Mommy Mondays: Joanna and Shalom

Happy Monday everyone! 

Today on the blog, we have Joanna and Shalom. 

Joanna is a teacher, a minister, wife, and a mom; to name a few. 

How long have you been a mom?

I have been a mom for 7 months and 5 days 

Tell us about your child? 

Shalom is very a loving, determined, hilarious, strong-willed, adventurous, and curious soul. She is also extremely beautiful, bright, and she wakes up smiling every morning 

Breast milk or formula? 

Breast milk 100 percent. I think that if any mother is able to nurse than she should 

What is your biggest fear being a new mom?

My biggest concern about being a new mom is making sure that I am able to read and learn my child's cues. I also had phobias about bathing, especially when she was a newborn. Lastly, I want to make sure that I AM and I STAY the most influential person in her life, especially during teenage years 

You have relocated since pregnancy; Any tips for mommy’s or parents who are thinking of uprooting or relocating their family?

Please make sure that wherever you go you HAVE or you ESTABLISH a great support system for you and your family. Especially if you're a first time mom. Get involved and search for partnerships that encourage and promote healthy parenting 

What’s your favorite baby item out right now?

I have two...My favorite baby items out right now are The Munch Mitt and The Baby Bullet, I highly recommend both 

What can you tell us about what you expected motherhood to be versus the reality of motherhood?

Honestly,I went into motherhood very open minded. Even though I love working with children and I trust that it is one of my strengths, I also understood that raising my own child would be much different from working with children that aren't mine biologically. I can say that motherhood is very challenging, fun, time consuming, and rewarding ALL in one. The hardest part of motherhood for me was the reality of not being able to sleep as I was accustomed. I did not anticipate that, as I love my sleep. While I really didn't know what to expect, I really didn't think motherhood was going to be as pleasantly demanding as it is. #I have a new profound love and respect for all mothers who are parenting. 

What advice would you give other women who are preparing to expand their families?

I would advise every woman looking to expand their families to: (1) Do your own research (as it relates to parenting, immunizations, and babyhood) and do what works best for YOU; (2) To first remember to raise your children/child up in The Lord AND also, remember that it's okay to step outside of the box and include new (your own) traditions when raising your children/child and not solely sticking to how you were raised; (3) It's good to be open to the advice of others (including doctors), but you MUST ultimately do what BEST works for your children/child; (4) Trust that saying, "No" to people (strangers and family/friends) who want to kiss and touch your baby in the face IS acceptable and definitely necessary!!  

Thank you, Joanna, for sharing your baby girl and some great tips here on R.I.B.! I look forward to speaking with you again about womanhood in addition to motherhood.

Xoxo, 

Shay Nefeteria