Celebrating Motherhood: Katie

Today's featured mom is Katie:
Occupation: Public Policy Director (currently on maternity leave)
 Age: 28
Number of children and ages: Thomas, almost 9 months
When you were a teenager and you thought about your future life, what did you think and how does the reality match up? When I was a teenager, I only thought about my future in terms of a career - I was going to be a current affairs journalist. These days, I work to support government decision making that often gets reported by the very sort of journalist I'd expected to become.
What is the hardest thing about being a mom? Waking up every hour to nurse on demand.
What is the best thing about being a mom? Seeing my little guy smile and flap his arms when I enter the room or when he hears my voice.
When you think about your parenting style, what words would you use to describe it? Tucked - my son calms down instantly when I cuddle him next to me and he always sleeps best when lying next to me. You could say I loosely follow attachment parenting principles, but my husband and I really just try to do what feels best in our hearts.
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? Best -- buy a Nose Frida Snot Sucker. Worst -- just put him in his crib, he'll settle down and sleep through the night. 
What is the one thing you wish someone had told you before you became a mother? That buying a crib is a waste of money!
What kind of grown-ups do you hope your children will become? Friendly. Caring. Supportive. Strong. Independent. Well-educated.
How do you keep a sense of balance in your life? Walking around the neighbourhood while baby naps in his stroller. Blogging about motherhood. Fostering friendships with other new moms. Taking every opportunity to enjoy a dinner out with my husband. Accepting help from my family.
What is your guilty pleasure? Buying dresses, eating chocolate and drinking smoothies.