I believe in the journey.

I believe in the journey of Mommyhood. And of Daddyhood, too. I believe this is the most challenging thing I'll ever do. And the most extraordinary thing I'll ever do. I believe in trimesters, and in first sonogram photos, and in finding out. And in not.

I believe in the happiest day of my life. And in the most exhausting one, too. And I believe that the Surgeon General's mandate of eight hours of sleep can be jointly accounted for over a period of three days.

I believe in yelling potential baby names out the backdoor at dinnertime - just to test out what they sound like. I believe in packing up the almighty diaper bag. And I believe I will never be anywhere in 20 minutes, ever again.

I believe in that moment when you swear you just can't do this anymore. And in that follow-up moment when I realize I've been doing it all along.

I believe the mother pictured on the box the car seat came in (the mother who is perfect and smiling and rested) is an actress.