Katy's Story
***Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and viewpoints of Baby Steps.
Becoming a single mom at 18 years old was definitely not part of my life plan. I had lots of goals and big dreams!
I took every parenting class that the hospital offered to try and prepare for being a young mom. I had never changed a diaper in my life. I knew absolutely nothing. My son, Tanner, was born 8-26-06 and the world as I knew it completely changed forever. He went to college with me, road trips, vacations, & even to work with me. We've built three houses together, read a million books, watched just about every movie there is, and tried every type of food. He's been my co-pilot, my sidekick, my backseat driver, and now my actual driver with a learner’s permit. We've been on more adventures than I can even count. We have truly grown up together.
No, it wasn't "supposed" to be this way but it sure has been more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. He's been with me through my hardest struggles and my biggest accomplishments. He is the reason I discovered a career in ultrasound and my passion in life. My major in college was originally nursing, but after I saw my first ultrasound of my son, I changed my major and applied for ultrasound school. I thought that seeing him on ultrasound was the most amazing thing and I just knew I wanted to be able to do that for other people. My mom and grandmother helped me with Tanner so much to ensure that I was able to go to class and clinicals. That fostered a very strong bond between my son and them that has made a very positive impact on his life.
I graduated college in 2009 in the middle of the recession. I studied hard and passed my board exams right after graduation to increase my chances of finding a full time job. I applied to jobs all over the country. I can tell you anything you need to know about any city from the panhandle of Florida to the middle of Tennessee, their schools, and their sports programs because I have researched it all for my son before taking a job anywhere. Thankfully God placed us in the loveliest village on the plains and it has been the most wonderful place for him to grow up.
I have been working for a mobile imaging company for 11 years now. I worked so hard to prove that I could be a valuable employee while still being a very present and hands on mom. I started as an ultrasound technologist and I worked my way up to become the Vice President of Operations. I have recently taken a huge leap of faith and started my own business that I am so passionate about. I get to perform ultrasounds on pregnant moms, show them their growing baby, and do 3D/4D ultrasounds to show them the features of their little miracle before birth. I absolutely love what I do for a living and owning Aubaby Ultrasound Boutique has been a long time dream of mine. I am honored to be able to partner with Baby Steps and provide ultrasounds to young mom’s like myself!
Very soon, I get to marry my soulmate on the beach and my son will walk me down the isle. I can definitely say that God placed us in each other’s lives at the right moment. I have always prayed that eventually one day I would meet my other half and not only would he be a great husband, but also a solid father figure and positive male role model to my son. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to help me navigate these teenage years. I love the bond that he and my son share.
Every August when Tanner turns another year older, I look back on all of the memories of the previous year. Each year I say that it’s my favorite age that he’s ever been. He is so kind, mature, well-mannered, and a true joy to be around. Watching him grow up, experiencing life with him and teaching him about the world has been the greatest blessing and the highlight of my life. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us all as a family. I will always be his biggest fan & I will always be so incredibly proud of him.
I thought I had lots of goals and big dreams, but because of my son, I have achieved and even surpassed everything I could have planned. I hope that my story inspires you to know that you can do absolutely anything that you put your mind to. With lots of hard work and a strong support system, anything is possible. You are the author of your own story.
