In the last 5 years there have been such a parade of emotional moments on this parenting roller coaster. My first born started kindergarten this year and my second is now riding a bike! And Odette, not to be overshadowed by her big brothers, is trucking along fast and furiously on the trail paved before her. She was just a sweet, cozy, immobile little being, then she smiled and cooed, then she rolled over, then back over again, and then propped her chunky legs up and she sat on her own. She’s following in her big brothers’ footsteps, growing from an infant to a 7-month-old and beyond, and now exploring out of breastmilk and into solids.
Odette transitioning into this new world of solid food shouldn’t phase me. It’s a natural and GOOD progression. It means she’s ready for the world; ready to grow and develop. She’s ready for the next benchmark. These milestones from my third child shouldn’t seem like huge momentous markers, but the expected change brings on many unexpected tears. I hate saying goodbye to those previous moments.
I remember when Odette said “mama” for the first time. She was about 4 months. Her lips sucked under her gummy smile and she so deliciously said it… not even connecting the word and sensation to me: she was just doing exactly what she was supposed to be doing. It wasn’t as though I’d never heard these words before from my kids, but now it was from my littlest baby–and possibly the last infant member of our tribe.
I tried to savor every moment of my last pregnancy. I signed up for plenty of foot rubs, I massaged my belly after every shower, and I even made a cast of my swollen baby bump! (It’s sitting on the floor of a closet.) When Odette was born, I ate her up. I was so worried I would be so preoccupied with my older kids that I wouldn’t get enough time with her, so I co-slept and did baby-led feedings. I strapped Odette onto my chest and in various pouches so we were always connected. The fact that she sits with me while I’m eating and reaches for my food isn’t anything that is surprising. It’s not like I didn’t see this coming, and didn’t know she was maturing and developing, because I did. I know it’s not as though Odette is venturing off to college, but this milestone is the first big one of many, and it might possibly be the last of the “firsts.” And, for whatever reason, it melts my heart and makes me incredibly emotional. It’s as though I’m saying goodbye to certain chapters in my life, too.
Thank goodness I have wonderful friends and family whose shoulders I can cry on! One dear friend of mine, Nicole Tubiola from my WILDFIRE days, came to my rescue when I needed it most. In my panic of holding onto every baby moment, I completely forgot how to transition into the next phase: solid food. Luckily, Nic helped me shift into solids effortlessly and organically, and showered me with her tremendous knowledge of baby food. Nicole runs a company called Simple that prepares baby meals for busy moms in their homes and leaves these meals in their freezers. She created an entire schedule for me so that I could focus on saying goodbye to the breast milk diapers (I can’t help it I love that smell–TMI?) and hello to the new foodie phase.
See below for the wonderful schedule created by Nicole and stayed tuned for her post on how to cook and prepare these important meals.
The Simple Schedule
Month 1
Baby should drink milk prior to eating solids. we recommend 6-8 oz each for breakfast, lunch, mid- afternoon, dinner with an optional late night feed for the 1st 3 weeks. In the 4th week we recommend, 6-8 oz for breakfast, lunch & dinner + 5-7 oz at mid- afternoon & an optional 3 oz during late night.
days 1-3
lunch: 1 tsp oat cereal***
days 4-6
lunch: 1 cube butternut squash* dinner: 1 tsp oat cereal**
days 7-9
lunch: 1 cube pear*
dinner: 1 tsp oat** mixed with 1 cube butternut squash
days 10-12
lunch: 1 cube sweet potato*
dinner: 2 tsp oat** with 1 cube pear
days 13-15
lunch: 2 tbl finely mashed avocado*** + 1 cube butternut squash dinner: 1 tbl oat** mixed with 1 cube pear
days 16-18
lunch: 1 cube green bean* + 1 cube sweet potato dinner: 1 tbl oat** mixed with 1 cube pear
days 19-21
lunch: 2 tbl yogurt*** mixed with 1 cube pear
dinner: 1 tbl oat cereal** mixed with 1 cube butternut squash & 1 cube sweet potato
days 22-24
lunch: 1 cube apple* + 2 cubes sweet potato dinner: 1 tbl oat** mixed with 2 cubes green bean
days 25-27
lunch: 1 cube carrot* + 1 cube apple
dinner: 1 tbl oats** mixed with 1 cube butternut & 1 tbl yogurt**
days 28-30
lunch: 1 tbl multi-grain cereal*** mixed with 1 cube green bean & 1 cube pear dinner: 1-2 tbl avocado** + 1 cube butternut & 1 cube carrot
*new food introduced, **must buy item separately
Photos by Angela Doran Photography
69 Comments
Tessa
Awww, your beautiful baby girl! I can not believe how quickly she’s growing up, it feels like just a week ago you were introducing her to the world, and nows she eating solids!
