parenting

I'm pretty sure every new parent gets it. That feeling of sudden realization that you are in charge of another human being's life.

Everything you say and do is being watched, studied, and recorded.

You master your poker face, afraid that if you show any wavering or weakness, their confidence in you will be shaken. Fear is tucked deep down, so that when they're afraid, they can look to you for comfort, for reassurance. Your voice is calm. Your smile is warm. Your hugs are safe.

You are their world. You are their security.

The sun rises with you. The last person they see before sleep takes over, is you.

You teach. You scold. You build character.

Those sleepless nights are hard. It's the kind of tired that sends the room spinning.

Today my baby boy stood up on his own; a big, proud grin sweeped across his face; and he wobbled his way over to me. His little arms spread out wide, and he fell into my arms, laughing out of sheer excitement and pride in himself.

If he could talk, he'd tell me he's a big boy now.

And it's those moments that you know you're doing a good job.

The sleepless nights were worth it. Because no amount of heavenly, uninterrupted sleep can replace the sight of seeing your baby take his first steps... and they were headed towards you.

"...and her character is this big, beautiful shadow of everything i am (we are). wow. what a challenge. seriously, it is such an honor to hold in our hands the daunting task of being an example. to teach her everything we know. we want to raise a beautiful, confident, loving human being, and we will do everything we can to fulfil that unfathomable role." - kelly hampton