She makes me laugh, smile, love and appreciate all that I have, all that I am and all that I am able to do. She keeps me real. All those things in my life that are good are good because I get to live them side by side with my little family. They are good because I know what I went through to have this family and this child. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be Dave's wife and Ellie's mom. I want Ellie to grow up knowing that I am committed to loving, caring and protecting her.

I endeavor to nurture her nature and give her the best of myself when I do it. I want to teach her to live her life without fear, to live her own dream, be kind to people and animals and most of all, to be kind to Ellie.

A long time ago, my mom gave me a poem about children learning what they live. In order for me to achieve the goals I have set for myself as a mother, I must live it. I find that it keeps me grounded to be mindful of how my child is learning to be her own person.

My life is good. Overall, I got nothing to complain about.