Miica
I love Odette’s hair it is growing now and it is kinda the same color JJ has 🙂 I think evry parent gets emotional when it comes to their kids growing especially if that is their last one but you are doing great <3
Margaret Dye
I’m trying to savor every moment, and she’s my first. I love the smell of her breastmilk diapers, too! This post is perfectly timed for me as I look ahead to start preparing for this soon!
Cathy Dove
She’s so beautiful! You are a wonderful mother Gen.
Erin lance
Cherish these moments and cry as you must, but there are more solid gold moments in your future❤️ I have 3 grown daughters and 3 grandkids, and the milestones I cried over with my kids I realized I’m getting a chance to relive again!! With an even greater appreciation of how awesome life is !! 2 days ago my youngest granddaughter violet (17months) called me “honey” ( my gkids have always called me that??♀️ I think because that’s what my hubby calls me?) for the first time!!! As with my other gkids it made cry then realize how lucky I am to have these moments❤️ Our kids may grow up but, but they bring us greater gifts while they are doing it!!! I think you have an amazing family and many amazing milestones for generations to come ❤️✌️
Natalie Anne
Aw, Gen! I feel for you! Babies grow so fast, I don’t blame you for soaking in every second!! I have a horrible memory so I rely on photographs and mementos to look back on. This is so funny but the food schedual reminds me so much of mine when I had jaw surgery! Lol. Odette is looking so grown up already (although she still looks newborn when she’s in Jared’s arms? Lol). It really does feel mournful when they take a new milestone as well as exciting for things to come. You must be dealing with such mixed emotions right now but soon she’ll be running after her older brothers having the time of her life! Xx
Samantha Potter
Gen this is so beatiful! You made 3 beautiful children! I was just wondering what color are Odette’s eyes? Because in some pictures it looks like she’s got her daddy’s eyes and in others they look brown like yours! Would be much appreciative of an answer! Love you and your family Gen!
Deb Sorrell
You seem to be doing a great job enjoying the little moments. It is a lot of transitioning in a short time. Not only the changes you are going through bit seeing your babies move thru life as well. Just think of all the next big “first” you get to enjoy as they grow. You are consciously living your life it seems. That is gift you give to Jared, Thomas, Shep, and Odette. May you help them live that way as well. Take care.
Csilla
I am so impressed with how well you juggle your life. The children are beautiful and well adjusted to the world around them. The fame and chaos does not seem to penetrate the life you and Jared have made for them. I know that my babies grew so fast. My 18 is working on college and my 13 is working on starting High School. I remember both when they were just babies, it is definately special when the smallest and possibly the last says her first words.
Anne
❤️ You have a beautiful family, I wish love and happiness
Alesia Blake
I loved reading your post it is emotional. I had three beautiful daughters, and I remember the phases very well and they are all emotional. For me it was so first day of school for each, I felt as if my babies were venturing out on their own. My children are all grown now, my eldest daughter Vicky, pass to heaven in 2011. I miss her daily we called herTrix. Savor every moment, I spend most weekends with my granddaughter now Jennifer, she is wonderful growing up so fast I remember when she was just a tiny girl and now she will be 14 this year. I think your family is beautiful, your children are reflection of their parents, and those around them. So your support group, must be awesome. Gen you and Jared, are special and amazing people.
