Full-Time Mom Thriving Motherhood
Yup, I say so myself. As a mother of two, I no longer strive for survival, I thrive. The conventional wisdom said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger; it is brutally true. Now I can single-handedly lift up a 35lbs kid while lugging two big bags of groceries. Try me.
Being a mom makes me discover my greatest self, I never knew I could be so patient that I could be Chloe's walking cradle for 2 hours; but at the same time, I also uncover the darkest side of myself, I never knew the unrelenting frustrations of mismanaging expectations could make me totally lose it. Throughout the whole journey of this glorious motherhood, there's a "gray period" that I tend to fall between these two extremes (well, it could also be just hormonal changes, anyway.) It takes me two years to pick myself up again and to figure this whole new ball game (hopefully you buy this explanation as it is the best excuse I can ever come up with on why I disappear in the blogosphere for 2 years :p) and I am ready to share what I've been through...
Before I begin with my story, here's a little introduction in case you don't know me yet and just happen to stumble upon this blog. I call myself a full-time mom (FTM) and I think in fact all moms are full-time moms doesn't matter if you work outside of the house or not. Once you are a mom, there's no resignation. However, to make motherhood even more confusing and challenging, the society labels me a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). Whatever. I am a mom, or should I say I am just a mom but more than that, and I take pride in it. I have a beautiful 5 years old daughter and I recently gave birth to a new baby girl, that upgrades me to a mother of two. In the world of motherhood, your combat effectiveness is determined by the number of children you have. That being said, if you have only one child, you're pretty much on the lowest tier of the pyramid (per say); but the moment you give birth to another baby, congratulations, you successfully evolve and instantly you will be crowned as a "better, stronger and greater" mom. If you have five or more children, your are nuts, oops, sorry, mind my language, I mean you are the Yoda. Now I assume all moms with single child pay me higher respect okay :p
Joke aside, motherhood is one of the toughest assignment of life, I've been told that kids do not come with an instruction manual, but guess what, it does. It does. That's why I'm thrilled to share my journey. While gathering my thoughts to best present them to you in the next post (in written or audio format), here are some of the pictures that best conclude my full-time mommyhood in past two years...
#1 July, 2016. Chloe & I walking over to a retirement home for her first recital.
#2 Sept, 2016. At Carmel, California. I was 4 months pregnant with Chloe's baby sister.
#3 Sept, 2016. We braved the strong waves by Carmel Beach. Btw, this picture doesn't do the waves justice.
#4 Sept 2016. At one of Chloe's favorite "playground" aka MoMA New York.
#5 Dec, 2016. Spending our weekend ritual making art at de Young Museum.
#6 Dec, 2016. Lake Tahoe, California. Pregnancy, icy path, the snowy weather never stop me from rocking my role as Chloe's mom. She wanted to see snow, and we brought her to it albeit my burgeoning belly that time.
#7 Dec, 2016. Napa Valley, California. It was probably one of the most relaxing trips for me although without a drop of alcohol; it was also our last trip together as a family of three.
I know, I once loudly proclaimed that I will not want another baby after Chloe but yet... I'd like you to hear me out although I don't owe anyone an explanation, you guys are important to me. For now, start supporting each other, pass along the positive energy and good vibe, we will all sail through this life together!
A Moscow Mule please, I'll see you again soon! C.H.E.E.R.S~
xoxo,
Beverly