BOSSIN IT; THE ART OF MOM LIFE
ByDanielleBeatty
Table of contents
A Tribute to Moms Everywhere
DEAR MOMS, I WANT TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RECOGNIZE YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. MOTHERHOOD IS A JOURNEY FILLED WITH HAPPINESS, CHALLENGES, AND MANY LIFE LESSONS AS A MOTHER, YOU HAVE MANY DIFFERENT ROLES IN YOUR CHILDREN'S LIVES; YOU ARE THEIR CAREGIVERS, TEACHERS, CHEERLEADERS, AND SOMEONE THEY LOOK UP TO. THEY GO TO THEIR MOM WHEN THEY HAVE A BAD DAY OR NEED HELP FINDING SOMETHING. YOU ARE THEIR SAFE PLACE AND THE GO-TO PARENT EVERY DAY, YOU JUGGLE ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MOTHERHOOD, AND YOU TEND TO FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF SOMETIMES; IT'S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK ,YOU ARE HUMAN, TOO. YOU ARE AS IMPORTANT AS THE ONES WE TAKE CARE OF. IN ORDER TO TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN, YOU ALSO HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. YOU MUST REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE GLUE THAT HOLDS YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER. TAKE A MOMENT TO YOURSELF, GO FOR A WALK, AND TAKE YOURSELF TO GET YOUR NAILS DONE. DO SOMETHING FOR YOU! IF YOU ARE DEFLATED, EVERYTHING WILL BE LIKE THAT, TOO. AS YOU CONTINUE ON YOUR JOURNEY OF MOTHERHOOD, I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU'RE NOT ALONE. THERE IS A HUGE COMMUNITY OF MOMS OUT THERE LEAN ON EACH OTHER, ASK FOR HELP, AND CELEBRATE EACH OTHER TOGETHER; REMEMBER, IT TAKES A VILLAGE. LET'S BE THAT VILLAGE THAT MOMS IN OUR COMMUNITY NEED. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO! THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KINDNESS, PATIENCE, AND STRENGTH WITH YOU, THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE!
WITH LOVE, DANIELLE
THROUGH THE YEARS: A JOURNEY WITH MY MOM
TODAY, I WILL INTERVIEW MY MOTHER, JODI, A VERY SPECIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE. SHE GREW UP IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK UNTIL SHE HAD ME IN 1996. RAISING HER CHILDREN IN THE CITY MADE HER NERVOUS BECAUSE OF THE VIOLENCE, SO SHE MADE THE BIG DECISION TO MOVE FROM BROOKLYN, NY, AFTER LIVING THERE HER WHOLE LIFE, TO SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY. I'M INTERVIEWING MY MOTHER BECAUSE SHE HAS PLAYED A HUGE ROLE IN SHAPING WHO I AM AND HAS INFLUENCED HOW I APPROACH BEING A MOTHER MYSELF.
DANIELLE; HI MOM! I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES, STARTING WITH HOW YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT WITH ME. I'M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT YOUR LIFE GROWING UP AND YOUR CHOICES. IS THAT OKAY?
MOM ; YES, THAT'S FINE!
DANIELLE: LET'S BEGIN! WHAT WOULD IT BE IF YOU COULD GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF ADVICE BEFORE BECOMING A MOTHER?
MOM: I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO BE MORE PATIENT AND, WHEN I GOT OVERWHELMED, TO ASK FOR HELP BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY CHILDREN .
Danielle: That is excellent advice. Sometimes, we get lost in the stress and forget they are just kids and take it out on them even though we don't mean to! Before becoming a mother, what had you always wanted to be?
Mom : Exactly! Before becoming a mother, I wanted to be a teacher but never followed through.
DANIELLE: I. IF IT'S NOT TOO PERSONAL, WHY DID YOU NEVER FOLLOW THROUGH BEING A TEACHER?
MOM: I WASN'T READY FOR COLLEGE, SO I GOT A JOB AND WAS CONTENT WORKING ON WALL STREET UNTIL I FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT WITH YOUR BROTHER ANTHONY. MOM; EXACTLY! BEFORE BECOMING A MOTHER, I WANTED TO BE A TEACHER BUT NEVER FOLLOWED THROUGH
DANIELLE: WALL STREET? WHERE DO THEY DO THE STOCK MARKET? WOWā¦. SO, HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT WITH MY BROTHER ANTHONY?
