Am I overprotective? Absolutely. Do I feel bad for judging "those" parents for caring too much? You bet.

Five things I have to remember when I think about those soft little cheeks and tiny fingers.

Don't confuse average for normal. If you want to move to the beat of your own drum, please do! But when it comes to other aspects of life, just stick to average. Set realistic goals, do your best, and be proud of what you accomplish. That's it, average is just fine.

The other day, I sat in my infant daughter's bedroom, packing up clothes that no longer fit her. There were no tears, no nostalgic feeling, no overwhelming desire for her to stay this small forever. Is there something wrong with me?

When I shared that I was having a home birth, critics flocked far and wide to question the decision, sharing their own birth stories of C-sections and disasters and emergencies. And I get it. I truly do.

Before my daughter was born, I knew exactly how things were going to go. I would never be the parent that held her baby all the time; I would never be the parent that gave her baby store-bought baby food; I would never be the parent that picked up a pacifier after it fell on the ground.

The uncensored truth wouldn't have dissuaded me from breastfeeding my baby (the benefits are just too compelling), but it would have helped me cope with the seemingly endless barrage of challenges.

Any girl who's ever been overweight knows to NEVER throw out the fat clothes. Its a slippery slope to skinny, and discarding clothes you've outgrown is just tempting the fat gods to slather you with their lard wands.

We are hard-wired to protect and love this baby we made. It's our job. My husband explained how protective he feels when the baby falls asleep in his arms. I explained things a little differently. I feel protective in a more violent way. A more animalistic way. A more primal way.

How many times during those early years did I place my hand on a newborn's chest to feel if she was breathing? During all those years, how many times did I check to see how I was breathing?

I need to rest. If Pacifier and Swing can give me that, then maybe there is a place for them in our home right now, after all. Maybe Swing isn't mocking me. Maybe Pacifier is just misunderstood.

I believe that women should have the right to choose whether formula or nursing is best for them without the guilt and judgement of other moms.

When we're lonely, it's natural to think about reaching back into the past to resurrect relationships with old school chums -- but be cautious. You may realize that you have even less in common with these friends -- except for your shared history.