When I was 15, I got pregnant. When my baby was born she had health problems, and she was sent to another city with a better hospital. My family moved to that city and I started seeking help because I didn't want my baby to go to the house where I was living with my parents. I wanted her to have a good life without spanking, hitting, yelling and punishments. Then a nurse started calling for help, too. Some lady came and took us to a shelter where she said that we could be safe. Child Protective Services came to my room and got custody of both of us and moved us to a foster home. We were treated nicely. From the foster home we came to Seton Home. My daughter and I have been here for almost 10 months. We really enjoy this place; it is really comfortable, we don't miss anything, we have what we need. We have food, clothing and a lovely place full of love.

My daughter will be two years this month. She is a tall baby, she can talk, walk, run and has almost all of her teeth. She likes books and her favorite drink is milk. She is really friendly, likes to play with others, and is not afraid of doing things on her own. She is excellent with the newborns; she likes to be a mom even with her dolls. She is a good helper, likes to clean, sing her ABC's and Happy Birthday. She also likes to give orders to all the toddlers, and sometimes even to me. Sometimes she is aggressive when she is mad.

I want my daughter to have a happy childhood. I want her to be able to do the things I couldn't do; for example, I want her to be able to play with toys, interact and make friends with other children. Living at Seton Home has made this possible. When I'm at school, she goes to daycare where she gets to play and learn. On the weekends and in the evenings, I get to spend time with her. We play outside with the toys, and sometimes I take her for a ride on the buggy. Sometimes we play inside the room; I take her to go watch TV when I'm not busy.

My hope is that Esmeralda will grow up feeling confident, happy and friendly. She won't be shy or self-conscious like me, and that she will feel comfortable around others. I want my daughter to become a godly woman and follow up with Jesus. I want her to complete her schooling and not have to get her GED. I want my daughter to go to college, have a career, and eventually if she wants, to have a family of her own.