Joelle Karam
This is so sweet! You’re such a great mom❤️
Brenda Lewis
What a wonderful chronicle of motherhood. So many of the same emotions I felt so many years ago. And you think, wasn’t it just yesterday? I got so wistful myself reading your blog. Iwished I’d written it down back then, all the little quiet moments. Enjoy these days, happy life!
Hailey Owens
This is so bittersweet. I’m sitting here at work crying now. She is growing so happy and healthy! I am glad that you are willing to share what pulls your heartstrings with us. Even though I’m still hurt at the fact that I can’t have kids biologically you encourage me to adopt and share my love and experiences with a child who needs it. Thank you, Gen.
Laura
Hola! Te escribo en español por qué mi inglés está un poco olvidado. Espero que alguien pueda traducírtelo.
Soy de Argentina, tengo dos hijos varones (like you;)) y estoy en la búsqueda de mi tercer embarazo…. hace unos meses y después de dos años de búsqueda perdí un embarazo ( fue muy triste….) así que ahora estamos en la búsqueda nuevamente. En fin… todo lo que escribiste es tal cual me siento con mis hijos y sabiendo que si logro tener otro bebe, seguramente, va a ser el ultimo, también me angustia muchísimo pensar en que todo lo que viva va a ser la última vez que lo viva… pero no veo la hora de que pase!
Bueno, solamente quería dejarte saludos desde la otra punta del continente!
Laura
Keely Hopwood
I loved reading this .Its so amazing to read about what I might be able to experience when I’m older .I’m only 15 but in future who knows what will happen ,this was very nice to read and hopefully I get to experience the joy and excitement of being a parent
Kara
I love reading about your life and especially you’re emotional journey. It’s a way of getting to know you on a deeper level which I really enjoy. Always happy hearing about the progress of your beautiful kids too of course. Loved this and thank you for sharing. Much love and support ?
Jordy Sirkin
She is so adorable! I remember when the little one I nannied started doing the solid train. It was the first time I had part responsiblity as a babysitter and I was so nervous every time. I little too neurotic about it haha. But it was so fun to watch her enjoy new foods.
Celia prescott
Hey Jen I don’t follow everybody from Supernatural I love Jared and Jensen and I think it’s an awesome show but something about you just Sparks my attention I think you’re just amazing mom smart beautiful and interesting and I love reading about your adventures even if it’s simple things it’s exciting so I follow you on Facebook Instagram and now I just found your blog and it’s wonderful I’m truly a big fan.
Celia prescott
Sorry I meant Gen❤
katra
sooo cute
Abbey Clarke
I love your blogs so much! They make me want to me a mum now regardless of the fact that I’m way too young. Keep being an amazing role model to us Gen! I love you for all you do!
Lys Oliveira
Nossa, ela é tão linda! A pequena tem sorte em tê-la como mãe, você é adorável.
Adrianna Emanuel
Since I am just becoming a new mom and finding out that I am pregnant makes me understand what you mean! This will be my first child and I’m going to start everything as a first and it’s the greatest thrill because it’s basically uncharted territory but the way you love her is just so beautiful and that we know the bond you guys have will always be unbreakable you’re truly a wonderful parent.
Sherry Luden
I only had my two boys, but I remember those long gone days. Thank you so much for sharing this. Seeing your boys grow is like having my boys again. Plus the little girl I didn’t have. Odette is growing up so fast.
You and Jared are the youngest children of my heart. (the Ackeles too) So, I feel like I have 9 grandchildren now.
Hugs to all of you.
Mary Price
She is so precious. I love the picture of her with her spoon. She looks just like Jared. All the kids are so cute. I feel for you knowing your baby days are coming to a close. It’s hard to reconcile with that. The good news is you still have a few more years left of this special bonding time. Thx for sharing your journey with us.
