My first social media post as a new parent

Dear Readers, I want to share these thoughts a few months later because these were raw, real feelings from when we first brought Evangeline home. I was overwhelmed by love yet scared to death that I wouldn't know how to properly care for her as a new mom. I never want to forget this.

11/16/22 One week. We made it through the first week as parents to this little girl. Naturally, a lot of reflection and complex emotions come in these early days.

If you asked me over the years, I never pictured myself as a mother. I didn’t feel I had that nurturing chip as part of my DNA and never dreamt of starting a family. Nick and I grew up with people taking care of us, as opposed to the other way. We lacked any kind of qualifications to care for a baby. However, what I have quickly learned is that after 18 childless years together, we in fact do have a great capacity for love, selflessness, humility, patience and sense of humor that is required to do this job. I watch the man I love become mesmerized by the gaze of his daughter who has eyes like his own. We’re two imperfect people, getting through each day learning as we go and trying our best to raise a healthy and happy little girl.

When Evangeline snuggles in my arms in the morning sunshine, I realize how thankful I am to be given this opportunity to experience motherhood. It’s hard to put into words but I feel like my heart actually expands.