Life with one – and one on the way – full of surprises

   
    I first shared my perspective as a new mom-to-be in 2010’s Mommy and Me section and followed up with a column last year exploring the mesmerizing baby days while adjusting to being a stay-at-home mom.
    This time I’ll share my journey in becoming a “Momtrepreneur,” while caring for my 19-month-old Lilia “Lily” Marie and also being pregnant with our second child, due in June 2013.  
Rose-colored glasses
    The toddler stage has been a joyful adventure. Lily’s vivacious personality, agility and extensive vocabulary keep me on my “little piggies.” She soaks up everything I do and say while revealing her will throughout the day.  
    My morning begins with Lily’s sweet voice calling, “Mommy, up!” When I arrive at her crib, I receive a big hug and pats on my back.
    I know we entertain passersby with dialogue when we are out and she’s exclaiming, “Elevator” or “Lily push button, Mommy.” Her most endearing comments follow a sneeze: “Bless you, Daddy,” or bedtime prayer with “Amen.” My most recent favorite is, “I’m big sister.”
    I’m blessed to be there for it all – every smile, frown and new discovery. When my “rose-colored glasses” get cloudy, Lily’s tiny hand and adoring smile pick me up with the ability to fix everything.
She’s a ‘Momtrepreneur’
    It was important to my husband and me that I primarily care for our children until they begin school. My desire to work and share my talents outside the home and need to contribute financially to our family drove me to pursue several creative business ventures.
    I am proud for coining the phrase “Momtrepreneur,” which represents finding balance in being a mother and fulfilling my dream of being an entrepreneur. While this road may not lead to riches, I’m thankful my husband and Lily’s grandparents give me time to pursue professional passions.
    My love for children turned into being a Junior Jazzercise franchisee and implementing a new class called “Wiggle and Giggle with Mom” for kids ages 1 to 5 and their guardians. I combined my love for celebrations with photography, establishing Make A Wish Photography. This allows other moms to live in the moment with their children while I capture them in a lasting legacy.
Fellowship enriches life
    While I enjoy days spent in my pajamas until noon, playing at home, cuddling, reading and watching PBS, it can be lonely. I’ve found the playground, library story­time and new mommy groups (found through www.meetup.com) to be wonderful places for mothers and children to connect with new friends.
    A Wednesday morning rosary group with other moms allows our children to play while we pray. I’ve found a sense of solidarity and lifting of spirits with this scheduled time for shared intentions and fellowship. We remind each other that we are not alone;  God hears our prayers.
    The reality is that young children are temperamental. Some days are filled with lots of sunshine, while others bring unexpected showers. Thank God moms have each other to serve as umbrellas, reminding one another that tomorrow’s forecast will be sunny.
    As a mom, I understand why Jesus so loved the little children – their innocence and ability to see your true heart. The award of my lifetime is to receive Lily’s invigorating welcome after we’ve been apart. Her steadfast love reassures me I’m doing something right and gives me confidence in who I am.
    As my family grows and we prepare to welcome another baby, I’m anxious about the unknown but encouraged by Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel with my eye upon you.”
    Send Lisanne Dussouy a message at [email protected].