“My son is extremely outgoing and very curious about mechanics,” she told Farms.com. “And he loves sports and athletics. My daughter is more creative, enjoys crafts and is more reserved.”
Farms.com: Where were you when you found out you were pregnant for the first time? How did it make you feel?
AC: We were around the farm, and we were so excited that we were adding another branch to the family tree.
Farms.com: Describe the feeling of holding a newborn for the first time.
AC: I don’t even know how to put that into words. It’s an experience you don’t forget.
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The Cammaert family.
Farms.com: What’s the best part about being a farm mom?
AC: Watching my kids experience things and learn and grow on the farm. My son is old enough now to operate some equipment. And he makes mistakes, but I get to watch him learn and figure out how to correct those mistakes. And my daughter is getting more involved with the livestock, and I get to see her come out of her shell and blossom.
Farms.com: What’s the hardest part about motherhood?
AC: Not being a helicopter parent. In my opinion, you’ve got to let kids grow, be adventurous and do things on their own.
Farms.com: What’s a misconception people have about motherhood?
AC: That you need to be perfect. Life is not perfect.
Farms.com: What’s your mom’s name? What are some special memories you have with her?
AC: My mom’s name was Janis. I’m very fortunate that she was around a lot when I was young, and she was involved in school activities like parent council and ran us to all sorts of sporting activities. I cherish those memories greatly and I wish I had more time with her.
Farms.com: What’s one lesson you learned from your mom that you try to teach your kids?
AC: My mom taught me how to garden, grow flowers and canning. And I’m trying to pass that tradition onto my children.
Farms.com: How has parenthood changed you?
AC: When I make decisions, I think about how it will affect my children and my family before I finalize that decision.
Farms.com: What’s one thing all parents have in common no matter where they are in the world?
AC: We all want the best for our kids. We want them to succeed.
Farms.com: What’s one piece of advice you have for new moms?
AC: Don’t be discouraged by what you see on social media because it doesn’t always tell the full story.
Be sure to check back this week as Farms.com will have more Q&As with ag moms from multiple communities.
Sheila Hillmer, a beef producer from Del Bonita, Alta., for example, told Farms.com that all parents are writing the rules as they go.
And Trish Cook, a hog farmer from near Winthrop, Iowa, says holding a newborn felt like a miracle and natural at the same time.