Tanya
Beautifully written Gen, and thank you for your share. I got teary reading it! I am too in the same boat, my first daughter though at 43yrs old (3 stepsons so daddy’s first baby girl). April is almost 7months and wow my emotions are so up and down I don’t know wether I’m coming or going! It’s been such a roller coaster, my little girl is a wee little girl, being constantly told by midwives that she is under weight (on the 10% percentile ) telling me to get her weight up even though she’s putting on weight she hasn’t hit 7kg yet. So I’m sometimes in tears breastfeeding wondering if my milk is good enough for her, if I’m doing all I can for her, I think I put too much pressure on myself. Each mother and bubs journey is so different, we have to enjoy it as we blink and it passes by. Every tear is with the sweet sounds I hear, her cries keeping me up at night, so I can’t help but sneak her back in bed with us co-sleeping because I don’t want to miss anything, and want to sooth her with my kisses. I’m savouring every moment as she is my first but last baby at my age….. I’m so blessed to have her.
You are doing such a wonderful job, and you have 3 beautiful bears! I seriously don’t know how you and other mums do it! I applaud you all.
Love reading what you write, and hearing your stories. Enjoy every moment!
Tan
xxx
lizneidy
im glad you shared this becuase my mom is having a baby! ?
Johna
I have 5 children oldest 16, youngest 9. I felt exactly how you feel with each one. I’m now preparing for my oldest to go off to college in a couple of years and oof the emotions that hit with just the thought. All of those memories will be with you forever and no matter how old they get youll always see them as the newborns they once were. It’s one of the many beautiful things that come with being a mom. ♡
Jessica Turner
You and your kids are the cutest! I wish I had seen something like this before my boys came along; maybe they’d eat something a little more rounded than Poptarts and peanut butter by now.
Lorraine Horton
Gen, it’s so awesome you are able to Blog these moments with us who follow and share with us what works in parenting for you. I agree, as a Mother of 4, my oldest being 18, there were many firsts and those are memories that only come once in a lifetime. Sometimes I wish I could freeze those firsts and keep them but, our children grow. We are all practically raising adults and the way we raise them will reflect one day how they will raise their own. You are an amazing Mom. #Blessed
Brittany sisson
Beautifully written. I made the baby food for my oldest (almost 3 years old now) and am hoping to be able to do it again for my youngest (almost 4 months). I remember being in awe of just how fast she was developing. Now I’m going through it all over again with my youngest baby. Such a bitter sweet moment.
Patricia
I have 3 daughters all grown with kids of there own.by the time the 2nd 1 came i realised children dont adhere to schedules an often wont eat what you are feeding them.my 3rd was obstinate and wouldnt eat what i prepared an she was about 5 at the time, in the end she was refered to a specialist who told me stop worrying. That she would eat when she was hungry not because it our mealtime He said all children are individuals an just because we were hungry dosent mean they are.as long as she eats something dosent matter what. because she proberly wont eat the same as you or what you want her too.saw i did as he said an it worked.i stopped fretting about what to give her an when.she was a lot happier.still have to hide veg in her mash tho.
Farah
I love this. My “baby” is now 19yrs old but reading your experiences brings back wonderful memories and I wish I had as much knowledge then, as you do now with your little ones. Thank you for sharing your life with us and letting us into your home. I am happy to share your blog with my new mommy friends. Good luck with your gluten free meals coming up as well. Best wishes, Farah.
Tracey
You’re an incredible mom Gen!
This new schedule for introducing new foods is a blessing! I remember having to do things way slower with my 3. They still advocated for slow introductions to new cereals and jarred baby foods. No one really encouraged making our own baby food! (And truth be told, I’m not sure i could have made my own baby food because I had twins, so I really had no time. Then our 3rd arrived when the twins were just 2! Three babies in diapers!! ) . I feel you’re an inspiration to moms! You’re real, you don’t try to sugar coat things, and I can just feel your genuineness through your blog and Instagram!! I love that you’re so honest. I went through all the exact same emotions, and shed tons of tears, as each of my 3 went through life’s little stages. You have such an incredible adventure ahead of you, and if you think you get teary now, just wait till Odette starts school!!! That’s when I really “lost it”!!! ??. I volunteered in their classes as much as the teachers would allow! It gave me extra “me time” with them. And it was incredibly heartwarming to see them interact with their peers, and do the little arts and crafts! Thank you Gen, for writing such thoughtful words and for sharing a bit of your life with us. The best is yet to come.
