Chelsea L. Interview

Interview 1
Name: Chelsea L

A little about yourself:

I am 27 years old and am an Administrative Assistant, Blogger and Independent Consultant for Arbonne Canada

A little about your family:

We are currently a family of 3 and a half (myself, my hubby, our son and our pup), soon to be 4 and a half.

What surprised you the most when you first became a new parent?

What surprised me most about becoming a parent was how much love and patience I had for another human being. I love my husband to the ends of the earth and back, but the love I feel for my son is on a whole different level. It amazes me that I will soon have a daughter that I will be able to love just as much. I feel like the Grinch when his heart expands. It’s amazing. Also, before becoming a parent, I could easily be described as “high-strung” but having my son taught me patience. I have never been calmer or more sure of myself as I am as a mother.

What changes or challenges did you experience as a new parent and how did you react to them?

The moment I became a mom I knew it was what I was meant to do. The greatest changes/challenges I’ve experienced so far happens in the other arenas of my life. Ensuring that I have interests outside of my children is a bit of a struggle, as is trying to make time for myself.

Was there a moment when you suddenly thought, “WOW, I am a parent”?

I still have moments like that when I just sort of sit back and think “Wow…I’m a mommy now”,only lately it’s been “OMG I’m going to be the mother of TWO children”. I’m amazed every time I think it.

What would you say is/was your favorite part about being a parent?

Everything. I love watching my son discover all the new things around him, hearing each new word, revelling in all the exciting things he’s experiencing. Becoming a parent gives you a new appreciation and excitement for life.

What would you say is/was the most difficult part about being a parent?

While I definitely miss the ability to sleep in as late as I want, I think the most difficult adjustment is when your child is crying, or sick, or hurt and not being able to fix it. It breaks my heart when I can’t make it all better.

What advice would you give to expecting moms/dads/couples to help them prepare for the delivery of their first child?

Have an idea of what you want (natural, epidural, c-section, etc) but accept that anything can happen, and just keep the end result in mind. and Dads…master the art of massage if you don’t have a doula…and don’t be offended if something is working one minute and then she’s screaming at you to stop the next. Always remember that you’re both doing great.