Parent Interviews: Heather

It's time for another installment of Parent Interviews! This weeks mom is Heather. She has some really cute pancakes on her blog, so make sure to check her out!

Name: Heather

Age:
33

Number of Kids You Have:
Two

Number of Kids You Want:
Two is good for now, but we will see what the future holds.

Profession:
Stay at home mom, caregiver to one adorable little girl, and blogger
www.smallfamilybigworld.com

What is your favorite memory as a parent?  

I think one of my favorite memories as a parent is the when my daughter came to meet our son for the first time in the hospital.  She was so excited about being a big sister, and when she finally was allowed to see us, I asked her who I was holding and she proudly said "That's my brother!"  Melt my heart.

What is your favorite memory of your mom or dad? 

I grew up with 4 brothers and 1 sister, so there are a lot of fun family memories.  Something that sticks out in my mind though are food fights.  Yes, you read that right, food fights.  We normally had good manners at the table, but I can remember at least two times where my dad started a food fight by sending some mashed potatoes across the table.  As a parent, I haven't had a food fight with my kids, but this reminds me to just let go sometimes.  Have some fun and be silly with your kids.

We always say we're not going to be like our moms or dads. What is your "Oh my god, I'm like my Mom" moment?  

Buying a minivan.  I always thought I could figure out a way to never have a minivan, but I have to say it is pretty convenient. 

What is your best parenting advise?
Be patient.  This is really hard to do sometimes, but I feel like my kids learn how to do things better when they do it themselves, and sometimes that takes time.  This is also true for milestones.  My son was a very late crawler, and I often compared him to my friend's kids.  (That is another good piece of advice; don't compare your kids to anyone else)  In the end, I had nothing to worry about, he was just happy sitting where he was and began crawling when he wanted to.  Now I can't make him stay still!  My daughter proved this to us when she gave up her pacis.  We tried for months to take away her pacis, but one day she told us "I don't need a paci anymore," handed them over, and she was done.  I also love it when they accomplish something and, with a big smile on their face, they say "I did it!"

What is the funniest thing your child has said?  

My sister and my daughter have a great relationship, and they often like to have Auntie time without me.  I dropped my daughter off one time, and as soon as I left she said "Now that mommy is gone we can do whatever we want!"  I think I am in trouble.

Lately my son is in this kick of proclaiming "I am amazing!"  I think this started when I said it when he used the potty for the first time, but lately he has been saying it for big (using the potty) and little (eating his food) things.

What is your pet peeve?

Dishes that flip over in the dishwasher.  I dislike opening a clean load of dishes to find cups or bowls flipped over and filled with yucky water.  I feel like rinsing them is not enough and I have to wash them again.

What is your favorite dessert and/or indulgence?

My weakness is ice cream.  Graeter's Mocha Chip. YUM!

What is your favorite thing to do (without the kids)?

My husband and I like to try new restaurants.  There are so many amazing places to eat in our town, but taking the kids is not always an option.  We have created a list of places we want to try and are slowly checking them off when we can.

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?

The Zoo!  Our zoo is amazing, and since we have a season pass, we go all the time but never feel like we have to see everything in one trip.  My daughter loves the giraffes and my son is split between the elephants and riding the train.

What is your favorite holiday?

My favorite holiday is the Fourth of July.  Our Fourth of July traditions include watching a parade, riding ponies at a festival, cooking out with family, and watching fireworks.  I love that I don't have to buy an presents for anyone and we can just spend the day with our family.

What book are you reading?

Right now I am reading The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.  This is the current book for my book club, but it is taking me so long to read!  They last book I read and really enjoyed was The Hunger Games.

List one random piece of information about yourself that you want to share:

I wish I could wear flip flops everyday.

Parent Interviews: Heather

It's time for another installment of Parent Interviews! Today's story comes from Heather. She has an amazing story, so please check out her website. If you are interested in contributing to my Parent Interview series, please contact me at cake_star_mom@yahoo.com.



Name: Heather

Age: 44

Number of Kids You Have: 1

Number of Kids You Want: I am thrilled with the one I DO have... I honestly never thought of how many. 

Profession: Patient advocate and writer/ blogger ww.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather

What is your favorite memory as a parent? Seeing my daughter and my parents bond.  Because of the circumstances that happened when she was just 3 months old, my parents and Lily have such an amazing bond...regardless of the miles and time between visits, that relationship is something beyond special, and is something I will always be in awe of and cherish. I was diagnosed with a rare and almost always fatal cancer when she was 3 months old, so My parents stepped in and raised her while I had surgery to save my life. She lived with them while I was 1800 miles away.  Now, 7 years later, they are closer than ever. Just knowing what we've ALL been through, memories are something we hold close. 

What is your favorite memory of your mom or dad? I don't know if I can pin down a favorite memory... I would maybe say, that over the years the relationship that has formed and grown from parent /child to mentors and protectors, and now, very dear dear friends. My mom is my best friend and so much more, my dad? I can't begin to put into words what he means to me. 

We always say we're not going to be like our moms or dads. What is your "Oh my god, I'm like my Mom" moment? I think the first time I yelled "LILY ROSE!!!!" Using the first AND Middle name!!  I always knew I was in trouble when she pulled out the middle name!!

What is your best parenting advise? You cannot be everything to everyone.  You cannot do it ALL nor should you try. Pick 2.  Be really good at 2, and the others? don't stack them so high on your list.  Having it all means you have nothing left for those who love you most. 

