It’s been 11 days since my Miss Avery was born and I still can’t believe that she’s mine. All the books said so and all my friends have been telling me so you would think that I was prepared to enter into this new phase of my life. I’ll tell you, nothing, and I mean nothing, prepares you for motherhood. It’s the most terrifying, wonderful magical experience in the world. From the day she was born and every day since I have run the gamut of emotions from horror (at her first dirty diaper) to joy (at our successful breastfeeding session), to utter despair (at our futile attempts to calm her crying on the second night at the hospital). But beyond that there is one thing that keeps me going. And it’s going to sound cheesy, but hey, I’m going to go there anyway. I have hope. For the first time in my life I have a hope that is not based on me alone but my hope centers around my little bundle that needs me and will grow to love me. Hope that she will be a good person and a person who will know success and love and happiness. My mission in life is now to make sure she does and it’s a daunting task but one that I accept whole-heartedly without reservations.

I know I know, I’m a huge dorky sap now. That’s what motherhood does to you.