An Unexpected Wedding Gift

As a child, most women dream about their wedding day. By 12, I knew exactly what time of year I wanted to be married, how I wanted my weekend’s festivities to go, and more!

[Please don’t judge me...I’ve been Type A since before I knew what Type A was.]

I had dreamed of this magical moment for my entire life and knew that I would be married before I was 24 years old, my “golden age”.

Once the wedding planning began in 2017, I was too excited to create a registry with my partner. I honestly believe that he was having way more fun selecting items than I was. We had plenty of ideas of the gifts that we hoped to receive for our special day!

Little did we know our greatest wedding gift would be one that was unexpected.

In July, we returned to Dayton, OH to visit my future mother-in-love’s family. This was the first time that we had seen many of them since our engagement; so, we were extremely excited to celebrate with the family. AND, we did just that….CELEBRATE! If I might add, we might have celebrated wayyyyy too much! This celebration led to a multi-day recovery that I just could not shake. For a girl that never really got hangovers, I can admit that I was D.O.N.E!

Seeking relief, I decided to visit the Urgent Care a few days after returning. I knew that I was severely dehydrated; so, I was hoping that they could find a way to give me some fluids or something to make this feeling go away fairly quickly. For Pete’s sake, I had Professional Staff Training to prepare for.

Unfortunately, that was not the case!

As a woman, I have always peed in a cup prior to my appointment without really knowing why that was something that we had to do. After completing my duty, I waited in the patient room. Someone was taking my vitals, while another was preparing to extract blood. As someone that is afraid of needles, it did take two people to keep me distracted so that this could be done smoothly.

There was a bit of a wait as the doctor made some rounds; so, I filled my time doing what every other young adult would do…..scrolling social media. :)

I heard steps coming down the hall.

I put my phone away and straightened up my posture.

I saw some footsteps at the door and began to prepare a smile on my face.

Y’all…….This man greeted me with “CONGRATULATIONS”!

He had a huge smile and was super ecstatic.

With a side eye and scrunched up look on my face, I replied, “for what?”

Doctor: “did the nurse not tell you?”

Me: “tell me what?”

By this time, I was beyond frustrated. In my head I am wondering what in the absolute world are they talking about.

Noticing that I was clueless, the doctor sat down in the small rolling chair.

*Question: can someone help me understand why doctors have this baby-sized chair in the patient rooms?*

Anyways, back to the story.

Doctor: “You’re pregnant!”

Me: *as serious as one could be* “you’re lying.”

I honestly could not fully process what this man said. I left the doctor’s office completely MESSED UP! Y’all, I was thinking to myself, “I know he didn’t just say what I think he said”.

I immediately called my best friend, Erin C. and began venting and ballin’ and ballin’ and venting. I was truly afraid of what my future husband, our parents, our friends, and everyone else was going to say. I was getting upset thinking about having to get my dress alterations halted and other wedding-related things.

It took MONTHS for me to process the joy that this gift would bring. While things hadn’t gone like the 12 year old Jalesha planned, this was the best Wedding gift that my husband and I could have asked for. Unfortunately, we had to wait an additional 6 months post-wedding to truly experience the greatness that this gift would bring to our lives.

So, I don’t know about any other mamas; but, how many can say that they found out they were pregnant after a bad hangover? *insert oopsy face*

For the young ones out here:

Be safe.

Stay careful.

Wrap it up.

Get tested regularly, if you are sexually active.

Make safe choices, folx!

And, if you can, remain abstinent. There is a lot that can come from sex. If you are able, save the goods for the right one. Pregnancy is not the scariest or worst thing that can happen.

Lastly, Darius aka Buddy aka DD aka “Pider-Man” (Spider-Man), you truly are and will forever be our favorite wedding gift! “Mah-nee (Money)” & Daddy love you!

Mamas, I want to hear your story. Share with me on IG, email, or in the comments your “how I found out I was pregnant” stories :)

With Love,

Jalesha

IG: @javaandteawithjtd

javaandteawithjtd@gmail.com

Photo: Credit to Shana Livingston