How Having a Daughter Changed My Life

September 9, 2013. The day my life changed forever. Harper was born and nothing else mattered to me. She was such an easy delivery, and so well behaved. She even slept so well that when people would ask “how much sleep are you getting?” John and I would look at each other, both thinking the same thing: great, same as pre-baby. I remember thinking how lucky and undeserving I was to have such a beautiful, perfect little angel.

Fast forward 5 and a half years later and the same holds true. Harper is so wonderful that sometimes I take her for granted. She’s sweet, well spoken and well mannered, does extremely well in school and is the best big sister. I could honestly go on for days about what a great girl she is but eventually it’ll turn into bragging and I’m around enough of annoying, bragging moms on a daily basis that I don’t want to put you through that😝. 

Having a little girl is so inspiring but also so difficult at times. I want things to be perfect for her because I think she’s perfect. I’m so protective and always want to fight her battles for her. She recently told me that a little girl in her class made fun of her curly hair, saying it always looks like she has “bed head”. I thought about showing up at recess the next day to throw down in the parking lot but John talked me out of it. I know she’s strong and confident but it made me sad to think about someone saying that to her. Her little face must’ve looked so sad. That’s what the hardest part for me is - knowing that she’s going to be sad and have her heart broken throughout her life, and that there’s nothing I can do but just be there for her. 

I want Harper to be a strong girl, and in order for that to happen, I need to lead by example. I need to show her how a confident woman acts. In today’s society I think it’s so important to stress everyone’s differences and how they make us all unique and special. I love that there are so many strong women in our world today that we can look up to. And I want to be that strong woman for her. She gave me the confidence I had been lacking.

I can honestly say that she’s the most inspiring person in my life. She’s so beautiful inside and I want to be just like her! I can’t believe that she looks up to me - it’s the most motivating thing for me to be the best I can be. I always want to be better, and do better, for her. Because she deserves it.