MOM; I WAS 26 YEARS OLD WHEN I FOUND OUT I WAS PREGNANT WITH HIM, BUT HE WAS A PREEMIE BORN AT 2 POUNDS 1 OUNCE AT 28 WEEKS GESTATION.
DANIELLE: YOU MUST HAVE BEEN SCARED, AS A FIRST-TIME MOM HAVING A BABY SO EARLY AND HIM BEING SO TINY! WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST THOUGHTS WHEN YOU SAW HIM?
MOM: HONESTLY, I WAS SCARED; HE WAS THE TINIEST BABY I HAVE EVER SEEN I WAS SO NERVOUS TO HOLD HIM THROUGH THE INCUBATOR MACHINE.
DANIELLE; WOW! THAT SOUNDS SCARY; I THOUGHT WHEN I HAD MACKENZIE, SHE WAS TINY AT 7 POUNDS! I COULDN'T IMAGINE. WEREN'T YOU NERVOUS ABOUT HAVING MORE CHILDREN AFTER THAT?
MOM): I WANTED ANOTHER ONE SHORTLY AFTER ANTHONY'S FIRST BIRTHDAY EVEN THOUGH HE WAS A COMPLEX INFANT, ONCE HE CAME HOME AT 3 MONTHS OLD FROM THE HOSPITAL, HE WAS SUCH AN EASY BABY.
Danielle, I'm surprised because he was a crazy kid growing up! (laughs) this question may have a personal answer. If you aren't comfortable answering, please let me know! My brother Anthony and sister Christina are about 5 years apart. Did you plan to have an age gap between them like that?
Mom; (laughs)... Please ask away. No, I didn't plan on having an age gap like that between them. I had two miscarriages in those years before having Christina. Danielle: Thank you for sharing that. Was Christina born early as well?
MOM(JODI): YES, SHE WAS BORN AT 34 WEEKS OF GESTATION AND WEIGHED 3 POUNDS 14 OUNCES.
DANIELLE; OH WOW! THAT MUST HAVE BEEN A FLASHBACK TO WHEN YOU HAD ANTHONY. HOW DID THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
MOM(JODI); I WAS NERVOUS BUT NOT AS SCARED AS I WAS WITH YOUR BROTHER ANTHONY; SHE WAS ONLY IN THE HOSPITAL FOR TWO WEEKS WHICH WAS A LOT BETTER THAN 2 MONTHS
DANIELLE; DID YOU SUFFER FROM POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION? IF SO, WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU?
MOM(JODI); I DID NOT; I THINK AFTER I HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO YOU, I WAS A LITTLE OVERWHELMED BUT NOT DEPRESSED.
HAVING YOU AND YOUR SISTER 10 MONTHS APART COULD BE A LOT AT TIMES, EVEN AS YOU GOT OLDER, BUT NOW YOU TWO ARE BEST FRIENDS, SO LOOKING BACK, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT.
DANIELLE; SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND. I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT HER. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR JOURNEY WITH US! BY BEING THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF TO HELP US GROW INTO THE MOTHERS MY SISTER AND I ARE TODAY :)
A Familyās Love, Through
Mackenzieās Eyes
THIS DRAWING IS FROM MY DAUGHTER MACKENZIE MEANS THE WORLD TO ME. AS A MOTHER, THEREāS SOMETHING SO SPECIAL ABOUT SEEING HOW SHE VIEWS OUR FAMILY. SHEāS CAPTURED OUR HAPPINESS IN THIS PICTURE, THE LOVE, AND THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE US HAPPY, LIKE BEING TOGETHER. EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT, IāM REMINDED OF THE JOYS WE FACE TOGETHER. IT HELPS ME KEEP GOING, EVEN ON THE HARD DAYS. ITāS A REFLECTION OF HER HEART AND GIVES ME STRENGTH TO BE THE BEST MOM I CAN BE.
Dear Danielle
Welcome to Dear Danielle: where we tackle the ups and downs of motherhood together ! Each week I will share advice and give encouragement to all the awesome moms out there. Let's explore some common challenges together !
DEAR DANIELLE : My daughter just turned 10, and Iāve recently found out that Iām pregnant again after all these years. Iāve always wanted to have another child, but the age gap is significant. Iām unsure how my oldest will react. Will they bond, or might she feel like sheās being replaced? I would appreciate any guidance on this .
