Meet our Mommy of the Month, Annette!
Here are some Q and A's from Annette:
1. What was the thing that surprised you most when you became a mom?
How long it takes to get out of the house! The first few times we did it we forgot so many things, had to run back inside so many times, change so many diapers, change clothes from spit up or diaper explosions, feed her again. We eventually got better at it but I miss the days when I could run out to the store on a whim and only grab my jacket and a purse!
2. What do you wish someone else had told you about parenting so you would be better prepared?
I wish someone had told me two things:
1) how much I would miss the freedom of my childless life. I don’t think I really appreciated it at the time and it’s certainly gotten better as Bowie has gotten older but that part was really tough for me in the beginning.
2) I wish someone had told me how deeply and profoundly I would love my child and how much that love would influence nearly every choice I have made since she was born. At the same time, if someone had told me these two things I still don’t think it would have prepared me because it is something that has to be experienced.
3. What is your biggest accomplishment you are most proud of?
Finishing my Ph.D. and starting my own business supporting women in their writing and research, while still spending ample time with Bowie. I’m so passionate about integrating family into women’s work lives so that they don’t feel like they have to choose between a career and a family and feel guilty about their choices. The world needs more women’s voices in all fields and I wish more women would enter and stay in the workforce while they have children.
4. What are your must-have items in your diaper bag?
Well Bowie doesn’t wear diapers anymore but we always have on hand snacks and water, wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues (especially in the winter), sunblock, bug spray, and itch spray in the summer, sunglasses, and ALWAYS crayons and coloring material.
5. If you had a day kid free to do anything you want, what would you do?
Most of my days are actually like this- I work for myself so I get choose how I spend my time. And I love what I do so I’d probably be working! I’d also squeeze in time to exercise and meditate and spend time in nature if the weather is nice.
6. Any advice for first-time moms?
Oh geez, where do I start? My biggest piece of advice is to let yourself feel all of your feelings. There are so many emotions that come up around being a mom, even after your hormones have calmed down postpartum. When you're frustrated, feel your frustration. When you're sad, let yourself be sad. When you're happy, let yourself be so fully happy. Even if, at the moment, you can't really let your feelings out, take a moment in privacy when you can and just let yourself feel it without any judgment. In my experience, that helps the emotions flow and helps me to stay so much more present with myself and with Bowie.
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