Hello! Let me start out by saying I have a news background, and I am used to sticking to the who, what, where, when and whys of a story. I don’t ever go into details, and rarely do I share my feelings on paper, so this blog is a new experience…but here it goes…
I was born and raised in Lincoln and I have no plans to leave anytime soon. There’s a sense of comfort that comes from knowing your town like the back of your hand.
I attended the University of Nebraska—Lincoln where I graduated with a degree in journalism. As a college freshman, I met my future husband, Mitch, and we’ve been together ever since. We married in June 2010, and had our first child, Cohen, in May 2011. With what has felt like a rapid pace, we transitioned from a family of three to a family of four, as we welcomed our daughter Collyns in April 2014.
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all too established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesn’t end, but rather just begins.
It is a balancing act especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
Growing up, I know many girls have the dream of being a doctor, lawyer or a teacher, but I knew I wanted to be a mom. I learned at a young age that a mother is more than a role model, but a best friend. My mother showed me what it’s like to be both the greatest mom and friend, and that’s why I wanted to have my dream job.
I have experienced the power of the bond between mother and child. It’s a bond that’s established at conception and brought to fullness at birth. It’s because of the wonderful birthing experience I’ve had with both of my children that I was able to really focus on that special bond.
Before having Cohen, my expectations of the actual birthing process were limited to a vision of shared space with a stranger — a thin curtain serving as the only division between us.
Let’s just say I was pleasantly surprised to walk into my delivery room at the Bryan Family Birthplace feeling less like a roommate, and more like a guest. I immediately took notice of the flat screen TV, private bathroom, big bed (all to myself) and a pullout couch for my husband. I was in charge of the remote and could watch all the reality TV I wanted. This was a much-appreciated luxury, especially when I spent more than 12 hours in labor with each of my children.
I wouldn’t have made it through those 12 hours if it weren’t for all of my labor and delivery nurses who became my go-to gals. From ice chips to advice, those nurses probably learned more of my life than they probably wanted to, but I appreciate their kindness and willingness to lend an ear as well as a helping hand.
Yes, the delivery was the best part — setting eyes on a beautiful child for the first time is truly love at first sight.
However, coming in second would be the food… did I mention room service? I ordered from a menu that offers all different kinds of food including my favorite dessert! I would compare the service to Jimmy John’s…they’re FREAKY FAST. Plus, it’s delivered to your door. And no one judges how much food you order. The snack room is a part of my food experience, and I’m sure I can say with little doubt that the “special key” made my husband and three-year-old smile. I can’t tell you the countless number of fruit snacks and Oreo cookies Cohen consumed in two days.
From check-in to checkout, I would compare my stay at Bryan to staying at an all-inclusive resort. Yet, normally when you leave a resort, you take home only the memories. After leaving Bryan, you get to bring back the best gift of all — motherhood.
Even now more than six months after the birth of my daughter, my son and I will drive by Bryan, and he’ll say, “Mommy, there’s the place we got my baby sister…when can we pick up a brother?”
I look forward to the opportunity of sharing my experiences as a mother with you as I take on this new adventure of being a CapitalMOM blogger.
Let the fun begin!
