By Jennifer F.

Originally published in 2013 in New Beginnings magazine.

Editor’s Note: The first issue of La Leche League News, a bimonthly LLLI publication for members, was published in 1958. The name was changed to New Beginnings in 1985. New Beginnings was acquired by La Leche League USA in 2010 and continued to be published as a magazine until 2014, when it was converted to its current weekly blog format at www.lllusa.org/blog

I walk with baby steps,
big feet beside little feet,
long fingers in small hands,
providing balance for a growing, learning body.
Applaud new sounds, new movements, and new days.
I laugh often, with new joy.
I teach Love.
I teach Creativity.
I teach Respect.
I teach Patience.
I worry…
Am I an example of respect?
Am I showing patience?
Am I teaching my child to worry?
I try to leave chores unfinished.
I try to focus on now, not push my family into tomorrow.
I try to do my best.
I try to remind myself that I am doing my best.
I learn to love the outdoors.
I learn that schedules and plans are not as important as people.
I learn that I can’t be an expert in everything.
I learn that there isn’t A Right Way to raise children.
I learn that I need other mothers.
I watch.
I show.
I play.
I experience.
I hear.
I listen.
I talk.
I sing.
I hold.
I smile.
I grow. Live.
I do.

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