at this time posting pictures of me in my graduation robes with a baby in my arms, just know that babies don't change things, and that families are the most important asset anyone can have--even more important than a degree.
I want to get my degree for myself and for Zoey. I want to show Zoey that she can do anything in life if she puts her mind to it. I want to teach her to set goals in life and to accomplish them. I want to be able to put my money where my mouth is and show her these things instead of just telling her.
I won't be crushed if things change and I can't finish my degree at this time. I will not blame myself or my family, but I will always keep the doors open for me to return to school and finish my degree.
Now, on a completely different note, here are some pictures of my sweet baby. I still can't believe that she is mine. How blessed am I? Four weeks old tomorrow!
