At Mustard Seed Baby, we believe that Moms are heroes. God knew what he was doing when he made a mother’s heart and gave them precious babies to protect, love and nurture. With all the pressure to make sure we’re doing things right, we sometimes forget to recognize we’re doing all we can.
So, this is for you, mamas, a reminder today that you’re not in this alone. That there’s a multitude of moms behind you, fighting the same kinds of battles, wiping the same kinds of tears, with the same mission to raise kind and thoughtful human beings.
Each month, we recognize a special “Mustard Seed Mom”, getting a little glimpse into her journey of motherhood. If you’d like to be a Mustard Seed Mom and share your story or know someone you think should be honored, send us a message!
XOXO,
Mustard Seed Baby
Name: Loree Rowland
IG: @Loree.1
My little ones: Nevaeh Esther Hope Rowland, 5 1/2 months
TELL US ABOUT THE WAY YOU FELT, THE FIRST TIME YOU HELD YOUR BABY.
It was so surreal. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening right then, right there. I was shaking like a leaf full of nerves and joy. I had waited so many years and finally that moment I was embracing my daughter! I was so overjoyed that I sat there in the delivery room with my husband, our lawyer, and Nevaeh’s birth mama across from me watching our every move with so much glee that I couldn’t wait to leave that room and finally uncompose myself, exhale and let all the excitement and tears of joy come out!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOIRITE DAILY NIGHT PRAYER WITH THE LITTLE ONES?
I sing to her a song my mom use to sing to me and my sisters. “I am Jesus’ little lamb, ever glad at heart I am, for my Shepard gently guides me, knows my needs and well provides me, loves me every day the same, even calls me by my name.” I always pray for her that she will grow to be a strong woman with a gentle spirit, someone who will love people and bring love and joy to the world around her.
WHAT DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THE MOST IN REGARD TO YOUR LITTLE ONES FUTURE?
How she will respond to the fact that she is adopted and how I will explain to her sweet little spirit why she was adopted.
IF YOU COULD GIVE A NEW MOM ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Relax and go with the flow. Those sleepless nights don’t last forever. Keep calm even in the most insane moments, the baby will pick up your anxiety. Oh, and drink water with Pedialyte! I’m the most dehydrated I’ve ever been in my life!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS WITH YOUR OWN?
Nevaeh is almost 6 months old and i’m still trying to figure out this balance. not being able to have children for 15 years got me real stuck in my own agenda and schedule wants and needs. so now trying to flip the switch to remember to eat breakfast and perhaps get a shower in at times has been quite the challenge .....ooops caps lock was on but oh so appropriate haha!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
Being 43, I feel like I’m pretty mellow.
TELL US THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A MOM
Finding that balance of babies needs and the rest of life’s schedule.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PARENTING BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
I actually haven’t read any books on parenting. Not saying that I don’t need to, I just haven’t. I do believe that the child is his or her own expert and will show me what they need if you listen and watch really close you can figure it by their language. For example, at about 2 weeks old I heard Nevaeh’s sound/word for food and to this day she calls it that word, and knows what I’m talking about when I say it. I’d be open to suggestions to a good book though on adoptions, especially interracial adoptions.
WHAT “STYLE” BEST DESCIBES YOUR BABIES NURSERY?
It’s more of a guest room slash nursery, that evolved from being my seton. So, it basically has a bunch of art canvases on the walls that I’ve had for a while. Her nursery nook/corner is themed cactus, which has a whole story behind the reason. But basically, Nevaeh is my beautiful cactus flower.
FAVORITE MUSTARD SEED BABY ONESIE DESIGN AND WHY?
I absolutely love the “Little Miracle” because she is my little miracle. I’m so glad God chose this little miracle to be ours.