Motherhood changes us. Celebrate the ups and downs with these honest, insightful essays about becoming—and being—a mom.

Because as much as we wish time would slow down sometimes, the honest truth is that it goes by so very fast and in the blink of an eye, our babies are all grown up.

Being what I haven’t seen before is scary.

If you’re raising a tween, give yourself and your child a little grace.

And it doesn’t make you any less of a mother. It just makes you human.

Time away from your kids isn’t selfish and you shouldn’t feel guilty. You deserve it. You need it.

Slowly. And giving ourselves the patience and grace that we deserve along the way.

Being the mom of an autistic child isn't easy, but here's 10 things I've learned that have helped us navigate this journey a little easier.

It might be a holiday or special occasion, but you know what your baby needs.

Because the village that surrounds you matters. And the people around you are the ones who help to weave you together.

No matter if you are pregnant, adopting, taking the route of surrogacy, or grieving the loss of a child. You are a mother. Always.

Mama, this is just a friendly reminder to drop the need to strive for perfection and simply just do the absolute best that you can.

Keep going. Tomorrow is a new day.

It makes me a better parent. A happier parent. And you know what else? I think most of us are this kind of parent too.

I held the twins for the first time when they were one day old.

To anyone else out there feeling the seesaw shift of emotions with infertility—I see you and I feel you.

The only difference between you and I is that it’s all new to you. It’s like learning any new skill. It’s not supposed to be easy or feel comfortable.

When the world tries to make you tough and rigid, I will understand your need to be a soft thing. I will help you navigate your emotions. I will make mountains tremble at your name. I will carry you, again and again.

And what you can say instead.

You are beautiful. Your body is beautiful.

If you too are part of the “the sandwich generation”, if you have lost a parent, if you are watching a parent die, if you are seeing a loved one’s health decline, you aren’t alone.