It is not easy for me to be vulnerable. I thought about what I would say in this first blog. It did not come easy to show what gets a little tough sometimes. I imagine any parent can relate to that. I landed on the fact that I have a story to share, and my hope is that it sparks a smile and a sense of calm too. As parents, we are not perfect.

So why did I write the children’s book, The Adventures of Juicy Baby – Magical Me? This is a revelation that few, even in my inner circle, know.  On my journey to becoming a mother, I had several miscarriages. But I wanted to be a mom with every ounce of my being.  I did not – I could not – give up.  And after years of trying, I was gifted with the most magical little girl. I could not exhale until I met her. Bringing her into the world was, well, the best blessing ever. Her gift keeps giving now through the power of story, reading and learning.

In processing my emotions of previous loss, my friends would try to make me smile. They would provide advice, though I would mistake it as criticism.  There were days I felt I was failing my daughter. I wanted to be “that Mom”, to make her life perfect.  I found myself second guessing every decision and unsolicited advice from others.  Like any parent when I felt I fumbled, I felt guilty.

It was my daughter’s smile that brought me to the willingness to share.

She is my ‘why’!

It took me a bit to realize she was the perfection. Even if she was a little ‘juicy’, her sparkle simply shines. Every child should realize no matter your shape or size or skin – you are beautiful in every way. Your child is astounding – period.

Writing and publishing The Adventures of Juicy Baby -Magical Me! made me whole. It had its own adventure along the way to reaching others!  It filled a gap in my heart and caused me to realize the priorities that my daughter authentically reflects – Love. Happiness. Joy. And definitely, embracing being unique.  How wonderful is that?!

I want that for every parent or child who feels less than.  Know you are doing your best and that is the best. So, we are going to mess up sometimes. That is okay!  Sooner or later our children will grow, and they might make a mistake or two. It is part of life and living it.

However, right now, believe in yourself. Watch the beauty of the child. Remember what it is like to laugh and give and live.

You are magical. Our children steal the spotlight!

It took me a while and a lot of twists and turns to create a living being who is unique – as we all are. Embrace it.

We have this.  Together.

Will you join me?