One of the goals of this blog is to provide a forum that enables interaction with and opportunity to learn from other moms on this motherhood journey . To share knowledge, be inspired by one another and basically be the best moms our children deserve. Hence, the reason I created “The Supermom of the week” segment of my blog.
Recently I was granted an interview with an amazing mom. She is a Nigerian-born, United Kingdom-based, trained Lawyer and mom of two adorable girls. This charmingly gorgeous lady is a dutiful wife and fun to be with. She shared profound wisdom which would be published as follows. Be inspired as you read through her brutally honest interview.
What is your name?
Oluwagbemisola
Favorite colour?
None – I go with the flow
Best Food?
It depends…, I love rice and some well spiced barbecued meat/fish.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I am trained lawyer turned Project Manager, a mother of two beautiful girls, the first in a family of 5. I enjoy traveling, learning about other cultures, building relationships and a Jesus lover.
What is your mommy mantra?
Learning on the job, one day at a time, constantly praying to God to raise my children in the way of the Lord and just being myself.
Your most craved food in pregnancy?
Very spicy hot food & Greek Yoghurt
Hardest part of being pregnant?
Nausea & terrible heart burns from beginning to end
First thoughts when you first saw your baby?
Sheer Bliss…after an experience I thought would cost my life. Grateful for life & appreciated my mum more.
How can you describe your motherhood style?
Mostly, more of the pearl-loving, heel-wearing, grocery list-writing, “bom-bom” kicking mama bear, take-it-one-day-at-a-time mom style. As the situation warrants.
How do you balance motherhood and life generally ( with career, marriage, business, etc)
….. Tough, I work from home twice a week which has been very helpful (and I get to commute to work the rest of the week). I am able to spend time to complete some house chores and be more relaxed. I sleep well. Try as much as possible to plan ahead. My children have a routine which makes things easier. I try to keep my weekends free apart from the children’s’ extra curricula activities and church on Sunday. I try to eat well. I am not watching my weight at the moment but I try to stay healthy. I just do what I can do around the house. Sleeping well, ensuring the kids are fine takes priority over cleaning, cooking and other house chores….don’t be disappointed if you come visiting and things seems a bit out of place !
Can you tell us an interesting/funny experience you had as a mom?
There has been a lot but the one that stands out for me was when my first daughter asked me….”mummy how did I actually get into your tummy before the doctor took me out?”….JAMB question….had to explain to her in a way she understands and appropriate for her age (4, going to be 5 in July), especially considering that she has friends in school that have parents of the same sex and with her teacher saying you can be with someone of the same sex if you so chose. I told her that after I got married to her daddy, we were together as adults and as married people should and boom you came…
We read the bible/devotional everyday, comparing whatever she has seen, heard/learnt in school with what the word of God says. She knows God made us male and female and one has to be born again to make heaven…she was very disappointed when she asked her teacher if she believes in Jesus and she said no, she came home to ask me if that means she won’t be in heaven…hmmm (another JAMB question) I said well the bible says we can only make heaven if we believe in Jesus so except she believes she may not make it, she was close to crying….so I suggested we pray for her teacher and other unbelievers…all these just shows what we have to deal with raising children in this age, our parents had it easier. Teachers and other adults are role models for kids, so one has to be very prayerful, be involved in their life as much as possible and practice what you preach because they are watching.
On a scale of one to ten, how loudly have you had to scream with your child (children) and why?
10/10 all times….my first daughter talks a lot and she is fond of asking questions all the time even when we are running late so I have to yell at times…There was a time she actually asked me why I was shouting and I told her “you don’t say that to your mummy!” I went ahead to let her know there is time to gist and time to be serious…Screaming seems to be the most effective way to get things done sometimes, not the best but it’s like it is my auto response…I am making conscious effort to stop it…tough though.
Tell us what you miss about your life before babies?
Having all the time to myself…able to go anywhere without worrying about childcare.
What is your typical fitness routine?
Walking. I walk for a minimum of 60mins per day, not sure how effective this is with my eating habit…
What is your idea of self-care and how do you de-stress?
Being by myself, catching up with friends, reading and sometimes sleeping.
Best motherhood advice?
Pray for God’s guidance. Be yourself not a people pleaser. Do what works best for you and your family, don’t try to do everything. Listen to your kids a lot, be their best friend, know the place of discipline. Keep abreast of events & technology. Always plan ahead as much as possible to reduce pressure and stress. Admit your mistakes and make amendments where possible…Eat well, sleep well, stay healthy and enjoy your life.
That was an amazing interview.
A lot of things stood out for me during this interview.
- The desire to take her motherhood journey one day at a time and the burning desire to nurture her children in the way of God by constantly praying for them.
- She admitted that motherhood could be tough but it takes adequate planning ahead to reduce stress. Her she children have a routine which makes everything much easier as everyone gets the drill. They basically know what is coming.
- She takes time to read the bible/ devotional with her children every day.
- She does not joke with self-care.
Hope you were able to learn a thing or two from this blog post.
Thank you for taking time to read. If you know anyone doing an amazing job on their motherhood journey, contact me via email ; funmifolaranmi7@gmail.com
“Having kids—the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings—is the biggest job anyone can embark on.”– Maria Shriver