I’ve been recently married. Well, almost a year, actually, and I think I’ve finally gotten used to saying that. “Hi- my name is Tabitha and I am married.” It may sound funny to say this, but it took a while to get used to the label. I still find myself looking at my rings a lot, kind-of as a reminder that it’s real. I think maybe it is because I was waiting what seemed like a long time for it to happen, the getting married part I mean.

But before I get ahead of myself, I should back up a little and give some background so that you’ll understand why this whole pregnancy thing is a big deal. I grew up in the South you see, in a very traditional, religous home. The home and the culture that shaped my character was a supportive one. But it was also one that believed you got married and had a family, that’s just what you did. You could work and have a career, but raising a family was a big priority. There is nothing wrong with that of course, unless you just so happen to not get married. I have to give credit to my family though, never once did they pressure me or question my path. They supported my career goals and extracurricular pursuits, even if they didn’t always agree or understand them.

And they certainly didn’t say anything like some of my friends did. Things like, “Tabitha, why aren’t you married yet?” (This was said by my old high school buddy back when we were in our mid twenties. Boy did I feel old then!) I didn’t have a good reason to give her. “I guess I just haven’t found the right guy?” was my standard response.

Not much changed as I left my twenties and moved into my thirties. I’d still have people glance over my shoulder at social functions, presumably looking for my significant other, only to realize I’d come alone. And I still felt a certain amount of internal pressure that I hadn’t found “the one.” Oh I was dating plenty, lest you think there weren’t opportunities and begin to feel sorry for me. I was enjoying life for the most part. Working hard, going to school, living the life of a free, independent (a.k.a. stubborn) woman. In fact, I liked my life. I think I had reached a point where it didn’t seem likely, getting married soon I mean. Let alone having children – that was one of the farthest things from mind.

Enter the CPA. That’s what we’ll call him because that’s what he is. My CPA. Of course it took a few years for him to become my CPA, but that’s a story for another day. At long last I had found the man who gets me, really gets me. Just as I am. (Bridget Jones anyone?) No pressure to have children no pressure to change our lives in anyway. Well, except a dog, because we both wanted a dog. But you get the point.

Kids weren’t part of the equation really. My husband is a bit older than me and already has four grown children (they’re all boys if you can believe it). While he’s always wanted a girl, he said the decision was mine and he was fine either way. Wow – that was a big decision to make! Actually, at the time, it seemed pretty easy for me. My life has been set for a long time and now that we’re married, our life together is set. He’s heading to retirement and I’m heading to my 40’s. Who’s thinking about children?

And then it all changed…

Popularity: 9% [?]