When I was near the end of my pregnancy with Asher, I told Ben I
really wanted to make this tote bag to use with my crew, and that I thought I should
list it in my Etsy Shop because for sure other mamas could relate!
“Yes, they are all mine.” Large Tote Bag.
The response was immediately amazing! But then this past week things got pretty crazy.
A bog reader, Chaunie, wrote an article on Babble.
The next morning another article was featured on Scary Mommy!
I knew about the Babble article, but it was an awesome surprise
seeing a comment from an Instagram follower telling me about the other one!
It’s been surreal with all of the orders and comments and shares.
So grateful and just beyond thankful.
The response from Babble’s and Scary Mommy’s Facebook shares were incredible!
Kind of mind blowing how fast people left comments and shared.
Ben and I were both like…wooahhhhh!!! lol. I was laughing because a few of my ‘in real life’ friends
were texting me how their Facebook friends were posting the tote bag and tagging them!
I thought I would share my Q. &A. with Chaunie!
I am so thankful for her and that she’s a blog reader…she really helped spread the word about my Tote bag!
I would love to return the favor by sharing a bout her published book that she wrote for
young Catholic Moms dealing with an unplanned pregnancy.
I haven’t read it but wanted to share a link to it on Amazon!
‘Tiny Blue Lines: Reclaiming Your Life, Preparing for Your Baby,
and Moving Forward with Faith in an Unplanned Pregnancy .’
Do people really ask you that question all the time?
YES! We have four kids now, but even when we had three, we got this question almost every time we went out.
I think it happened even more frequently because my seven year old daughter is a curly blonde, while my
five year old daughter is a straight hair brunette! They look similar but one more like my husband and
one more like myself. If not, “are they all yours?” I hear “Wow you are brave!”
YES! We have four kids now, but even when we had three, we got this question almost every time we went out.
I think it happened even more frequently because my seven year old daughter is a curly blonde, while my
five year old daughter is a straight hair brunette! They look similar but one more like my husband and
one more like myself. If not, “are they all yours?” I hear “Wow you are brave!”
“Oh you sure have your hands full” “Wow you must be tired!”
What was your reaction when someone first asked you that?
Well, I think that you deal with people and their lack of filters when your
pregnant, (all the belly touching and advice) and it continues on when you actually have the child!
People kind of think they can ask or say anything when it comes to your family
size or how you got there. I was a little taken a back the first few times we went out with three,
especially because I didn’t think 3 was “too many.”When it was said with a “you are crazy” tone
I tried to just calm the mama bear in me and kindly smile and move a long.
Well, I think that you deal with people and their lack of filters when your
pregnant, (all the belly touching and advice) and it continues on when you actually have the child!
People kind of think they can ask or say anything when it comes to your family
size or how you got there. I was a little taken a back the first few times we went out with three,
especially because I didn’t think 3 was “too many.”When it was said with a “you are crazy” tone
I tried to just calm the mama bear in me and kindly smile and move a long.
How has your reaction to people asking you that changed over the years?
The first few times/years (haha) I didn’t mind it, but when you get comments on your
family size every time you go out, it gets kind of old. I still think it’s strange because 3 or even 4 kids
really isn’t that many kids to me. I think it might be because they are all close in age, but I’ve
learned to just kill them with kindness and take the interaction as a chance to shed some light on
how motherhood is exhausting and overwhelming but it’s amazing and beautiful too.
We are building our tribe and I love seeing their sweet personalities as they grow up. They won’t be little forever.
These early days can be rough, but will have gone by too quickly when we look back.
Each season has harder moments and easier moments and you just have to learn to
be realistic with yourself and patient. Sometimes people need to hear the good parts
of having a lot of kids and if they feel open enough to talk about how
crazy it must be for me, I feel totally open to talk to them about how incredible it can be!
family size every time you go out, it gets kind of old. I still think it’s strange because 3 or even 4 kids
really isn’t that many kids to me. I think it might be because they are all close in age, but I’ve
learned to just kill them with kindness and take the interaction as a chance to shed some light on
how motherhood is exhausting and overwhelming but it’s amazing and beautiful too.
We are building our tribe and I love seeing their sweet personalities as they grow up. They won’t be little forever.
These early days can be rough, but will have gone by too quickly when we look back.
Each season has harder moments and easier moments and you just have to learn to
be realistic with yourself and patient. Sometimes people need to hear the good parts
of having a lot of kids and if they feel open enough to talk about how
crazy it must be for me, I feel totally open to talk to them about how incredible it can be!
What’s the funniest/rudest/most outrageous thing someone
has said in reference to you and your kids being out in public?
I think when people start commenting on if I know how babies are made, it’s a little too far.
I love chatting with people in the target aisle, but I’m not so open to chatting bedroom details with strangers.
