::Momma Podcast:: #InspiredSeries

It's 2018 Y'all!!! 

Did you miss me? Well, I am back. Sharing some fun ladies this week. Here we go. 

One of my favorite things to do is listen to Podcasts. I might have mentioned in the past that one of my favorites is THE MFCEO. Well, think of that but with MOMMAS! 

I started following and listening to Elle and Liz a few months ago when we met in a Facebook and Instagram group. Their conversations are SO fun, so real and so heart-warming. They have truly inspired me and moved me to tears with their shows. So, I decided to kick off the year by featuring them and their Mami podcast. (Links at the end of this post.) 

Hoping to one day follow in their podcaster footsteps... hello universe in 2018, te hablo a ti. 

:: About Oye Mami Hosts :: 

Hi! Our names are Elle Gutierrez & Liz Quirion, We are 36 & 32 yrs old and we are from New York City. Upper West Side and Brooklyn to be exact. Liz's parents were both born in the Dominican Republic and Elle's parents were born in the Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Liz is married and has three children, a 3-year-old son and (surprise) twin 2-year-old girls. Elle is married to her college sweetheart and has three children, two girls ages 10 and 9 and one 5-year-old son. 

:: Interview :: 

Tell me what is it that you are after when it comes to your podcast? What was your original goal? 

We wanted to give women like us a voice. The American Latina is a forgotten genre. Our audience loves Univision as much as ABC, the Latin Grammys as much as the VMAs, Biggie Smalls as much as Marc Anthony. This country is filled with women just like us who struggle with being the bridge between their Latino and American cultures. Our goal is to give these women a home.

Tell me what motivated you to start on this journey?

What motivated us was that during our weekly bochinche calls we would always have a story about someone pointing out how we weren't Latino or American enough. That's how this all started two outsiders rallying up other outsiders and becoming a movement.

Was was your plan of action?

Our first plan of action was to start our podcast off with a good foundation. We studied and learned for a year. We split responsibilities. One of us did all the tech and marketing research while the other listened to podcasts all day so that we could know what we did and didn't want to do. We also worked with our podcast spirit guide, Jackie MacDougall who is a TV & Digital Producer, Podcaster, Writer, and Media coach to help us kick off our podcast in seamless manner. 

How did you first get started and what was the most difficult part?

The most difficult part was going live and sharing our idea with whoever wanted to listen. We stalled so many times. Nothing was ever "right". The fear of vulnerability was our biggest obstacle. 

Did anyone help push you or inspired you to get here?

Elle: My husband. I am so grateful for his support and how he believes in my crazy ideas even more than I do. Also, Liz. When I called her with this idea she could have easily said, "Bish, you crazy" but instead she said, "Let's do this bish". 

 Liz: Elle inspired and pushed me to get here. My husband and family have also been so supportive in believing in our mission and pitching in to help with my three toddlers whenever I need it.

What has your progress been?

We set short term goals and surpassed them. Not to sound super cliche, but we are truly blessed that putting our hearts on our sleeves is being well received. It shows that this was needed. 

How are you keeping motivated to continue down this path?

What keeps us most motivated are our listeners. We had no idea what an impact our show would make in people's lives or how many women would connect with what we were going through. Men too! Whenever a listener slides up into our DM and says that we make them feel normal or that we get them or that we helped them get through a tough day gives us so much motivation to keep pushing. If you have listened to our episodes from the very beginning until now you will see how we held back more in the beginning and are now at a point where we say, "F-it, don't leave that on the cutting room floor because someone will connect". 

What advice do you have for others in your place?

Our advice would be to lead with your gut and work with your brain. Get ready to lose sleep, make mistakes, and get good sunglasses because the shade is real.

We all struggle daily with so many "self-issues"; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward?

Elle: For me and don't laugh it's DJ Khaled. His positivity is contagious. Whenever I feel overwhelmed I tune in to his snapchat story and feel like, if Asahd is a king, I'm a freaking king too. Liz even sent me a DJ Khaled book when I was in one of the lowest points in my life. She loves me. I also keep a mini notebook in my purse where I write my own personal quotes that pop into my head and reading those over inspire me. Now I sound like a low-key narcissist but seriously, re-reading those one liners that I came up with make me re-connect with those times. Some positive, some negative and they inspire me to keep moving forward and creating even more one liners. 

