:: 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!

::Momma's Day Brunch with Tabasco:: #SaborTabasco

::Momma Disclosure:: {This is a compensated post. In collaboration with Tabasco. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest.}

As a Mexican Momma  I love the bold flavor and spicy goodness that Tabasco sauce adds to all my favorite dishes! I especially love it on my scrambled eggs and as topping to many of my favorite Mexican dishes. Did you know that Tabasco has seven great flavors to help you add spice to your homemade food?? There is Original Red Sauce, Green Jalapeño Sauce, Habanero Sauce and Chipotle Sauce. A delicious and new flavor to fit every member of the family and friends alike! This Momma's Day what will you be adding the taste of  Tabasco Sauce to?

Me I think I will create the Scrambled Egg Enfrijoladas from the Tabasco website. You too can create so many traditional favorites, all the recipes are found online on their site. 

                                          {Picture provided by PR company; recipe below.} 

Whether you are creating a special dish for that loved Momma in your life or just getting together with other Momma's let Tabasco be the added flavor to your day! 

Do you want to win this amazing Tabasco sauce caddie with all 7 flavors?! 

Enter below! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Scrambled Egg Enfrijoladas

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beans (cooked or canned, pinto or black)
• 2 teaspoons Tabasco Original Red Sauce
• 2 1/4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade or reduced-sodium canned or boxed
• Salt to taste
• 10 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 12 corn tortillas

Garnish

• 1/2 cup Ranchero cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Mexican crema
• 1/4 white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 or 2 avocados, sliced
• 1 (6-ounce) piece chorizo, crumbled into small pieces and well cooked (OPTIONAL)

Preparation: 

1. Heat oil in large frying pan. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes. Add beans, Tabasco Sauce, stock and salt. Cook another 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender jar and puree until smooth.
2. Cook scrambled eggs. Set aside.
3. Pour oil into a medium frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, using tongs, quickly pass the tortillas through the hot oil to coat them. Drain on a paper towel.
4. Fill each tortilla with approximately 2 tablespoons of scrambled egg and tightly roll up. Place tortillas in a shallow serving dish and cover with bean sauce. Garnish with cheese, crema, onion, avocado and optional chorizo.

Feel free to share Tabasco with your friends and family via the following social media channels:

• Facebook: facebook.com/Tabasco
• Twitter: @TABASCO
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/tabasco
• Hashtag: #SaborTabasco

::Lauren:: {Being a Momma} #mommaseries2014

{Laren} is a new friend that through the awesomeness of social media became an instant connection here in Houston she is going to be a first time Momma and here is her response to our Momma's Day prompt:

Hello! My name is Lauren, my husband and I will have our first child a boy due at the end of August of this year. We will be naming him Jonathan Alexander (daddy's middle name).

What do you feel makes you the mother you are today? 

This past Saturday we felt him move for the first time together, and it's an amazing feeling to know soon we will become parents to our very own child. We suffered a miscarriage three years ago, and didn't know if I was able to have a child and behold we start the new year with this amazing gift after celebrating five years of marriage.

I am beyond happy to become a mother and being taught by my grandma and mom, I'm ready to take this on and of course learn as I go and have our child teach me and my husband!

What were those defining moments that made you realize Motherhood had just gotten REAL!? 

When I first heard his heartbeat didn't really believe after the home test, but once I heard the heartbeat it got real and now really real after I feel his movement in my stomach.

Finally; what is it that you hope/pray/wish that your children will learn from you that will shape their adulthood?

I hope I can be the best mother to our child, and hope that my husband and I can teach him things that has made us stronger and who we are today! We are very proud and can't wait to welcome him into this world in August, and have him teach us and we will teach him!

Thank you,

Lauren

::Melo:: {Being a Momma} #mommaseries2014

{Melo} is a sweet friend that I met as an employee at Workforce Solutions. We have stayed friends and I feel that Motherhood has been one of our biggest connections...as it is with most of my fellow Momma's. 

Here is her funny and ever so sincere response to our prompt:

Greetings Connie!

Thank you so much for asking us, as Mom's to be a part of this special series.  

Being a Mom is something that I have wanted and treasured.  I am a Mother of 3; Zach age 16, Lilly age 7 and Cody age 5. 

When Zach was less than a year old, I went through an awful divorce.  My Husband is such a Blessing and we were thrilled when we found out that we were going to have a baby together.  Unfortunately, something was not right and we suffered a miscarriage.  Thankfully, we did not give up and two beautiful Blessings followed.

Before Lilly & Cody were born, I took Zach to his first Texans Football game, he was around 7 or 8 years old.  We opted to use the family restroom, rather then to be separated.  He went first and washed his hands while I was squatting.  He finished and just opened the door and held it open.  Well, right outside was the main hallway and so many people were walking by and I just wanted to die.  When I screamed his name, it drew so much attention!  We just laughed and laughed, that is something that I will never forget!

Happy Mothers Day 2014!

::Being a Momma:: #mommaofdos

Thank you for joining me on this Momma's Day Series!

I did one a couple of years ago and had not had a chance to do another, so I am really excited to share these Momma's thoughts on Motherhood....

Many of us have children; many women have children daily but what was that one defining moment that you feel made you the Mother/Person you are today?

We are going to kick off the series with yours truly! 

Hello My name is Connie of Momma of Dos! I have DOS  children they are Santiago who is a little man at 4 years old and Camila my rebellious 3 year old Diva! They are my world. 

What do you feel makes you the momma you are today? I believe that my Momma and how she raised me has made me the Momma I am today! She was understanding and open about our relationship. She always gave me great advice and was there for me in so many ways. She was respected and determined to make young respectful and respected ladies out of my sister and myself. 

What were those defining moments that made you realize Momma-hood had just gotten REAL!? From the moment that I brought Santiago home I realized that my selfish ways had come to an end and my life was no longer about me. Now I had this tiny human being depending on me, needing me, and wanting to be with me 24/7. The reality that we were not 2 anymore set in and the mentality of 3 or more began to grow and nurture life! It has been amazing ever since, everyday is a new day, new tantrums, new milestones reached. 

Finally; what is it that you hope/pray/wish that your children will learn from you that will shape their adulthood? 

I would hope that they could learn that nothing in this life will ever be handed to you, that they will have to be committed and work hard to achieve their true dreams. And, I pray that they never,ever give up and always strive for their best to be respectful and true people of integrity.