Mama Monday... {Kristin}!!!

 

Tell us about yourself...

My name is Kristin. I have been married for almost three years. In those years, my husband and I have welcomed the best dog, Zoe, a son, Asher, and another son on the way into the family! My in laws all live here in Reno so I've been blessed with a great support system. My family is down in Vegas so we try not to go more than a month without seeing each other by switching off visits between Reno and Vegas. I have a younger sibling who lives in Vegas and a brother and sister in law in Reno who are also expecting a baby this Fall!

 

Husband love...

My husband is truly the greatest person I know. He has the kindest soul I've ever seen and I'm beyond grateful to have him as my husband, and as the father of my

child(ren). He's been supportive and helpful throughout this journey into motherhood and seeing his own transformation into becoming a father has been rewarding in ways I never anticipated. I'm a very lucky woman that he chose me. :)
 
Mama love...
Being a mother has turned out to be so much more fulfilling than I ever expected. I love looking at Asher and knowing that he's part me, part my husband, and becoming more parts himself every day. I love seeing the world through his eyes. Everything is so simple, yet so exciting and new. He finds so much pure joy in the small things. It's refreshing and rewarding to join him in that journey. I truly love the hope that comes with being a mother. Sure, there are plenty of fears but it's the hope you have for the life and future of your child that makes being a parent so rewarding.

Challenges you have faced on this mama journey...

There have been many challenges on this journey for me! Everyone tells you their own personal struggles and joys and you think you have 9 months to "figure it out" but that's simply not true! One day you don't have a child, and then one day you do! There's no "easing into it"! I had only recently changed a diaper before my own son came into the world and I had never even babysat before so my journey was quite the kick start. My son had severe acid reflux but we didn't get it diagnosed and fixed until he was 6 weeks old. Those 6 weeks took years off my life because all he did was scream and I was so upset that I didn't have that "motherly instinct" to help or fix him. My husband then took a job right after our son was born so I found myself all alone with a screaming baby that I was convinced hated me (hormones are no joke! They make you think horrible things). I'm very aware that reflux is not a serious issue and EASILY fixable but for me, it made my debut as a mother really difficult because I didn't have anything or anyone to help me navigate this new path. Another challenge I've had is speaking up more. I'm not a confrontational person but I've found that if I don't make myself heard, then its my son who's at the receiving end, not me. It's learning the balance of how to be heard without coming off as a tyrant who knows it all! It's learning how to ask for respect for your own parenting style while respecting and trusting the other persons style when they are handling your child.

Mama advice for surviving the tough days...

My biggest piece of advice for all mothers is to trust your instinct. Absolutely go with your gut because no one knows your child better than yourself. I've learned that my tough days are the same as other mothers tough days and to try to breathe and get through it. At the end of the day, what a blessing it is that you're in a position to go through these days because without them, you wouldn't have been blessed with this child in the first place! And if all that fails, I either count down the hours until daddy is home or run to a friends for a change of scenery and reinforcement! Sometimes having that face to face contact with another adult can mean all the difference in your day!

Simple pleasures...

Our simple pleasure as of right now is being outdoors. Nothing changes a mood faster than putting those shoes on and heading outdoors. It's good for both mom and baby to get outside and change it up. My son has recently discovered the sprinklers and I'm not sure if there's anything better in this world than watching him run around the grass getting soaked, having the time of his life. It reminds you that it really is the simple things that make a difference.

Money saving tip...

Borrow as much as possible! Especially all the big items (swings, bouncers, etc.) for those newborns. And definitely buying in bulk ;)

Health and fitness...

I've found that my obsession with what foods are going into my child has helped me take a look at my own health. The more concern I have over the amount of protein, veggies, fruits, etc. my child is getting in a day has started to translate into a concern about my own dietary standards. I have found that green smoothies in the morning are the absolute best and most efficient ways for both mom AND baby to get our greens in. We both tend to snack more throughout the day rather than have large meals. It keeps us both happier in the long run. Besides, I can't keep him still long enough to give him a large meal. :) "Sharing all snacks and meals with my son has also helped me keep my portions smaller, as well as show my son that we both eat the same things. He likes to be part of the "adult action" so when he sees me sharing his meal, I've found that he'll eat better. As will I! I'm so crazy about his health that in turn, it's definitely helped me as we'll. Fitness is hard to come by (I'm ashamed to admit it but I don't make it a priority!) but my main goal is to get outside! Having a dog who requires a walk everyday is a blessing because it forces me out of my pajamas and into the real world! It's also kept us from watching much tv because we'd rather be outside than inside with any of those "boring" toys! :) my son is constantly on the move and while it's exhausting at times, I'm grateful that he's more interested in being outside than he is in being inside. I hope this is a lifelong "issue"!

Good read...

Some of my favorites are The Book Thief, Prayers for Sale, The Alchemist, The Century Trilogy by Ken Follet...and my bible, Baby 411! That book is always a good read and saves me on a weekly basis! :)

Beauty secret...

I'm not much of a "beauty" person but I think sunscreen is the most important product anyone can have.

Recipe...

One of my favorite meals is a chicken enchilada recipe from the Eating for Life cookbook. The recipe is:

Ingredients:
4 portions of chicken breast (about 1lb)
4 green onions, sliced
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
3 cans (10 oz each) green enchilada sauce
8 corn tortillas
1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350* F. Lightly coat a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly. Shred cooked chicken by pulling apart with 2 forks; set aside.
3. Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. Add green onion, cilantro, and jalapeno; saute for 2 minutes. Add shredded chicken and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour 2 remaining cans of enchilada sauce in a medium bowl and microwave until warm, about 2 minutes. Dip each tortilla in the heated sauce and fill with about 1/8 of the chicken mixture. Roll up and place, seam-side down, in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour remaining heated sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until enchiladas are heated through and cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.

 

Dessert...

I just cannot say no to cheesecake! And plain ol' cheesecake! No toppings...just plain!

Closing words...

Becoming a first time mother has given me a whole new perspective about life. I respect my marriage and my husband in new ways that I never saw before. I've learned that there is no shame in asking for help, especially when it involves my son in any way. And I've learned to see life all over again, for the first time, through my sons eyes. Definitely more to be grateful for than be sad about in this life.