My sister and I grew up with our cousins just as if we were siblings. No kidding. We slept, ate, and bathe together every day. And I wouldn't trade those memories for the world.

It teaches a person a lot on how to share, how to be with so many different personalities and how to love and care with such a large family. We're lucky we were in a family so close, so loving and so on - top - of each other (even today).

I'm lucky my sister lives in the same city and already has 2 kids before I had Indie Rey. I can call her whenever I'm unsure, but I'm also lucky that so many of my friends surrounding me are already Mamas, too. Everyone's experiences are different, but the most important aspect about having Mama friends is the support and encouragement. Motherhood is not easy.

Motherhood can break you down. Motherhood can make you vulnerable and share your weaknesses but motherhood also shapes you into a completely new person. You're literally rediscovering yourself along with your partner. That's why date nights are so important. You're completely different now. You both are living in different priorities because frankly every stage of a baby's life requires different parenting needs.

I'm just so happy Indie Rey can grow up with her cousins and extended cousins (that live in Houston) - because at the end of the day, when you need someone the most, you look to your family. They can be blood related or not, but it's how you surround your circle with the people you trust. I'm so happy to surround Indie Rey with all her loving Aunties and Uncles that love her dearly.