Honoring Parents Category
Under the Microscope with Dad Labs
Dad Labs – is it a lab where dads are grown? Well, sort of. 
It’s a very hip, get all sorts of info, witty, smart, fun site all about dads for dads. We can’t contain our excitement over this site and had to share our interview with Daddy Troy who is one of the dads from Dad Labs.
We love the whole idea of a web space (forums, blog, video) for Dads. Can you share with us the “birth story” of Dad Labs?
We were all friends before we had kids, working as teachers at a school in Austin. Then everything changed: kids. One night we were all hanging out and realized that a lot of the things we were reading about “parenting” were actually for moms and that as men we were participating in the parenting adventure differently than previous generations. Dad Labs was born, and we left teaching for an even bigger classroom.
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing dads today?
In the history of humankind, there is little to no precedent to men being as involved in parenting and in the domestic space. As a result, there is no playbook or communal wisdom for us as dads. So we are figuring it out – what does it look like to be a man who parents and participates in the home alongside his partner?
What would you say is one of the most important things a dad can do in supporting his partner in raising his children?
Be deliberate. It is human nature to think that parenting just happens. Instead of following the path of “My parents did it, and I turned out ok, so I will just approximate what they did,” do your homework. Engage with friends and experts. Read about human, specifically kid, psychology. There is a lot more research and thought about parenting now and even if it does not speak to you, at least you will have thought about it and act accordingly.
We want to get to know the 3 dads behind Dad Labs so we are going to fire off random questions.
• Which dad at Dad Labs is the most serious/intense? Daddy Troy
• Who of you is most likely to goof off during a video shoot? Daddy Clay and Daddy Brad share this honor.
• Who comes up with the craziest ideas? Daddy Owen
•What was one of the biggest misconceptions you had about being a dad when you were expecting your first child? When you have a child, you know your life will change. But the misconception is that you will be adding a child to the mix when in reality the whole mix changes. Your life, who you hang out with, how you spend your alone time, your relationship to your partner – it all gets rewritten.
• What child rearing stage has been the most difficult? The one you are in now. Right when you figure it out, your child will change.
• If all 3 of you dads had a day to yourselves to chillax together, what would you do? Early Happy Hour on the deck at Opal Divines.
• What is your must have baby care product? According to Daddy Brad, who has a baby right now – Boudreaux’s Butt Paste®
• What’s the one baby duty you would swap out in a New York minute? Don’t fence me in here – gotta share in all the duties. But if I had to choose, laundry was particularly difficult in the baby stage since my wife and I have different standards of cleanliness, and to meet here standards I had to go the extra mile.
• If someone was going to put Dad Labs to music, what genre would they use and what would the title of the song be? Its going to sound cheesy, but I am serious about this one. There are many dad’s on our site, and they all have their own soundtrack. We are working hard to create spaces for lots of different types of dads. One of the problems in the emerging world of new fatherhood is that, just like motherhood, there are many ways, types, methods and opinions. What unites us is our interest in our kids.
It’s Dad Monday
Kenny & Miloh from smonkyou.com
We stumbled upon a blog called smonk you: a story about being a dad. With a title like that, how could we not read more? We laughed at posts about flying bologna and ooo’ed and ahh’ed over pictures of little Miloh. We couldn’t keep this blog to ourselves. We are proud to bring to you the author of Smonk You!
You said in your blog that you weren’t sure of the whole “kid thing.” What was your greatest fear/hesitation about becoming a dad?
I should start by saying I knew I wanted a kid, I was just a bit scared of all babies in general because I haven’t spent a good amount of time around any. I guess my biggest fear comes from that…I couldn’t relate to kids and had no idea how to entertain or care for a baby. Plus I think babies are super smart because they are taking all sorts of information…that’s a bit freaky.
Is parenthood anything what you imagined it would be?
Not at all, I though it would be really chaotic, like an episode of M.A.S.H. Miloh is really mellow and easy. Plus I’ve realized that I’m innately able to do the things I thought I couldn’t. I’m having a blast right now.
Is there a stage of child development that you are looking forward to & one that you aren’t that excited about?
It will be awesome when he’s walking and talking…I’m looking forward to those, I can’t wait to start seeing his personality. I’m really looking forward to being able to teach him to ride a bike, because I have my old BMX bike ready for him…and if he likes snowboarding it will be great to ride with him…until he thinks I’m not cool enough/too embarrassing to hang with him.
If you could receive ‘expert advice” on one aspect of parenting, what would it be?
