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

I want him to practice courage over comfort and not make choices so that his friends think he is cool.

I am the mother I am because of the collective group of women I have in my life.

You are both such special, key characters in our story.

Even though you are the best Yaya in the whole world, I know that at any given moment, your primary concern is still me.

Thank you for letting me text you 10 messages in a row detailing what my kiddo is melting down over. Multiple times. At various points on various days.

When I look at my scar now, I see my body's ability to heal, to survive.

I feel as though I am often just as compromised as my working wife feels. It's frustrating for the both of us.

You—and your kids—will be happier for it.

Thank you for being a constant, positive and loving presence in his life, just like you are in mine.

The flood of private messages after my baby’s birth was just what I needed. I just wish it wasn’t such a secret.

So no, I’m not spring cleaning.

Ain’t no shame in my nap game.

In motherhood, there are no grades, or awards, or gold stars. But, it gets better.

I discovered the strength, resilience and inner warrior I had hiding within myself—ready to battle.

There’s no greater gift than to be invited into another person’s truth.

For the one who's doing it all and giving it her all, you amaze me every day.

Because you don’t get to go back and re-do your childhood.

I choose you no matter what life throws at us.

I promise to show you just how loved you are every single day.