"When my daughter was born, I wondered when I would feel different, feel like a mother. What does it feel like to be a mother, anyway? I was getting an idea that it was different than I imagined it would be."
-Ann Reilly Cole, "Diapers and Deadlines"

"After a long day of defending the dog, cleaning Cheerios off the carpet, quieting their cries and playful screaming, giving them dinner and baths, I miss them once they are asleep."
-Bradley Earle Hoge, "Renga of an At-Home Dad"

In this heartwarming, inspiring collection, mothers and fathers share their touching, occasionally bittersweet experiences as parents. From the miracle of birth to the wonder of baby's firsts to the highs and lows of a child asserting his or her independence, the poignant memories recounted in My Heart's First Steps will be cherished forever.

Jennifer Graf Groneberg was educated at Brown University and the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). She lives with her husband and their three young children in northwest Montana.