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: Liz Martin
IG: @ayeeitsliiz
My little ones: Taegan 10.7.17 and Jac 8.10.14
TELL US ABOUT THE WAY YOU FELT, THE FIRST TIME YOU HELD YOUR BABY
The first time I held Taegan, I felt like a deer in the headlights! The doctor had me reach down and pull her out myself which completely stunned me, she was crying, and it took a moment of my mom saying “talk to her, Elizabeth!” to bring me back to reality. My mind was in such a fog from shock that I don’t hardly remember any of our hour of skin to skin and nursing before they cleaned her up! I’ll never forget the anxiety that came soon after about suddenly being responsible for a life other than my own, though.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DAILY NIGHT PRAYER WITH THE LITTLE ONES?
She doesn’t quite understand or talk yet so we don’t say a prayer together, but we pray for the health and safety of our family and friends every day.
WHAT DO YOU WORRY ABOUT THE MOST IN REGARD TO YOUR LITTLE ONES FUTURE?
I worry about the world around her—I know I am raising a strong person, but there are so many scary things in the world! I worry for her safety and happiness, as well as the way she’ll be treated by other people.
IF YOU COULD GIVE A NEW MOM ONE TIP, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
ASK FOR HELP!! Don’t try to be super mom. You CAN do it all on your own, but why?? So you can be mentally and physically exhausted?! To take care of your kids you have to take care of you, too. Ask for help, no matter who it’s from!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS WITH YOUR OWN?
Frankly, I’m struggling with this. Before we tried for a second kid, my entire life basically revolved around her. Now that I’m pregnant and have hyperemesis, I’ve had to put some of my needs above hers, such as my need to lay in bed over her need to go outside and play. It’s hard for me to look at an innocent baby and tell her no, Mommy can’t!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE?
My parenting style definitely revolves around peaceful/logical parenting. We try to let natural consequences lead the way and add logical consequences when necessary, instead of punishments like timeouts!
TELL US THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A MOM
The most challenging part about being a mom is definitely when your child is sick and/or hurt and there is nothing you can do to help them. You feel helpless and like a failure because your baby is hurting and in pain, even though you know there’s legitimately nothing you can do differently to make it better!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PARENTING BOOK YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
I’ve never actually read parenting books! I used to love reading but haven’t had all that much time to read since I had Taegan. I love following mommy blogs and making likeminded friends in Facebook groups for support!
WHAT “STYLE” BEST DESCRIBES YOUR BABIES NURSERY?
We don’t have a nursery right now, but we are house shopping and I’m hoping to make a nursery in relaxing earth tones for my babies!!
FAVORITE MUSTARD SEED BABY ONESIE DESIGN AND WHY?
My favorite design is the “faith moves mountains” onesie, because truly, faith moves mountains and I see this happening every day!