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Falling in Love

Reflections of a New Mom

By Julia Ream

But we have Kasie. She is everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. Just these past few days I've grown even closer to her. Not only do I realize how lucky I am to have her in my life, but I also realize how perfect we are for each other. We really are a mother and daughter. Already we share such a special bond.

Early on, I doubted that she recognized me as her mother. I certainly never thought she associated me with the person who carried her in the womb and the person who gave her life. Now, as I see her around other people, I know she feels that connection to me, no matter how primal or subconscious it is. She looks toward me for comfort, food, entertainment – what a feeling to know that she responds to me!

Even now, I look at her and I still can't believe my body made her. I am thanking God that I have Kasie. I'm glad for her: her personality, her attitude, her knowing eyes, her unlimited potential – plus everything about her I haven't discovered yet.

I'm realizing that not only does the thrill of parenting equal the ecstasy of birth; it exceeds it. I've fallen in love with her and it's like falling in love with her father all over again. Even though parenthood can test even the strongest of bonds, it makes me even more aware of my husband's wonderful qualities as I see them in him and in his daughter. It's amazing.

Want to see more?

• It Was Love at First Sight: A True Take on Motherhood
• The Power of Touch: An Important Way to Bond with Your Newborn
• Today I Am a Mother: The Transformation from Pregnancy to Motherhood
• Talk about it!