I especially don’t feel the need to get their advice on having my tubes tied.
I once was told by a young check out counter girl, “wow you are committed.” and
I really wasn’t sure how to take that. Committed to motherhood?? to making babies??
I still don’t get what she meant. I grew up in a family with 4 kids and my mom said that
someone once asked her if she was running a day care.
has said in reference to you and your kids being out in public?
I think when people start commenting on if I know how babies are made, it’s a little too far.
I love chatting with people in the target aisle, but I’m not so open to chatting bedroom details with strangers.
I especially don’t feel the need to get their advice on having my tubes tied.
I once was told by a young check out counter girl, “wow you are committed.” and
I really wasn’t sure how to take that. Committed to motherhood?? to making babies??
I still don’t get what she meant. I grew up in a family with 4 kids and my mom said that
someone once asked her if she was running a day care.
Why do you think it’s so common for people to make such public
comments about moms with more than two little kids?
I honestly don’t know why.
Just like you never ask a lady if she is pregnant unless she is giving birth in front of you,
(I learned the hard way when I was 12.) you shouldn’t comment on her family size in a rude way.
I don’t really see where the struggle is.
People don’t have filters and they might mean well, but don’t realize how
they come across and that you’ve already
heard that same comment a couple times that day.
comments about moms with more than two little kids?
I honestly don’t know why.
Just like you never ask a lady if she is pregnant unless she is giving birth in front of you,
(I learned the hard way when I was 12.) you shouldn’t comment on her family size in a rude way.
I don’t really see where the struggle is.
People don’t have filters and they might mean well, but don’t realize how
they come across and that you’ve already
heard that same comment a couple times that day.
What prompted you to design the bag?
When I first found out I was pregnant with Asher, I knew the comments were going to keep on coming!
So I thought it would be fun to have a cute and snarky tote bag to answer that comment.
It has ended up being a great conversation starter with fellow mamas.
Even ones who might not have a slew of kids themselves, but have a friend or sister who does!
They always name someone they know who needs the bag!
When I first found out I was pregnant with Asher, I knew the comments were going to keep on coming!
So I thought it would be fun to have a cute and snarky tote bag to answer that comment.
It has ended up being a great conversation starter with fellow mamas.
Even ones who might not have a slew of kids themselves, but have a friend or sister who does!
They always name someone they know who needs the bag!
How, logistically, did the bag come about?
I designed the tote bag in photoshop, then had it printed for me by a manufacturer in the US.
I designed the tote bag in photoshop, then had it printed for me by a manufacturer in the US.
What’s been the response from other moms using the bag so far?
(I saw on IG that some of my favorite mamas to follow,
like Amber Kuiper of Mommy’s Me Time, have the bag too!)
It’s been incredible!!! I sold out on black friday from everyone
tagging their friends on my instagram posts!
Had to quickly place a reorder. Lots of hubbies snagged them up for their wives
or girls for their mom friends or sisters.
I love seeing the social media shares (like Amber’s) of
their sweet crews and the tote bag!
(I saw on IG that some of my favorite mamas to follow,
like Amber Kuiper of Mommy’s Me Time, have the bag too!)
It’s been incredible!!! I sold out on black friday from everyone
tagging their friends on my instagram posts!
Had to quickly place a reorder. Lots of hubbies snagged them up for their wives
or girls for their mom friends or sisters.
I love seeing the social media shares (like Amber’s) of
their sweet crews and the tote bag!
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about having a “large” family?
For our family, we didn’t suddenly have four kids at once.
I was able to ease into each stage with each child and I definitely
grew as a mom and learned things a long the way that have made it easier to have a larger family.
For our family, we didn’t suddenly have four kids at once.
I was able to ease into each stage with each child and I definitely
grew as a mom and learned things a long the way that have made it easier to have a larger family.
I get the comment a lot, “I have 2 and can barely handle it! I don’t know how you do four!”
But to tell you the truth, each time we had another child, there was the exact
same struggles but way more of the good parts.
You add crazy to your family but also so much fun.
You’re going to be stressed and exhausted just like you were when
you had one kid or two kids or three kids, It just gets louder and a bit busier.
But you’ve learned things a long the way to help you.
I remember, when I had just my daughter, and I would look at my
sister in law who had four kids at the time and I thought, how is she so calm?!
It’s loud and busier than my house. But now that I’m where she was, I get it.
You still can have moments of feeling overwhelmed but overall your view on crazy changes.
You take comfort in the little wins like not rewashing the laundry,
left in the washing machine, 3 times but just 2 times.
But to tell you the truth, each time we had another child, there was the exact
same struggles but way more of the good parts.
You add crazy to your family but also so much fun.
You’re going to be stressed and exhausted just like you were when
you had one kid or two kids or three kids, It just gets louder and a bit busier.
