It's funny how your days off are the quickest days of the week! Today was a fun day filled with baby smiles, cuddles on the couch, and a movie date (early) night for me and hubby! I'd say it was a Labor Day well spent! Today I want to introduce you all to a woman I have known since I was very small - she and her family grew beside my brother and I, watching us grow as we played in the backyard with her children. Lynne has a heart for the Lord and has been a personal encourager to me as I have struggled in my victory over anxiety. Mother to two children, one being autistic, she has a lot to teach us about patience, compassion, and the unconditional love of a mother. Enjoy!
Before we begin this morning's interview with my oh-so sweet friend and neighbor, Shaina, I would just like everyone to know that A slept for SIX consecutive hours last night! That, my friends, was a great way to start off this busy week! I even had time to fix my hair! For the first time in longer than I'd like to admit (messy bun anyone?). Anyway, I am excited for you to meet Shaina this morning! We have been so blessed by her family this last year & could not be more thankful that they moved in beside us! I remember Shaina getting pregnant with her third child, and thinking to myself, "it would be so great to be pregnant with her!" Lo and behold, the Lord was one step ahead of us. She is truly a blessing and servant to others - enjoy her story as we kick off this work week! 1. Tell us a little about yourself!
I have been married to my college sweetheart, Kevin, for over 10 years and have three very active little boys: Asher (6), Silas (5), and Ezra (7 months). After 6.5 years of serving in the Navy full time, I am currently a stay at home mom and Navy reservist. I love trying new recipes, running, being silly with my family, anything that has to do with autumn, and God has really given me a heart for serving others. 2. What have you noticed to be the biggest differences between your three boys growing up? Similarities? Asher is my morning person who loves math, food, and video games. Silas is my night owl, he loves Legos, and watching movies. My sweet baby Ezra really wants to keep up with his big brothers which is probably why he started crawling and standing so early! They all love affection, encouragement and snuggling in our bed. 3. What has been the most challenging thing about raising three boys? Besides the unlimited energy?! I think managing our time is a challenge but we really try to make sure each child gets one on one time with mom and dad; individual attention really gets the older boys talking about what is going on in their world and they love getting to do special errands or activities. 4. Being a mother of three, how do you make time to invest in your husband too? My relationship with my husband comes before my kids. We really want to show the boys what a loving, God centered relationship looks like and that means taking time for ourselves. Not many people are willing to watch three boys (I cannot imagine why not!) so we have to get creative with date nights. We have no problems putting the boys to bed early and cooking a late dinner together, watching a movie, or even just talking and praying together to hear what is on each other's hearts. We also talk and text often during the day even if it is a quick 'I love and miss you' or a bible verse that we wanted to share. 5. What piece of advice or encouragement would you pass along to other mothers? Never compare yourself to other moms! We are all gifted so differently and trying to keep up with someone who you think 'has it all' will make you miserable. Celebrate the small victories, even if it is getting a shower before noon or doing a paper mache project without losing your mind! Write down the funny stories and things your children say. I have a separate journal for each boy and it is those priceless memories that will be cherished in the future. Thanks so much for your time, Shaina! I enjoyed learning even more from you! If you're a mom & would like to be featured on my blog, check out the Contact page and shoot me an email with your info to get started! 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. |
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