Liz: "It's never too late to be what you might have been" that's my favorite quote by George Eliot. I remember the first time I read that quote. I almost came to tears because I was at a point in my life where I was scared and then this quote popped up and I was like, THIS! THIS! THIS! It keeps me in check every time I think it's too late to accomplish my dreams. 

 

You can contact Elle and Liz (Oye Mami) via 

Website: https://oyemamishow.com/

Twitter: @OyeMamiShow 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OyeMamiShow or

slide up in our DMs on Instagram: @OyeMamiShow

:: Making Shifts and Creating Change as Moms:: #HoustonMommieSeries

::GIVEAWAY POST::

As Momma's we often feel like we are not making an impact but trust me, there is so much we can do to create shifts and change. We start with our home, creating a safe, healthy and happy place for our children and family. We start with ourselves, making sure that our needs are met, that we are well rested and that we are minds are well taken care of. We start with our circle of supportive, positive and like-mind Momma's.

Making a shift and creating change, comes from within and our surroundings. I have been for months now, working on myself, my inner peace and really prioritizing my goals, my health and thinking about my finances. I hope to be able to write a little more in the month to come and fill you in. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat (@realmommaofdos) then you know, LOTS has been going on. 

I joined a new project with a wonderful group of women, who I admire and am inspired by. You can find more details on our Facaebook page, Livin'Latina Live. 

There is always something special to me about partnering with local organizations and supporting local women, I am all for it! Which is why today, I am bringing you a giveaway for the following series, The Mommie Series! It can help YOU create that shift you are looking for! Gain knowledge in the following areas; Family, Health, Finance, and Fashion with some amazing panelist and speakers. Led by an incredible team of local Mombassadors!  You will also find a WONDERFUL group filled with local connections, a new network and support system. 

See details below AND enter to win!!! Tell your friends, it ends Sunday! 

Misti Pace-Krahl, is the founder of The Mommie Series.

The Mommie Series is a quarterly educational series for women based on family, health, finance, and fashion.  Their success has been featured on CultureMap, 002 Magazine, Tidbits, Houston Chronicle, Houston Woman Magazine and spotlighted on KRPC Channel 2. The Mommie Series has been called one of the best Girls’ Night Out providing a full “Edu-tainment.” You can also find them at - The Mommie Series.

 Fall Edition is on Wednesday, August 9th at Native Citizen. 

NOW ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SET OF TICKETS FOR YOU AND FRIEND TO JOIN THIS AWESOME GROUP OF MOMMA'S!

If you enter and don't win you can still obtain a ticket with a 20% discount, use code "momma"

Website link to tickets:  http://www.themommieseries.com/the-mommie-series

Direct Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-edition-of-the-mommie-series-tickets-36089843694

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/848502805298611/

(Please select "going")

www.TheMommieSeries.com


2 Tickets to ONE lucky follower

a Rafflecopter giveaway

::Celebrating the holidays with JOY!:: Guest Blogger, Coppelia

{Guest Blogger Coppelia of www.CoppeliaMarie.com} 

I started thinking about Christmas back in September. Ha! Seriously, there's a website that counts down 101 days to Christmas with ideas on how to get organized, plan ahead and make sure the crazy busy holiday time is less stressful and more merry and bright. The countdown starts in September and I love it!

You know how some people are adulting? I'm more into Christmasing.

And yes, singing loud for all to hear (which, we all know is the best way to bring Christmas cheer), happens daily in my car.

But here's the thing: finding joy during the holidays can be tough, especially if:

-Someone you love is sick, battling cancer, needing surgery, etc ...

This season, it was my mom. (And I'm thanking God that she's doing great! But we were all pretty worried about the whole thing.)

Finding joy during the holidays can also be rough if:

-Finances are tight and the kids need Christmas outfits for the reindeer romp, the holiday piano recital, gifts for the teachers and you need an ugly sweater for the office Christmas party. 

Or, maybe you can relate to this: 


-You know those moments when you go through the drive-through line at Starbucks and try to drown your sorrows in a peppermint mocha or gingerbread latte? You could be having a peppermint pity party. 

So, what can you do when you're experiencing a combination of all these things (and maybe some more that I didn't have on my list), and you are just not feeling joyful? 

You can still have JOY! 

Sometimes getting out of town for a while helps. We recently had a blast at SeaWorld's Christmas celebration. We even met Rudolph! 