That’s really tough…I often ask for advice but rarely follow it, so I probably shouldn’t ask.
Random fun with Kenny
What is your must have baby care product? I dig my diaper bag…it’s a fleurville DJ diaper bag, it’s a good man bag. I also think a good camera is super important…a DSLR.
Favorite pastime pre-baby? Biking and snowboarding.
Favorite pastime post-baby? Just hanging out with Miloh and my wife. I’m biking less than I did last year, but also doing more photography than I did last year…not just of Miloh but a new project I’ve been working on.
What’s the one baby duty you would swap out in a New York minute? It sounds cliché but diapers…when he’s got a poo it smells like he’s been eating hay…and I hear it only gets worse.
If someone was going to put your life to music, what genre would they use and what would the title of the song be? The genre would either be punk (I’m thinking the Clash) or maybe something like Flight of the Conchords (because of my weird outlook on things.) I can’t really think of a title, I mean I could probably come up with something but it wouldn’t be right…but I’ve been listening to Bishop Allen lately and they have a song called Charm School…that probably fits me well.
Thanks Kenny. We really had fun getting a glimpse into your world.
If you have any questions/comments for Kenny, please leave them in our comment section.
How can you not fall in love with this little cutie?
Stroller Strides and Father’s Day Contests!
Kolcraft at Stroller Strides for Wishes
There is a lot going on at Kolcraft this weekend and we hope we get to meet some of our fans virtually or in real life.
This Saturday is the annual Stroller Strides for Wishes 5K at Brookfield Zoo. Kolcraft will be there raffling off a Jeep Tandem stroller and answering all your stroller questions. Check in on Foursquare for the Kolcraft Stroller Strides Booth & get a free prize.
Speaking of prizes, there is a $100.00 gift certificate up for grabs at our Father’s Day Facebook Contest. The contest ends Sunday at midnight CST. It’s easy to enter. All you have to do is post of picture of the dad you are nominating and in 100 words or less tell us why he’s the world’s greatest dad.
Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!
What are your fun plans this weekend to celebrate Father’s Day.
Raising a Child with Cultural Diversity
Tolga and Baran sharing a moment
Today’s Dad Monday has an international flair as we get a glimpse into the life of a dad from Turkey. Tolga is a new dad who is learning the ups and downs of parenting all with a touch of fun while blending cultures and lots of love.
Tolga, you and your wife come from two very different backgrounds. You grew up in Turkey and she grew up in the Mid-West. How do you blend your cultures and raise your baby with an understanding and an appreciation for both cultures?
To be frank, this is an answer that I am looking forward to finding out myself. So far it hasn’t been that difficult. The only potential problem could be the difference among our religious views. Even though I am Muslim, I don’t practice. And I can’t really say that I am a fan of religion either. My wife is Catholic and she practices her religion which I fully respect. But in the long run, I don’t know how it will affect our son’s religion. We will wait and see.
Do you ever feel like there is a clash of cultures & you have to choose one over the other in a certain situation?
We cherish each other’s cultures. I love Christmas and Thanksgiving and my wife loves our Bayrams (Eid). We take the positives of each culture and enjoy them with our son.
How did you choose your baby’s name & why do you feel it fits him?
Baran is a Turkish name and picking it wasn’t easy. We bought 4 Turkish baby name books and Baran was the only boy name that my wife liked. (Yes she went through 5000+ names and liked only one) We had to pick something that was easy to pronounce for Americans. My first choice was Arda but my wife hated it. I still don’t know why.
Every Turkish name has a meaning or multiple meanings. Baran has multiple meanings like rain, fruitfulness, noble, strength, resilience. In our case we like to use the meaning of “strength, resilience”. So far he lived up to his name.
Are there special Turkish “receiving” ceremonies that you did with your son?
Our biggest ceremony for a boy would be the circumcision ceremony. It is a ceremony that is usually done after you are circumcised. Usually this takes place when the boy is 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 years of age (only odd years of age). I had mine when I was 7 years old. As you can imagine, it was a traumatic experience. I made sure his was done right after birth. This way he won’t remember any of it. We will still have a mini ceremony when he grows up to be 7 years old.
Will Baran grow up bi-lingual?
Definitely. I only speak Turkish to him. I need someone in my household to talk Turkish to! It is kind of selfish, but I need another translator besides me between my parents and my wife’s family.
What has been your biggest surprise about fatherhood?
I never imagined the intense love I would feel for my child. It is unconditional love and sacrifice. I also feel a lot more protective towards my family.
