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: Paige Rourke
IG: @paigeerourke
My little ones: Charlotte Elizabeth Rourke, 5 months
TELL US ABOUT THE WAY YOU FELT, THE FIRST TIME YOU HELD YOUR BABY
The first time I held my baby I was overwhelmed with emotion. Because my baby was born 15 weeks early, I was not able to hold her right away. She came out and was immediately rushed to the NICU. I was able to hold her after what seemed like the 10 longest days of my life. I felt excited, but also nervous because she was the smallest thing I had ever held - 1 lb. 3 oz. Looking back, I feel waiting made it that much more special when I was finally able to have that bonding moment with her.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DAILY NIGHT PRAYER WITH THE LITTLE ONES?
From the day my daughter was born, I had read Psalms 91 to her. This particular Psalm talks about the promises of protection from the Lord. As my daughter has continually been at risk for deadly illnesses, this prayer is so special to our family because we are able to claim those truths over our girl.
WHAT DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THE MOST IN REGARD TO YOUR LITTLE ONES FUTURE?
Because she is a micro-preemie, I worry about her development. She is automatically predisposition to having significant developmentally delays. However, I try not to worry and simply trust in God’s timing.
IF YOU COULD GIVE A NEW MOM ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
My main tip to new moms would be: Hold. That. Baby!!! I have seen/ heard a lot of criticism surrounding holding your baby too much. After experiencing the NICU, I have seen so many moms (and dads) who are not able to hold their babies. You can see the pain and suffering as they have to leave the NICU everyday empty handed. Therefore, my advice to any new mother would be cherish that time with your baby, and love on your baby as much as you can!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS WITH YOUR OWN?
Balancing my child’s needs with my own has been tough! I’ll be honest, sometimes I forget to brush my teeth or take care of my basic needs. But I’ve started to learn when I do not take care of myself because I’m so consumed with my baby, I am not giving her my best. So, I cannot say I have this figured out, but it is a work in progress.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
Being that my baby is only 4 months, my parenting style hasn’t really come into play. I am teacher, and I have been around children all my life. So, I would like to say I am going to be strict with my daughter. However, at this moment she is pretty spoiled!
TELL US THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A MOM
The most challenging part of being a mom is a difficult thing to pin point. If I had to say one thing, I think it would be giving my daughter to the Lord daily. It is tough trying not to control every little thing or worry about every little thing especially with a physically fragile child. I constantly worry about germs, her weight, her development, etc. But I have to constantly remind myself, my daughter is a gift from God, and ultimately, she is His.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PARENTING BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
I have not had the opportunity to read too many parenting books, but I did read a NICU devotional while my daughter was in the NICU. It truly helped me throughout some extremely dark days. Though this doesn’t necessarily apply to all moms, it was helpful for me.
WHAT “STYLE” BEST DESCRIBES YOUR BABIES NURSERY?
My daughter’s nursery style is neutral - all white and light grey with some light pink accents.
FAVORITE MUSTARD SEED BABY ONESIE DESIGN AND WHY?
I love the “Little Miracle” Mustard Seed onesie because it pretty describes my girl. Born at 25 weeks with countless problems, I firmly believe her being alive today is a true miracle!