But when you're home, maybe wishing you could go somewhere but the circumstances just don't allow (been there, done that), this might help:

There's a local radio station in Houston, KSBJ (I used to do the morning show there!) and they do something called "The JOY Pledge." Basically, when you're feeling the stress of the holidays for whatever reason, or when you have the Christmas blues, you stop for a moment & say the JOY pledge:

I choose joy

And when I keep my eyes on Jesus,I have joy!

 When I lose it, I will choose it.

 I choose joy! 

It might seem like those are just words, and maybe you're skeptical that "saying a pledge" won't do much to solve your holiday woes. But try it! 

Sometimes, a little change in attitude can go a long way. 

If we are focused on all the negative things that are happening, of course we're not gonna feel joyful! 

BUT, when we decide to think about what we're thankful for, when we make up our minds to choose joy, we often find that one of my favorite quotes, really is true:

"Feelings follow actions more often than actions follow feelings."

In other words, if you wait until you feel joyful… you might be waiting until the new year. But if you decide to act and make the decision to choose joy, you might be surprised that the feeling of joy will follow!

I'd love to hear from you in the comments! Share with me the things that work for you as you try to find joy in this season. 

Here's to more JOY than ever before!

Laughing (and being JOYful) thru life,

Coppelia

~Coppelia

Singer/Speaker/Blogger

www.CoppeliaMarie.com

**My new book is out now!**

"Whole: How One Book Can Transform Your Whole Life" 

http://www.coppeliamarie.com/my-new-book-whole/

FOLLOW Coppelia!! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coppeliamarie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coppeliamarie

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC11RRMvsRJAq8kZZiZ4IzmA

IG: https://www.instagram.com/coppeliamarie/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/coppeliamarie/

G+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/111559747466696410224

::Momma's Day Series 2016:: Roxy's Story

::Momma of Dos Guest Blogger Post:: 

Please note that this post was written by a guest blogger in collaboration with Momma of Dos and as part of a current mini-series. Please feel free to contact each writer individually for further information about their blog.

I am Roxy Rodriguez-Becker and I currently live in SW Houston with my husband, 2 dogs, 1 cat, and our first baby on the way! I taught middle school math for almost ten years and currently teach online. My husband is also a math teacher, so at least our little girl will have plenty of help in that subject. I used to play roller derby and am trying to stay relatively fit during this pregnancy (running, walking, modified crossfit).

Daniel and I decided to grow our little family in the Fall of 2015. He was surprised that I was on board with the idea because when we were married a few years ago I was perfectly happy with just our fur babies. We are lucky things came together and are flowing so smoothly. Everyone, I mean *everyone* thought we were having a boy. Our reveal was so much fun, I even tricked Daniel. A girl is a beautiful surprise and we couldn't be more excited.

You can follow Roxy on this new journey to mommahood on:

http://www.grrfeisty.com/

http://www.twitter.com/grrrfeisty

https://www.instagram.com/grrfeisty/

https://www.facebook.com/grrfeisty

::Momma's Day Series 2016:: P's Story

::Momma of Dos Guest Blogger Post:: 

Please note that this post was written by a guest blogger in collaboration with Momma of Dos and as part of a current mini-series. Please feel free to contact each writer individually for further information about their blog.

Here's my story...

My name is Priscilla, but I go by P. I am 33 years old and from a small town in Southern California, but feel like a southern girl at heart ;) I've been married to my hubby for almost 11 years and we have two beautiful children, Jase who is 2 1/2 years old and Savannah who is 5 months old. Before getting pregnant, I struggled with infertility for 7 years. My struggle was due to a toxic relationship with diet and exercise that ultimately caused my reproductive system to shut down. It wasn't until I learned what it meant to live a truly healthy lifestyle that I got pregnant with both of my children naturally. It's because of my journey that I have become and Health & Fitness Coach in hopes of helping & inspiring others to learn how to live a truly healthy & happy life!

How old were you when you first became a Momma?  I was 31 years old when I had my son.

Was it expected? With my first, it had been a VERY long cycle and I had given up. Fully expecting to get my period that morning, I had this feeling I needed to take a test...I was shocked to see 2 pink lines! A day I will never forget. With my second I had no clue I could be pregnant, I had just gone off birth control 6 weeks prior and we hadn't started trying yet. 3 days late and I figure something was up...instantly 2 pink lines!!