What is your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge is not being able to spend enough time with my son. I feel like I need to be home with him every day and spend every minute with him. Being away from him is difficult. I miss him within 2 hours.
If you could receive ‘expert advice” on one aspect of parenting, what would it be?
I think I will need that advice when he becomes a teenager.
Random fun facts about Tolga
- Soccer, soccer and more soccer—although I’m warming up to golf too.
- If I like you, I pick on you. If I don’t like you, I won’t. My wife hates this habit of mine.
- I’d love to take acting lessons.
What was your favorite pastime pre-baby? Watching movies and playing soccer or computer games.
What is your favorite pastime post-baby? Playing with my son and making him laugh. He is almost 6 months old and he can’t do a whole lot yet, but he is a lot of fun.
What would be the perfect day for you? A day with good health and family with good health is a good day for me.
Will you teach Baran how to play soccer? Of course!!! That is why we had Baran in the first place.
If someone was going to put your life to music, what genre would they use and what would the title of the song be? This is a tough one. Turkish song lyrics are all about drama and pain. I think it is hilarious. Actually, “my song” would be a song that reaches out to all cultures.
Tolga and Baran snuggling
Guessing Your Baby’s Eye Color
Will your baby keep the color of his deep brown eyes or baby blues? Only time will tell, but a few clues to wagering the odds.
- Darker eyes, brown or dark green, most likely will stay dark especially if the mother or father are of a darker complexion.
- Lighter eyes, blue or gray, often go through several color changes in the first three months. They will usually darken to the final color in six to twelve months.
- If both parents have brown eyes there is a 75% chance that baby’s eyes will remain brown.
- If one has brown eyes there is a 50% chance baby will have brown eyes.
- If both parents have blue eyes baby will have blue, but there still is a chance that a great grandma who had brown eyes may leave her mark on your baby’s eyes.
Our suggestion? Take as many photos as you can so you can have a lasting memory of your baby’s first eye color.
Did your baby’s eye color change?
It’s Dad Monday
Mat & Maggie Thompson
W
e love our Mom Mondays, but we are interrupting them for the month of June to celebrate Father’s Day. That’s right – it’s Dad Monday! Our dad who kicks off our month celebration is Mat Thompson. We met Mat through his company, Bazaarvoice and were eagerly awaiting his arrival in Chicago for a meeting (he lives in Texas), only to get a phone call that Mat could not make the meeting because his little bundle of joy decided to make her debut early! Mat glows with daddy pride so we had to interview him.
As a first-time dad, how did you approach getting ready for your baby?
We had a hard time containing our excitement. We were amazed at the amount of planning required to have a baby. We had literally hundreds of decisions to make over 9 months. We had to research the best products to buy, the proper tests to have, facilities, plans…it was pretty overwhelming. Fortunately, we were able to rely on the experience of others to help us make informed decisions.
Your baby arrived early. What was it like going through the roller-coaster of emotions of having a preemie?
My wife, Christina’s pregnancy was going perfectly. I was returning from a late evening mountain bike ride when my wife went into emergency early labor. We were pretty shocked and scared. That night the doctor on call looked at me and said “you guys are having a baby tonight”. I looked back and told her – “no we aren’t.” But, the doctor was right, Maggie was on her way. It was honestly both the worst and best night of my life. I was terrified at the thought of losing both girls in my life. Thankfully, both Mom and daughter were happy and healthy. Maggie was just over 5lbs, and did so well, that she did not have to go into the NICU.
Also, that night I had to utter the dreaded, “I’m sorry, you were right” words to my wife. As I was standing in the hospital, sweaty and still in cycling attire, Christina reminded me that just a few days ago I was teasing her about packing for the hospital six weeks in advance.
What has been your biggest surprise about fatherhood?
I remember sitting in the hospital the first night, holding my tiny baby. I told my wife, “I’m amazed how you can love something so much, so quickly”.
What is your biggest challenge?
So far, parenting has been a team effort, but make no mistake, my wife is the Quarterback and I’m the Punter. Christina is breastfeeding, so she carries the majority of the workload. I think my biggest challenge is letting her know how much I appreciate what a great Mom she is.
If you could receive ‘expert advice” on one aspect of parenting, what would it be?
Christina and I were talking about this just last night. It seems like all of the books prepare parents mostly for the delivery and the experience in the hospital. We really wish that we had been better prepared for the first eight weeks at home. It’s tough, and there are so many things that would have made the process easier for us. For example, get a swaddling blanket, in fact get three.
Random fun with Mat
What is your must have baby care product?
