Mama Monday...{Erin}!!!

 

About myself:I have always loved children, but was never sure I wanted to be a mom. I have always been active and independent, and did not think having a baby would fit into my "lifestyle". Well, in June 2011, I found out I was pregnant and have never had a second thought about it! Now I know, I was meant to have my baby girl Mia in my life. Everything I worried about changing has not changed; in fact, Mia makes me more of the person I always was. Since I have a love for the Spanish language, I am teaching Mia to speak Spanish. At 16 months, she already understands quite a lot. One day, when I take her to Spain (one of my favorite places!), she will fit right in:)

Husband Love:
I met my handsome husband 6 years ago when I began working in his gym. I knew I liked him right away, but 6 months later, I was in love! He and I share so many things in common. We love fitness, outdoors, family and travel. He makes me a better person by always encouraging me to accomplish whatever goal I choose. He is a hard worker and provides for his family no matter what. I love him for many things, but number one is the love he has for Mia. I had imagined the kind of father he would be, but he has blown me away. Mia is the love of his life and he makes sure she knows that every day!

 

Challenges faced on this journey:
Mia was born 9 weeks premature. The day I went into labor, I was 30 weeks into my pregnancy. It was to date the scariest day of my life. The first question on my mind was: is my baby going to be ok?? At the hospital I was admitted and immediately put on medication to stop the labor. After 1 week of bed rest, Mia decided she was ready to be born. At 4.2 ounces, she was a "big" preemie. Big at 4.2 ounces?? Yes, she was big compared to the other premies. While Mia was in the NICU for 6 weeks, I lived in the hospital. Through the feeding tubes, IV's, incubators and tests, my Mia grew stronger and stronger every day. Two days before she would turn 6 weeks old, Mia was big enough and strong enough to come home. The happiest day of my life: when Mia was born. The second happiest: the day she came home. Thank goodness for my husband and family, because without them, I would not have made it through.

Surviving the tough days:
When I am having a tough day, I remind myself that it will pass. It is only one day in so many days. Time with your baby is limited and so precious that you need to appreciate even the tough ones.

Simple pleasures:
Watching a movie at home with my husband after a long week. One of my favorite things to do to unwind and relax. Simple but much needed sometimes!

Money saving tip:
Only buy what you need. It is easy to be distracted by things we think we need or want at the moment. But if you stop and think about what is really necessary, you will not be spending money on the "extras" that are often not necessities.

Health and fitness:
To my family, health and fitness are paramount. I find it much easier to be fit and healthy if you are committed to an activity you love. If going to the gym is not your thing, try something else like hiking, walking, riding a bike, swimming,dancing. If you are active, doing something you love, you will never think of it as "exercise" again. Also, having a goal to work towards can make working out more enjoyable. Once you accomplish your goal, set a new one, so you always have something to look forward to!

Good read:
I loved "The Help". I saw the movie too, but must say, I liked the book so much more!

Closing words:
Appreciate every day you have with your children. It goes so fast! Try to learn something new everyday and keep evolving as a parent and person.