Here is how giving birth works: first you go through pain, then you might push out a baby (or have said baby taken from the womb via a C-section), then the placenta makes it’s exit, and then the set of instructions on how to raise the baby follows right after. Oh wait… that last part is definitely made up, because there isn’t a manual that comes along with your baby once you meet them. Becoming a parent is arguably one of the most interesting, difficult, crazy, fun and amazing experiences a person may go through, yet most of our knowledge on how to parent, is acquired as we proceed along our journey. We have to use our instincts and common sense, as we face the different situations our children grow through.

I never realized how hard it would be to always try my best when I’m around my daughter. I love playing with her and teaching her new things, but I also want to be firm about certain rules. I want to protect her and show her how much I love her, but also allow her some freedom to grow on her own. I have to provide her with a roof over her head and food in her belly, but that means sacrificing time with her, in order to make the money we need. The entire balancing act of it all can be tiring, but simultaneously rewarding and I would not change a thing.

I’m constantly learning new things about myself as I grow into my role as a mother, and so far, I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn!