It seemed innocent enough at the time. I had just come home from high school and told my mom that I was going to a friend’s house to play volleyball. She insisted that I stay home and do my homework. Instead, I slipped out the back door and spent the next 2 hours making tackles and touchdowns in my friend’s backyard. But on the last play, I was tackled into a swingset and knocked out my front tooth. It hurt like crazy, but not as badly as telling my parents.

The first time I had my baby I didn’t feel overwhelming love for her right away. It takes some time, maybe months, for real parental love o develop. We just have to relax, and enjoy the developing bond between us and our baby.

And by the way, amid the flurry that follows the birth of a baby, it’s important to remember that everyone has adjustments to make. Me and my hubby had new roles to be tried out – being Mom and Dad. And along with the excitement and pride that follow a birth come stress and fatigue.