Introduce yourself and your children.
A: My name is April and I live in the DMV area. I am a working and work-from-home mother. I have two boys; Malachi who just turned 7 months yesterday and Xavier who is 13 years old.
How would you describe your sons?
A: Malachi is a very active and smart and needs a lot of attention to keep him happy. He picks up things pretty fast and notices everything. For instance I can cough and then he will pretend cough or I will make a grunting noise and he will do the same. He loves jumping as I hold him. He loves music and his favorite TV show theme song is Bill Cosby’s Season 4 song and Good Times lol. He will wake up in the middle of his sleep if he hears either theme songs.
When Xavier was born he was the complete opposite of Malachi. He was a quiet baby and still is quiet and laid back. He was an easy baby to take care of. He barely cried or got sick. He loves the computer. He first started using the computer when he was about 2 and a half years old. He knows thing about the computer and shortcuts I don’t even know about. He loves drawing, basketball, swimming and playing his video games. He is very protective of me. He is a great child who rarely gives me any issues. I am blessed to have such a well-behaved smart son.
A: Can you tell us about your labor and birth?
Oh boy, For Xavier I remember I was having pains around 1 am and long story short I was in labor. I ended up going to the hospital at 2 am and went into the delivery room around 9:45 that night. Xavier was born at 10 pm June 6th 2000 weighing 8lbs 7oz. I Remember when it was all over I asked my doctor “Is that it”? lol. He said “yes” and mentioned that I was his best patient that day.
I was overdue with Malachi. My doctor had to schedule an induction. My fiance and I arrived at the hospital at 8 am. I was given my induction pill around 9am and got an epidural around 11 am because I started feeling a little pain. The pain was even unbearable on one side even after the epidural. I was almost in tears it was so bad. I kept telling the nurses but they didn’t do much to help. My doctor came in and checked me and found out the pain I was feeling on my side was the baby coming down!!! So I ended up delivering the baby 5 to 10 minutes afterwards. Thank God it was a pretty easy delivery. The nurses told me that I made pregnancy look easy. I am just blessed that I was able to delivery my son quickly. He was born at 12 pm that day weighing 7lbs 5oz.
How do you balance work and being a mom?
A: It’s pretty hard. Luckily I have my mom that watches Malachi during the day. When I get home it’s all about him. His dad and I take turns on who does what everyday. My oldest son is a great help also. If I am busy with something he always helps.
What is your biggest parenting challenge right now?
A: My biggest challenge right now is getting my little one to sleep. He loves to stay up for as long as possible because he doesn’t want to miss anything. Once he is asleep he will sleep all night. His bedtime ranges between 10pm and 12am. It just depends on if he is tired enough to sleep.
How do you determine that your child is thriving?
A: I think as long as my family is happy and we talk to our kids every day they will thrive.
How do you carve out time for yourself?
A: I really don’t have time to do much of anything. If I want to do something I will let my fiance take over with the baby. If he is not available then if possible I will do what I need to do with the baby.
How does your fiance contribute to child-rearing?
A: My fiance and I take turns with the baby. He can also tell when I need a break and will take care of the kids, chores and cooking.
Who is your child-rearing support group?
A: My family and pediatrician.
What advice would you give to a new mom?
A: I would tell a new mom that with a new baby things will definitely get rough — from long nights of no sleep to days where crying seems endless. Don’t feel bad about asking for help. Take a mini break and let someone you trust to take care of the baby even if it’s for only 30 mins. Everyone needs a mental break it doesn’t mean you are a bad mom or dad. You will feel so much better when you get back to your baby.
For more of April check out her blog here.
