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I was 19 years old when I gave birth to my oldest son. He was followed two years later by his younger brother, who was followed less than two years later by my daughter. I was 23 years old, and mother of three. It was overwhelming at first, as my boys were still in diapers, my daughter was born via C-section, and their father was not much help around the house. There were days I just wanted to crawl into my bed and not get out of it until they were 18 and moved out of my home. Yet, they kept me going, even kept me sane if I really look deep within myself. I knew they were completely dependant on me, and I wasn't about to let them down.

My choice to have my children was just that; my choice. With the exception of my daughter, I chose to get pregnant at such a young age. I wanted my children. And even when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I knew nothing would stop me from raising her and being a part of her life. I look back on it now, and I know I was determined that I would be a better parent than my parents were to me. Throughout most of my life, my mother was not around for me, and though later on she and I became close, I realized just how selfish my mother was. She had not given me up because she was unable to care for me, she just didn't want the responsibility. My dad wasn't much better. My entire childhood was governed by his mother who I believe to this day resented the part of me that was part of my mother's family. I was determined that no child of mine would grow up that way.

I wasn't prepared, however, for what motherhood fully entailed. 2 A.M. feedings, diapers that smelled so bad I thought I'd lose my lunch, colic, never feeling like I was just "Kelly" anymore, but always "Mom". I had a hard time coping with it, yet I persevered. I stuck to my guns and did not abandon my children, nor did I leave it up to someone else to discipline, care, or be a parent for my children. I chose to stay at home with them until they were of school age. I did a lot of baby sitting for friends and family members so as to enable me to bring my children along and still be able to care for them and make some money. I sacrificed my 20's to ensure my kids knew I was here for them. Yet, I don't feel now as though I sacrificed anything. So, OK, I didn't go to clubs and dance until dawn, or go drinking on my 21st birthday just because I could. I look at my children and know I wouldn't have wanted to be doing anything else but being their mom.

It's a 25 hour a day

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