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. It works. Plus, I really enjoy speaking with a ridiculous Cajun accent when I change Maggie’s diapers.
Favorite pastime pre-baby?
Cycling. I love to ride both Mountain and Road Bikes.
Favorite pastime post-baby?
It remains Cycling. My wife and I try to do our best to share responsibilities and allow each other to pursue personal interests.
I-phone or Droid?
I-phone. It is my favorite device ever, I mean, aside from Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.
If someone was going to put your life to music, what genre would they use and what would the title of the song be?
I live in Austin, Texas – The Live Music Capital of the World, so music is a big part of my life. I even play a bit. Genre wise, I tend to gravitate towards Americana. I’ve given up on lullabies and just sing great songs to Maggie at night. She seems to prefer Bruce Springsteen and the Rolling Stones, so it appears she inherited her Dad’s great taste in music.
A song that matches my life would be one of my favorites, “Just Us Kids” by James McMurtry. It lays out the different stages we go though in life and how at the end of the day, young or old, we are still a bunch of kids hanging out in the parking lot.
Here at Kolcraft we love this video mat sent us of when they were learning the gender of their baby. Mat was spot on, so we are thinking maybe he can pick the winning lottery numbers for us! And we know you won’t have a dry eye after seeing this video montage of Maggie’s first moments.
If you have any questions or comments for Mat, feel free to leave them in our comments section.
Learning the Power of No
PTA meetings, family gatherings, children’s sports, after school activities… the list goes on of so much to do and only 24 hours to accomplish it. As a parent you will do anything for your child but at times putting your kids first means saying “no.” If you say “yes” to every invitation, volunteer opportunity, etc. you will become run down. It’s not easy to say “no”, but in time you will experience the power of no. Saying “no” opens up your schedule and many times your sanity. Cherish the priceless moments you spend with your child, even if it means saying “no” to something else.
What tips do you have for balancing the demands of parenting?
One Mom’s Journey to Adoption
Mollie and her daughter Maggie celebrating the holidays
We have had quite an array of moms on our Mom Monday this month. This past month we met first-time moms, single moms, moms of large families and today we meet a mom whose “mommy heart” has extended way past the borders of the USA all the way to China! Meet Mollie – an adoptive mom who reminds us what true motherhood is all about.
What inspired you to look into adoption?
I had a deep desire in my heart always to be a mom & that desire was in my heart for a very long time… I always knew I wanted to experience raising a child to be a kind, loving, responsible adult. Being one of 6, I did not always get exactly what I needed in terms of nurturing, yet I was loved like no other. I just knew I could give the nurturing necessary to a little one and I was determined to have that in my life. I married later at 42, my options soon became very clear for me… adoption was the way we were going to form our family.
My heart went to the girls of China when I heard that they were not the first choice for some families. I knew they “should be” first choice and I felt a tug in my heart to become a mother of one of those girls that had been abandoned in China.
What has been your biggest surprise about your journey to being an adoptive mom?
The amount of scrutiny one goes through, the amount of private information needed and the amount of paper one must provide for the process!
What has your biggest challenge?
Trusting myself. Feeling my instincts and believing that they are right when making choices for those “guiding moments” for my daughter…. Picking the battles so to speak. It is constant decision making, thinking on my feet and having conviction to the choices as to guiding.
Thankfully I have a faith that helps me have a solid sense of grace when working with my daughter…
Children read our energy and they can tell whether our limits are real or whether we will be willing to be broken… so it is more than just the words it is the real deal… I feel I have to have all my wits about me and really know that I am the mom and I am doing what’s best for her always.
It is all about consistent limits and getting on my knees looking her in the eyes so she can see my love even thought I am having to set limits.
That conviction and energy is something-to keep up one needs to take true care of oneself, mentally, spiritually, physically.
Have your families and friends been supportive of your decision?
I am so fortunate to have so many friends and family members that were so thrilled to see our daughter come to us. It was no different than any other birth of a child. A bit more exciting from the point of view — we had a point by point blog going as we traveled to China and got Maggie…. We posted our picture journeys and have record of all our friends/family delights for our new little girl!
Do you feel that people treat you differently for adopting or do they see that being a mom goes beyond physical birth?
There are those that do think it is different. They may have not had the experience of not being able to have children of their own… or they just don’t get it. For the most part I feel like everyone else, same joys, trials etc. Mom to mom it is the same…
Does your daughter know she is adopted? How did you explain it to her?
