Q and A, Honestly.

I started my Instagram platform the moment I decided to share my birth story and my experience with having a baby in the NICU. I have met some wonderful people, especially mamas that have been able to relate to my story and my journey. Their honesty and their stories have encouraged me to continue to share mine.

So, a couple of weeks ago, we decided to host a Q and A for our growing Instagram Community. We wanted to know what you thought, what questions you had and even what suggestions you wanted to pass down. I thought I'd take the time to answer some of your questions now, and I'll do different posts for some of the same questions some mamas have had. (sorry for the delay). I'll also be linking a few things I talk about as well as the mamas with the questions. Be sure to pay attention to the underlined hints.

I was surprisingly taken by some of the questions. Not all were about motherhood, which in all honestly, is what motherhood is all about.

Where do you get your furniture? Love how you decorate your home!

(Instagram: allthatsdarling)

First off, I'm so flattered. Thank You!

I guess I don't have a specific store where I purchase my furniture/decor. I have experimented on quite a few stores and have narrowed some down as my go-to's. Most of my big furniture (sofas, coffee table, stands, Bedroom set) are from Z Gallerie. As for my decor and small furniture, I bargain shop (although my husband will tell you differently). My go to is Wayfair.com, they literally have everything, every style, every space and every price you're willing to pay. Now, If I need something quick, or just to simply upgrade for the season, I run to Homegoods, Pottery Barn, West Elm and sometimes even Tj Maxx. I've always loved decor and highly believe that if you know what you want, you don't need to break your wallet to make your home beautiful.

What's your most needed baby gear?

(Instagram: annie.rohde)

Hmm, this is tough to answer because Mini is a little bit older now and I don't use more than half the things I used when she was a new born. I guess the one thing I need for her now would be her Stokke Stroller. It's super light, super convenient and folds up into the smallest piece.

What's something you wish you hadn't done in regards to baby talk?

(Instagram: tinted_pink)

I never baby talked much to Mini, not even when she was a new born. I was advised by many mamas not to do so and to communicate with her in a normal tone and language. The one thing I wish I did a little differently from the beginning was stick to one language. We speak two languages in the household and although she picks up and understands both, I think I should have stuck to one and introduced the other now.

What are some healthy toddler meals you feed mini?

(Instagram: chasing_mr_watson)

This is so tough! As I'm sure for most mamas. Every day is a struggle. Although Mini is NOT a picky eater at all, she will eat anything and everything, I like to give her variety. I play a lot with steamed veggies and smoothies. Smoothies are Minis favorite. In every smoothie I add a bell pepper (they are super sweet and lose the taste when blended, which means the kiddos won't taste them, and I get her to eat a raw veggie secretly). You can also add your vitamin drops. Omega3's or Vitamin D's, whatever you use.

What are your favorite meals to make for your family? I'm lacking Inspiration.

(Instagram: rachelr_west)

Again, so tough! My husband is a big pasta fan, so he makes making dinner super easy. I only use whole wheat pasta, that way I don't feel super guilty about all the carbs. I either bake salmon, some shrimp or chicken for him (I'm a vegetarian, so I have to make meat on the side). The reason I love pasta is because you can play with the sides and the sauces. I usually make my own sauce and they are delicious. I'm a veggie freak, so all my sauces have at least 5 veggies in them.

What did you struggle with the most bringing home your new baby? Are you planning on another?

(Instagram: beccadutkiewicz)

These are great questions! There were many things I struggled with bringing a new baby home. My concerns were a little different than most moms (as mentioned in previous posts. Click on this link to read more about it). But the most concern I had was my milk supply. Here I was, after a month in the hospital with Mini, no NICU nurses, no lactation nurses, no pumps, no advice, just me and Mini. I was so worried that I would mess something up and that my milk supply would decrease. I was lucky enough to have my mom and my sister along with my husband continue to encourage me and push me daily. I think when you have a good support system around you, it makes the beginning process of breastfeeding a lot more easier. I went 14 months strong, so my fear was pretty silly now looking back at it as I'm sure most new moms fears are.

As for our plans for another baby? At first I was very reluctant, I was scared and honestly didn't even like the topic of discussion. I avoided the question and had my mind set up. I was pretty fearful to take that step! I had many what-if's in my head. What if my pregnancy is risky again? What if the same outcome presents itself at birth? What if our second baby doesn't have a healthy beginning? So many questions ran through my head. I wasn't ready to discuss it, I never thought I'd be ready to be pregnant again. But, like they say, time heals all wounds. And time has truly healed mine. I opened up to the topic of having more kids and I opened up to the possibility. So, I'm definitely not ready to have one now but I'm excited to grow our family down the line.

What baby products do you have that you absolutely can not imagine living without?

(Instagram: ren_ouellette)

I did a similar post to this questions a couple of weeks ago. There are many baby products I love and tell myself I cannot live without. But the one I use the most would be baby wipes. That's because I use them for everything, honestly. I use them to wipe Mini, head to toe/shoes. I use it to clean up her messes, walls, carseats. I use it to wipe a restaurant table/highchair and sometimes to even take my make-up off. Oops!

Thank you to all the mamas that have reached out. I've always believed in an honest platform and continue to practice it. I have always been pretty open about motherhood, Minis journey and my home. We only share what we want the world to know and I enjoy sharing some things with you. As for suggestions, I am ALWAYS open to advice on bettering myself.

With Love,

a mama + her mini