Mom Spotlight: Holly Peters
Holly with baby Josh.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from, when did you start your family, etc…?
I was born in Houston and grew up in Dallas. I attended Baylor University, married in 1987 and moved to Carrollton. We built a home in Plano and enjoyed the double income no kids life for longer than we imagined. After several heart breaking losses the joy that came with a healthy baby boy sonogram was beyond words. Josh was born in September of 1994 and then just 19 months later came Sarah. I was a stay at home mom until Sarah was in fifth grade when I became the computer teacher of her elementary school. I was widowed in January of 2010 and experienced the challenges of single parenthood. I have survived the teen years and currently am preparing my youngest for her freshman year at college. Josh is attending Texas Tech. I became Mrs. Peters this past August and live in Frisco.
How do you feel having a baby today is different from when you had your children?
The option to be a stay at home mother is not financially possible for many today and not the desire of many women today. That is probably the most significant difference. And the gizmos and gadgets available today are amazing! I can hardly wait to be a grandma - take that back, I can wait many years ;-) Technology, safety and infant products have greatly advanced. That adds convenience to parenthood and peace of mind to the lives of young parents today.
What were your new mom must-haves?
A fully loaded diaper bag with changing mat. Swing! Although Sarah never loved it the way Josh did. Air free bottles and a hands free front carrier/papoose deal so my hands were free to deal with/play with my toddler.
What was the best part about being a new mom, for you?
Everything! The fact that I finally was a mom, their tiny hands & feet, the joy of witnessing them grow and change and all the firsts are a complete joy.
What was the hardest part about being a new mom?
Lack of sleep and anxiety over whether you are doing things correctly.
What was your most trusted resource?
MOMS group at the church we attended - girlfriends who were experienced mothers.
Were there any books that you relied on?
Definitely Heidi Murkoff books - Anything "What to Expect when..."
Are there any key pieces of advice you would pass on to new moms?
Sleep whenever possible, eat well and enjoy every single moment as it will be a memory before you can blink. When the challenging moments come with non-stop crying or anything else, don't be afraid to ask for help/back up. Make your husband a priority, keep date night once a week alive and take a vacation just the two of you every year - even if it is just a staycation.
Holly with little Sarah and big brother Josh.