Yes, I explained it to her through books that are age appropriate. We have been reading I Love You Like Crazy Cakes since she arrived in the US. It is a book about a mom that adopted from China. She knows she was born in China. I am not quite sure she knows what “birth mom” really is yet, but we will give her the information as she can understand.
The idea is to always talk about it, as it is like an everyday topic. So that she knows and is not surprised by anyone outside our family talking about adoption.
How do you incorporate her Chinese culture into your family?
We have her in an immersion Chinese school she goes to every Sat morning. We have a playgroup that we are involved in, they are all adoptive families with children from China. We belong to FCC Families with Children from China, they have programs we can go to. Also, we are fortunate to have some Chinese friends, they really help us know the culture and help Maggie know it
Any advice for families looking towards adoption?
If you have an ounce of interest in adoption… go for it! It was the most outstanding experience I have ever had in my entire life!!! Like none other!
Now for a quick glance into Mollie’s life.
What is one thing always in your fridge? La Croix (Seltzer Water) – I love the bubbles…I have gotten my husband and Maggie hooked on it too. Sshe calls it “Bubbly Water.”
What is your one guilty pleasure? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundaes
If you had a free day to yourself, how would you spend it? Shop for wardrobes for my friends and then play on the beach with Maggie and my husband!
If someone was going to write a book on your life, what would they title it? Persistent Grace
Thank you Mollie for sharing your journey to adoption with us.
If you have a question or comment for Mollie, please feel to leave it in the comment section!
Mom Monday with My Mommy Manual
Ria and her 2 children having fun
Our special Mom Month Mondays continue with Ria Sharon from My Mommy Manual. Ria is the “practical mommy” voice at My Mommy Manual. We met Ria a few years ago and continue to be impressed and inspired by her. She is always on the cutting edge of social media and technology all while finding balance and harmony in her daily life as a single mom. We know you will love Ria as much as we do so sit back, relax and enjoy!
Did you ever think you would be so involved in helping others with parenting through a website, parenting courses, conferences, etc?
I’ve said many times, “I didn’t plan on being here. But the only way I could have gotten here is the way I came.”
Professionally speaking, I went from media buying at a big ad agency to becoming a graphic designer and managing a design firm to starting my own business and teaching myself about online marketing and social media. Like many women, becoming a mom caused a big shift in me, beginning a search for meaning beyond a successful career. I chose to stay home with my kids for a period of time, which brought into sharp relief how much I had previously identified with my work as validation.
I’m a big fan of Sarah Susanka’s book, Not So Big Life. I aspired to the idea that she suggests in her book, that you can break down all the “compartments” of your life to create a life that truly fits YOU and that fills you.
So in that consciously unconscious way, that’s what I created with MyMommyManual.com. It’s a space where I am who I am — no more and no less. There aren’t any walls between who I am and what I do. And no one is more surprised than me that my experiences as both a mom and a marketer have dovetailed so perfectly to create resources for parents like the Yogi Parenting course.
Did you always want to be a mom?
I was never the little girl that played house and dressed up dolls. I do recall that at seven, I traded a Barbie doll for the little gadget that crimped her hair. So I guess it’s no surprise that I’m such a tech geek now!
Being a mom was not a given. I’ve recently realized that it’s not in my nature to plan too far into the future. Five years out is really a stretch for me. I was married for five years before I got pregnant. I remember looking around and noticing that all my friends were having babies and realizing we hadn’t really given it much thought.
But again, I’m amazed at how an experience I hadn’t necessarily planned is the thing that I most needed. Suzanne (my co-creator on My Mommy Manual) and I joke that parenting is the most amazing crash course in self-development you’ll ever take. There’s nothing like having kids that will force you to look at your own issues! LOL!
It’s the tremendous love you have for your children that compels you to do “the work;” to a degree and depth you would never take on just for yourself.
Ria modeling (yes, she does do it all!)
What is the most important lesson you have learned from being a single parent?
Acceptance. I have to accept that there are a lot of things that are not in my control — being any kind of parent, whether you are single, married or in a long-term partnership teaches you that! But specifically being divorced from their dad means that how they are parented 50% of the time is not up to me. My situation creates an awareness that my way is definitely not the only way or necessary the right way, it’s just MY way. And yet my way of being a mom and of being me is enough for my children. In fact, I’ve come to accept that it’s perfect for them.
Do you have a favorite “mom moment” that you can share with us?
At my daughter’s last parent-teacher conference (she’s in 2nd grade), her teacher told us how good she was when working in groups. Ms. Reardon said, “She is a hard worker, very curious, very focused, but she also knows when it is better to allow other people in the group to do their own work.” At bedtime that night, I praised my eight-year old, saying, “I was very impressed by what your teacher said. If I had learned that lesson when I was eight, how different my experience of life would be.” And she replied, “Well, I could teach you.”
