Mothers Day Interview – MJ

 

Hiya! I’m MJ, and I’m a mother of three (9,6, and 4), wife, friend/daughter/sister. I’m also a graphic designer and social media specialist who loves my little ole blog, Pars Caeli. I usually trade sleep for posting, but I also get a ton of energy from sharing projects, design, and ideas for kids. I like to think that this spark compensate for the bags under my eyes (happy crow’s feet wrinkles are cute, right?).

I am the youngest of three (and the baby by eight years). I’d always imagined myself as a mom, but I didn’t have a ton of experience with infants and small children. When I became pregnant with my oldest at 29, it felt right, and we were ready. Although ready is relative. And I had a lot to learn in terms of baby care, sleep deprivation, and the great shift of the world that happens when children enter the picture.

How hard it is. People told me, and I figured I’d be fine. Parenting is a forever humbling experience.

Biggest joy?

Watching my three grow into the people they are and fill up their personalities. They are already so whole at this young age. Knowing that I brought these three amazing people into the world and, as the poet Kahlil Gibran said, “They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.”

• The adjective “magical” used often by my kids to describe their mom.
• The running hugs and the faces that light up when they know Mommy is home.
• Getting to be my children’s first word “Mama”
• Seeing the unbelievable father my husband is. Every day he surprises me with something new and pushes me to parent better.

I wish that they grow in faith and hope and humor. And that they have friends who will support and challenge them.

I rely on my husband a lot. He picks up the slack. I don’t need a ton of time, but it needs to be quality. Need to be making or writing. Or out and exploring.

A housekeeper.

 

That they are always loved. That life is beautiful. That people are the most important. That they have the capacity to change the world.

Make your home a loving, beautiful place for all those who inhabit and visit it. Always rely on your faith. Present your best self. Take good care of the things you’ve been given.

Is there any advice you would give to yourself as a new mother, looking back on what you know now?

Here are my top 7:

• You got this. Don’t let the newness and the importance of motherhood overwhelm you.
• Homemade chocolate chip cookies cure a world of woes.
• Take time to watch your children be who they really are.
• As your head hits the pillow remember only (or at least mostly) the goodnesses of the day.
• Give yourself time to be creative and be with other grown-ups who honor that in you.
• Invest in a large kitchen sink. The dishes can wait.
• Laugh with your spouse everyday. It’s better than sleep.

 

#Alt Summit believes every mother counts

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