MOMumental Mom of the Week (November 6, 2008)

Name: Claudia 

City: Plano

Marital Status: Married

Mom to: Zachary (4 yrs) and Alexander (2 years)

Occupation: Interior Designer, stay-at-home mom.

What was the last movie you saw and what did you think about it?  
“The Duchess”  

This movie reminded me how far women have come!  Although a strong woman, the Duchess has little control over her situation, including her husband’s live-in mistress!

What is sitting on your bedside table right now?  
My Mom’s second novel, an alarm clock, a back massager

What is the last thing you told your children that your own mother told you when you were a kid?  
We actually sang a German song welcoming the sun this morning that my Mom always woke us with.

What was the last meal you cooked from scratch and when?
Last Saturday my husband, our kids, and my Mom made homemade meat pies (a Lebanese specialty) from scratch.  Flour was in every crevice of the counters and floor, but the kids had a blast with their rolling pins!

What was the best piece of parenting advice you got?  Who gave it to you?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy your kids because they DO grow up quickly!”  (I know we hear it all the time, but it seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the rocking chair nursing).

My sister-in-law, Linda.

What are three products that you could not live without (e.g., your journal, your Blackberry, your facial moisturizer – anything you use constantly!)
My laptop (I don’t know how I did without it just a few years ago – ha!), Crème de la Mer, Vaseline lip moisturizer

If you could put one product on the market that doesn’t exist today, what would it be?
A tanning agent (preferably an herbal pill of some sort ☺) that can be taken orally – no creams, sprays, damaging rays.
 
Has your definition of success changed since you became a Mom?  If so, how?
Oh yeah!  I definitely feel successful every time my kids make me proud!

What do you do in your “me”-time?  How do you protect it?
“Me”-time?  What’s “me”-time?  Just kidding…I enjoy an occasional solo bath, massage, mani/pedi, or lunch with my sister or friends.  I simply catch it when I can, in between dropping my little one off at MDO and having to pick my older one up a couple of hours later!

How are you different today than you thought you’d be at this point in your life?
I am definitely more child-centered than I thought I would ever be!  And loving it!!! 

If an expectant mother asked you “what it’s like to be a Mom”, what would you tell her?
It is the most incredible love you will ever feel.  With no other being would you rather take their pain, fever, nausea, etc. and give it to yourself!  You will feel a new level of happiness, pride, and understanding.  With it will also come frustration, exhaustion, and frequent tests of patience.  It’s a roller coaster ride of learning about yourself, your spouse, and each child’s individuality.  The feeling your child gives you when he, unprompted, hugs your neck as tightly as he can is immeasurable!