In the wake of motherhood when my world feels as though it is crumbling beneath me, I reach for her unwavering strength.

While I want her to grow and thrive, while I want her to be strong and independent, I’m not ready to teach her how to shave.

I hope she remembers that her mom didn't mind rolling her pants up and taking her in the water. Ever. Her mom helped her lead her inherently independent life.

I’ll tell you to rise, even when you are sinking, and I’ll tell you that you don’t do it alone.

You can’t quit. You don’t even want to quit. But at the same time, you wish it wasn’t so damn hard. I know how you feel

When I think about it, I can believe how much he has grown. It is me, the mother, who I do not recognize.

I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.

She will be successful because little sisters make fearless women, unafraid of failure and undeterred by defeat.

I promise to you that when I look back on you being two, I won’t remember today. I’ll remember you. And you are absolutely wonderful.

We tend to equate growing up with loss: a loss of innocence, of helplessness, of cuteness. But that’s not how children experience it.