An Interview with Me!

I am one of the million or so that follow Kelly of Kelly’s Korner… She recently did an interview for the blog Start Your Family.  I thought the questions were really important ones to answer so here goes…

What emotional or practical hurdles did you and your husband have to overcome to start your family?

Devin and I were fortunate enough to get pregnant without trying.  I say fortunate because if we had been “trying” I think my emotional state would have been stressed, scared, insecure, etc.  Though I still had those emotions (and more), I felt very confident knowing that this was God’s timing and His plan for our lives.  I don’t think I would have ever felt truly ready to be a mom so I was thankful that God intervened.  I never had time to ask “Am I ready?”  It was “Here we go!”

Where did you go for advice; what were your sources of encouragement for getting started?

Obviously, we went to friends and family.  I have a fabulous OB and she was very encouraging.  I was also in a wonderful Bible study at the time with women who were willing to share their experiences with me and give me Biblical training.

Did you have any unusual cravings during pregnancy?

I was addicted to Burrito Supremes from Taco Bell and Chewy Spree. (You would never find me at the mall without a couple of quarters ready for the candy machines.)  I spent most of my pregnancy with an aversion to chicken, which was really unusual since I tend to cook with chicken at least three times a week.  I had to be really creative with our meals.

What surprised you most about becoming a mom?

I could definitely say how much I love her, but that really wasn’t a surprise since she is half me and half the love of my life… how could I not be completely in love with her?

The things that have surprised me are far less typical such as how many complete strangers will stop and talk to me about Finley and even more surprising how glad I am that they do (I tend to be always in a hurry and not big on chit-chat) and how expensive professional photography is! I have also been completely in awe of how God created our little girl to be exactly what we needed.  He could have chosen to challenge us with our first child and that would have been fine, but instead, He gave us an Angel/ Textbook baby that adjusts easily and develops on schedule.

How has having a baby affected your marriage?

Strangely, having a baby has made us more structured AND more spontaneous.  I think it has been really positive for our marriage because we do not take it for granted that we will get to spend quality time together… we plan for it and then also take it every chance we get.  It’s a fun blend… it’s kind of like we are dating again!  We have worked hard to get Finley on a good routine with an early bedtime so that we can spend time together every day.  As with most things, change can either bring you closer together or further apart.  I can’t imagine being on this journey with anyone, but Devin.  He is a great example to Finley of what she should desire in a husband because he continues to put our marriage first while still being completely in love with his little girl.

How has having children affected your relationship with God?

From the beginning, I wanted to make it clear to myself and to God that this child was HIS.  I feel very honored that God chose to bless Devin and I with a child and that Finley was the child He designed to be raised by us.  I take it very seriously that He has a plan for her that can only be fulfilled with us as her parents.  That said I am leaning on God in a new way to accomplish His goal in my life and hers.  I feel closer to God and am continuing to find my sufficiency only in Him. (Sufficiency in Christ has been a continual theme in my life during big events such as getting married and becoming a mom!)  I realize every day that God gives me EXACTLY what is needed to accomplish what He has ordained.

When do you find time to blog as a mom?

I tend to blog while Finley is napping… It is not uncommon for me to start a post during her morning nap, revise it during her afternoon nap, and publish it late afternoon… or even the next day! 

What role has your blog—and blog readers—played in your journey to parenthood?

I was not a blogger before I became a parent and I am thankful that I had friends in the blog world that encouraged me to become one of them so to speak.  I have found incredible, Godly parenting resources and advice that I would not have found otherwise.  I continue to be amazed by God’s ability to meet my needs by using people I have never met and have no idea that I am “stalking” their blogs!

What advice would you give a couple considering starting a family?

God was specific in how we should prioritize our lives… God first, Spouse second, Children third.  Obviously, it is what is best because it is God’s design, but when I keep my priorities as He intended, I can tell a huge difference in how my day goes.  I think the best advice that can be given is to take every measure possible to maintain your relationship with God and your husband before that of your child.  It is not how we see it done in the world, but it IS what is best for your family!!!!!