Introduction

My name is Molly and my mission is to change the way people view teen parents. I am proud to be a mother and I love my son with all my heart. I do everything I can to better his life, and I see red when I hear these stories of young parents making horrible decisions (like the mom who forced her toddler to smoke pot, and 'Teen Mom' Amber smashing Gary's face into the wall). Unfortunately, society doesn't see the good parents- the ones that beat the odds and raise amazing children.

So here's my story. At 15, I was diagnosed with a moderate case of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and was told I wouldn't be able to have children without medical intervention. I was devastated...All I had ever wanted was to be a mother. Fast forward three years and I was just moving out with my boyfriend, Joshua. I had been in a verbally/emotionally abusive home growing up. My father had been shot with a 12 gauge shotgun when I was 13, and as a result, he was on a million and one pain meds that changed who he was as a person. So, I decided that even if it was the hardest thing I had ever done, I needed to move out for my own sanity.

Josh and I had been living in our little shoebox apartment for a month and a half when I got quite a few flu like symptoms. He urged me to take a pregnancy test 'just to rule it out' and low and behold, it was positive. You can't imagine the emotions that I felt in that moment. I was happy and scared and doubtful... everything under the sun. I got over the negative emotions quickly, and soon felt only excitement and joy.

Just a few weeks later (I was 8 weeks pregnant), I started bleeding. I was horrified and called the local nurse's hot line...They assured me that it was normal and nothing to worry about. I still felt something wasn't right and got Joshua to take me to the hospital... After a few hours of tests, I found out that his placenta was separating from my uterus and it was the very beginning of a miscarriage. Luckily, we got medical help right away, and they were able to stop the separation. My baby was okay.

I was so cautious throughout my pregnancy. I didn't want a scare like that again. But, unfortunately, at 21 weeks, we had one. The cord was near his neck and he stopped kicking for three full days. I went into the doctor again and luckily, my baby was fine.

Fast forward again to 40 weeks and I was headed to the hospital. I was so ready to meet my son! We had decided to name him Josiah since it means 'The Lord saves'. Pretty fitting. After 28 hours of labor (15 from inducement) and an internal fetal monitor, Josiah David was born with the cord around his neck and completely purple. It took a few minutes for him to breathe. When I heard that cry, it finally set in. That's MY baby...Our baby. I started crying and was in total disbelief once again. Our baby was okay. He was a healthy 8 lbs, 6 oz and 20 inches long.

He is my little miracle. Everything I do, I do for him. He is now 5 months old, nearly crawling and rolling everywhere. His smiles make me melt, and his giggles make me feel so warm.

He is my life. I love him and his father beyond belief. Feel free to follow me in my amazing journey called life.