Local Mom: Tara

As part of our month long celebration of St. John's moms, today's featured Mom isTara

Occupation: Journalist, and maker of Mushy Peas kids toys/clothes/accessories (and some for adults, too)
Your Age: (if you want to share?) Early 30s
Number of children and ages:  Malachy, 8 months

When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life what did you think and how does the reality match up? Well, the end result matched up, for sure. It's the bumps along the way that I didn't count on...but it all turned out brilliantly!

What is the hardest thing about being a mom? The hardest thing for me is when Malachy is sick, even with just a little cold. Knowing he's uncomfortable and not being able to do much to make him feel better kills me.

What is the best thing about being a mom? Seeing Malachy's happy little face, and watching him grow (although I wish he wasn't growing so fast!). It's absolutely amazing that eight months ago, he was a little tiny blob that had trouble even focusing his eyes, and now he can do so much. It's incredible to watch a little person learn and develop their own personality like that.

When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it? I'm a fan of attachment parenting- I think it helps to foster self-esteem and a sense of security in children.

All new mothers get lots of parenting advice, sometimes more than they want! What was some advice that you appreciated and would pass on to others, or alternatively, what was the worst piece of advice you ever got ?
I got a lot of great advice, especially from my sister, who is the most informed parent on the planet! I got some bad advice from others, too... like someone telling me I had to leave my baby and let him "cry it out" when he wouldn't sleep in his basinett at about a week old. One week old!

What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a mother? That I'd never look back. I had a bit of an anxious moment about a month before Malachy was born, thinking of how my life was going to change. The thing is, once you have a child, your idea of fun changes, too. You don't mind getting up in the night or early in the morning, or any other things you think might be hard. And my life is so much more fulfilling now (although as a PS- my idea of a "spa day" has changed, too. Most days it means finding the time to wash my hair)!

What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become? Happy, smart, friendly, caring, outgoing, secure.