After 11 years of celebrating Valentine’s Day with the same man, I am happy to report that I have a new love - my daughter.

I know it’s not a surprise and no one is shocked. All mothers love their children. But what excites me is how much my love for her grows each day.

As previously mentioned, I may not be a “baby person.” I have struggled with bonding and caretaking. I’m an only child and a bit of a loner and it’s been challenging for me to find my footing in my new role as a parent.

But things are changing for the better.

I’ve learned a lot and grown as a person in the past six months. I’ve gone from being unsure of what to do when I am at home alone with the baby to feeling like I am missing a limb when I am home alone without the baby.

And she has grown into a wonderful little girl. Her personality is blossoming and each day she develops a more unique presence. She looks like Sophia now, not just like all of the rest of the baby girls.

She is still a baby and needs complete care, but she is increasingly independent as well. She knows what she wants - whether it’s her command center or her mommy - and doesn’t just settle for what we give her, which is often the command center (which she does love, by the way).

As for my husband, I don’t think he minds sharing the holiday with someone else. She is his new Valentine as well. Our first Valentine’s Day as a couple was a disaster, but our time together as a family this evening has been romantic and sweet.

And unlike me, Sophia is a cheap date. She wasn’t hoping for roses.