Debby from JUST BREATHE tagged me and I thought it would be fun to play along. I’m changing the rules a little bit, though. Here’s what I came up with…
I am going to share five experiences that have helped to shape me into a Theta Mom (The True, Authentic Mom).
1. Our son was a sick baby. For over a year and a half we didn’t know what was wrong with him and every specialist that we saw didn’t know either. It was such a frustrating and difficult time in our lives, especially being first-time parents. After routine visits for blood work, an extensive year and a half work up and a final trip to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), our son is now a healthy and thriving four year old boy. We truly are blessed. That experience doesn’t get more authentic than that.
2. It took me over a year to find the right pre-school for my son. I did my homework, researched endlessly and talked to many parents, neighbors, and of course other Theta Moms. The pre-school he used to attend was a very caring and nurturing environment. However, my son needed to be doing more than free play and coloring. He needed a structured program, implementing more of a solid and sound curriculum. After many visits to various centers and lots of discussion, I have found the perfect fit. He is happy and so is this Theta Mom!
3. My daughter screams bloody murder when she is hungry. We’re talking able-to-hear-her-outside-even-with-the-windows-shut scream. It is torturous. My son never had a piercing scream like this. It’s not a cry, it’s a SCREAM and it drives me crazy! At these times, I wish she were already a toddler able to tell me what she wants. It’s so annoying and SO frustrating. Admitting that this motherhood gig is not always enjoyable is a total Theta Mom characteristic.
4. I never realized how F-U-N it is to take my children out, especially while traveling. I literally need an extra suitcase for all of the crap I need to entertain them. Who knew it would be such a task? Between the DVD player, cheese goldfish, a million other snacks and sippy cups, toys, coloring books, etc…what about me? Do I get a second to breathe and perhaps look through a magazine in the car or on the plane? Um, no. As a Theta Mom, not a chance.
5. Motherhood has surprised me in so many ways. I never thought it would be this rewarding and at the same time so challenging. I don’t have this thing all figured out. In fact, I am far from that and I am the first to admit it. I am still learning as I go along and love the fact that I am able to share my experiences through this platform with you.
So, I am challenging the following bloggers as well as any fabulous reader of my blog to grab this tag and post some experiences that have helped to shape YOU as a Theta Mom! I would love for you to play along, so go grab the tag and let’s get this party started! Don’t forget to tag other Theta Mom bloggers and challenge them as well. I can’t wait to read what you come up with!
Sevin Family
The Working Mama
Leigh vs. Laundry
My Messy Paradise
Sanity Sold Separately
Menopausal New Mom
Winey Mommy
Simply Delightful
Christine’s Corner
Mommy Words
Laugh Until You Cry
The Daily Dribbles
Apple Juice and Milk
Loulous Views
Headaches, Hormones and Hot Flashes
Running Away I’ll Help You Pack
Two Peas in a Pie
Family of Shorts
Stir-Fry Awesomeness
Mama 4 Real
Tater Tot Mom
i am so glad that your son is healthy and thriving.
may God bless him.
Loved reading your list…#5 so very true! Every time I think I get it figured out…it changes!
Holly
Wow…this is such an honest post. I'm flattered that you consider me a Theta Mom. Thanks for tagging me. I'm going to really meditate on this before I post my list. I'll be sure to let you know when it's up.
Love,
Leigh
So glad your son is healthy. and yes motherhood is definitely a life altering experience.
x
Wow! Thank you for thinking of me when you came up with your list. Bet I'm the only one on it who is a first-time mom while facing NATURAL menopause!
First, let me say how glad I am that you were able to get your son the help he needed that first year. I can only imagine the horror and heartache you must have gone through.
Well, I hope there isn't a time limit on this, I'm going to take a couple of days to roll this around in my head and I will leave you a comment when my post is ready.
Thank you again for thinking of me, I'm just tickled!!!
Yeah, I have one who STILL screams bloody murder when she's hungry, and she's 19! SITS sent me by, and I'm glad they did…
I'm so glad your son is now healthy & thriving. That's a lot to go through for both of you– first time parents or not.
I love answer #5. This parenting stuff really is a learning experience. We're extremely lucky to have such a large community to lean on for support.
Thank you so much for tagging me.
I appreciate how honest you were with all your answers.
What a great idea for a post : ) Very cool! It sounds like you have motherhood down pat! I drive past CHOP many times a week when I am working in the city. I always say a prayer for the children that are being seen there! God bless!
I think being a mom is a 'learn as you go' kinda job. Doesn't matter how many books you read or how much advice you receive.
I'm interested to hear more about HOW you determined that your child needed a more structured curriculum for preschool!
http://www.thewannabewahm.com
Thanks of for the idea Sophia's Mom! I will certinaly turn that into an upcoming post! Thanks!
I completely agree with the traveling thing! We drove from VA to Florida for Lucy's birthday week and I think our truck was more loaded down with toys, protable dvd players and dvd's then it was clothes!
LOVE this post! Here's my take"
1. Yup us too. It took pushing and switching Drs to get Jake diagnosed with asthma and get him a nebulizer.
2. We were that way with dacres. Our first DC lady was loonier than a bedbug. We were MUCH more selective after that. Even if it meant driving 15 miles one way to get to her.
