Fall is approaching and we have another sweet mama for you to meet: this month we are featuring, Megan. She recently turned 36 and has a couple of sweet babes; Micah (2.5 years), and Chloe (6 months old). You've probably seen Micah on our website! Megan is currently a Labor and Delivery Nurse and lives in Parker, Colorado.

Favorites

Favorite mommy product:
My Spectra Breast Pump. Kind of a weird thing to be excited about. I had a Medela with my first and thought it was fine, but this time I got a spectra and I loved it - I mean let's be honest, pumping isn't my favorite thing, but since I have to pump on occasion I must say I really like the spectra. Mine is battery powered (so no cords), it's quiet, and I get way more milk with it.

Favorite baby product:
I am a huge fan of baby wearing and I love my Solly Wrap! It’s a little confusing at first but once I figured it out I started using it all the time.

Favorite way to have a little “me-time”:
I just recently have started to wake up 30 minutes or so before my kids on days I don’t work. My kids aren’t the greatest sleepers, so this can be hit or miss, but I use that 30 minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee and pray, journal, or do bible study. I really enjoy that peaceful morning time and I feel like even though I'd often like to sleep longer I am more ready for my day when I start my day the right way and take that time for myself!

A couple more questions...
 
Can you tell us a little bit about working as a Nurse during the Covid-19 Pandemic? 

I have to start this answer with a little backstory.

First off, I had my daughter at the end of February, so right before things really got intense (which means I was on maternity leave until the middle of May and feel like I kind of missed the peak of Covid).

Second, I work in labor and delivery so we haven’t had quite as much exposure as other areas of the hospital, and I feel like most nurses might have a very different perspective on working during the pandemic.

That being said, Covid has definitely changed things at my job. I was really scared to go back to work; I actually had several conversations with my husband about how we could make it work if I quit. But in the end I decided I couldn’t live in fear and I am really passionate about my work as a labor and delivery nurse. I didn’t want to let the fear take that away from me.

Day to day we are all adjusting to the new norms like wearing masks and not allowing as many visitors. I have noticed I have a harder time connecting to my patients sometimes because of the barrier of masks which isn’t a great feeling. I get to be a part of such a special time in the lives of these women and I hate that they can’t see me smiling at them in encouragement as they labor.

I have to refrain from giving my patients a hug of congratulations after they deliver which used to be normal and now doesn’t feel acceptable. I literally strip down as soon as I get home, throw my clothes in the washer, and shower before I love on my kiddos just to keep any "germs" out of our house and keep my family safe.

But overall every day feels a little easier and I am just grateful to love my job. It's a privilege to support women in such a vulnerable, scary, and yet amazing time in their lives.
 
What has it been like adjusting to life with two littles? 

It has been an adjustment for sure! I’m not sure if it’s the pandemic or just life with two but we have had our ups and downs the last 6 months.

Just in the last few weeks I've had moments where I've reached out to friends saying, “what am I doing wrong?” and “maybe I’m not cut out for this!” Being a mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever done and yet I wouldn’t change a thing. I think the hardest adjustment has just been not having any downtime. Having a busy toddler combined with a baby just magnifies how "needed" I am.

I think my favorite part so far has been watching the relationship between Micah and Chloe develop. Micah is such an amazing big brother and loves Chloe so much. He is always asking to hold her and wants to show her things all the time. No one can make Chloe smile bigger than Micah. It warms my heart in a way I didn’t know was possible watching them together.

What is the first thing you do when you put the kiddos down for sleep? 

The dishes! I know that’s so silly but as soon as the kids are down I try to clean up the kitchen and at least pick up the house so it’s not waiting for me in the morning. Then my husband and I typically watch Netflix or (in all honesty) go to bed shortly after my kids - lame, I know, but when you have two kids that don’t sleep great you sleep when you can!

Advice

Please share some words of advice for all the mamas out there.

I don’t feel like I know enough to give advice to other moms, but I guess I will share the things that really have helped me. First off I would say give yourself grace and trust the fact that God has chosen you to be the perfect mama for your babes.  Matthew 7:11 really resonates with me. “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” I find such comfort in the fact that even though I fail often and have no idea what I’m doing, God loves my kids even more than I do.

Second I would say is be consistent. My mom shared this advice with me and it has been so true and so helpful for my husband and I with raising our kiddos.

Thanks, Megan! ❤️