You have some great reviews of various products on your blog. What would you say is the “must have” baby product?
There are so many. I love this new Popatot- it’s clever portable activity center designed by active parents. I couldn’t live without my double stroller. I had the Jeep Wagoneer Tandem. That stroller has circled the globe two times! I even took 3 year old and 1 year old to Mexico by myself, which I couldn’t have done without it.
And honestly, I (heart) my minivan. I happen to have a Honda Odyssey and even now that my kids are older, it’s indispensable. I don’t care that it isn’t the coolest car on the block. I like that I can throw everything is there: kids and dogs and groceries and bikes and gear.
Any advice for first-time parents?
Two words: Let go. The secret to happy parenting (and a happy life, I think) is to let go of expectations, let go of planning, let go of the need to control, let go of “perfect.”
Now for a quick glance into Practical Mommy’s life
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go & what would you do there? I have a soft spot for Rome, the Eternal City. I love walking around and seeing people live their modern lives right next to ancient ruins. There’s something so poignant about that. It’s an exclamation point that our own personal lives are so temporary. And yet, we are part of something really big.
Ria in Rome
What’s your guilty pleasure? Sugar! I know, I know — it’s “poison that tastes good” but one of my personal mantras is “Dessert First!” Or, at least know what’s on the dessert menu so you can plan your meal around it.
What is an instant de-stressor for you? Dance. Argentine Tango is an improvisational dance so it requires true present mindedness. It’s meditation for me.
If someone was going to write a book of your life, what would the title be? Plan Z
If you have any questions or comments for Ria, please leave them in our comment section.
Meet Ana – a Mom Who Has Overcome All Odds
Anna with Liliana & Alexa
Some amazing moms have been gracing our Kolcraft blog from new moms, to moms of many children, to single moms to today’s very special mom – Ana Benitez. Ana has been at Kolcraft for 13 years and helps keeps our office running as Executive Secretary. Ana is a mom of two beautiful girls. Her youngest, only 9 months old has had a struggle from the beginning. Here is Ana’s amazing story of hope overcoming all odds.
Ana, you have had quite a journey of motherhood. Your youngest, Liliana had to have heart surgery right after she was born. Did you know she would need surgery?
Liliana was only 9 weeks old when she had her heart surgery. Yes, I was 18 weeks into my pregnancy, when we found out that our baby Liliana had an Atrioventricular (AV) canal defect which is a large hole in the center of the heart that could only be repaired surgically. We also found out that babies with this kind of heart defect have a 50 percent chance of being born with a chromosome problem, Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). Our baby Liliana was also diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after birth.
You must have had so many emotions – joy over your new baby, sadness that she was sick and struggling. How did you make it through those first few months that were so “touch & go”?
The love and support I received from my family and friends helped me overcome what I was feeling mentally and physically. My daughter Alexa, who will be turning 8 years old at the end of this month, was the greatest motivation to get back on my feet. I knew she was having a hard time being away from “mommy”. I knew then, that I had to be strong and somehow be there for both of my daughters. I then remembered the phrase “If God brings it to you, God will help you get through it” so I prayed and asked God to give me strength and help me cope with my emotions.
What family “lessons” would you say you are all learning with having a baby with special needs?
I’ve learned that no matter what the case maybe, my family will always be there to support and guide me. I’ve also seen how it’s brought our family closer together.
What is the one thing you have discovered as a parent to a special needs child that you hope to communicate with others?
The one thing I discovered as a parent to a special needs child is that there is no reason to treat them any differently. They are as normal as an average child, but they are born with and will face a few more challenges in life.
Ana's family
What is your greatest joy of being a mom?Having my daughters call me “mommy” and receiving their bear hugs (as my daughter Alexa calls them) and kisses. But the greatest joy ever is receiving their unconditional love.
Ana at a glance:
What is your favorite time of day? The evening! When I get to cuddle and read to my girls.
What is your favorite Kolcraft product? Contours Options 3 Wheeler
Best “sanity” break to recharge your mom battery? What’s a break? A good night sleep, when I can get one!!
If someone was going to make a movie of your life, who would play you in the lead roll? What would the title of the movie be? Either Ashley Judd or Salma Hayek – The Gift of Life
Thanks for taking time out of your busy day to talk with us Ana.
If you have a burning question for Ana, feel free to leave it in the comment section!
