I Am Mother, Hear Me Roar

An amazing thing happens when a woman learns she is pregnant. She develops an overwhelming desire to protect her offspring. At least that is what happened to me. From the moment that pregnancy test showed positive, my life changed forever. I no longer thought about what I wanted to eat (not as much at least) but rather, what the baby needed me to eat. I went from having very mixed emotions about leaving Bolivia to being ready to get back home and prepare a life appropriate for our child and of course, my whole purpose for the coming months became, protecting my baby.

As my pregnancy progresses I face different obstacles. Very early on I dealt with a large amount of anxiety that at times made me feel like I was about to break in half. The last two weeks I have been dealing with my health and the implications it may have on our son. I've had to make decisions that have felt very heavy. But in the end, I made my own decisions with the well being of my child in first place. I needed to get better for the sake of this precious little boy growing inside of me.

Yes, as this pregnancy progresses and I grow ever closer and deeper in love with my son, I will do, say and give just about anything for his safety. I am growing more powerful and developing an almost animalistic strength to protect my baby. I now fully understand how mothers make the hard decision to give their lives for their newborns in extreme medical situations. Women may be powerful creatures but mothers - we're in a class of our own. Make no mistake about it - try to hurt my child and prepare to hear me roar.