Mom Questionnaire: Hayes

Stats:

Name: Hayes Willett     Age: 36

Number of kids:3-Miles (age 6), Mabry and Maddie Hayes (twins age 3)

      

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)?  That I really had no clue what I was doing with my kids.  After being a nanny for many yrs I thought it would all come natural to me but nope, I was wrong.

            

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment? Well let's see, there are several..what about the time one of my twins didn't get off the elevator in the Bank of America building and I lost her for 10 minutes and had no clue what floor she could have pressed on the elevator because there are only 30 something floors in that building? Or how about just the other night when I was on vacation and helping one of my twins in the bathroom.  I didn't know she went #2, went to help her off the potty and her poo went rolling across the bathroom floor with a line of women waiting to use the restroom?  Let's just say I am a mom in training.

Your best? The hugs, cuddles and "I love You's" and more recently my Mabry tells me "Mom you're my best friend"

Best parenting advice you have ever received? "The days are long but the years are short.  Try to relish in every moment whether it is good or bad."

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids? What hasn't changed?! Most days I am in sweaty gym clothes and rarely shower until nighttime. I only wash my hair about every 2 days.  Some days I even gross myself out!!!

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen? ponytail, maybe some bronzer and mascara. I am faithful about washing my face (and body!) every night.

What is your favorite beauty product and why? Rodan and Fields Reverse-it helps get rid of all the sun damage I have from years at the beach

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be? Time to myself!

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids? I am a redneck at heart and actually enjoy taking my kids to Carowinds. They have so much fun and it really tires them out!

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)? Charlotte has so much to offer-great museums, libraries, farms, etc.

What word do you use way too much on any given day? Stop or No

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with? Maybe Kelly Ripa. She seems like she would be a lot of fun plus her husband is hot-haha!

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be? To have all the patience in the world

Favorite part of being a mom? I love watching the world through their little eyes.  Its so fun to see the trivial things that I take for granted and get them so excited.  This past week we crossed over a bridge to get to the beach and Maddie's voice got so squeaky and shrill with excitement of going on a big bridge over the water.  It was really cute. Later in the week they saw a full rainbow, a starfish and brought home sanddollars.  You would have thought they had won the lottery they were so excited!

Mom Questionnaire: Beverly

Stats:

Name:   Beverly Starkey     Age (optional):    31       Number of kids: 3 (+1 husband) =4

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)? 

The difficulty in going anywhere on time which was already a problem for me alone!  Now that I have three, it takes a lot of extra effort on my part to go anywhere.  Related to that is the fact that I have to get up earlier in the morning to make it happen.  I used to be a noontime sleeper pre-kids and now, not only do they wake me up at 7 on the few days I don't have anywhere to go, but on the days I have to go out, I have to wake myself up that much earlier. 

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment?

In those moments where I throw my own temper tantrum in the midst of their tantrums.  I'll never forget what my pediatrician told me right after I had Kendall.  He recommended this book to me called "1-2-3 Magic" which basically goes through how to count your children to good behavior (yes, I am one of THOSE Moms who counts to three).  Anyway, the book tells you to not ever yell at your children because in essence all that is is a temper tantrum of your own, i.e. you can't control your behavior in difficult moments either.  So, everytime I throw one of my own (which is at least once every other day), I remember that book and think , "Do I want to burn it or ...maybe I should read it again?".  

Your best?

Praying with my kids at night.  The things that come out of my kids' mouths sometimes just amazes me.  Their wonder at every little thing is refreshing.  I forget a lot to be thankful for the small stuff too but they remind me of that every time we pray together.  So my best moments are those in which they teach me how to be a better mom and person and I try to return the favor.

Best parenting advice you have ever received?

For us, our schedule is crazy.  We are not home very often except to eat and go to bed most weeks.  The best advice anyone ever gave was to do what works for our family.  My kids have never been on a strict timeline throughout the day because our schedule just does not allow for it.  My kids stay up later sometimes so that we can spend that quality time together.  They still take naps (my 4.5 year old included when she feels like it) so that they can stay up a little later and play with Mom and Dad.  Just do what works for your family and own it.  Don't feel pressured to be like your neighbor or best friend because each family has its own dynamic.

