This moment

This moment right here. I will never forget it. Who I was, was dying. I was being forced to say goodbye to the old me, ready or not. Labor came and escalated very quickly. It was extreme. It was painful. This was right before birth. I was about to understand love at first sight. I created life. This was so surreal. As you came into this world, you were born, and I reborn. This moment came with a kind of exhaustion I didn't know was possible. Swollen everything. Too sore to sit. Too sore to stand. Squishy belly. Stretch marks everywhere. Sleepy baby snuggles. I transitioned into motherhood, one moment at a time. For the majority of my life, I always said that I would never have kids. I didn't know how absolutely wonderful it would be. I didn't know how your beautiful smile would make my world whole. I had no idea the warmth I would feel when I heard you cry for the first time. The intoxicating love that would make my heart burst every time I look in your eyes. I had no clue that looking at your face would melt away any pain I was feeling. You have so much power over me, my sweet daughter. I love you so, so much. Words will never be able to describe how grateful I am to be your mommy.