Did your pregnancy/ies go well? I was VERY sick during both pregnancies and my first was considered high risk. I had a hard time gaining weight and felt like a stranger in my own body. This made me sad since getting pregnant was something I dreamed of for a long time, but finally accepted that it was just how my body responds to being pregnant.

Was your pregnancy what you expected? Nope! Not at all lol! I was expecting to feel amazing and be able to eat anything I wanted haha 

Did your delivery go well? Both of my deliveries, however, were AMAZING!! The two best days of my life and something I will miss forever. They are moments I wish I could go back to over and over again...

Was your delivery what you expected? They were both better than expected!! A true blessing!

How was your first year? My first year was amazing, to wake up that morning and actually have a little one to cuddle and celebrate with is something I will never forget. I cried tears of joy that night knowing how lucky I am!!

Was it all that you expected? Yes! Absolutely! And I had my own mother here to celebrate which made it all that more amazing!!

What advice do you have for others new Momma's? That time goes SO quick! When the hard days come, and they will, just know that it's only a phase. Focus on the good and remember to soak it all in.

We all struggle daily with so many self-issues; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward? The book Pretty Happy by Kate Hudson is AMAZING! One I think all mommas should read.

Contact "P": Absolutely! My email is findingpurehappiness@gmail.com, 

FB is www.facebook.com/FindingPureHappiness &

IG is Finding_Pure_Happiness

:: Momma's Day Series 2016:: Val's Story

::Momma of Dos Guest Blogger Post:: 

Please note that this post was written by a guest blogger in collaboration with Momma of Dos and as part of a current mini-series. Please feel free to contact each writer individually for further information about their blog.

My name is Val and I am a 35-year old wife, the lucky mom of a princess named Aly, and a native Houstonian. Also, a full-time working mom as well as a blogger at Val Around Town. I am truly grateful for all the blessings in my life especially being able to become a mom. Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I feel extremely fortunate to have my little one. Until it actually happened, I never knew if it was possible and here’s why.

I am a childhood cancer survivor. Not only did I have cancer but it was in the lining of the bladder and uterus (sarcoma botryoides). At only two years old (the age of my daughter now), I went through two years of chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiation to battle this disease. I was very young, but the chance to bear children was considered very slim because you are born with all of your eggs and radiation treatments can affect fertility in many ways.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom (if it was meant to be), though the number of children I wanted to have decreased as I got older (from 10 to 2 to 1, lol). My husband and I had been married a couple of years and we decided to leave it up to destiny. I didn’t even realize I was expecting until my husband begged me to take a pregnancy test because of major fatigue, he said he just knew. I was almost 8 weeks when we found out and given my background was really scared and thankful at the same time.

My pregnancy was not easy and nothing like I had imagined. I thought I would be glowing, eating ice cream with pickles, and loving the feeling of my baby inside of me. That was far from the truth! I was put on partial bed rest at 9 weeks and full at mid-term. I also had complications given my history and one of them was Placenta Previa. Being pregnant for me consisted of swollen feet the size of bricks, heartburn the entire time, and cabin fever. Even though it was rough, it was only 38 weeks of my life and worth every moment even though it didn’t seem like it at the time!

One great benefit about having a C-section is that you have a scheduled date and time to deliver. I went into the hospital, got prepped, and after entering the delivery room had my child in less than 10 minutes. My in-laws had gone downstairs to get coffee and missed my hubby taking Aly to the nursery, it was that quick! The recovery, on the other hand, was quite the contrary.

The first year of motherhood can be challenging. They say the days are long but the years are short and this is SO TRUE! I had a major surgery, had been on bed rest almost 6 months, and gained 41 pounds (Aly was 5lbs when she was born). It was an adjustment for my muscles to be up and walking around again (no joke). Not to mention, trying to live on zero sleep, picking up the baby with the pain of surgery, trying to squeeze in showers, and attempting to produce milk. In the first year, you do what you can to make it through but not to worry, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

If I could give any advice to new moms it would be this:

• Remember the days will be long but they won’t last forever.
• Take all the help you can get from relatives and friends.
• You will never have everything done so enjoy some moments with your baby even if the house is a mess.
• Meet other new moms- I joined a mom group (this is a great place to ask questions and hear stories and similar situations> it’s like a mini support group and you will need it).
• Don’t pass judgment on other moms- we are all trying to make it work, what works for you may not for someone else.