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids?

Style?  I'm supposed to have that?  Well, I don't know that I ever had style before other than t-shirt and jeans and that is still pretty much my style.  I'm addicted to my jeans and I don't think that will ever change.  The biggest change has probably been going from heels to flats.  I still have some heels for work and going out, but most of my closet now consists of flats.  Carrying around kids is tough in heels and just not worth it for me.

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen? 

Again, I ask....Beauty regimen?  Not much of one.  For the days I work, I wake up, take a shower, comb my hair and even get to blow dry it maybe once a week.  Brush my teeth, contacts in, clothes on...get the kids ready.  A very quick make up application goes on at stoplights between childcare provider's (grandma) house and work.  Just the basics - powder foundation, a little bronzer on the cheeks, mascara, and lip gloss.  On days I don't work, most of the time it is the same regimen, minus the makeup and sometimes the shower.

What is your favorite beauty product and why?

All products by Aveda but my favorites are my shampoo and conditioner.  This is where I splurge because there is nothing better than stepping in the shower and washing your hair to the scent of Rosemary Mint by Aveda.  I also wear their makeup which is mineral based and has significantly changed my skin texture.  A little of their Tea tree oil added to Cetaphil facewash does wonders as well.  See, that's why I say all Aveda products because I can't choose one.

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be?

Time to read a book without someone standing beside me going, "Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom...I want some juice, can we watch TV?"  I love Dan Brown and Lynn Sholes books with religious mystery themes but the only time I can ever read anymore is when my kids (husband included) are sleeping.  That means that I am even more sleep-deprived than usual when I find a good book. 

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids?

I love going to the pool with them in the summer.  They are just so carefree when we are there and they get so worn out that they go to bed without as much wrangling from me.  At home, when it is just us, we like to set up obstacle courses in the playroom and everybody has a turn on the course and then we change it up a bit and go again.

 

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)?

Charlotte - Access to whatever we want to do.  Charlotte has so much kid-friendly stuff to do that I still learn something new every week.  

What word do you use way too much on any given day?

Kendall, stop!  (substitute Caleb in there as well)  Kendall is the best big sister ever but I swear I feel like I am yelling at her to stop picking up, carrying, sitting on, holding down, etc. Zoe every two minutes.  She wants to help Zoe make every move and take every step and it is cute most of the time but every time she does, Zoe screams (ear-splitting) because she wants to do it herself. 

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with?

Angelina Jolie because sometimes I feel like I live in a circus too.  She has double the amount of kids but the craziness of mine sometimes would probably fit in well with hers.

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be?

Definitely patience, like all moms!  If you ask my parents how they would describe me growing up, one of the common themes would probably be slow and very calm.  I don't get worked up (or didn't used to) or have much of a temper at all until I had kids.  I lose my patience so quickly with them sometimes and then I sit back and think, oh so this is what my parents mean when they say payback for my childhood is coming back to bite me.  Deep breaths and remember they are kids.  I remind myself that I need to enjoy these little moments of slowness because one day they won't have time for me either.

 

Favorite part of being a mom?

Listening to their giggles when I make funny faces or Daddy chases them around upstairs like he's a hungry bear.  Then listening to their quirky little comments and watching their facial expressions as they learn how to interact with others and wondering where in the world they get some of this from.  :)

Mom Questionnaire: Amy

Stats:

Name:   Amy Anzalone        Age (optional): 36           Number of kids: 2

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)?     How much money you spend at the grocery store.

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment?   Awhile back, I was in the pool with my 2 yr old. She was sitting right beside me, I look the other way to chat with my friend. Look back and she was under water. I felt like a horrible mother!

Your best?  When Parker(my 4 yr old) asked if we should pack up some toys, to donate to kids who could use them.

Best parenting advice you have ever received? Trust your mother instinct, it's usually right

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids?   I'm a minimalist now.

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen?   About 5 minutes on the make up, 15-20 mins on the hair, dressed and ready for the world.

