TTA--Motherhood!

First experience as a Mom

I am so embarrassed to say, but I do not remember much about when Tyler was born. I remember that my water broke early one morning, my little brother was living with us and he had to drive me to the hospital. Zach thought that my leaking amniotic fluid was the stench that he smelled when we drove past a dead skunk. Steve was working in Las Vegas so he hitched a ride to St.George with my mom. I also remember that our Dr. who was Steve’s uncle, knew that we were having a boy and how excited Steve was to have a boy, said, as he pulled Tyler out, “She’s beautiful!” I will never forget the look on Steve’s face. I knew he was joking but I don’t think Steve did. I also remember how I hated nursing! I lasted about 6 weeks and both, Me and Tyler, were so grateful for formula and Playtex bottles. I also remember the first time that I was afraid for my little boy—when he fell off the tramp at my Aunt Lynne’s house. We rushed him to the e.r. and everything was just fine. I should have listened to all the nurses in the fam and Dr. Strauss who we called to see what he thought.

Best Mom advice

I don’t think that I have ever got any verbal advice that I can remember—But I do use the nonverbal examples of those around me--my mom, mother in law,grandma, grandma's in law, my sisters in law, my aunts and my friends. All who have raised or are raising wonderful children. I love to watch what is working for them and try to make it work for me.

Things I learned from my Mom

My mom is the best! She has taught me so much. Mostly by example—not words. I loved that she always let me make my own decisions on motherhood. When my boys were babies I could see in her eyes how she wanted to jump right in a make things ok but she always let me handle things my way! I love how generous she is with her resources—i.e. money! Again, when the boys were little, she would show up at our house with bags full of diapers, formula, wipes and baby food. She is also generous with her time…I remember as a teenager that she would often be late coming home from work because she was helping a new mom deliver a baby or grieve from loosing one.

Why I love being a Mom
Somedays I wonder if I am cut out for this job….I tend to be a much better school teacher than mother -to all these boys. But I do love watching them grow. I love seeing the joy in their faces when they accomplish even the smallest things. I love when they are hurt or sick and they come to me, rather than Dad, to make them better. I love when the boys come to my classroom during the day, just to day hi! I am proud of them, and myself, when someone compliments them on their manners or their behavior.

Things I NEVER did until I became a Mom
I never questioned my ability to be a nurturing strength in the lives of 5 boys. Now, I question my ability every day. I never thought than I would worry so much about how the words I say affect their day to day lives. I never thought that I would be so afraid of raising 5 boys in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints just so that when they are 19 I can “encourage” them to go on missions. Or even worse…off to be a solider to protect our country. On a funny note…I never in my wildest imagination thought that I would think that farts and burps are truly funny. Or that the word “wiener” would make even this mom giggle.