By Leslee Madsen 
I was organizing our storage room when I found some old pictures. The pictures were of me and my newborn son. My first baby. The professional pictures were taken in the hospital by a photographer who knocked on my door and asked if I wanted pictures with my baby. How could I say no? I was elated. I even had the perfect fall outfit to put him in. The pictures turned out beautifully, and I am so glad I said yes to them. As it turns out, they are the only professional pictures I had taken with any of my babies.
As I stood in the storage room admiring the pictures, I remembered what it felt like to be a brand-new mom. I wanted to reach through the photo and hug myself. And hold that newborn baby boy again. I wanted to tell her so many things, but most importantly, I wanted to tell her this: You’re a good mom. On the hard days, on the easy days, on the exhausting days, on the monotonous days, on the perfect days, on the lonely days, you’re a phenomenal mom. God wanted you to be his mother.
Today, that baby boy is 10 years old. He is brilliant, creative, kind, and funny. He is an amazing big brother and gives the best bear hugs. He wants to become an inventor when he grows up. He brings indescribable joy to his family.
Recently, I got to spend the day at home with him. I wanted to soak up this rare alone time. We played games, made cookies, talked, and laughed together. I remember in the beginning when it was just us every day. I worried about spending enough quality time with him, feeding him the right foods, how to care for him when he was sick, and if I was making the right decisions for him. Was I doing what he really needed? I wish I hadn’t questioned so much. I wish I hadn’t worried all the time. I wish I had given myself more grace.
I can’t go back to that first day of becoming a mom, but I can love the mom I am now.
To the me in that tiny hospital room who wondered if she was going to mess it all up: You’ve got this, you always have.
To my precious firstborn: Thanks for choosing me. Thank you for being patient and forgiving of my flaws. Thanks for loving me without limits.
I’ll love you forever,
I’ll like you for always,
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be.
-Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
by Becky Squire 
by Her View From Home 
by Ashley I. Arinez 
by Heather Newmyer 