What is your favorite beauty product and why?   Alterna Hemp Mud, it smoothes and separates without weighing down your hair.

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be?  Long dinners at 8:30pm with lots of wine and you don't feel like crap in the morning.

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids?   Going to Blakeney to listen to music and let the kids run and dance.

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)?   I have a great support system here, love the parks and outdoor activities. Downtown is close and a fun train ride away.

What word do you use way too much on any given day?   Actually

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with?  Kate Hudson

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be?   Twitch my nose and the whole house would be clean!

Favorite part of being a mom?    First thing in the morning, when everyone is happy and well rested. You get sweet hugs, kisses and lots of I Love You's!

Mom Questionnaire: Ashley

Stats:

Name: Ashley Kirby    Age (optional):     30     Number of kids:    1

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)?

How hard breastfeeding can be. Unfortunately, I was not one of the lucky people who had an easy time with it. It was an uphill battle for me from day one, and it never really got any easier. Branner was huge (9 lbs, 12 oz), we had latching issues and he was constantly hungry. I gave up after about 3 1/2 months. I pumped exclusively for about 3-4 weeks, but eventually, I was so worn out that I had to throw in the towel. I will try again, but man, I have never been so discouraged and exhausted over anything in my life!

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment?

Wow. In 19 short months, I have had several. One that stands out to me is a day back in March where I had a complete meltdown. I was trying to go to the Y, but Branner would not stop crying, so I missed my class. I can't remember all of the details (I tend to block traumatic experiences out of my memory), but that is one thing out of about 20 that went wrong that morning, and I just lost it. I cried and cried and cried. I said I didn't want to stay home with him anymore. I wanted to throw in the towel. I feel awful about that day. Oh, and on Mondays, his lunch usually consists of 2 free Harris Teeter cookies for lunch while I grocery shop after the Y.

Your best?

Hmmm. I'm super-critical of myself. Hard to say.

Best parenting advice you have ever received?

Choose your battles. Seriously, best advice ever when you have a toddler.

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids?

It's more conservative and I wear flats more regularly. Other than that, not much. I LOVE fashion!

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen? 

Wash face, apply Vitamin C serum, mineral foundation, a little eyeliner on the outsides of my eyes, mascara and blush.

What is your favorite beauty product and why?

Bare minerals foundation. One dusting and redness, blemishes and dark undereye circles disappear.

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be?

Since B sleeps a good 12 hours at night, I am able to get a decent night's sleep (as long as I get my butt off Facebook or turn off the TV early enough). So, I would have to say the luxury of not being on a schedule. I am a prisoner to meal times and nap times these days.

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids?

Hitting the park or the greenway and Discovery Kids. I was super-impressed with DK when we went for the first time a few weeks ago. It's perfect for the younger toddler set!

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)?

We can jump in the car and go to ImaginOn or Discovery Kids on a whim. There are also many amazing parks and there are tons of festivals and special events to take part in. Storytimes, gymnastics classes, Kindermusik and art classes are abundant. It is easy to find something to do with your child(ren). I don't think I could survive mommyhood in a small town.

What word do you use way too much on any given day?

"No!!!" I feel like some days, that's all I say. Sigh.

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with?

Jennifer Garner or Nicole Richie. Both take an extremely hands-on approach to parenting, which I love. I would die for Nicole's wardrobe. Maybe she would let me borrow stuff!

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be?

PATIENCE. I am working on it, but it is definitely not my forte!

Favorite part of being a mom?

Hugs, kisses and smiles. I could be having the worst day ever, but seeing one sweet smile on Branner's face can make everything better!

Mom Questionnaire: Jennifer

Name:   Jennifer Payne            Age (optional):     38                    Number of kids: 3

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)? That you could love something so much it takes your breath away


What would you say has been your worst parenting moment? Yelling and spanking, yes I said I would do neither and I do both!


Your best? Having 3 kids is really hard when it comes to giving each attention.  I try to divide it up and do special things with each of my children so they don't feel left out and that they get one on one time with me. 


Best parenting advice you have ever received?  To enjoy every second and to not wish your children would get older, yes these times are really tough but I have to keep reminding myself that they will all be grown up before I know it and I will be wishing they were babies again.


