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Slow down for a minute while we catch up with Ali on her journey through motherhood:
Ali
What's one of your earliest memories?
Swimming at my grandparents' house when I was about 5, my gram made me get out of the pool to take a phone call inside - the kind of phone that was still attached to the wall, with a mile-long cord. It was my mom calling to say I had a new baby brother. I remember saying something like 'ok, bye', and running back to the pool. I had all the makings of a great big sister, right?!
What was the most trouble you ever got in as a kid?
I was seriously an angel child, I don't ever remember getting in trouble with my parents. I did get spanked once by a babysitter though for knocking over a lamp during a game of hide-and-seek with my siblings. The first and only time that ever happened.
Growing up, what did you want to do for a living, and what do you actually do?
As a kid I wanted to write and illustrate children's stories. Today, I own a small-family business with my husband, this one! My writing comes out in blog posts, social media captions, and conversations with customers. The drawing or creative side gets unleashed through product designs. I still love coming up with new ideas and seeing them come to life.
Was there something your parents did when you were a kid that you swore you'd never do yourself?
Make my kids eat liver and "suck-a-tash."
Any 'oh sh**' moments as a mom?
Several! They all have to do with self-doubt and my inability to provide first aid. Luckily, I always hear my sister's voice in my head saying 'you're all they've got' and that somehow snaps me back into reality.
One of these moments changed the way my oldest draws his self-portrait. It was an unforgettable day for sure.
What's the hardest thing about being a mom?
Letting them be kids, and not seeing me cringe when they push the limits of what I'd consider safe (admittedly I have a very low tolerance for danger). I want them to explore, and to face life bravely, but geesh. Sometimes it's hard to be patient and to coach them through situations, without jumping ahead to every possible outcome.
What's your favorite thing about being a mom?
The smiles, the sounds of their laughs, seeing their personalities come out - they're little creatures with their own quirks, sensitivities, and senses of humor. And I loooove seeing the boys spend time together. They can play for hours on end, fish, swim, kayak, and rock on the front porch like two little old men sharing secrets. Their bond is so special to me.
What's the secret weapon hiding in your purse?
My purse is like a clown car for snacks - they just keep coming. Never leave home without them.
What has been the best milestone so far?
Can I give you 2?
The boys inviting me to play games with them. We've moved past the days of me pleading for a board game on Tech-Free Tuesday; now, they set up the games and ask me to join.
Seeing them be aware of their surroundings and offering help without being prompted or asked.
Any advice for a mom just starting out, or about to have a babe?
Soak in the little moments - bathtime, stories, giggles, beets smeared ear to ear - and find a way to preserve those memories. We can get so wrapped up in big moments, big milestones, that the day-to-day joys can pass us by.
Want to catch up on other mom perspectives? Meet Coleen, Beth, Kristine, and Erin.
