Breastfeed for more than a year… Share photos of my kids online… Homeschool… These are just a few of the things I didn’t ever think I would do, but totally did. Now I’ve added “cheer mom” to the list.

A couple weeks ago my daughter tried out for an all-star cheerleading squad after six months of begging. She’s been in tumbling classes for a little longer than that, and watching cheerleading competitions on YouTube in her spare time.

Tryouts were an emotional undertaking. They began with nervous tears and ended with a nervous smile. The next day she learned that she made the level 1 all-star squad.

A few days ago, we had our first team meeting. We sat in a little classroom and received handout after handout detailing the team rules, costume fees and other expenses. We’re embarking on new territory.

Part of me worries about what’s to come. We’ve all heard about cheerleader stereotypes, and not long ago I was swearing off competitive sports. I want my children to do their best for the sake of self-improvement, not to win over someone else. But then another side of me, a big part if I’m being honest, is so excited to see her on stage with her team shining while doing something she loves.

It’s all confusing, and exciting.

When we got home I tossed the kids in the tub. Not like I used to when they we small–gently placing them in a shallow bowl. No, now they can get undressed and jump in with a splash on their own.–When did they get so big?

This space–Bath time, this is easy territory. A tradition that hasn’t changed too much over the years. Amidst a sea of half-used bath time products (note to self– time to clear that out), I reached for our bottle of Baby Dove Tip to Toe Wash. I was gifted some bottles on my trip last week and we haven’t looked back since. It leaves their skin moisturized and silky smooth, and smelling oh so squeaky and clean. This was an easy decision.

There’s no one right way to parent. There’s no manual for making all of the right decisions for our children. But I’m realizing that there is a superior way to care for my children’s skin.

So I’m a cheer mom now. Officially. I’m not sure what’s ahead in this new chapter. I’m not sure what will be next on my list of things I never said I’d do. But amidst all of the difficult parenting decisions we face, and all of the things we do that we said we never would; I am thankful for the easy decisions and for the incredible adventures that come with the new ones.

Parenting is hard enough, and I love brands who make it easier for me, which is why I partnered with Dove on this post. During a bath a baby’s skin can lose moisture up to 5xs faster than an adult’s skin. Baby Dove products are all dermatologist and pediatrician tested and hypoallergenic for all babies’ skin types. Even sensitive skin. You can learn more about this new mild and moisturizing product line at Dove.com/BabyDove

Tags: cheer, dove