Tracey
Jackie
I love reading your blog. My children are all grown up. I wish I could go back sometimes, do things differently. But, children do not come with a manual, so we do the best we can. You are an amazing mom and woman.
Michele
As an older woman whose dreams of being a mother were crushed by medical issues, I take so much enjoyment watching you with your children, growing and learning together. You’re the amazing kind of mother I would have aspired to be given the chance. Thank you so much for sharing your world with us.
Maggie
I love reading your stories. Transports me back to when my own three were little bits like yours are now. I remember nursing the newborn on the floor of the girls’ bathroom in the elementary school because I was determined to participate in my eldest’s classroom whenever I could. Such wonderful memories. Reading the list of foods for Odette made me smile. My youngest is a gourmand. Would eat anything. Still would if she hadn’t been diagnosed with celiac disease a year ago, but that hasn’t stopped her; she’s writing about it for Spoon University and finding new places to enjoy.
Little ones are so much fun. I dare say that you will love that you documented all this when they were young. Talk about a great story! Really enjoying your blog, Gen. Thanks for doing it. Namaste.
Ramiza
Your doing wonderfully.
I have 4 kids and my gosh they have grown so quickly time just goes by way to quick.
Watching our babies grow into young adults is a scary thing i have a 15 and a 14 year old then a 5 and a 4 year my 14 year old is my only daughter now seeing her grow into such a beautiful young lady my gosh i could just sit and cry my heart out.
Spend as much time as you can do all you want with them.
I have been through the roughest roads with depression anxiety stress these things are just no fun at all i got help spoke to friends even with my Dr did what i needed to done it for my kids.
Raising children is the most rewarding thing a mother can go through the toughest road too we shed tears heart ache love laughter.
You doing an amazing job as a mum its beautiful seeing you smile so very honest with all you have been doing.
Keep up the awesome job Gen ?
Brianna
It is amazing to read a mother’s story as I head into the scary world of being a mother. This baby is my first and I thought about Co-Sleeping but am worried my husband will accidently squash her. Any tips?
Mary Stevenson
New mirlestones? I am about to experience my baby having a baby of his own and sharing all the joys that once were mine alone.
Excited but sad
Shannon Hollifield
My youngest is slowily transferring into a full fledge adolescent. I remember trying to savor & hold onto those llasr few moments. I now still try to hold on but he just complains now since it involves touching. As the beginning of his official teenage years is only 3 weeks away I miss tmy sweet baby boy.
Adele
Hi Gen, what an awesome write up. I’ve currently got 3wks to go with my last pregnancy (a little girl). Motherhood is such a roller coaster of emotions. I was one of the unlucky one’s who could not breastfeed after 2wks with my son, which was very upsetting and hard. But we made it through and he started solids at just 4months old. Now with him almost 5 and about to start school next year I’m starting from scratch at home with a new born, and new emotions.
This food schedule looks fantastic and so simple. Anything to make life easier for us mum’s. Thanks for sharing. Odette is the cutest and growing so fast and how time has flown for your boys. Every moment is precious with our families, even mum and dad time. Keep up the great work your an inspiration.
Mummas life
Adele xx
Andie Lawless
Milestones with your last are incredibly emotional. When my youngest weaned I cried and was hypersensitive and emotional for over a week. It’s extra hard knowing they’re your last and you’re saying goodbye to those parts of your relationship.
My youngest just started kindergarten in September and he stopped calling me mommy because the other kids say mom. Which I wasn’t prepared for at all. So I get the big feelings over milestones and growing up.