HAPPY BUT NERVOUS MOM IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR HAPPY BUT NERVOUS MOM IN NEW JERSEY: Congratulations on your pregnancy!It is normal to have conflicting feelings about the big news , especially because of the significant age gap between your two children. Here are some tips on how to navigate through your journey;I would encourage you to sit down with your daughter, talk about the positives of the pregnancy , have her express her feelings and any concerns she may have , that way you two can work through them together before and when the baby arrives. Ensure that she isnāt going to be replaced, that she is just being promoted to ābig sisterā. Making her part of the process with helping pick the baby name and some of the baby outfits or anything to do with the baby idea , the involvement can help her feel included and excited about becoming a big sister. When it comes to the worry about their bond , once the baby is born but in their own way they will have a bond like no other when she feeds the baby and rocks the baby they will create a special bond .
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DEAR DANIELLE :Iāve been feeling really overwhelmed lately, and Iām wondering if what Iām experiencing could be postpartum depression. Iām not sure if itās just the usual challenges of motherhood or something more, but I feel exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from my baby at times. Is it possible that what I'm going through could be postpartum depression, and how do I know when itās time to seek help?
-DEPRESSED MOM FROM OHIO
DEAR DEPRESSED MOM FROM OHIO: Thank you for sharing what you're going through. Postpartum depression can be different for each person,but if youāre feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or struggling with anxiety or more emotional, itās possible that what youāre experiencing is PPD. These feelings can be tough, but they are treatable, and itās important to reach out for support.whether through your doctor or a support group. You donāt have to go through this alone.Be kind to yourself, and know that seeking help is important . You deserve care and support, and thereās no shame in asking for it.
Sending you lots of love DANIELLE
DEAR DANIELLE: Iām a new mom, and Iām feeling overwhelm with everything, the feedings, sleepless nights, and constan worry about doing things right. What can I do to manage the feelings and find more joy in motherhood?
OVERWHELMED FIRST TIME MOM
DEAR OVERWHELMED FIRST TIME MOM: First you are not alone , many new moms feel this way. Here are some tips that could help. Take time for yourself , you need to give yourself a mental break so that you donāt burn yourself out. Maybe if you know someone you trust to watch the baby for a couple of hours so you can have some of you time. Your baby doesn't need a perfect mom , they just need a loving mom , a happy mom. Celebrate the small wins such as a good nap or a simple shower by yourself . Just remember , that motherhood has its ups and downs and you are only one person take it slow one day at a time . You're doing a great job !
Take Care , Danielle
DEAR DANIELLE : I am a first time mom to twin girls who will be two months old on Monday. Iāll be going back to work next month, and Iām feeling conflicted. While Iām excited for a little break, I also feel guilty about leaving them. What suggestions do you have for coping with these mixed emotions?
-TWIN MOM IN ATLANTA
DEAR TWIN MOM IN ATLANTA : First I want to say Congratulations on your twin girls ! The first couple of weeks of motherhood can be challenging but also exciting and it is completely normal to feel a little guilt for going back to work.Embrace those feelings of guilt they are part of your journey of motherhood .It is okay to feel a little excited about a break , you have TWINS you deserve a break!With helping with coping with the mix of emotions I would say ,try to remind yourself of the positives of working not only for financial gain but for self fulfillment. Its okay to be excited about your career and while loving your family at the same time itās the balance we need as mothers.
Warmly ,Danielle
Halfway There: The Pregnancy I Never Saw Coming
After six years of trying for another baby, I never imagined my moment would be like this. It all began in 2022. I was in the middle of moving because my landlord had sold the house I was currently living in and had just received my last COVID-19 vaccine booster. My body was feeling off, but I just chalked it up to the side effects of the vaccine or the stress of the move because the fact of being pregnant didn't cross my mind. As the weeks continued and still not feeling myself ,I mentioned how I had been feeling to my sister. She suggested I take a pregnancy test. Given that my menstrual cycle had always been irregular, I figured it couldn't hurt. After all, I had taken so many tests before, and they always came back negative.So For Hahas to prove I wasnāt pregnant, I bought the test, feeling nervous,of course, I dropped the test in the toilet. I thought that was the end of it,but when I picked it up, I couldn't believe my eyes,two pink lines. It was positive. "This can't be real," I thought. Maybe it was a false positive. I was in so much denial that I took another test,and it was positive again. I burst into tears.I couldn't believe it, asking myself "how didnāt I know " especially since this wasn't my first child.I should have known the signs but still thinking this can't be I called my doctor and went in for a urine test a week later. The test came back positive again. I was still in complete shock.The doctor put the doppler on my stomach , we heard the heartbeat right away.The doctor said " I am going to send you down stairs for an ultrasound to see how far along you are " The nurse told me to head downstairs for an ultrasound, but she warned me it might be too early to see anything.