But you’ve learned things a long the way to help you.
I remember, when I had just my daughter, and I would look at my
sister in law who had four kids at the time and I thought, how is she so calm?!
It’s loud and busier than my house. But now that I’m where she was, I get it.
You still can have moments of feeling overwhelmed but overall your view on crazy changes.
You take comfort in the little wins like not rewashing the laundry,
left in the washing machine, 3 times but just 2 times.
How do you juggle being a work-at-home mom?
I don’t call myself an expert in this area, and I’m still learning our new normal
with having four kids, but I’ve learned I need to be realistic with my time and prioritize.
I make a lot of lists. I also try to see the times of the day when it is
the “calmest” in my house and use those times to knock out the tasks with deadlines or urgency.
You have to be realistic with your time…I would love to respond to all the reader emails,
but I know that I need to get dinner on the table.
I also am lucky enough to do a job that I love and is a creative outlet
for me, which I think is very important for moms to have!
Blogging as a job is funny because I have the business side of work, but then
also a fun creative side where I’m throwing parties or styling nacho bars.
I’m a mom and working at the same time, I need to get this shoot done but
also feed my kids dinner and they love nachos! For a lot of moms they aren’t able
to completely unplug from mom work while they do their job work, and it’s all about being
patient with yourself and knowing it is probably going to take you a
little longer to get that task done but that’s ok. It’s also really important to be
on the same page with your partner. My husband supports me and we have to sit down
and make game plans so we can be on the same page with our time.
I don’t call myself an expert in this area, and I’m still learning our new normal
with having four kids, but I’ve learned I need to be realistic with my time and prioritize.
I make a lot of lists. I also try to see the times of the day when it is
the “calmest” in my house and use those times to knock out the tasks with deadlines or urgency.
You have to be realistic with your time…I would love to respond to all the reader emails,
but I know that I need to get dinner on the table.
I also am lucky enough to do a job that I love and is a creative outlet
for me, which I think is very important for moms to have!
Blogging as a job is funny because I have the business side of work, but then
also a fun creative side where I’m throwing parties or styling nacho bars.
I’m a mom and working at the same time, I need to get this shoot done but
also feed my kids dinner and they love nachos! For a lot of moms they aren’t able
to completely unplug from mom work while they do their job work, and it’s all about being
patient with yourself and knowing it is probably going to take you a
little longer to get that task done but that’s ok. It’s also really important to be
on the same page with your partner. My husband supports me and we have to sit down
and make game plans so we can be on the same page with our time.
What do you love the most about being a mom of four?
The adventures! The sweet snuggles and conversations.
Celebrating Holidays and special days together.
I love seeing them interact with each other, when not tormenting
each other, and just watching those relationships blossom!
By far some of my favorite moments have been when they big kids come to the
hospital and meet their new sibling. It’s magical.
The adventures! The sweet snuggles and conversations.
Celebrating Holidays and special days together.
I love seeing them interact with each other, when not tormenting
each other, and just watching those relationships blossom!
By far some of my favorite moments have been when they big kids come to the
hospital and meet their new sibling. It’s magical.
Do you hope to add to your family?
We have always wanted a big family, but I like a little bit of time in between.
I’m still in those foggy newborn months!!
I’m open to it but we don’t have any set plans right now!
We have always wanted a big family, but I like a little bit of time in between.
I’m still in those foggy newborn months!!
I’m open to it but we don’t have any set plans right now!
I’m passionate about encouraging moms to step into their role as a mother with joy,
help them embrace being creative and foster community building for them.
I feel like this tote has been a great conversation starter for me with other moms!
I was up in pittsburgh for Thanksgiving and a blog reader came up to me.
She said she first recognized the bag and then realized it was me.
I loved that she spotted the bag and came over to say hi!
To anyone who has ordered my Tote Bag or shared it, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
help them embrace being creative and foster community building for them.
I feel like this tote has been a great conversation starter for me with other moms!
I was up in pittsburgh for Thanksgiving and a blog reader came up to me.
She said she first recognized the bag and then realized it was me.
I loved that she spotted the bag and came over to say hi!
To anyone who has ordered my Tote Bag or shared it, THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Ana
January 18, 2016 at 8:34 amHi Natalie
I admire you! I crave a big family just like yours. This step seems so far and distant from where my family is right now. I am taking your advice, along with the other mommas advice, and starting a blog. I want to help my husband with our broken financial situation. My goal is that hopefully by the end of the year, I will be having some income, even if it’s only enough to cover our water bill. Maybe then we will be able to have another baby (currently have an unplanned 9 month old girl).
I understand you are busy and might not reply but hopefully you get the chance to read this.
Bests,
Ana.
natalie
January 25, 2016 at 8:28 pmYou can do this!! Wishing you luck and hoping you are having a great week so far!