The Journey Becoming a Mom and Being One

"While we try to teach our children all about life--our children teach us what life is all about" 

When I first found out I was going to be a mom I was absolutely terrified. I did not think I could put aside things going on in my life for the life of a child. Everything changed right then and there for me. For the next 9 months I gave up playing basketball and I put aside my school work to throw up every half hour, grow a basketball-sized belly and mentally prepare to care and love my very own child. Things definitely were not easy and there were most definitely many tears throughout the process. One person that helped through it all was Jordan. He may not have known how painful the first three months of morning sickness was, but he sure knew how to always be there and reassure me that everything will work out and be okay. I struggled for awhile but as I heard her heartbeat every doctor's visit and felt her move inside me things started turning towards the light. My mind was blown that I had a tiny little girl growing in my belly that would grow up and call me mom. The whole process us women get to go through carrying a child is simply amazing and such a blessing. The plus side of growing that huge belly is being able to practically eat anything and not worry about the weight gain. I never really craved anything but one thing that I did notice was my love for sour chewy candy plunged. I now love love chocolate more than anything. I couldn't get enough while I was pregnant and I still don't get enough now that I am not. Being pregnant was definitely an experience and I am now enjoying and absolutely thrilled to be a mom. Our little girl Lyla is something special. The first week was absolutely exhausting!! Without the help of my mom I don't think I could have handled it. My hours of sleep were chopped and I was constantly feeding her. Breastfeeding is painful the first couple weeks but after that it is second nature. It has definitely saved us a lot of money. After my mom left I did not know how I was going to do it during the day by myself. Things were tough for a bit but as I got use to how things would happen with a new baby everything was much easier. No doubt about it, motherhood is a 24 hour 7 days a week job. The best part about it is seeing your little one grow and develop in different areas. I look forward to what may happen the next day or when she may pop out a smile or a laugh. Each day is something new and it makes things fun. My body adjusted to the lack of sleep and is now able to function properly even if it only has 4 hours of fuel. You get to be there for all her first experiences and enjoying those moments are really something special. Jordan and I look forward to when we can teach her more and see her personality. Being a parent is definitely a blessing and not easy. You learn each day your child learns. I am looking forward to tomorrow, next week, next year, and many years after that. I absolutely LOVE being a wife and even more a mother. 

Our Newest Edition

After 42 long long weeks of being pregnant I was finally sent to Skagit Valley Hospital to be induced. A night passed and hours flew by and on June 27, 2014 at 5:31pm Jordan and I finally welcomed our baby girl Lyla Jane Garcia into the family. She weighed a massive 8lbs 10oz and was 19.5 inches long. The nurses took her right away and sent her to the nursery because she had complications breathing. After a few days in the hospital we were sent home and on our way. Our new beginning has just started! 

 After I received the Epidural and was able to relax! 

 The hard part was over and she arrived! 

 My sweet husband crying as he saw his baby girl being born! 

 Daddy and Lyla

 First Garcia family picture!

 We finally were headed out! & you can see Aunt Diana photobombing the picture!

 First ride in the car

 She loves her Grandma and Grandma loves her! 

 Lyla Jane as the third generation! 

 Her mini photo shoot :) 

 Fourth of July with the Garcia's

Her first Fourth of July

Wedding Pictures

I STARTED A BLOG (just for you mom)

Jordan and I are putting this blog together since we live so far away from family! Hopefully we can keep up on it and inform everyone about fun events that are going on in our life. 

We were recently married on January 31, 2014 and live together in Washington. It has been a long journey since I moved up here to play basketball last fall. I was lucky enough to meet Jordan at Skagit while we both played basketball. This coming April we will have been together for one year. Him and I have a lot ahead of us but being together is going to make our journey in life that much better. 

Jordan and I at Whatcom Falls. Summer 2013