I never thought the day would come that I would have reason to celebrate Mother’s Day again. I was born on Mother’s Day so it would seem that I would find this day to be very special. Life’s events have a way of reshaping our ideas sometimes though; my mom found out she had terminal cancer on my birthday in 2003. She died on August 1 that same year. The following year, my birthday landed on Mother’s Day. It was my first birthday without my mom and the first one in quite a few years to land on Mother’s Day. For the first time since then I’ve found joy on this special day.

Although Baby McLaughlin hasn’t quite arrived yet I feel like a mom. I have a new sense of self, a new found love, and a new outlook on life. I never thought I would reach this crossroads in my life but am glad it diverted me down this road. I am so very thankful and blessed. I can’t wait to introduce you all to Baby McLaughlin. And, thank you Brian for your devotion, support, and love. You’re going to be a great dad to our son.