One of my besties turned me on to Hellobee, and I’m super excited for the opportunity to share bits and pieces of both my good screams and bad screams on this rollercoaster called parenthood. I have to admit, I never fully appreciated the sharing of human experiences until I became a mom, and now it seems like it’s as important as oxygen and coffee on most days.
After a longer than expected TTC process and a tumultuous (to say the least) IVF cycle, my partner of almost 10 years (Jude) and I welcomed our tiny tornado, H, in April of 2015. We totally won the baby lottery, and she’s nothing short of perfect (most days) and I thank my lucky stars I get to stay home with her and watch her grow into a little human every single day. When she was only 3 weeks old, we moved to Dallas from our long time home in Austin for Jude’s job (corporate sales) and to be closer to family. Jude also recently started a design business doing flips and remodels, which is her true passion and great talent. Lucky me with no eye for design, I get to live in a house that rivals anything on HGTV! I provide support on which color gray looks most gray, which light fixture most perfectly matches the backsplash, and I help answer important questions like where does the dishwasher make the most sense in a completely gutted kitchen. Family trips to Home Depot and Lowes abound. We are currently doing a massive remodel for our toughest clients yet…OURSELVES, and we couldn’t be more excited to turn a beautiful mid-century modern home into a perfect space for our family.
Navigating parenthood in our 40’s (that hurt to type) and as a two-mom family has its challenges and moments, but it’s also made us grow as a couple and individuals. H was born with a couple medical conditions that aren’t super serious, but do require vigilance so we snapped into the mama bear roles very quickly. We spend our “free” time traveling as much as we can, watching football and college basketball, teaching H to appreciate good food as much as we do, and checking out local festivals, breweries and shops.
My parenting style is all over the place, and I’m definitely always conflicted. I cloth diaper, but I use paper plates. I only buy organic milk, but I let my kid have Cheetos. Pre-children me was completely “no screen time before age 2,” but then real life and Sesame Street happened. I denounce Pinterest (most days) and have very few crafting tendencies, but I will always find a way to make my daughter’s Halloween costume.
Being a mom is the best (and only) sorority that I’ve ever been a part of, and I can’t wait to get to know and be a part of this tribe.
olive / 51 posts
I am so excited to see another “two mama bear” family on here! We are currently in the longer than anticipated process of TTC for #2. Can’t wait to read more about your adorable family
squash / 13208 posts
Welcome! I hope you share some of your great house finds with us – I could use some help in that category!
honeydew / 7968 posts
Welcome! Beautiful family!
clementine / 806 posts
I am SO excited!! We are in Dallas, DS is 6 months older than H, and we are building our forever home right now (love mid-century modern!) I can’t wait to read more and learn about some of your favorite places/activities here. Welcome!
blogger / apricot / 389 posts
Welcome!! I am excited to read more!
cantaloupe / 6086 posts
Yay for a Dallas bee! We moved here about 2.5 years ago and I think it’s a great place for kids.
wonderful kiwi / 23653 posts
Welcome! DH is going to be 40 next year after our 2nd is born.. He would say that he totally feels you on being an “older” parent. But I’d like to think that he is just that much more sure of who he is and what he has to offer to the kids!
cantaloupe / 6730 posts
“I cloth diaper but I use paper plates”. Love it!
pomegranate / 3779 posts
Welcome! I’m in Houston, but I always like to see TX families on the bee. I can’t wait to read mor about your family.
blogger / kiwi / 626 posts
Welcome!
nectarine / 2047 posts
Great introduction! Excited to hear more
blogger / apricot / 482 posts
Welcome!
blogger / persimmon / 1225 posts
What a lovely family! Excited to read more, welcome!!
pomelo / 5621 posts
Welcome!
“no screen time before age 2, but then real life and Sesame Street happened” – yes, this exactly!
kiwi / 595 posts
Yay for more seasoned moms! I love Hellobee but am seemingly a decade (or more) older than most of the bloggers. Glad to have you!
olive / 57 posts
Welcome, can’t wait to read your posts!
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@MissKabers: aw, good luck with that. I’m 80% that we are one and done.
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@Mamaof2: I will definitely share how we try to make our house cute and modern but kid friendly too.
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@tequiero21: thank you!!
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@MrsLonghorn: oh yay! i’m learning to love the Big D! Hook ’em.
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@bhbee: it’s true! Always something fun for kids in Dallas!
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@snowjewelz: this is THE TRUTH. Older parents are where it’s at!
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@Grace: the struggle is real. we are all dong the best that we can haha.
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@mrs.shinerbock: Texas Forever!!!! and yum, shiner bock.
blogger / olive / 53 posts
Thanks, everyone! So excited to share my little family with y’all.
blogger / grape / 99 posts
A little late to the game but wanted to say welcome to you, Jude, and toddler H!
cherry / 246 posts
I’m in Austin, due any day, and very much look forward to a post-labor P Terry’s burger as well! It’s the only item in my birth plan
blogger / olive / 53 posts
@Mrs. Jellyfish: Welcome to you, too! Toddler maniac moms unite!
@TapDancer: The important stuff! Don’t forget a milkshake…man, I miss P Terry’s.