Excerpt:

As my mom would tell you, she was in labor “forever” (I think it was really only 2 hours, but don’t tell her that) until she finally had me. They thought I was going to be a boy; dad was excited that he was going to have a son to teach football and other stupid boy things, and mom apparently loved all the baby boy things she had just gotten at the baby shower. I was supposed to be named Kyle. Much to the dismay of everyone around me, including my parents, I came out a girl. My parents hadn’t even thought of any possible girl names for their anticipated “Kyle” so in a moment of utter panic they chose to name me Jessica. I don’t think they ever even really liked the name, it was just the first one they thought of after mom had been in labor “forever” and dad had been by her side, again “forever.” So there I was, newly birthed into this world, and already a disappointment. As a baby, I was subconsciously immersed in reminders of my disappointment every time I looked at my green and blue crib blankets, walls, toys, and clothes; and most of them had some form of sports, cars, or other boy themed pictures on them. Now, I don’t really remember looking at all of this when I was a baby, but I have seen pictures and I can only imagine the pain and turmoil my baby soul had to endure.