What is the funniest thing your child has said? One day she was eating an ice cream cone at home, and our cat Ruby, walked up and started licking it. The cat left, and Lily licked the ice cream cone where Ruby had, and exclaimed: It tastes like Kitty Licks!!!

What is your pet peeve? Inconsiderate people... 

What is your favorite dessert and/or indulgence? Pie. I love pie. Strawberry Rhubarb is my absolute favorite... Mmmmmmm

What is your favorite thing to do (without the kids)? I love going to a good show, live Theater, or even a movie. 

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?  I love to go on "adventures"  I'll pick her up from school, or get in the car and say.. well??? what shall we do now?? We have no plan, we just wing it. We have had more fun and discovered really interesting places by doing this. 

What is your favorite holiday? It's not a "traditional holiday" by any means. It is a holiday that is special to our family.  It's called "Lungleavin Day"  It is the anniversary of my surgery to remove my lung due to mesothelioma.. it is the day my lung left, hence the name Lungleavin.. We celebrate life on the first Saturday of February. We throw a huge party, invite everyone we know, have tons of food, and booze, and a huge bonfire in our back yard. We write our fears on a plate and smash the plate into the bonfire. It is really cathartic, and empowering. We are expecting a record turnout this year. :) http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/throw-your-fears-to-the-fire.htm

What book are you reading? I'm currently reading the first book in The Game of Thrones series.. very deep.. but really really good. 

List one random piece of information about yourself that you want to share: If I could, I would get many, many, many more tattoos... :D


Update 5/14/13: Heather has a video on her story with her fight with cancer.

Parent Interviews

I thought it would be fun to hear about different moms or dads and their experiences with parenting. We're all so different, but we're on the same journey and can learn from each other! This is the beginning of my Parent Interview posts, so I thought I would get the ball rolling. If you would be interested in participating, contact me at cake_star_mom@yahoo.com. I can Skype, talk on the phone, or email...whatever works best for you. I look forward to hearing your stories! I would also love to have a picture to add to the post, so feel free to send a picture of you or you with your kids. (I will not be editing the pictures, so make sure they appear how you want them to look.) 

Name: Sarah

Age: 33

Number of Kids You Have: 2

Number of Kids You Want: 2. For awhile I thought about 3, but we are all potty trained and in school. It's really nice not to have to carry a diaper bag and to get a full nights sleep (most of the time).

Profession: I am a stay at home mom. Before the kids came around, I was was a legal assistant. I love being able to see their growth. Although some days I crave adult conversation. I also have my blog, which keeps my brain active :)

What is your favorite memory as a parent? I have a lot of favorite memories, some of which would totally embarrass the kids if they ever knew I shared, so I will share some of the not too embarrassing ones. My first one was when they grabbed my finger for the first time as babies. One of my current ones is when they sometimes smile in their sleep when I give them a kiss goodnight. Of course, I don't think I'll ever forget when they came into my room, completely naked, and stated "I nakie boy!" while standing in a superhero pose. The one that always makes me get the smoochy feeling is when I find hubby and the boys playing a game or wrestling together. 

What is your favorite memory of your mom or dad? Hmm...I loved baking cookies, and eating the dough, with my Mom. For my Dad, I remember sitting in the back of the car listening to a rock station. The song I remember the most was a song with werewolves and howling. I think it was Werewolves of London.

We always say we're not going to be like our moms (or dads). What is your "Oh my god, I'm like my Mom" moment? There are several, but one the first times it hit me was when I said "Because I told you so."

What is your best parenting advise? You know your child best. Listen to your gut. There have been times that I knew my child was off and others thought it was nothing. We went to the doctor and sure enough he was sick. Also, write down the important milestones and funny moments when they happen in a memory book. They can be easily forgotten in the everyday rush.

What is the funniest thing your child has said? There's a never ending stream. However, the latest one was a conversation between the boys. Bernardo had just come home from school, was tired, and wanted to play by himself. Higgins kept bugging Bernardo to play with him. Finally Bernardo asks, "Why would I want to play with you?" with all the indignation an older brother could muster. Higgins replies, "Because you have good taste?"

What is your pet peeve? Snotty noses. I know, I know. It's a weird one, but I have had allergies and runny noses almost all my life. I can't stand to see boogies hanging out. My kids are like any other kids and don't like to have their noses wiped off, so they just roll their eyes at me. Some days it isn't worth the fight, but it will bug me all day.

What is your favorite dessert and/or indulgence? I have a huge weakness for sweets. My favorite is probably a cannoli or chocolate cheesecake.

What is your favorite thing to do (without the kids)? I love going to dinner and a movie with my husband. 

What is your favorite thing to do with your kids? I love going on new adventures with the kids. However, our favorite repeat is going to the zoo. We also have dance parties, because they are still young enough to think that mommy dances well.

What is your favorite holiday? Halloween, followed by Christmas. I love Halloween because of the decorations and how much fun the kids have. Strangely enough, I hate haunted houses. I love Christmas because we get to spend time with family. The look on my kids faces on Christmas morning makes the late night wrapping worth it.

What book are you reading? The last book I read was Masters of Spinjitzu, a Ninjago book. My personal reading time has been cut back considerably. 

List one random piece of information about yourself: I hate folding laundry. Sometimes though, it can make me smile.

Hubby and Bernardo's boxers. I didn't even realize they had
matching boxers until I did laundry one day.