Parenting Surprises {+ Giveaway}

Photo // B Faith Photography 

Custom Headbows // Jameson Monroe

Shirt // Loft

I still find it strange to be a 'parent'.  I understood pregnancy and how hard Jordan and I both worked to get to that point in our life- but the fact that I am actually a mother to two precious little girls is still pretty surreal. Nearly eight months into it and we still have the same conversation "Is it weird that I cannot get over the fact that I am a parent?"  I forget somedays that their first word could be 'momma' and for them to be referring to me (even though Jordan works 'daddy' on a daily basis- determined man).  

I have said it before that I knew I wanted to be a mother at some point in my life- but the joy I've found in raising these babies has surprised me more than anything else throughout this journey.  If you would have asked me a year ago 'what kind of mother do you think you'll be', my answer, even though I haven't a clue what it would have been, would probably be off from where I am today.  Maybe it is because my mom and I have had a strained relationship throughout my entire life and were never close- no matter how hard either of us tried. Who knows.  What I do know is that I wouldn't trade this experience for anything in the whole world.

Breastfeeding @ 1 year ago: "yea, I'll give it a try.. but I"ve heard how tough it can be and if I cant I'll be okay with it."
Breastfeeding after 8 months: The most rewarding times of the day with my two girls.  I would have never thought I would be such an avenue of advice to so many women that email me on a daily basis questioning and asking for tips on breastfeeding. I have been so blessed to be able to feed these girls and have really loved every minute of it. I never thought   for a single second that I would enjoy it as much as I do. 

Being a SAHM @ 1 year ago: "I love my job too much.  I worked so hard to get to where I am, I'll be fine going back to work.  I'm not the 'stay-at-home' type."
Being a SAHM after 8 months: Most mornings I wake up longing to stay in bed another hour and wait for my sweet littles to wake up.  I hate leaving before they are awake for the day.  Once I get to work, I'm usually okay.. but there are some days when all I can think about is being home with Parker and Jolie.  

Finding joy in raising kids @ 1 year ago: "I cannot wait to be a mother.  We have waited too long for this and now our dream is coming true."
Finding joy in raising kids after 8 months: Completely selfless.  My response last year was all about us and how hard we had worked.  Now, my focus has turned to being all about them.  I find more interest in talking about them, learning from them, and leading them than I do anything else.  My once love for cooking has been shadowed by the fact that I don't want to be in the kitchen in the evenings when I could be playing with them (especially after being gone all day).  Hence the severe lack of posting to Chocolate Broccoli these last couple of months.  Somedays I say to myself 'I'll plan to make something blog worthy this week'.. but the truth is, everything I make in my kitchen has potential to be blog worthy, but as I have evolved into a mother, so must my foodie blog.  Not to mention the change in this one as well.

My unending concern for another human being @ 1 year ago: "So excited! I'll care for and do my best to care for these girls the best I can."
My unending concern for another human being after 8 months: Comment above, just multiplied by about 639,529,565.  Who knew I would be so worried (anxiety stricken) over such little things like letting them cry too long, leaving them with a sitter, not sitting in the back seat with them anymore, where is the paci?  We cannot forget Parker's 'wubby'.  It has been way too long since they ate- are they getting enough, are we bathing them too much?  Are they cold?  I think they get cold at night..

..and the list goes on {forever}              

Perfect example: When the girls got their first diaper rash.  Seriously brought me to tears.  I thought for sure it was something I had done, but I worked really hard to keep them dry and it was inevitable.  They were great sports about it.. didn't cry much at all, but it just looked so painful. Thanks to some tips from fellow momma's, our pediatrician, and a sample of Dr. Smith's  ointment.. These girls had some cleared up booties in no time! We tried a few other rash ointments, and then I get a chance to try Dr. Smith's and love it! I couldnt find it in stores, so, I asked our pharmacy if they carried it, and they were sweet enough to special order if for me. I had to do this with another rash cream we tried once before, so they knew the drill. What's even better news it that  Dr. Smith's is now available in Walgreen's across the country! 

In honor of this special occasion, I'm hosting a giveaway for one of my lucky readers to win a $50 gift card to Walgreens. Of course, if you don't have kiddos, spend it however you please (I would totally splurge on office supplies, make up, and candy, but that's just me..) If you do have a little one (or two!) grab a tube of Dr. Smith's. You won't be disappointed! 

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