What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids?  Well I still wear my 4 inch heels so that hasn't changed, being able to fit into most of my clothes, not so much but I have embraced my curves and still try to dress up even if it's with jewelry or shoes. 


What is your day-to-day beauty regimen?   HA, with 3 kids don't really have one but I do try to at least put some tinted moisturizer on and bronzer. 


What is your favorite beauty product and why?  Oh Lord, I have a few...Bobbi Brown under eye concealer, with my dark circles it helps cover them right up, also love Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, I don't like heavy foundation for the summer and this is the perfect coverage without feeling so heavy and of course bronzer!!!


If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be?  SLEEP and being able to run an errand and not have it take forever. 


What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids?  I love music class, when my boys were younger they loved it, it gives me one on one time with them.  I can't wait to start taking Sadie, she loves music!!Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)?  That they have so many things to do with children.  I live in Ballantyne and I always feel like there is something that is kid friendly going on. 


What word do you use way too much on any given day?  STOP!


Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with?  Jennifer Garner, she is so down to earth and it's nice to see an actress who has a lot of money so hands on with their children.  Plus she seems so laid back and someone fun to hang out with. 

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be?  To have eyes in the back of my head but at times I think I do.  

Favorite part of being a mom? Everything! 

Mom Questionnaire: Emily

Enjoy Emily's answers (and humor!) and if you would like to share your answers just click, here for the questionnaire!


Stats:

Name:    Emily                                Age (optional):         34                Number of kids: 1 and one on the way (Dec)

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)?
         Carrying a baby for 40 weeks is no joke, but even once they’re out, becoming a human cow really takes a minute to get used to. So no surprise that sharing your body with a baby is a unique and beautiful thing…but it’s also ridiculously hard, tiring, and sometimes humiliating (first weeks of using a breast pump being particularly so).

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment?                            Saying ‘F&*%’ when a plate fell and my 2 year old repeating it. Or when I served him watermelon and cheese for dinner. Cursing vs. nutrition, it’s a toss up.

Your best?                                                                                                             Too many to choose from, really…Colin climbing up on a chair to kiss my neck and giggling; having tickle fights and hearing the sweetest boy in the world laugh with abandon, making me do the same; being so proud when he pooped in the potty for the first time; watching him discover new things everyday and experiencing the joy of what we usually take for granted (e.g., an ant crawling on a flower elicits a ‘wow’ everytime; all trucks are super exciting; farts are hilarious).

Best parenting advice you have ever received?                                              When I was pregnant, someone said that after the baby’s born I would feel every emotion (from the very good to the very bad) everyday and that these swings would repeat several times a day. Well yes, yes they did. (And that’s normal.)

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids?

Pants with a zipper would seem like high fashion these days.  (I'm pregnant, to be fair, but what's my excuse before I was knocked up?)

                     

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen?                                                       Shower at night, hat in the morning.

What is your favorite beauty product and why?                                                Burts Bees lip balm. Not sure it’s a ‘beauty product’ per se, but it’s a staple.

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be? Just one? No dice, I need at least two – money and time.

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids?                    Playing outside, preferably with other moms and kids. Morning play dates are nice, with coffee.

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)? Plaza Midwood has the coolest moms/kids!

What word do you use way too much on any given day?                                  ‘No.’ Feel like I’m always saying that to my two-year old. And ‘listen to your momma’ and ‘do you need to go potty?’

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with?                            I’ve not been feeling particularly Hollywood lately so not sure on this one.  

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be? Never being tired.

Favorite part of being a mom? Unconditional love and knowing your priorities at all times (i.e., your kid/s).

Mom Questionnaire: Stacy

Happy Monday!  Thought I would start the week off with another edition of the Mom Questionnaire instead of waiting til Thursday.  Call me crazy!


