To be a Mama

I was twenty years old when I became a Mama for the first time. I was terrified, overwhelmed, and completely in love. Being a mother has been the most important thing to me in my life. It has changed me in ways I cannot describe. It is an experience I am better for having.

I have the privilege of being Mama to three completely amazing people. They are all unique and each of them has taught me a different lesson in life, and I continue to learn from them every day.

Jasper was born by cesarean section on September 19, 2001 after a twelve hour long labor induction. The first time I saw her I couldn't believe she was mine. She looked so big, and just thinking that only moments before she was all curled up inside my belly was just mind blowing! As a baby she was fun, and feisty, and a quick learner. Now, ten (almost eleven) years later, she is a compassionate, empathetic, shy, brilliant and beautiful child. She is thoughtful, and very nurturing to her younger siblings. I am thankful every day that she came into this world and gave me such an important job.

Dakota was born on April 27, 2004 after a long and intense labor and two hours of pushing. I was thankful to be able to have a natural delivery, but unfortunately due to my prior C-section, I had a partial placenta abruption. She was blue and not breathing when she was born. Every one else in the room (minus the doctors and midwife) was panicking. I was a little afraid, but just remember having an overwhelming feeling of calm and I just somehow knew she would be ok as soon as they got her to cry. After five days in the level two nursery at DePaul, we got to bring her home. She was a gentle baby. She had bright eyes, and an amazing smile, and the chubbiest cheeks you will ever see! She loved her big sister instantly and as soon as she could crawl followed her every where. Eight years later, she is bright and spirited. She has an amazing imagination. She is confident, and out going. She is kind and selfless. She is often the peace keeper between her sister and brother. A beautiful, loving girl.

Nolan was born on May 22, 2007 after a fairly easy and short labor. He was a smiling, laughing, friendly baby. He is a very inquisitive child and often so intuitive that it blows my mind! He is very loving and has a love of learning that I take great pride in nurturing. Almost five years after his birth, he is bright, loving, sometimes challenging, and always hilarious! He loves his sisters so dearly and misses them terribly when they are gone. He loves animals. He loves learning new things. He loves candy, and video games too :)



These three little people are my world. They are why I get out of bed in the morning. They have shown me a love that is truly unconditional. I will never hold another title in my life, no matter what I do, that means as much or holds as much responsibility as Mama.

 Happy Mothers Day to all the amazing Mamas out there who love, and learn, and love!

I only have two freaking hands and 24 hours in a day!

Barn at the new place

It's been a while since I have shared anything here. I have wanted to, but there has been one tiny problem. I'm completely EXHAUSTED! The irony is, I don't feel like I'm getting much actual work done, but it's more that there is so much to do lately that just thinking about it causes me to pour a glass of wine. It's been pretty exciting getting started on fixing up the new house. The previous owners had not been keeping up with the house, or the land, so there is a lot to do. There's also all the end of the school year stuff, and the spring birthday trifecta (me, Dakota, Nolan). Some days I just feel like anything I could possibly write would be so painfully nonsensical and boring and a complete waste of anyone's time who would bother reading it (thanks for reading mom). But today, I just felt like writing for some reason. Maybe it's that I woke up before everyone else (except the youngest who is currently anesthetized in front of a computer game) and actually had some quiet time with which to collect my thoughts. Maybe I just hope that something witty and hilarious will end up on this screen when I'm done slapping my hands across the keyboard like a bored toddler. Either way, I hope to have some interesting homesteading stories to share soon. Until then, I'll be working hard, or at least thinking about working hard. And I will definitely be drinking! Cheers!