Being a mom can be a tiring job but also the most rewarding experience ever. We are in the terrible twos right now so some days are “Mommy I love you to the moon and back” and others are me trying to pick up my screaming toddler from the grocery store floor. Although my pregnancy and the process of giving and birth were not easy, I truly understand Aly was a MIRACLE and I am blessed to have her in my life. My family and life would not be complete without her and there is a “new definition” of love greater than anything I have ever felt! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

::Momma's Day Series 2016:: Alicia's Story

::Momma of Dos Guest Blogger Post:: 

Please note that this post was written by a guest blogger in collaboration with Momma of Dos and as part of a current mini-series. Please feel free to contact each writer individually for further information about their blog.

Hello, Fellow Mommas! 

I’m Alicia, I’m 40 years young. I was born in Houston Texas on July 29, 1975, at Jefferson Davis Hospital on warm, summer afternoon. I’ve been married for 15 years to my love Rusk Elatassi, we met when I was a graduate student at St. Thomas and he was a senior. We have two boys Alexander (Alex) who is 13 and Maksim (Max) who is 8.  

I’m the oldest of four to Alicia and Jose Araujo, as the oldest I’m bossy and authoritative yet super protective of my siblings and my parents.  I hold loyalty above all virtues and am fiercely protective of my family. You mess with them, I will roar and I will bite!  Lol!! 

I went to Jeff Davis High School in the Near Northside and graduated in 1993, my neighborhood was lively and fun and at times dangerous. My house was next to a bar that had the best Tejano music jukebox and that became my nighttime lullaby, the borrachos were a sad side show.

I had a beautiful upbringing on 1816 Chapman, there was music, dancing and carne asada every Sunday.  My mom was a stage mom before you heard of Dance Moms, she’d make our folklorico dresses from scraps and do our chongo with lots of “Dippity Do” Gel and tons of AquaNet Hairspray.  My dad drove us kids to performances, it was lots of fun! 

Upon graduation, I went to St. Thomas University and became a teacher at the ripe old age of 21. 

I was 27 when I had my Alex, Rusk and I had been married two years and we discussed having kids early because his parents are a little older than most and because my mom had just finished her battle with breast cancer.  I understood that time doesn’t wait for sickness and health, I also knew that having babies while you’re young gives us the best quality in terms of eggs and life in the womb.   We got pregnant the first month we threw caution to the wind. The getting pregnant part was easy it was my pregnancy that was difficult.  From week 8, I suffered from Hyperemesis, a condition where you vomit incessantly and become dehydrated.  I spent a few days with IV when I was around 11-20 weeks along, I was miserable and at times wondered if maybe I didn't want to be pregnant anymore. 

My sickness played mind games with me, depression seemed inevitable. Thankfully I had an amazing support system in my husband, my family, and my in-laws.  Since I couldn't stand strong smells, I couldn't cook and my angel Mother-in-Law took over for me. My mom gave every possible “remedio” in the world, nothing helped all I could do is stick it out till the end. Thankfully on March 11, 2003, I gave birth by C-section to a robust chunky baby boy who made it all worthwhile.  Four and half years later I experienced an even worse pregnancy, the morning sickness started earlier and lasted longer.

It took me a least two years to get over the traumas of my pregnancies. 

Finally....MOTHERHOOD.... 

1. How was your first year?

My first year of mommyhood was ok, easy, I had a lot of support from my in- laws and my family.  I’m grateful that everyone jumped in to help me with the baby, my husband is an only child so my mother in law spoiled me by taking the baby when I needed a break.  She had all the time and desire to take over for me when I was needing to go back to work.  I never got any judgment from her or my mother, they knew me well enough to know that I needed for my own sanity to be back at work ASAP.  After my Max was born I was definitely much more carefree and this baby was much easier to manage, to this day this little boy is an easy loving kid. 

2. Was it all that you expected? 

I expected that it would be rough the first year. I knew that there would be no sleep but I expected that.  I learned pretty quickly that my Alex was a needy baby, and I kept him at my bedside all night, thus it was hard for him to sleep by himself.  It was a tough transition for both of us, we wouldn't sleep and I couldn't let him go.  The second time around I placed the baby straight away in the crib. He adjusted fast and so did I. I breastfed both boys but not for long, I wanted my breasts back! 