Sue Bonner
I love reading your wonderful emotional updates about you and your family it brings back memories of my three children and my grandchildren and although I had to work alot when my children were little and missed lots of first’s with them I did get to enjoy alot of first time things with my grandchildren and all of those are equally as beautiful. Thanks for letting us relive them along with you as you and Jared get to live them now.
Gina
As reading this i truly teared up :'( Eventhough i’m not a mom just yet, i can relate to all those emotions you’re going too Gen! Just by seeing new pictures of Odette makes me emotinal and i ask myself where the time go… I admire you soooo much, dear Gen. You are not only a amazing mom to your 3 little munchkins, but also a wife, friend and buisnesswoman. I have soo much respect for that cause i don’t know how you jugle and balance all those things. But the fact that you are such a dedicated and loving mom is EVERYTHING! Your angels can consider themselves lucky to have amazing parents like you and Jared! Much love from VIE/ Austria <3
Melanie
It’s exactly what I lived and still live with my third, and last, baby… She’s now 3yo and I finally gave all the baby clothes this summer… I cried so much ? I miss breastfeeding and holding baby into my arms !
I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one who loves the smell of milk diapers !
Kat
My mum has spent most of her career working with babies – she now teaches Antenatal classes for soon to be mum’s and dad’s. I introduced her to your blog to advertise to her classes and she really loves it! She thinks that motherhood – the goods, bads, uglies and TMI’s included – should be shared, celebrated and recognised more often. I’ve been told to write “you are a future forward mum who is wonderfully embracing life, good on you!”
Eileen
Awww thank you for sharing. I love your blog. You are such an incredible mom.
Heather
I understand the emotional rollercoaster you are on right now, Gen. My husband and I went through 2 1/2 years of fertility treatments in order to have our beautiful daughter Sarah. Because she was going to be my only child, I treasured every moment and milestone (and grieved a little that I would never experience this again). She is now 16 and I just took her to get her drivers licence. She is looking at universities and I realize that she will be heading off on her own in less than 2 years. Enjoy every moment. They are all special:)
Tracy
This is so beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought back to when my youngest made that transition. She was my last and only daughter of 4 kids. I wanted to keep her that baby stage forever. I loved the bond we shared during breast feedings. The way she would look up at me with those beautiful blue eyes. She is 16 now and I can still picture my beautiful little baby in my arms. Thank you for reminding me of those beautiful precious memories.
Dominique A Kolp
I wanted to hold on to my baby too she ia now 13. I didn’t have a schedule to feed her. I cooked for me and put aside and mixed for her. I was a single mom working full time. I just had to switch the milk to nonfat when she became toddler as she was a milk drinker and was chunky.
Hanna Nogueira
Omg! Odtte is growing up so fast…….. Gen,you are a GREAT mother!!!!! Love you!
Sabina Travers
Gen, first off, Odette is gorgeous! My youngest and last baby is 10 1/2 months so I’m right there with you on the emotional roller coaster of milestones. While I LOVE seeing Zoe progress to the next thing, I can’t help but feel very sad knowing it’s my “last firsts”. It goes so fast and even faster the more you have. My oldest is only 2 1/2 but I feel like I just had her yesterday and yet I feel like she’s always been in my life. You have a gorgeous family and your doing a great job with them Mama! Keep it up.
Kimberly
What does it mean by 1 cube?
Rachael
I’m guessing the food has been preprepared and frozen in ice cube trays. Easy way to do it and good size portions for babies.
Sky Nelson
My youngest son is the same age as your daughter and I love all of your mom posts. My oldest son is 2.5 and has autism. Somedays feel overwhelming but I love love love your blog! It always makes my day better and I am able to get so much great mommy info from it! ❤️
Lisa Britt
I really enjoyed reading your blog, Gen. It reminded me of all the experiences I had when I was raising my son. He is an only child so all my maternal energy was spent on him and while I would have loved to have had more children, I have absolutely no regrets because he turned out great. You brought back so many memories for me through your experiences with your daughter and it made me very nostalgic for the past because that boy that I raised will be 25 years old in a couple of weeks. When I was a child, being a Mom was the first and only thing I ever wanted to be when I grew up. Thank you for reminding me of what a wonderful choice I made. God Bless you, Jared and your beautiful family.
