“Motherhood Renewed My Faith”

I’ve always envisioned having a family and that concept became closer to a reality once I married my husband, Dave. We’ve thought and discussed, given our diverse backgrounds: he of Irish and Italian decent, and I of Filipino and African-American.  Daydreaming what our offspring would look like, and if their behavior traits would mirror ours.

Thoughts, hopes, and dreams of motherhood and parenting have become a tangible reality now that I’m experiencing pregnancy first-hand with motherhood right-around-the-corner.

I recall learning I was going to become an older sister for the first time and watching my mother experience her second pregnancy with the oldest, of my younger brothers, decades ago. I’ve watched my peers from high school and college experience pregnancy through the ever progressive social media outlets, as they broadcast their pregnancy and journey through motherhood — but life is different from an outsider’s perspective.  I just continued to pray for the day it would be my turn.

Well I’ve come to learn there’s a lot that isn’t “broadcasted” especially difficult changes and challenges your body endures during the first trimester. I’ve found myself dealing with uncomfortable episodes of morning sickness and fatigue that has me craving sleep even after a full night’s rest, and I won’t detail my renewed affinity for prunes.

I feel so blessed to have a husband that has been extremely supportive emotionally, and physically helping me through this rough stage in my pregnancy, providing me with everything I need to feel relief and comfort. I have also found that this new chapter in our lives has brought us closer, which will be crucial as we expand our family unit.
At times, even with the comfort of my husband, I have felt completely helpless and broken — disillusioned that the reprieve of my symptoms will never see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

All of this has led to a renewing of my relationship with Christ, especially being reminded that God only gives us what he knows we can handle with His Strength. My prayer life has become deeper, I’ve increased my devotional time with Him  and even found a great church for my husband and I to attend that has helped us both grow in our relationships with God.

Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace who has called you to His everlasting presence through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support you, strengthen you, and ground you. 1 Peter 5:7-10 

Motherhood, although I can only speak from a mother-to-be perspective, has been quite the miracle and impact on my life thus far and I can only imagine what it will be, come October 2016!

About Melissa Tampanello ~~

Melissa and her husband Dave currently reside in Camp Pendleton, CA ~~ Dave is actively serving in the United States Marine Corps. Melissa enjoys spending time adventuring with her husband enjoying all San Diego County has to offer and relaxing with her two furry felines Gabby & Leila.

On a personal note ~~

This is my baby girl ~~ the One who changed my life forever!  After she was born, all of my former priorities suddenly shifted ~~ including my career aspirations.  Never did I think motherhood would take me like it has ~~ and as I watch her go and grow through her pregnancy, I praise God for grabbing ahold of me back then and causing my life to change. I would do it all over again!  

*I recommend that you read my article, “My Line In The Sand.”