3. What advice do you have for other new Mommas? 

I  always tell new mommas that they should trust their momma instincts.  That although we can read every book about parenting in the world, only YOU know what is best for your baby.  You are allowed to not follow every single piece of advice, you are allowed to be cranky and tired.  I tell young moms that they should find the support of someone when they feel like they are going to lose their mind.  Give dad responsibilities and don’t take it all on yourself, he needs the opportunity to be a dad. Don’t go nuts because he didn’t  change the baby on “time”, because he missed a bottle, trust that he’s the dad and he can take care of his baby too!

4. We all struggle daily with so many self-issues; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward: 

I have a daily struggle with anxiety.  I have managed this by exercising and listening to my SiriusXM satellite radio.  I listen to shows that make me laugh and make me think. I love to challenge conventional wisdom and when others defy expectations I love to hear about that. My anxiety can be paralyzing and I’m quite proud that I’ve never taken a pill for it, it goes back to my mindset and how I learn to manage my emotions with humor and satire. Books like the Andrew Carnegie memoir and traveling reminds me that life is good and my issues are small compared to the world.  

I learned a mothering lesson in the least place I expected it..in the hills of Peru.  Rusk and I were traveling to Machu Picchu, I noticed how the Pacha Mamas carried their babies on their back everywhere they went.  Those toddlers were the happiest babies I had ever seen.  I realized that this American idea of detaching from your kids to build independence was ridiculous, these children seemed happy and mama didn’t follow a set of rules, she did what came natural to her. She fed and nurtured her baby on her own terms, without a medical book and benchmarks. I came back a different mother, I let my boys roam and cuddle on their own terms. I swore to myself that I would follow my own set of rules for mothering, that I wasn’t going to be a helicopter mom or a soccer mom or any other label mom.  

I was simply going to be  Alex and Max’s mom, that’s all!

Contact Alicia: 

Yes! I want to hear from other mommies!

FB Alicia Araujo-Elatassi

aliciaelatassi@gmail.com

@aliciathinkgirl

::Momma's Day Series 2016:: Lauren's Story

::Momma of Dos Guest Blogger Post:: 

Please note that this post was written by a guest blogger in collaboration with Momma of Dos and as part of a current mini-series. Please feel free to contact each writer individually for further information about their blog.

Hello, my name  is Lauren, I'm 29 yrs old, and I'm from Houston. I'm married to an amazing guy, and I'm a proud mom to a handsome little guy who was born September 5, 2014. His name is Jonathan but we call him JC for short, or baby boy, and when I was pregnant with him his daddy and I would call him "turtle". 

On April 22nd, I turned 30 and was actually looking forward to it, and can't wait to see what's in store for me. Beside that I have been a wife for almost 8 years this November, and I'm a proud mom, first timer and a boy mom at that. I'm also a stay at home wife and mommy and when I'm not busy with my boys I take some time for myself and work on my blog, Wiferella to Boymom, as well as crafts and trying new things. Hobby lobby and Pinterest are my best friends! 

How old were you when you first became a Momma? 28 

Was it expected? Not at all as I was told I would need help with getting pregnant after suffering from a miscarriage but here I am now blessed with my miracle baby. 

Did your pregnancy go well? OMG, totally thankful for a great pregnancy after getting past the morning sickness.

Was your pregnancy what you expected? Not at all, I was scared in the beginning due to what happen the first time, morning sickness was a pain, and I had a cyst; thankfully it didn't cause any problems. 

Did your delivery go well? I had to be induced almost a week after his due date. The beginning was great but towards the end everything got scary. Thankfully, the end results for him and I came out great due to an emergency C-section.

Was your delivery what you expected? Nope! Scary moments we had but so worth it.

How was your first year? OMG, it has been the best and even more so as I'm a stay at home mommy and wife. At times, it can be rough but at night when I lay my head I'm thankful for the memories that we made that day, and on to the next day. 

Was it all that you expected? Nope darn hormones had me scared and thinking I couldn't do it by myself while my husband is working, but here we are 19 months in and I'm balancing life great!

What advice do you have for other new Mommas? You can do it, don't ever doubt yourself. There are times it will get rough, and when it does pop open a bottle of wine take a hot bath and think about the good and will out do the bad. 

We all struggle daily with so many self-issues; what have been some of yours and your advice?  Weight and it goes up and down as well as I love food and sweets. At the end, I have noticed that weight loss will happen eventually and it won't happen overnight. With that being said there is a Rainbow waiting for you after a storm. 

