I am so excited about this weekly series! Not only because it gives me, and other mothers, insight and knowledge, but also because it allows me to reconnect with old friends - like today's guest! Sarah and I were friends in Middle School and have stayed in touch over the years as we've grown up, gotten married, and now have children! It is great to be surrounded by people who support you and see you grow. Sarah, it has been such an encouragement to feel your support over the years, and I hope I will be able to do the same for you! You are doing a great job balancing mommy life, work life, and wifey life - we know it's hard, but you are rocking it!
Tell us a little about your baby girl!
Ayla is 20 months old and loves to jump on the trampoline! She loves Mickey Mouse and looking at books. Playing in the water, bath time is a huge favorite of hers! She eats like a little piggy lol. We recently found out that she is mildly autistic, it's been a rough few weeks but luckily with speech therapy and good old fashion faith, we know she will thrive and be perfectly fine.
What were your initial feelings about becoming a mother?
My initial feelings were complete bliss, I couldn't wait! Little did I actual know how HARD motherhood is! Hard, but so so worth it.
What is the biggest thing motherhood has helped you overcome?
I would have to say that becoming a mother greatly helped curb my anxiety, I was having panic attacks on a regular basis before Ayla and it seemed that once I found out she was coming, I didn't have that dark cloud hanging over me anymore, sure I had normal fears that I think we all have but I never let myself get upset enough to allow an attack to take over. Maybe I was trying to prevent the stress from affecting her? Maybe I just didn't feel as anxious about things as I had before..I don't know! She just brought me to a place of peace I had been looking for for a while. Also, she has given me the ability to greatly improve my patience...I was not a very patient person before her and as a parent, you literally have no choice unless you want to go crazy! She has helped me slow down and appreciate life so much more!
What is the best/worst piece of advice you were given before Ayla was born?
Best piece of advice we have gotten is to remember that she is our child and the opinions of others are appreciated but not warranted. You have to do what's right for her and for yourselves as her parents regardless if maybe it ruffles the feathers of others. Ultimately she will be affected by what you have decided..not the person giving advice. The worst advice was to give your baby Benadryl if they won't sleep at night. Definitely didn't follow that! I had many nights that I watched the sun come up with her in my arms, eyes burning with the need to sleep and watching Disney movies over and over just to stay awake.
How has being a mother impacted your outlook on life, family, friends, etc?
Sadly, I came to the realization that having a baby changes every aspect of your life including relationships you never imagined would change...I lost my best friend over the course of Ayla's first few months because my friend didn't seem to think there was room for me in her life anymore, and ultimately I had to choose to cut ties because I don't need Ayla growing up thinking that that is what a friend is supposed to be. It was hard, but for the best. I am a package deal these days and if Ayla can't fit into someone's lifestyle than I can't either.
Ayla is 20 months old and loves to jump on the trampoline! She loves Mickey Mouse and looking at books. Playing in the water, bath time is a huge favorite of hers! She eats like a little piggy lol. We recently found out that she is mildly autistic, it's been a rough few weeks but luckily with speech therapy and good old fashion faith, we know she will thrive and be perfectly fine.
What were your initial feelings about becoming a mother?
My initial feelings were complete bliss, I couldn't wait! Little did I actual know how HARD motherhood is! Hard, but so so worth it.
What is the biggest thing motherhood has helped you overcome?
I would have to say that becoming a mother greatly helped curb my anxiety, I was having panic attacks on a regular basis before Ayla and it seemed that once I found out she was coming, I didn't have that dark cloud hanging over me anymore, sure I had normal fears that I think we all have but I never let myself get upset enough to allow an attack to take over. Maybe I was trying to prevent the stress from affecting her? Maybe I just didn't feel as anxious about things as I had before..I don't know! She just brought me to a place of peace I had been looking for for a while. Also, she has given me the ability to greatly improve my patience...I was not a very patient person before her and as a parent, you literally have no choice unless you want to go crazy! She has helped me slow down and appreciate life so much more!
What is the best/worst piece of advice you were given before Ayla was born?
Best piece of advice we have gotten is to remember that she is our child and the opinions of others are appreciated but not warranted. You have to do what's right for her and for yourselves as her parents regardless if maybe it ruffles the feathers of others. Ultimately she will be affected by what you have decided..not the person giving advice. The worst advice was to give your baby Benadryl if they won't sleep at night. Definitely didn't follow that! I had many nights that I watched the sun come up with her in my arms, eyes burning with the need to sleep and watching Disney movies over and over just to stay awake.
How has being a mother impacted your outlook on life, family, friends, etc?
Sadly, I came to the realization that having a baby changes every aspect of your life including relationships you never imagined would change...I lost my best friend over the course of Ayla's first few months because my friend didn't seem to think there was room for me in her life anymore, and ultimately I had to choose to cut ties because I don't need Ayla growing up thinking that that is what a friend is supposed to be. It was hard, but for the best. I am a package deal these days and if Ayla can't fit into someone's lifestyle than I can't either.