Mommy CJ, 21

Home-based Online English Teacher Baby's name: Baby Earlie Age: 8 months

CJ was in a state of euphoria the moment she knew she was pregnant. She and her husband shared tears of joy knowing that they will be having a baby soon. And on the 20th of August just last year, CJ gave birth to her first born.

It was on that day when she knew that big changes will transpire and that she is ready to take on challenges along the way head on. "Being a first-time mom is like trying to bake a cake for the first time, I need to be more patient." With the new role she had to take, CJ read a lot of articles and researched about how to take care of a baby since she never tried holding a baby before she had her own.

"It was such a huge adjustment, and to think, I was a graduating student. I continued to strive and do the best I could to be a responsible mom, wife and student." She made a lot of sacrifices and had to endure a lot of struggles but at the end of the day, seeing her child smile takes all her stress and worries away. The biggest challenge and hardest one they had to face was when their sweet baby Earlie was recently diagnosed with PDA and required surgery. Thankfully with the power of prayers, the operation was a success. "Being a mother during this episode of my life made me become more caring, understanding and patient. I will do anything just for the sake of my child. It’s part of ‘the big change,’ and it’s not the end to meet more challenges in my series of being a mom."

Hardships come and go and the only thing that matters now for CJ is being able to witness her child grow. Everything her baby does from her smiles, giggles to everything that she is now and every moment spent with her will remain as the most rewarding

part of being a mother.