q+a
My children have taught me
Being home with them doesn’t equal BEING with them – it’s easy to get caught up in the must-do’s of everyday life (laundry, cooking, cleaning, phone, email, etc.) Uninterrupted time together makes a big impact.
Since becoming a mother
I see the value in a free 15 minutes (before kids 15 minutes seemed insignificant).
Our favorite children’s music & books
We love anything you can dance to. We love Richard Scarry books, a favorite good-night book is “Kiss Good Night”
I wish someone would have told me
Don’t be afraid to be silly; kids love it!
Advice/wisdom that I can share
RELAX. Just worry about today – the rest will come and somehow it all works out.
The biggest challenge I face
Is finding time for anything not kid-or-family-related; staying relevant to my working friends; recognizing & being ready for each “next stage” with my older kids – letting go of little things and helping them become more independent.
The best thing about being a mom
Sticky hugs, slobbery kisses, being the recipient of art masterpieces, hugs to the legs, the ability to make boo-boos all better, the love that I see around the dinner table.
I “treat” myself with
A pedicure or a latte, or if I really, really, really need it, a massage.
kelley
mom to Patrick (7), Katie (5 ½), JJ (3 ½) & Clara (2 months)
I grew up as the 3rd of 4 kids and always knew I wanted to have a big family myself. Now I am lucky enough to be living that dream as a full-time Mom, part-time chef, driver, nurse, laundry expert and juggler of all things. When Katie (baby #2) arrived, I left the working world after eight years for the full-time family world, and have never regretted that decision. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be home with my kids. Other than mommy stuff, I run a small card-design business on the side, love to cook (and eat!), travel, craft, read, listen to music, make our home cozy, and to get aggression out I’ve discovered boxing. The greatest reward is being an integral part of my children’s daily lives – hearing their “good-morning Mom”, being here to get their hugs when they come home from school, and giving them good-night kisses. I love seeing the small things that light up my kid’s eyes.
While I breastfeed, I love to feel Clara’s little warm body next to mine. The way her little mouth is open and ready, the way she turns her head toward me. I love to hear her sounds as she’s nursing, and letting her grip my finger while she eats. I also love that I’m giving her a healthy start to life. And with four children it gives me an opportunity to sit down and put my feet up for 45 minutes, several times a day! My milk has always been slow to come in – those first few weeks were always hard. Although this time with Clara it was better because I started milkmakers in week two. We’ve been off to the races ever since. milkmakers help keep me from feeling totally “depleted”. I think milkmakers are ingenious; a healthy treat that satisfies mom and helps baby!
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