3. YUp..I sometimes joke I know why animals eat their young (totally kidding of course)
4. Ditto. that's why i invented this: http://www.travelactivitybags.blogspot.com
5.YES. It's the hardest work you will ever do, but the most rewarding.
I am glad your son is healthy now!! I am also glad you picked me to write up a post about being a Theta Mom!!! I am on my way to do so now!!!!! thanks, Robyn
so glad your son is healthy!!! I hv twins and one of them was born 3pounds…staying in the hosp for 3 weeks was a bit of a challenge becos my other girl got to come home but i had to keep pumping milk n goin back to the hosp to see my girl.
thank God she is just as healthy as her sis now.
Thanks for the tag!
So true! This is what makes us real moms isn't it? Cleaning poo off our children and homes doesn't get much more real!
And all of that makes you an amazing mom!!!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!! Love your blog!! GREAT POST!! Isn't being a MOM the BEST!! Challenging and selfless, but AMAZING! I'll be stopping by again!
What a great list. I follow many. It will be good to find out more about each one. Thanks for playing.
#s 4 and 5 are so true for me too! I loved reading your five. What a great idea for a post!
Btw, my husband loves the "It's Your Time" book by Joel Osteen. I've read his other two books and my husband has listened to some of his CDs. Hubby has been quoting him already and sharing with me some of the stories that are in the book. So far, it has been helpful with our attitudes!
Wow! Thanks for tagging me. I hope that I can live up to the challenge and to the label of The True Authentic Mom.
I love your post on this topic.
Thanks for the plug today. I am so glad you decided to play along and I love what you came up with.
Thank you for sharing yourself.
Congratulations to the people who have been tagged. God Bless
This is great to read and learn more about you..
This mommy gig isn't for wimps!
Being a mom is hard, but it is also awesome.
Glad your son is healthy these days.
Thanks so much for tagging me. I'm gonna play, but I am going to include it in my next Sunday awards post, if that's cool with you!!
I've had your meme pics on my blog for ages yet how did I not follow …. do those things drop you off sometimes?
Thank you for tagging me!! I am going to try and do this on Saturday!
You, honey? An amazing momma. I loved reading these…you are so true to yourself and your family.
I can't wait to play along–and can I say I am flattered that you added me? Because I truly am!
xoxo
We travel so much, and everytime I think I have it down pat, umm NO! Never a chance to read for me!
My post is up! Come check it out
Isn't amazing how much motherhood is just filled with learning experience. Once you think you have something down then something new is thrown at you. But these are the things that make us us.
Can I say Amen on all of the above and woohoo thatnow I get to find some other great mothers to check out… I am soooo loving this blogging thing lol
I'm already dreading the search for a preschool.
Thanks for visiting my basically un-mom blog. Mine are just as precious as ever, now living life as healthy adults. You know you don't want Mom hovering when you are all grown up! Love remembering though!
Heather! I finished my Theta Mom post and I feel so empowered!!!
Thank you so much for tagging me, I had no idea what would come pouring out and I'm just so thrilled to have been asked.
I hope you will take a swing by and check it out. Thank you again
Deb
It sounds like you are a great, caring Mom!
I'm so glad your little guy is healthy and doing well now.
I'm so glad that your son is healthy now! Motherhood is an awesome experience!
I've always described motherhood using an expression from an old armed forces commercial: "It's the toughest job you'll ever love."
Love your blog! I have an award for you at http://kats-confessions.blogspot.com/2009/11/there-is-only-one-word-that-comes-to.html
I admire great moms! I'm so scared I won't be a great mom it seems like the hardest job to not throw a child out the window.
MISSED your blog and insane amounts of tweets
So glad to be back! Blessed Monday to you! XO
Great topic, great post! Hugs!
Great post !! And im so glad your son is healthy, Im a new follower to your blog a nd i dont know i didnt know about it !! but very glad i came across it alot of my bloggy friends are follower's too so thats how i came across your blog and i cant wait to go take a look around ! Thanks
I am following you now since Menopausal New Mom tagged me and you stopped by earlier. I love your list! We sound very similar. So glad I've "met" you!
I love this list! Everything you've said is so true! Since my 2-yr old twins have started to talk more, life is a lot less frustrating now that they can tell me what they want or need.
I got tagged with this meme from Samantha and I'm looking forward to coming up with my list!
Love this post! I saw your Theta tag on a couple of blogs so I thought I'd check out the original. I'm glad I did!
I can so relate to your #1. While we knew what our son's problem was (complex heart defects), we spent nearly 3 years watching and waiting and treating assorted problems before he finally had his OHS. One of his cardiologists joked that the corner room on the 7th floor was our 'summer home'. lol
Lisa @
All That and a Box of Rocks
You're right on #5. I have a 17 year old and 3 year old twins, and the challenges are there at every age. The rewards are well worth it!
I am very happy that your son is doing so well now. That must have been a terrible, nerve-wracking time for you and I'm glad it's behind you.
Great list! My middle child threw up daily for the first 4 years of his life, that made me a Theta Mom really quickly.