As the ultrasound tech moved the wand over my belly, I looked at the screen and there it was. A whole baby. A fully developed baby,my heart stopped ,my baby.. The ultrasound tech asked, "Do you want to know the gender?" Without thinking, I said, "Already? I must be far along" And then, she told me: "You are halfway there and It's a boy." At that moment, I realized I was not only finding out I was pregnant but also finding out that I was having a son, at almost 20 weeks. Throughout the rest of my pregnancy I was considered high risk because I had gestational diabetes and took insulin since they werenāt able to calculate when the gestational diabetes started so just to be safe they started monitoring me.Everyone was nervous I didnāt have any prenatal care for 20 weeks and he was measuring big, bigger than an average size for his gestation.I worried so much and he would always sit up by my ribs but I enjoyed every little kick and hiccup.The doctor told me because of his size I would need a scheduled C- section , my mind was racing. I was overwhelmed and so scared I never had a Csection, I thought about all that could go wrong,and you should never think like that.The day came June 27 I barely slept the night before and we had to be at Garnet health In Harris New York by 6am , I was so excited I was going to meet my baby boy the one who I have wanted for so many years but didnāt know I was pregnant with.Hearing the doctor say you may feel a little pinch but he will be here soon,with a mix of joy, disbelief, and fear he was here, I held my breath when he came out I was so scared that something would go wrong.I heard his cry and they put him on my chest I cried so much but these tears were tears of joy. Liam Roger was born at 8:53 am weighing a whopping 9 pounds and healthy .After all the years of trying, I never could have imagined that this would be how it would happen but I wouldn't change it, and at time,I thought my family was complete.
AstroMom: A Horoscope Just for You
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
Your determination will help you move mountains today. The universe is aligned for success, and your strong work ethic will lead to big accomplishments. But donāt let your to-do list overwhelm you. Make time to celebrate the small wins and recharge for the next big step.Today is about you.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Your steady presence is your superpower today. Whether juggling responsibilities or trying to calm the storm of emotions around you, you will create the foundation for a calm and peaceful day. Trust your instincts and stay grounded, but donāt forget to love yourself with something that brings you joy. Your intuition is your guiding light today. Youāll connect deeply with your family, offering comfort and understanding where needed. Whether itās soothing a child or listening to a partner, your gentle presence will be the glue that holds everything together. Donāt forget to honor your own emotions Today as you are just as important as the ones you care for.
Aquarius (January 20February 18)
Your innovative ideas and creative problem-solving will help you take on todayās challenges with ease. Whether itās finding a new way to keep the family entertained or coming up with fresh solutions to those tricky problems, you will shine today . Remember to embrace your quirky side. Thatās what makes you so amazing!
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Today your fire burns bright! The universe is calling on your bold energy to take the lead in your familyās adventures. Whether itās planning an outing or managing the home front, your enthusiasm will set the tone for the day. Just remember, even the fiercest warriors need a break dont forget to take a moment to soak up your own awesomeness.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Your ability to adapt and communicate is in full force today! Your quick wit and multitasking skills will keep everything running smoothly. Whether you're balancing work, school, or family activities, you'll find creative solutions that make life easier. Keep your sense of humor close today laughter will be your secret weapon.
Sagittarius
(November 22 - December 21)
The adventure is calling your name today! Whether trying something different with the family or taking on a new project, your adventurous spirit will light up the day. Be open to unexpected opportunities, but remember to take care of yourself first. You canāt embrace on a journey without being well-rested!
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Your intensity and determination will lead you through today with confidence. When faced with a challenge, youāll tackle it head-on, uncovering solutions that no one else can see. While your focus is strong, take time to check in with your emotions. You are allowed to be vulnerable too. Trust your instincts, theyāre guiding you in the right direction.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
Today the spotlight is on you! Your charm and leadership will inspire your family to follow your lead. Whether itās organizing a family event or solving a problem, your confident energy will shine through. Remember, even lions need their rest. Donāt overdo it . You deserve some time to relax in your own greatness.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Your balanced energy is exactly what your family needs today. Whether itās creating harmony at home orbalancing between different personalities, youāll bring a sense of calm and fairness to any situation. Donāt forget that you deserve to be pampered too . Schedule some āme-timeā for a little personal indulgence.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
Your nurturing heart is the guide of love and support today. The energy around you will benefit from your compassionate touch. Whether itās helping with homework or comforting someone in need, your presence will make everything feel a little bit warmer. Donāt forget to fill your own cup take time for something that nourishes your soul.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Your attention to detail will be your superpower today. Youāll effortlessly organize chaos and make everything run like clockwork. Trust your ability to stay calm and collected, but remember that it doesnt have to be perfect .A little flexibility will help you find peace in all your chaos.
