I have two wonderful children. My son is about to turn 13 and my daughter is 11 going on 30. I am also raising my mother, who going through her second childhood. (Any of you who have met my mom know what I mean.)

For those of you who say you are waiting until you are financially ready, don't count on your financial freedom to enable you to have kids. Don't worry about how you will afford them either. There seems to always be a way of making the budget work.

My husband and I planned on three. But due to medical reasons, it didn't happen.

I can't think what my life would be like without my children. When my husband died, they are what saw me through. They were, and continue to be, my hope and inspiration.

The best advice I can give to new parents is, remember to make time for you and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. Take the kids to scouts, or let them spend the night at a friend's house. Then you go out, do lunch with a friend, find a hobby, or just get some quiet time with a good book. The important thing is not to give up who you are for who you think you have to be as a parent. Don't worry about being "Super Mom" or "Uber Dad" and your kids will know that its ok to make mistakes, they will learn to be independent, and will be more open with you knowing you aren't perfect.