Angelique McClellan
I wish I could have had those moments… (i don’t have children) you are a very beautiful mother. Thank you for your posts she is beautiful.
Krystal
Awwww gen there growing so fast
Linda
Be still, my heart! It feels as if I could have written this myself. I am constantly amazed by the spectrum of emotions motherhood has introduced to my life. Love how you’re able to articulate so many things that I haven’t been able to. Can’t wait to use this schedule for my sweet Maggie when she’s ready in a few months.
Michelle Moss
I am a mom of 5 kids ranging from 22 down to 14!! Yes my baby is 14 ? I know exactly how you feel!!! And I hate to tell you hit it gets worse as they get older!! Wait until they start driving!!! I think that was the toughest one for me because now they really don’t need me anymore for anything!! Or that was how it felt!!! But my oldest is now away at college and posts the sweetest things on Facebook and sends me the sweetest texts to let me know that she still appreciates me and misses me as much as I miss her!! Being a mom is very hard but it’s also the most rewarding job ever!! Enjoy these milestones and always remember that they are signs that you are doing a good job as a mama!!!
Teri
She is absolutely precious, a perfect following to her duo of older brothers. Sadly, due to complications from my son’s birth, coupled with some biological issues, I am unable to have more children, although I didn’t know it until a couple years after ago. Luckily for me, I was able to stay home with my son while he was young and experience all the “firsts” and be part of every milestone. This was an incredibly fortunate gift for me, especially knowing now that they will be my only “firsts”. He is my greatest blessing and, besides the piece that belongs to his daddy, holds my whole heart. And although I won’t experience anymore ‘milestone baby moments’ of my own, it’s nice to see such blessings be bestowed to an incredible parent like you. Love to you and your family, Gen.
-Teri
Andra
Hi Gen!! You know, I always knew you were an incredible mom but just reading all this is amazing!! I actually really admire you as a mom and you are the exact kind of mom I’d love to be to my kids one day (I’m 20 for now but can’t wait to have kids). I really look up to you and I know that when I’ll be a mom, I’ll do the things that you do. Thank you for sharing your routines with us!! Stay true!!
Federica
You’re the role model every single mom should look up to!! Your children will always be grateful to you. They’re sooo lucky!!
Cíntia Marques
Such a helpful schedule to help out new mommas! Even as everyone has to figure out their own pace, I found it really hard to set up a schedule I could follow as a new momma.
It takes work and a lot of support to start new stages of the babies development. And I see myself worrying about the same things you mentione as my baby (now a toddler) started to make her own path. Thanks for sharing!
Tabitha
I have 3 kids. 13, 22 mths and 3 mths. I can’t believe how fast they grow up. I look at my 3 mth old and remember my 13 yrnold being that age. My monumental moment is letting my 22 mth old go off into his little world. His my only boy and for some reason, I’m not saying I have favorites because I love them all the same, bit my boy is Just a bit different. I want him to stay that cute cuddly kid who wants kisses off of me when he hurts himself. Being a mother is both beautiful and beautifully hard. I think you’re doing a fabulous job Genevieve. As well as Jarred. You should be so very proud. Which in sure you both are ? xxx
Amy Weiser
Gen, it is hard with the last one. Every milestone is bittersweet. It’s amazing but also heartbreaking. Even now, as I look at my 3 year old, my baby boy of 3 sons, it breaks my heart. His feet and hands are the only thing that are remotely babyish. He’s going to be in head start soon. My eldest will be 12. What happened?! I got old! Sniff…but Seamus said I love you this month so it made up for it. Treasure every second.
Antoinette
I feel you, I have my 3 grown up and watching the movies we made from the time they were little, I cry my eyes out.. everytime!.. because somehow it still feels that even I was there, it was all a blur, it went sooo fast and those moment never come back. It is saying goodbye to certain chapters in life and creating new ones, that can be very hard.