When I think about my daughter Ainsley, the first thing that comes to mind is her smile. She is full of joy, and it doesn’t take much to make her laugh. Dancing is her favorite. Whenever we put on music and move around, she bursts into giggles and joins in. Those moments remind me of her bright spirit and playful nature.
Ainsley is also learning to talk, and it’s one of the sweetest parts of this stage. She’s been practicing the names of fruits—banana, apple, kiwi—and sometimes she corrects me when I repeat them. She’ll say, “Mommy, that’s not how you say it,” and insist on showing me the right way. It’s funny, and it shows how quickly she’s growing and learning.
Our daily routines are full of joy. Mealtime is one of Ainsley’s favorite parts of the day. She always does something funny at the table that makes us laugh. But honestly, every moment feels special. Just being with her makes life better.
She has her favorites—her song is “La Vaca Lola,” which always makes her smile and sing along. And the sweetest milestone so far has been her first word: “Mamii.” Hearing her call me that filled me with happiness I can’t describe.
Challenges and Dreams for the Future
Like many parents, I’ve faced challenges. The hardest part has been being both mom and dad at the same time. It isn’t easy, and it has shown me how important support is for families. I’ve learned that babies don’t just need food, clothes or shelter. They need love, patience and presence. Especially in these first three years, those things matter most.
I want to give her a good education and raise her in a way that helps her feel safe, loved and truly happy. When people see her photo in this campaign, I hope they notice her beautiful smile and the light she brings into the world.
Ainsley reminds me every day why the earliest years matter so much. Babies grow and learn so quickly. By showing them love, patience and care, we build the foundation for everything that comes after. Every baby deserves that chance. By believing in babies and supporting families, we can help children like Ainsley grow up with joy, confidence and endless possibilities.
This story is part of ZERO TO THREE’s Believe in Babies campaign, which reminds us that everyone has a role in building a world where babies, toddlers and their families can thrive.
