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I sit here in semi tears as we approach Brodie’s 6th birthday. When I found out I was pregnant with him, I felt like my world just got rocked. I was 20 years old, in college, living on my own and hadn’t been dating Cameron very long. How could I be a mom? Packed up my stuff and moved home to start a new life. I finished my last semester of college online. I got ready to start a life with Cameron as parents. 21 years young. I was sick everyday. After a short 7 month pregnancy, little Brodie made his entrance at 33 weeks.

During my pregnancy and even after, I would get remarks like “you haven’t lived yet”, “you two should get married to make this ‘right'”, “you did it all backwards” etc. The looks were even better! So many people were quick to judge a young mom. Truth be told if I had to do it all again, I’d do it the exact same way.

We all grew together and learned about life. We did what we had to do to make things work. In the beginning it was ROUGH. Stupid fights, small spaces, no money, etc. After our first year with little Brodie, we were able to buy a house. We spent a lot of time apart with Cameron on the road, but we made it work. Looking back, I used to get emotional about him having all the best stuff, but let’s be honest, he doesn’t remember the first couple years of his life so I did all that stressing for nothing! As he got a little older, I watched him mold into a tiny person with his own personality. As much as he needed me, I needed him more. He kept me strong when it was just me and him while Cameron sacrificed being overseas to make sure we had what we needed. Many nights we were in bed by 7:00 just watching movies with all the lights off or staying in our pj’s all day because we could. Seeing those chunky cheeks made all the down times and stressful days worth it.

He’s kept me on my toes since the day he was born! We’ve been through many phases! Colic kicked our butts, biting kids got us kicked out of two daycares, attitudes got him a lot of spankings, visiting the principal’s office in PRE-SCHOOL and having ISS made momma cry A LOT, but he’s also got a sweet side that shows me he’s got a little bit of momma’s soft heart that melts me to my core. He’s my pride, joy and pain in the butt all in one.

Parenting isn’t easy whatsoever. I have lost my cool more time than I’d like to admit, I’ve let him get away with more than he should, I’ve bought him stuff he probably didn’t need, I’ve been a little more strict than I ever thought I’d be, but I know in my heart I am doing what’s best for him. He’s my one and only. Don’t let society tell you how you should raise your child or how many kids you should have. Trust me if I could have 10 kids I would, but for now, I am blessed with a funny, sweet, almost 6 year old little boy.

Just remember you aren’t alone. That’s something I often forget. There are other people who have experienced things very similar to me and maybe even worse. It’s not about the materialistic things because those can all be replaced. The memories and the love are the things that matter most. Let them make messes. Let them be loud. Let them sing it out with you in the car. Let them cuddle in rain storms. Let them tell you all the pretend stories they come up with. Let them know how loved they are. Let them be little. The grow faster than you’d ever imagine. Here’s to year 6!