http://www.mother.ly/life/from-russia-with-loveto-the-baby-i-hope-to-soon-meet
From Russia, with love—to the baby I hope to soon meet
I always wanted to be a mother.
I always imagined having two kids.
And now, as I sit on the verge of trying for the very first time to have a baby, I realize that my whole life has been leading to this moment.
Growing up in the Soviet Union, things seemed simple. I would have a career (back then I imagined becoming a dancer touring with Michael Jackson. Remember—I lived under Communism). Simple things like doing the Moonwalk were awesome. Then I would find a husband. And then, I would have babies.
But after life in the Soviet Union, my family’s immigration to the United States in 1991 meant that my life took many more twists and turns.
I became an American girl, after all, and the entire world seemed open to me. I was incredibly motivated to understand the conflicts my family escaped from. I wanted to know why wars occurred and why we had to leave everything behind. More importantly, I had great ambition to succeed because my family and I were given a chance to start anew, and I wanted to make them proud.
I always imagined having two kids.
And now, as I sit on the verge of trying for the very first time to have a baby, I realize that my whole life has been leading to this moment.
Growing up in the Soviet Union, things seemed simple. I would have a career (back then I imagined becoming a dancer touring with Michael Jackson. Remember—I lived under Communism). Simple things like doing the Moonwalk were awesome. Then I would find a husband. And then, I would have babies.
But after life in the Soviet Union, my family’s immigration to the United States in 1991 meant that my life took many more twists and turns.
I became an American girl, after all, and the entire world seemed open to me. I was incredibly motivated to understand the conflicts my family escaped from. I wanted to know why wars occurred and why we had to leave everything behind. More importantly, I had great ambition to succeed because my family and I were given a chance to start anew, and I wanted to make them proud.
I
became an International Relations major in college, and, shortly
thereafter, I got my master’s degree in International Security, with a
regional focus on Eurasia—where I am originally from. Since graduating
college and graduate school, it’s been an honor to work on the key
international security issues our country faces.
I achieved the American dream.
And I’m proud to say that I became a successful career woman.
But, at the same time, my immigrant family’s culture reminded me that motherhood wasn’t just something I eventually wanted—it was what was expected of me.
I come from an Armenian and Russian family; making babies has been instilled in my brain since I can remember.
I once made the dire mistake of sitting in the corner of the table during a family dinner when I was in high school. Several family members and friends yelled at me. Because, you know, in ancient Russia it was usually the old maids who took the corner seats. So then, according to the tradition, sitting in that seat meant that I wasn’t going to get married for 7 years and procreate Armenian/Russian babies. They made is seem like a family tragedy.
The past decade, I lived a great D.C. lifestyle and I planned to live there my whole life.
Then, one chilly December evening-a few years ago, I made the decision to swipe right on Tinder. A handsome man holding a Koala bear was too much cuteness for me to handle.
I achieved the American dream.
And I’m proud to say that I became a successful career woman.
But, at the same time, my immigrant family’s culture reminded me that motherhood wasn’t just something I eventually wanted—it was what was expected of me.
I come from an Armenian and Russian family; making babies has been instilled in my brain since I can remember.
I once made the dire mistake of sitting in the corner of the table during a family dinner when I was in high school. Several family members and friends yelled at me. Because, you know, in ancient Russia it was usually the old maids who took the corner seats. So then, according to the tradition, sitting in that seat meant that I wasn’t going to get married for 7 years and procreate Armenian/Russian babies. They made is seem like a family tragedy.
The past decade, I lived a great D.C. lifestyle and I planned to live there my whole life.
Then, one chilly December evening-a few years ago, I made the decision to swipe right on Tinder. A handsome man holding a Koala bear was too much cuteness for me to handle.
Shortly after, I went on a date with this handsome Navy guy, and you can say, the rest is history.
We
were very lucky to get stationed in Hawaii and have lived here since
the fall of 2015 and have adapted very easily to the Aloha life.
I continue to work in the international security field but with the beach in my line of sight.
Being a military wife is difficult because I don’t see my husband for a few months at a time but, it has only made our relationship stronger. I have realized how strong and independent military wives have to be.
I know that this is cliché but when you marry your best friend and love of your life, things align naturally.
To me, love should be the easiest thing in your life as so many things in life are difficult. You grow together, and, one day, you are instinctively ready to start a family.
At least, that is how it aligned for us.
So, that is where we are at now —on what I hope is the verge of parenthood.
I continue to work in the international security field but with the beach in my line of sight.
Being a military wife is difficult because I don’t see my husband for a few months at a time but, it has only made our relationship stronger. I have realized how strong and independent military wives have to be.
I know that this is cliché but when you marry your best friend and love of your life, things align naturally.
To me, love should be the easiest thing in your life as so many things in life are difficult. You grow together, and, one day, you are instinctively ready to start a family.
At least, that is how it aligned for us.
So, that is where we are at now —on what I hope is the verge of parenthood.
Becoming an American girl was a journey. Becoming a woman was an experience.
Becoming a mother, I know, will be the greatest adventure yet.
Becoming a mother, I know, will be the greatest adventure yet.
