A DAY THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER.

January 16, 1977. That was the day my oldest daughter (on the left) was born.

Back in the 70s, when the women's movement was really starting to take off, we all wanted careers, wanted to wait to have kids, and vowed to not be stay at home mommies when we did. I admit, I thought there was no way I was not going back to work after giving birth. After all, we knew how to do it all! We weren't going to be like our parents.

And then wham! Into the world came a creature who transformed my way of life and thinking from that moment on. Not only did I want to be the best mom I could possibly be and give this child all the best (typical, right?), but I didn't want anyone else being there for all her firsts. I was this emotional wreck over loving this child so much. And I couldn't ever remember having those feelings before.

Naturally, all that initial gooey stuff wore off to more sensible feelings. Not that I ever changed my feelings of love for this child or my other children, but I learned to balance those feelings with the reality of life. I eventually did have to go back to work, but I definitely made some major changes in my life, and did it gladly.

So happy birthday! And now you're 30, hard to believe! I hope you have a fulfilling and happy life!