Mommy Who

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    • Mommy Who…April Rainbows

      There’s the saying “April showers bring May flowers”. This statement is particularly accurate where I live, and I look forward to May’s warmth and blossoms. This year, I recognize something more to celebrate, the “end of April rainbows”. That is what I would like to call the brief period at the end of April/ beginning of May where it feels as though the winter has passed, but just before spring is in full bloom and the heat waves arrive. This is a blog written by a mom and today I would like to celebrate those who call me mom. Four years ago, in April 2021, in the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, I proposed to my husband that we attend an informational seminar on becoming foster parents. It had been something we discussed before, but things were now being set into motion. After a year of classes, paperwork, preparation, and prayerful consideration, we became licensed foster parents in April of the following year. Newly certified and eager to share our love and home with a child who needed it. My husband and I welcomed our first placement just a few weeks after becoming foster parents. Two toddler boys who immediately had our hearts with their sense of humor, resilience, and dimples, which they were ( and still are) aware of how to add to a smile for an extra chance of favor in their negotiations. Six months into the parenting journey, those two toddler boys became big brothers to a sweet baby girl. Their biological sister entered the foster care system at birth, and when allowed to foster her as well, we said “absolutely”. We could not imagine splitting them up, and we felt equipped and supported to care for these three wonderful children. It was a long road of uncertainties and transitions. We went from having no kids to two, and then three children in six months. My husband and I felt that we had outgrown our home, and when our daughter was about one year old, we moved to accommodate this need. We celebrated birthdays, holidays, lost teeth, preschool graduations, first steps, removing training wheels, and even potty training. At the very end of April 2024, exactly three years after this journey began, we officially adopted our three children. We had much to celebrate. I admire the “April rainbows”, because jumping from the gloom and darkness of winter to the cheery brightness of summer overlooks the beauty of the in between. While we have had so much to rejoice in, there have also been scary, sad, and confusing moments. I do not neglect the trauma and tragedy that happened to be able to share their last name, and more importantly, raise these children. I consider it a privilege to be called their mom, even when things get challenging. In appreciating the rainbow, I can acknowledge the beauty while being reminded of the storms that we have survived, together.  In the Bible, rainbows are mentioned as God’s covenant to Noah, and all humanity, that He will not wipe out the earth with a flood again. “ I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.”(Genesis 9:13-15 NLT). It is just one reminder of His mercy, goodness, and faithfulness. On this one-year anniversary of our children’s adoption, I am full of joy and confident in the promises God has for our family and us all. Whatever your tragedies and hardships may be, if you’re in the valley. However beautiful the flowers of your triumph may appear if you’re standing on the mountain top. Never forget the journey, and to appreciate the rainbow as the storms clear. 

      Until Next Time,

      Kira 

      Thank you for the opportunity to share our story. Feel free to share your rainbow stories, whether they have to do with adoption or not. I am hoping to post more resources on adoption/foster care (adoptees, birth parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, former foster youth, etc)

    • Mommy Who…Pivots

      You are likely familiar with the word pivot when used in the context of changing plans. As a parent, “pivot” may bring upon dread and fear. Thoughts of spontaneous illness, an overlooked deadline or appointment in the calendar, uncooperative weather, and dare I say uncooperative behavior on the part of our kids(never!). I want to share a positive pivot I experienced this past week. It had been a fun-filled day in an event-packed week of school vacation. It was just past the start of nap time as we headed home after a library visit and a pancake lunch. As I approached our neighborhood, three out of four children were sweetly resting in the backseat. It is never my expectation that they will all be asleep at once for any amount of time in the car, even on the longest of road trips. However, to my surprise, my son fell asleep as we were about two minutes from our house. I drove past our street and made my way to the nearest drive-through for a refreshing tea. The kids got some much-needed rest, and I got some afternoon caffeine. A change in plans, or pivot, does not have to be negative. This seemingly mundane pivot is a reminder that we can set an example of flexibility. I could have gone home, woken the kids in a hurry, rushed them inside in their grogginess, because there’s always something to do. Our afternoon was much more productive and meaningful because of the rest. Have you had a “positive pivot”? Please share in the comments 🙂 Cherish the chaos.

      Until next time,

      Kira

    • Mommy Who…Takes Chances

      It was a rainy Monday recently and I had every excuse not to leave the house, but I’m so glad I did. There was a playdate I was invited to and I am still very new to the group. The playdate was to begin at 9:30 am, however my daughter was still catching up to daylight savings time. So at almost 9:00 am, after her older brothers were already well on their way to school, I thought “Do I really wake her up to go?”. After getting her up and ready she quietly enjoyed her breakfast. I received a message from the group leader (as this event was part of a larger organized group that meets about twice a month) encouraging me to attend. I got the kids( 2 y/o and 6mos) in the car and we headed out. When we arrived at the playdate I was delighted to see my daughter’s face light up, and the anxiety of being 45 minutes late melted away. The morning was filled with children’s laughter, singing, playing, and snacks(even gluten-free goodies for me)! I knew It was a morning well spent as I got two tired littles ready for the return journey home.

      I am not saying there are not times to slow down and have an empty calendar. I am also not saying you need to plan a full day of excursions and excitement( as if getting everyone out of the door with both shoes on the right feet is not an event itself). We often encourage our kids to take chances and be brave. Within safe limits, but out of their comfort zone. What I am asking  is, “Do we set an example of that?” Sure, I could have said, “This is last minute, maybe next time.”.  However, I would have missed out on great fellowship and fun. It could be a walk in the park with friends, an ice cream meet-up, a simple playdate, or an errand run together. You may find you are not as alone as you think. 

      Until next time,

      Kira 

      P.S. If you feel like your outings or playdate attempts do not go as planned, don’t be discouraged. My daughter and I went to the library playgroup today and we were the only ones there. Just keep showing up when possible, you got this.

    • Mommy Who…Welcomes You

      Greetings,

      This is a blog about momhood. This is a blog about parenthood. This is a blog about caregiver-hood. If you’ve found your way here this is a blog for you. For who? That’s right, you. So who am I and how did I get here? I am a mom to four beautiful children, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a friend, and a former educator.

      The journey of how I got here writing to you is a long one(don’t worry we’ll get to that too). However, I am here. And so are you, you matter. So let’s talk about life with littles together. Even for the ones whose littles are no longer little. From birthday parties to school, to health and wellness, to errands, late nights, early mornings and all that’s in between. You have got them covered, and we have got YOU covered.

      So welcome, whoever you are. I am glad you are here. I also want to hear from you. What is it you want to hear about? Picky eaters, free/low-cost activities that will engage your kiddos? Maybe facing a perilous dentist visit, getting your young adult ready for college, or just getting a laugh. Mommy Who has got you. 

      Until next time,

      Kira