Me Embracing Motherhood
Monkey boy when he was a toddler
5th March 2004. That is the official date that I started on my journey as a mom. It was a date that both R and I eagerly waited for since we got married on 16th June 2001.
It was a rocky start to motherhood for me as I endured two miscarriages prior to having Monkey boy. We have always wanted children and it was in our plan that I would stay home and take care of the kids once they arrive. Our first child arrived four years later then expected but it was all in GOD’s timing.
By that time we were more financially stable and we could make the decision for me to stay home to oversee the development of Monkey boy. I’ve always believed that I should be a hands on mom and one who is able to provide both physically and emotionally for my kids. To be there to play with them and guide them through their childhood.
I want to be able to witness all the different milestones that my children go through and be there to give them the support and encouragement that they need in order to become a better person.
Monkey boy and us at Hong Kong Disneyland back in 2008
You can say that Monkey is one of my greatest teacher. Since he was born I have been on a never ending rollercoaster ride in my journey as a mother. From breastfeeding to educating it has been a ride filled with both excitement and apprehension as I tackle the various daily challenges that are thrown my way.
Even till today I’m still learning more about handling challenging kids through him.
Doggie boy when he was a baby
On 13 Dec 2006 we had our 2nd addition to the family. Even though I have experience taking care of Monkey boy, taking care of Doggie boy was a totally different ball game.
He was perceptually hungry and demanded more attention than his elder brother. His temperament was different and I had quite a bit of adjusting to do in regards to care giving.
I was juggling two kids singlehandedly who were 2.5 years apart and it wasn’t easy catering to their demands while working full time. It wasn’t easy handling both the kids and teaching but I gritted my teeth and made it through those trying years.
Tiger girl as a baby
When the boys were at a more manageable age we decided to try for a girl as R always wanted a girl. We were blessed with the birth of Tiger girl on 12. 09. 2010.
What has motherhood meant for me ??
Being a mother has brought about a change in outlook in my life. With three parts of myself living outside my body I’m more generous with my time and energies as compared to the time when I was sans kids.
I’ve learnt to be more flexible and work with tight budgets and time frames. This also means coming up with ingenious ideas to make sure that everything works and runs smoothly on a regular basis.
I’m constantly tweaking my teaching methods and schedules to see what works best for everyone in the family to have everything run at optimal levels.
Innovation and creativity plays a bigger part of my daily life and I fully embrace the time that I have here on earth with the kids.
What have I learned from being a mother?
#1 It is possible to have it all.
Yes. Having time for yourself, your kids and your spouse. It doesn’t mean that now the kids are here your needs or your spouses needs get relegated a lower priority.
All( Kids, Hubby and Myself ) are of equal importance and with careful planning and detailed work it IS possible to have time and energy to focus on all these areas. I was grossly neglecting myself and hubby and as a result our relationship suffered. Never again will I commit the same mistake again!!
# Go with your GUT!!
You yourself know what is best for your kids and your family. Do not be overly influenced by the media, friends or relatives around you. They do not know your situation nor really care if your mess up or fail in your attempt due to you following their “helpful advice”. Mother’s intuition has proven to be very accurate.
With this post we conclude the blog train on Embracing Motherhood here on Dominique’s Desk. If you are interested to read about what the other 25 mothers have to say about their journey as a mother do click on over to our Embracing Motherhood Landing Post.
April 6, 2015 @ 4:15 pm
Can never stop learning about our kids 🙂 they all look the same from early childhood to the last time I saw them in Bintan.. Adorable! 🙂
April 6, 2015 @ 5:03 pm
You are such an inspiration to me, how you juggle 3 kids on the homefront and being so successful in your blog, despite solo parenting!! I’ve so much to learn from you. Thanks for sharing your advice
April 6, 2015 @ 8:46 pm
Sharing your joy of having not 1 but 3 treasures from the Lord despite your ordeals. You’re really one awesome mummy! It’s an honour to know you.
April 8, 2015 @ 8:54 am
I would also say go with your gut! Once I realized I was the best for my daughter things went better!
You have such a beautiful family! Enjoy them!
April 8, 2015 @ 6:52 pm
Sounds like you managed to figure out the secret to being a great mom 😉
April 8, 2015 @ 8:58 pm
WONDERFUL POST– The best teachers are always learning from the students–no better students then children and NO BETTER teachers than a good Mother!
April 8, 2015 @ 10:45 pm
I agree with you that parenthood has transformed people completely. Before having our daughters, my husband and I are very different people from what we are now. We’ve learned a lot and evolved as these individuals who are not afraid to be supers for their kids.
April 8, 2015 @ 11:03 pm
My second child’s personality was quite different from my first baby too. I totally understand the adjustment you’re talking about.
April 9, 2015 @ 7:52 am
Motherhood really does change you in so many ways. It is fun to look back and see those changes. Thanks for sharing!
April 9, 2015 @ 11:06 am
My first and third baby has been the easiest. My middle child was high needs as a baby and toddler. He is better now since he has gotten older.
I am constantly learning as I go. The one thing I have learned over the years is: what works for one child might not work for the other kids. You have to adjust as you go.
April 9, 2015 @ 3:05 pm
Motherhood is a great thing and it really teaches you so much!
April 9, 2015 @ 8:50 pm
Motherhood has changed me, and I believe I have become a better person now that I am a mother. 🙂
April 10, 2015 @ 12:20 am
he is so cute!!! being a mom is hard work, the hardest job ever, but it has the best rewards ever as well.
April 10, 2015 @ 1:25 am
This is an awesome post indeed. I believe there is nothing like a mother’s love for her child and a child’s love for their mother. It is so important for the child to spend time with theirs parents doing something they love to do so they feel you care. Even 15 minutes a day together sharing thoughts or even reading to each other is cherished memories. Thanks for sharing.
April 10, 2015 @ 1:36 am
I’m sorry to hear you had to go through the miscarriages. I had no idea. Motherhood really is a wonderful thing, isn’t it? I cherish the rewards every single day.
April 10, 2015 @ 11:13 pm
This reminds me of how women are so powerful, You are so blessed with your beautiful family. Very inspiring
April 11, 2015 @ 1:35 am
Going with your gut is the best method I feel as well. Each kid is different and each day is to! http://www.parentinghealthy.com/
April 11, 2015 @ 6:41 am
Go with your gut was a mantra I adopted when my kids were born. So many people give you advice and 50% of it is not the best for your child.