Mom's Playlist, Kid-Approved "Shake It Off" ā Taylor Swift "Can't Stop the Feeling!" ā Justin Timberlake "Beautiful Things" ā Benson Boone "Count on me " - Bruno mars "This Is Me" ā Keala Settle (from The Greatest Showman)
"Hallelujahāā
- Cover by Pentatonix
āāGrowinā Up Raising You āāGabby Barrett
āāI'll Be Thereāā- Walk Off the Earth
āāBless The Broken Roadāā- Rascal flatts
āāFineāā - Kyle Hume
From Chaos to Coast: A Family's Journey South
Taking a road trip from Liberty, New York, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with three young children might sound like a challenge, and it certainly was. But throw in a 1-year-old and a 2-month-old, and the trip transforms into a full-on adventure. A drive that should have taken around eleven hours ended up turning into two days of driving, filled with feeding breaks,diaper changes, and plenty of unplanned detours. I would definitely recommend flying or splitting the trip to avoid the stress. Still, the chaos was worth it for the moments we shared along the way.
The journey began with high hopes and excitement, but then reality quickly set in. The kids needed constant stops, whether it was feeding the baby or stopping for bathroom breaks. We had to stop often, sometimes just to stretch, because everyone started to fuss, that naturally comes with being cooped up in a car for hours. After five hours of driving, it became clear that we couldn't go any further without a good night's rest. So, we pulled off the highway and checked into a hotel. The relief of stretching our legs and getting some sleep was priceless.
In addition to the usual road trip hiccups, we had our share of diaper disasters, two blow-out diapers within hours of each other. As if that weren't enough, our kids' tablets died, and we were left with nothing but "Are we there yet?" requests. At every rest stop, we tried to make the best of it by singing our favorite songs and noticing the changes in scenery.
Driving through Tennessee, the smell of manure hit us as we passed farms, much to the amusement of my eldest, Mackenzie, who mischievously blamed it on the babies.
Despite the frustrations of the long drive, some moments made it all worthwhile. With each passing hour, the weather got warmer, and the excitement of reaching Myrtle Beach grew. We were thrilled when we nally arrived. As we drove into town, the air smelled of saltwater, and the sound of the ocean waves crashing brought an immediate sense of alm. There'sThere's something about the beach that makes everything eel slower, more peaceful. It was a pace that all of us, especially the kids, could embrace. We'd spent two days in the car; the sight of them laughing, covered in and, and enjoying the waves going to the aquarium and museums made it all feel worth it. As a parent, there's something special about feeling the warm sand between your toes while watching your children create memories.
Though it was a tough drive, this road trip was one for the books.The knowns of it, the frustrations along the way, and the exhaustion in the end all disappeared when I saw the joy on my kids' faces. If you are planning a similar trip, I would recommend splitting the drive in half, taking time to rest, and maybe even flying if you're looking for a smoother journey. In the end, it's not about how fast you get there, t's about the memories you make along the way. And for us, this road trip will be a story we'll remember for years to come.
When the weather is gloomy or itās just time for a cozy family movie night, thereās nothing better than settling in with this lineup of heartwarming and hilarious films that the whole family can enjoy. From the underwater adventure of Finding Nemo, which might leave your familyās eyes a little teary as Marlin searches for his son, to the wild antics of The Little Rascals, a movie filled with so much laughter and mischief, these classics have a magical way of bringing smiles and giggles to any room. Whether you're chasing fond memories with Toy Story 4, wondering if your own toys might be up to secret adventures once you turn out the lights, or belting out tunes and showing off your best dance moves during Sing, these films never fail to brighten the mood but who can resist the feelgood fun of Yes Day, where we all secretly wish for a day of no rules and endless possibilities? Watching the kids dream up their wildest requests might even have you asking, "Can we have a Yes Day too?" Lastly, a favorite in our home, In and Out 2, takes you through all the emotions,from laughter to tears,while exploring themes of family, self-discovery, and acceptance.
All of these films have a special way of making even the rainiest of days feel like a celebration. Their heartwarming stories and feelgood moments, you will find yourself laughing, singing,long after the credits roll. So grab the popcorn,grab your blankets and get ready for a movie night to remember!