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will be your area school's guidance counselors. They can recommend a responsible, caring teen that will be able to sit for you on a regular basis.

Plan for the growth spurts, as one day that brand new outfit will fit your child, and the next it won't. Plan for the regular doctor's visits as well as the ones that are needed when your baby becomes ill. And plan for those days off from work when your baby cannot be sent to daycare or school because of an illness.

Against all odds, you will find that going out to that party no longer matters, shopping with your friends becomes shopping with your friends for your child and parties at home with your friends become sleepovers with your child's friends.

"In the End..."

You will realize that every change that happened to you during those wonderful 18 years of raising your child was worth every sacrifice you have had to make. Losing a career or a friend who doesn't understand will not compare to the joy of watching your child as he or she prepares for the prom or graduation and college. Just remember, as you plan for your first child or for your fifth child, life will change. Plan for the ups and downs and enjoy every second you have with your baby...because one day you will wonder how they turned 18 when yesterday was their first birthday.

Learn more about this author, Melanie Winters.
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