This is part six in the M.O.M. series. I am enjoying reading all of my mom friends answers! This is a series I hope to continue for awhile. This week I feature one of my newest friends, Kristin. She and I met through Junior League and hit it off. Perhaps it is our mutual love of things planned and organized (but Kristin is much better at planning and organizing). Now we are new moms together, too! She had her little girl Chloe just 7 months after Graham was born. Chloe is one of the most fashionable babies I know and Kristin is a great mom!
1) Name and Age:
Kristin, 30
2) Kids' Ages:
8 months
3) When did you first relate to the word Mom? (Was it when someone called you mom? When you took your first pregnancy test?) Explain how you felt.
My college friends call me “Momma Kristi” and when we were all together last spring I announced to everyone that I was expecting. I was really touched when my friend excitedly said, “Now Momma Kristi will really be Momma Kristi!” and it hit me that my dreams of welcoming a baby into our family were finally beginning. Even though my husband and I had been excited for a while, it became more real now that others knew our special news.
And as the weeks moved along, “mom” really sank in with all the aches, pains and continued nausea. Every day I tried to not let it affect how happy and excited I was because all I cared about was keeping baby healthy and I no longer worried about how I was feeling.
4) What is your favorite aspect of motherhood?
I love watching my daughter learn and grow every day. It is amazing to see look in her eyes when she discovers a new sound, toy or even her own movements and voice. I love encouraging her with these new developments and showing her about the world around her.
5) What is your least favorite aspect of motherhood?
It pains me (still) to drop her off at day care each morning. It is such a hard and emotional choice for me to continue my paid employment. I know there are many pros and cons to each situation, but the emotional part gets me a little every time.
6) Who is a mom you idolize/look up to/admire?
All moms are special and you can learn a lot from every story… good or bad. Thanks Sarah for sharing your experiences and now adding a place for other moms to share!
7) Do you think moms ever get enough sleep?
Sleep, maybe. Rest? No, a mom will no longer ever have enough rest. She may find time to close her eyes and sleep, but I don’t feel that she will ever be fully at rest since she will always have her family on her mind.
8) What advice do you have for new moms?
Smile no matter what chaos is going on. When it feels like to might cry – try to smile. Even the most exhausting and trying everyday challenges seem a little better when you smile. It should help put your mind in a better place to re-evaluate how to get through the situation and to bring positive energy to a challenge. Even a screaming newborn is still adorable when you take a deep breath, smile and try to think of solutions. And an added benefit is that soon baby will be learning to smile back at you. Baby smiles are one of the most rewarding moments and will bring instant happiness to even the hard times.
Don’t listen to advice unless you asked for suggestions. EVERYONE will give unsolicited ideas on the best way to do this or to do that. Smile, nod and ignore most of what “everyone else” says. Listen to your own instincts. Try a few different ways until you find what works best for you and for baby. Ask only your most trusted resources for tips when you need them keeping in mind that works for someone else will not always work for you. You will learn to notice the ways your child responds to what they like. It may change from day-to-day so be prepared to keeping trying!
9) What is your easiest go-to dinner?
(Adult dinner) French Dip Sandwich: Slice flat iron steaks into thin strips and season with Montreal Steak Seasoning or other steak flavor. In a skillet, simmer peppers and onions, then add in au jus (or beef broth) and meat and simmer until tender. At the same time, toast French bread topped provolone. Drain meat and veggies and place on bread. Pour au jus dripping into a bowl for dipping.
Flat iron steaks don’t have much fat and are easy to slice thin so they are an excellent cut to season for sandwiches or fajitas. They are also easy/quick to thaw so I always keep a few in the freezer.
10) What is your favorite non-mom thing to do? (Shop, eat, read, etc.?)
I enjoy volunteering for the Junior League of Sioux City. It’s easy to get involved and feel that it is rewarding to volunteer and visit with friends a few times a month. While I’m away, I know that my daughter is at home spending one-on-one time with her dad which is a great blessing too.
Thanks Kristin!
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