Contact Lauren: Yes, I would for you to follow my journey on my blog at http://wiferellatoboymom.blogspot.com/?m=0 and Facebook blog page at https://m.facebook.com/Wiferella-to-BoyMom-986568011378780/

Can't wait to have you follow my blog!

::Things to consider when making Big Decisions::

A couple of weeks ago I received an email, one that I truly wasn't expecting. I was accepted to participate in the Mujeres de HACE, Women in Leadership program. While it was a huge honor and I felt overwhelmed and excited. There would be a cost for the program. I immediately wrote it off as, "it's not gonna happen" but then I "placed it out in the universe" and the magic began. Through a facebook post, I expressed my feelings and concerns. I received so many comments and so much encouragement that I began to think, this might just happen! 

{Only a few of  the 33 comments, full post here.}

After seeing the awesome facebook feedback, I thought, I need to go home and really talk to my Husband and see what he thinks. I sent him the email I received for him to review, he is the logic and financial person in our relationship. I thought, he won't see the value, he will think it's a waste of my money, he will write it off as "eh do you really want to do this?" and I will be persuaded to move on. That didn't happen at all. I came home, asked my Husband, what do you think? He began to tell me how it would be a relevant program, and that it would be up to me, if I wanted to do it, then go for it. Not what I expected. 

Then I asked HACE for types of payment options I had for the program and the wonderful administrative team suggested I ask my employer and sent me a letter to ask them for possible funding. I was a bit intimidated having only been at my company for about 9 months but moved forward. And, I've received good, positive feedback from my manager. I am still waiting on higher-ups to decide if they can help but still, I had the faith and courage to ask and I feel that's the first step to success. Plus my co-worker and immediate managers' response was so supportive I felt so good about having asked. 

With this experience I know will come great responsibility but as always I want to share this journey with all the Momma's that read my blog and seek to be inspired. 

What have I learned so far? Well, you must... 

::Claim your ticket:: 

Opportunities come to you for a reason, whether expected or not we should claim our tickets and figure out what we need to do to succeed in those opportunities. Sure, you should weigh out the pros and cons but know that this is yours, and you deserve it! Claim it! Speak it into existence and have faith that you will find your way.  Somebody once told  me, "Connie if this is for you, it's already yours." Those words have been with me for years... because it's true. Anything that is truly and genuinely meant for you, is already written into your future, you just have to take it and run! 

::Take Care of You::

The same night that I talked to my Hubby about this program was the same night of the new show 'Strong'. One of the contests said that same old story of mommas everywhere... "I became too invested in caring for others, that I often forget to take care of myself." After I cried my face out, I thought, this program is all about taking care of ME. As a Momma with a career and who wants to be a certain example for her family and most importantly for my daughter, I must take care of me! No more putting ourselves on the back burner... because you will be burned out. 

::Invest in You::

Just like a well-oiled business, your are a brand and a business for your company, you must invest in bettering yourself and learning more for the benefit of everyone. Sure it can seem like a lot of time and money but in the long run, it's so worth it. Spending on yourself isn't only about clothes and shoes, it's also about feeding your mind and motivating your soul. I am sure we can find "better" things to spend our money on but we can also waste it on those things that have no real value, so why not invest in yourself. You must put a little effort into being a better you, even if it costs you. 

::Own It::

Not like "Yay, I did it" but YES, this is mine and I will slay! You know that moment Beyonce walks on stage and you know she is gonna be a badass, well she knew that before taking the first step onto that stage. That natural vibe of certainty is where you want to be. That confidence that yes, THIS IS MINE. I deserve it, I will own it and I will be a badass. It's already yours if you are sitting in the moment and experience, no one can take it from you and don't allow the outside world to take it from you. It's none of their business, it's yours! 

::Fully Commit:: 

There is nothing that hurts me more than people who are like yes, I can and will do this but then a few days later they have more important commitments or other priorities. I know things happen and people's lives change from one second to another, but if you have been accepted into a certain path, why not fully commit? Why not erase self-doubt and stop making excuses? Just like we have made sacrifices, invested money and weighed out the good and the bad to accept the opportunity; those people presenting us with the opportunity have done the same. They have fit you into their schedule so why not commit to doing the same for them? So yes, please fully commit to those things that will be beneficial to your well-being and in the long wrong to your overall quality of life.