#2 Qualifying Status Change

My insurance company calls my bundle of joy's birth a "Qualifying Status Change". It allots 30 days to add them to my health policy. Qualifying. Status. Change. Um, yeah! More like Life-Will-Never-Be-the-Same Change. Yes, I understood my life would never be the same once we decided to try for a "little one", but did I completely understand the depth of the status change or my emotions and body would undergo? NO.

Somehow, I found the time to torture myself with questions about my ability to do this and how do I get back to me. (At this point, there was no turning back.) Once my bundle arrived, the definition of "me" changed immediately, no, abruptly. Truth be told, this new mama had a tough time adjusting. Taking on breastfeeding, pumping, sleep (what, sleep?), showering, oh, and occasionally eating was a massive undertaking to one hormonal, sleep deprived Poarchè. Yep! I know. I am not the first and won't be the last, but this is my story, my truth. 

I found myself looking forward to showering, so I could just have a moment to myself AND massage the heavy, painful bricks my chest had become. I had high regard for my shower and still do. It became the place I reclaimed my sanity and regained my strength to lose both all over again. Books, Google, an Auntie, co-workers, and not even my own Mama could prepare me for this unique experience. Nothing short of experiencing pregnancy and motherhood can prepare you for pregnancy and motherhood. I better understand the concept of siblings now.

This special rite of passage and induction into the sisterhood of motherhood (thanks for the add R. Grainger) has been a qualifying status change. As I close out this 6th week of motherhood today, I realize my bundle is my life's greatest accomplishment. Pregnancy, labor and delivery were qualifying milestones along the way. I survived them, and that means I can survive anything. I created, grew and delivered life. 

Mama, now I get it. Words cannot express how much I appreciate your sacrifice, your love, and the support you provide to myself and sister. I must extend my greatest, deepest air "high five" (ya'll know I'm corny :-)) to all mothers - young, single, working wives and housewives (some can check more than one box) - because I did not understand the warrior in each of you. Each group has a different set of challenges, but somehow ladies, you get up, get it done and repeat everyday.

Shout out to my hubby and my village! Thanks for the push - I'm flying now.