Stats:

Name:   Stacy Conder        Age (optional):  33             Number of kids: 2

What was the biggest surprise to you after having a child(ren)? The biggest surprise for me was probably how much the sleep-deprivation affected me. I knew I'd be tired a lot, but I didn't realize how much it would affect everything-- my short-term memory, my mood, my patience level, my appearance, everything. Unfortunately I just don't function well on less than 8 or 9 hours of sleep (I actually think I need about 10 to feel and look well-rested... if my husband lets me sleep in on a weekend, I can literally sleep until noon!!).

What would you say has been your worst parenting moment? There have been plenty, I'm sure, but there is one that sticks out in my mind. When my oldest son, Vincent, was about 3 months old-- it was my first day back to work, and I was very stressed out and emotional. I got him all bundled up and set him in his carseat while I got my work stuff together. I put him in the car and drove across town to his babysitter's house, and then when I went to get him out of the car, I realized that I had forgotten to strap him into his seat!! I burst into tears (and thanked God we made it there safely)...needless to say, it was not the best start to my return-to-work.

Your best? This may not count as a parenting moment, because I actually did not have kids yet, but an honest answer for this is the day I married my husband, Ed. (I know, it's really cheesy... but it's true!) He is such a hands-on dad, and is so great with our boys. He is my voice of reason when I'm neurotically freaking out about the virus going around at pre-school or what to do for one of the boys' birthday parties, etc. He really just enjoys every moment he spends with the kids, and it makes me enjoy them even more too.

Best parenting advice you have ever received? My mom told me recently that she would give anything to go back, even just for a week, to when my brother & sister & I were little... she said she was so busy trying to manage 3 young kids and work full-time that she didn't really stop to enjoy her time with us, and it's all a blur to her now. Her advice was basically every time you're tempted to say "no", say "yes" instead...to one more book, one more song, one more question... to enjoy my kids, and to try to spend quality time with them, every day. It's so easy to get wrapped up in catching up on housework, laundry, emails, or bills on the days I'm home from work, but they'll only be little for a short while. So I try to keep my focus on them as much as possible, reading books, playing hopscotch, or even just snuggling with them for a minute longer at bedtime.

What has changed the most about your personal style since having kids? I have somehow become okay with going to run errands without makeup, no shower, hair in a greasy ponytail. The pre-kid me would be horrified at this... I really should try harder.

What is your day-to-day beauty regimen? I use SPF 30 moisturizer every morning, and tretinoin (retinol) every other night, along with a good moisturizer at night. That's about it (again, it wouldn't kill me to try harder!!).

What is your favorite beauty product and why? Loreal Sublime self-tanner... I am naturally very, very, very pale and this self-tanner gives me a pretty natural looking tan year-round. I love it!

If you could have back one luxury from your pre-kids days what would it be? Sleep!! Lots and lots of it!

What is your favorite kid-friendly activity to do with your kids? Having playdates with my friends, whose kids are around the same age. Sometimes we'll meet at someone's house, or the pool, or a park, or even Carowinds. It's fun for me and the boys, win-win!

Your favorite thing about raising kids in Charlotte (or whatever city in which you live)? Being from Ohio originally, I love that we can be outdoors year round (for the most part). It's only way too hot or way too cold for a brief part of the year, and the rest of the time there are so many fun places to go in Charlotte-- strawberry-picking and walks on the Greenway in the spring, the Knights games and the YMCA pool in the summer, the Panthers games and the parks in the falls, and enjoying the occasional snowfall in the winter.

What word do you use way too much on any given day? "That's one." (We use the 1-2-3 Magic system for discipline- they get "that's one", then "that's two", and then it's time-out. Fortunately, they know by now not to go past "that's one" ...most of the time, anyway.)

Celebrity mom you can most see yourself hanging out with? Tina Fey. Based on my experience reading Bossypants, I would spend the entire time with her laughing outloud!

If you could have one super power that would help you be an even better mom what would it be? The ability to pause time, so I could catch a nap here and there. Seriously, I miss my sleep!!

Favorite part of being a mom? So many little things... every morning when Graham, my 2 year old, snuggles in my arms for a few minutes before he takes off and becomes a wild man... and every so often when Vincent, my 4 year old, says, out of the blue, "You're the coolest, Mommy" or "I love you so much Mommy"... those moments are just incredible:).