DFTM 2012 in Review

(Photo Courtesy: Government Technology)

Dear Diary,

I launched Diary of a First Time Mom to celebrate my first Mother’s Day and to share my story beyond my circle of friends and family members.  The blog began as a way to heal from heartbreak.  After a long-term relationship, my daughter’s dad dumped me in my second trimester.  But writing soon turned into a way to connect with other moms–single or married, black or white, working or staying at home.   Although we each had a unique story to share, we could relate to one another simply because we were mothers.  Some took on this title through labor and delivery.  Others adopted or endured IVF.  And out paths all led to our love for our children.   It was hard to select five favorite stories I told my DFTM family, but I tried to do my best.  Here’s the list.  Let me know what you would add.

Mom of the Week: Jacqueline “I’m a Survivor” Howard:  One of the First Mom of the Week honorees still inspires me months later.  Jacqueline Howard has a smile as bright as the sun.  It lights up a room and warms the hearts of everyone inside. Because her joy overflows, most people assume she hasn’t experienced much pain.  But behind her smile lies a deeper story.  At the age of 12, her mother suddenly passed away.  And by the time Howard reached 30, she had attended funerals for her father and sister as well.  Over the years, she learned to be strong in order to survive. And that strength helped her live life.  She obtained two degrees, got married, and gave birth to a son.  Life was becoming better each day.  Then, she received more bad news.  Her doctor diagnosed her with Breast Cancer, and she stopped being strong.  Instead, she decided to surrender it all to God and smile.  Read her story.  Make sure you have a box of Kleenex’s nearby!

Stretch Mark Metaphors:  When I was pregnant, I managed to go nine months without a mark. I gained about 30 pounds total, mostly during the third trimester. Then, I noticed squiggly lines on my belly.  Did someone draw on my stomach while I slept?  I couldn’t believe my eyes! Then I looked beyond the stretch marks on my stomach and realized that the baby inside my belly was well worth a few flaws.  Read this post and leave your mark in the comment box.

8 Ways Motherhood Changed Me:  Motherhood changed me physically and mentally.  Mostly for the better. I’m happier, healthier and more motivated than ever. You might be hesitant to change for your man, your mother or your friend, but a small baby will inspire you to make major improvements in your life. Click on this article and tell me how motherhood changed your life for the better.

Whip That Titty Out:  My grandmother was very ladylike.  Even when she didn’t step foot outside of her house, her hair was freshly curled and her makeup was neatly applied.  She never raised her voice, let alone used inappropriate language. So, her words one day came as quite a surprise to the entire family.  My nephew, who was born 8 pounds and 4 ounces, had doubled his weight in a month.  He was  being particularly fussy and was hungry as usual.  I assume my sister was taking her time to breastfeed him, since he probably finished a meal moments before.  My grandmother then yelled out words we never knew were in her vocabulary, “Whip that titty out, and feed your baby!”  Although funny, her words ring true!  As a breastfeeding mommy, I’m not afraid to whip it out.  Read this story and tell me what you think about public displays of breastfeeding.

Ex Out Eczema:  When my daughter was a couple of months old, I noticed dry patches on her skin. I moisturized her often and ran a humidifier. But the problem didn’t go away. Her pediatrician prescribed an ointment, but the steroid caused hyper-pigmentation.  So, I picked the brains of fellow moms, Skincare Expert Dr. Patricia Treadwell, and The National Eczema Association to put together a guide to Ex Out Eczema.  Check out what they had to say and tell us what works for your little one’s dry skin.