I remember feeling that dread when I realized I didn't like my first baby. I really wanted a baby, but she was very fussy and didn't match my expectations of motherhood. I decided to pretend that I liked her... almost like being an actor in a play. I would act like I was a loving mother who really cared about my baby. I would coo and speak in a soft voice with her. I decided that my feelings (though valid) didn't have to be calling the shots.

Eventually, I actually did start liking my child. Now she's 15 and we have the best conversations. The baby years were not my favorite, but they pass.