Here's to The Inevitable

I find it hard to believe that at 18 years old, I know of 8 girls who either are pregnant or have children. One girl has 2 kids... and they are only 10 months apart. A friend of mine had her beautiful little girl today, and I was brought to tears by the pictures of her. Lillian Mae is one of the most precious babies I have ever seen in my life, and I'm so proud of my friend for giving her all in this pregnancy. I know that she will be a great mother down the line. I know that all my other friends have given up a lot to be a mom, and that they are all great in their own ways. Although I know they are great moms, and that is how I will always see them now, I never thought they'd be moms when I first met them. It's hard to believe that this is how things are going now, and it will only get worse with the times. The media portrays sex and pregnancy as something "cute" or "normal", but they don't portray the stress that comes along with it. They don't understand that babies are crying all hours of the day. Pregnancy will drain you physically and emotionally. It will change your life... forever.

Something I wish all schools would enstate is a parenting class. I took parenting my senior year of high school. I had to wear an empathy belly around school and I wore it outside of school. I felt uncomfortable squeezing into desks. People were constantly touching my belly and commenting on how I looked. Although many knew it was fake, there were still people who talked smack about me. I also had the chance to take care of a baby simulator. It was the hardest time of my life. It was only a doll, and I struggled. A doll does not breathe, and desire to play. I was drained from staying up all hours of the night, changing and feeding a crying baby. I fell asleep with the baby on my chest, attempting to burp it. I was at a loss of words when the baby would cry in class, and I would have to run out of the room, embarrassed. It showed me only a fraction of what I'd have to do, and it was hard.

Ever since I learned a childhood friend of mine was pregnant, I've been scared of growing up. I've been afraid of what is going to happen down the line. I know that it is inevitable, but I can't help being afraid. I knew that I was growing up when I hit senior year of high school. I felt more grown up when I went to college orientation. It was real when I moved into my dorm. It hit me like a freight train when I saw more pictures of babies than my friends.

To anyone who feels that they want kids, know this:

• Kids are beautiful, but your childhood is YOURS... does not mean you're meant to have a child. You will have plenty of years for it to happen down the line.
• Sometimes, accidents happen. We learn from the past. Whatever you choose for your child, you are doing the right thing. Whether you choose abortion, adoption, or acceptance, you are doing what you feel is right for your child. DO NOT let haters tell you that you're doing the wrong thing. They can get off their high horse. No one is perfect.
• It's perfectly normal to get a job and go to school and be in a relationship. Just don't for get to laugh or make a sex joke every now and then. Draw a mustache on your finger. You need to remember that you are a kid yourself.

 Love and mustaches,
Sierra