“Kieran is my man about machines. He is all for anything with wheels and is willing to take anything apart. He can see the parts laid out before him and visualize how things go together, doesn’t need instructions. He is my soft heart, a very gentle, quiet boy very comfortable with himself.
“And Ilonna is the sparkle in her father’s eye and according to the boys, gets away with too much. She is energetic, engaging, athletic and doing her best to keep up and look out for her boys.”
Farms.com: Describe where you were when you found out you were pregnant for the first time. How did it make you feel?
PL: I was with the IVF team and felt extremely cautious as we had been there before only to miscarry.
Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time.
PL: Amazed and grateful, he had chosen to join us. Committed to showing all three of them the wonders of this world.
Farms.com: What’s the best part about being a farm mom?
PL: Actively showing our children they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Teaching them to listen to the world around them, taste the soil, smell the air, see nature in all it’s glory and know they are a part of it and we are stewards of it. Modeling a great work ethic and at the same time making room for play.
Farms.com: What’s the hardest part about motherhood?
PL: Reconciling that time is not in fast forward with our little people, it just feels that way.
Farms.com: What part of parenthood made you feel the most vulnerable?
PL: Giving my children the space to make mistakes and learn from them. It is very difficult to stand by and watch them fail, yet rewarding to see them pick themselves up, dust themselves off and keep going.
Farms.com: Who is your favourite fictional parent, and why?
PL: Maddie Townsend in Sweet Magnolias, she has such a calm, collected approach to her children as she imparts words of wisdom.
Farms.com: What’s a misconception people have about motherhood?
PL: That there are universal guidelines to raising individuals capable of contributing to society. Each child is different and what works for one may not work for the other so parents need to be observant and adaptable to get the best and give the best to their children.
Farms.com: What’s your mom’s name, and what are some special memories you have with her?
PL: My mom is Kathy and I am enjoying making memories with my children with her. We recently explored Scotland together and were able to show my children the small Scottish towns my great grandparents immigrated from.
Farms.com: What’s one lesson you learned from your parents you try to teach your kids?
PL: Be kind, and do onto others as you would have done to you.
Farms.com: What’s one thing all parents have in common no matter where they are in the world?
PL: There is a profound love for and connection to their little people.
Farms.com: What’s one piece of advice you have for new moms?
PL: Make time for each other.
Be sure to visit Farms.com multiple this week for more Q&As with moms in the ag community.