I’ve never regretted only having two children. My husband and I felt blessed and complete with two healthy babies, and to be honest . . . I’m not one to look back. I certainly didn’t miss the newborn stage. I highly regard my sleep and quickly came to terms that I would be an unpleasant mother if I had to get up with a third child. I rejoiced on family vacations when both kids were out of diapers and naptimes were history. So with my son in 3rd grade and my daughter venturing close to elementary school age, I was anxious to enter that next stage of my life.

As a work-at-home mom, I sometimes struggled with balancing the life of a stay-at-home mom and this tiny little thing I call a career. As lucky as I was to have the flexibility to attend the preschool Christmas party or to forgo lunch breaks to sit in carpool lines, I would end up working well into the evening in order to make my deadlines. On days when the kids stayed home sick from school, it was I who was soaring down the hall to answer my work line in between wiping noses & distributing Motrin.

So today, I had planned to “celebrate” my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. I was the mom who bragged at preschool graduation about how ready I was. How it will be “liberating” to finally have some quiet time to myself with uninterrupted workdays. It was I who thought the weeping moms at kindergarten orientation were crazy as they envisioned their child stepping onto the school bus.

I was not that mom. I so wanted to be the mom you see at Starbucks with her laptop in “grown up clothes”, drinking her mocha quietly in the corner. And all along, the seasoned moms who listened to me gloat, knew how I would really feel when the day arrived.

So when the moment finally came, it all seemed to go so quickly. With a snap of a picture and a blink of an eye, away she went. My tiny daughter. My 5-year-old. Driving away on that big yellow bus without apprehension. I stood silently and said a prayer that the (almost) complete stranger behind the wheel would get my babies to school safely. And as I walked back to my quiet house, a rush of thoughts came to me … how will she reach the paper towel dispenser in the bathroom? Who will be there to help her with her tray in the cafeteria? How will she ever get through 8 hours of school without a mommy hug? Why on earth did I rush this?

Yet, independent and ready to take on the world, I know she was clearly ready. And it suddenly hit me that maybe she was the only one.

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.  

With each new trip down South Street heading toward The Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, I look forward to a new experience. For me, it is a memory-in-the-making with my family. For my daughter, it was the birth of a new love.

It was 2 years ago, this November, sitting in the dimly lit theatre, side-by-side with my daughter, when the true passion had taken hold. The love of the stage.

It was Annie. It was the perfectly choreographed dance of the orphans, performed out on hands and knees with sponges and buckets. It was the vibrant colors of the New York skyline set. It was the shrill of Ms. Hannigan’s laugh when she plotted against the children. And it was the last dance with Daddy Warbucks that had truly captivated the heart of my (then) 4-year-old. I noticed a little twinkle . . .  an awakening of sorts that seemed to grow with each tap of the heel. I couldn’t be happier to experience that magical moment with her . . . right then and there.

You see, like any other 4-year-old, this little gal could rarely sit still for a 10-minute cartoon and typically found it imperative to see the inside of every restroom . . . in every restaurant . . .  at every meal. Snacks were a must at any function over 30 minutes. But not this time. Not a peep. There were no snack requests or bathroom breaks in those 2 magical hours. Just pure passion for the excitement on the stage.

I remember when I, too, was captivated by Annie. Growing up in a rural area in Northern Michigan, theatre was hard to come by. However, Annie happened to visit a nearby town, and like myself, my mother jumped at the chance to take me. I sat in awe, imagining the life of these tiny actors and replaying “It’s A Hard Knock Life” over and over in my head for weeks.

Since seeing Annie, we have managed to make an appearance at a few other productions. It always amazes me to see what little things my daughter takes away from each performance. For example, in Wizard of Oz, she developed the love of the ruby red slipper. We may have walked down that Target isle, past those glistening, scarlet shoes 100 times before, but it wasn’t until she witnessed Dorothy herself, clicking those tiny heels, that she truly became enamored with the sequined red slippers.

And then there was Little House On The Prairie. For me, I was captivated Melissa Gilbert’s rendition of “Ma” in the show that I adored as a child. And the music . . .  it brought me back to a time in my life . . . way before cell phones and the intranet. She, too, picked up on the simplicity of life. Things as simple as the tattered, homemade dresses and the uncomplicated lifestyle. Not to mention, she wanted braids in her hair (like Laura) for a week after the show!

I occasionally hear the phrase “Save The Drama For Your Mama” and I have to laugh because it means something a little different to me. It means to set aside the time to share the wonder and excitement of the drama of a stage production with my children. To open their eyes to another world or another time and place. And whether or not my daughter ever experiences the thrill of being cast as the lead role in any production, such as Annie, I will always remember the spark that Annie lit long ago as we sat marveling at the show playing out before us.

Do you have a special moment or tradition that you do while attending the theatre with your children? Please share it with me!

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.

Each Mom contributes her unique blend of witty, realistic approaches to life and is dedicated to sharing stories and short-cuts that shed light and laughs on surviving Motherhood and what it means to hit her stride. Throw in some Hollywood gossip, product favorites, and a few dirty little secrets and there you have it … a yummy, 100 percent guilt-free recipe for what it means to be a Mom and still be YOU.

Women are launching businesses at twice the rate of men, and they are doing it primarily for lifestyle reasons — they want more freedom, flexibility, and creativity in their lives. Studies have found a definitive link between launching a business and higher self-esteem and happiness. Starting a business may not be for everyone, but I want to introduce you to a few women (who just happen to be mommas) that made a go of it! Please be sure to support your local momma-owned businesses!

SweeTea

Created over five years ago by two Yankee women, SweeTea is sold today in hundreds of stores across America. Both owners, Susan Bashford and Karen Hall, are married to Southern boys who often left them in a tizzy trying to understand their Southern twist on conversation. That is when the light bulb went off. They enlisted their husbands for expressions and their daughters for computer support, artistic design, t-shirt folding, and they were off and running. With Bless yer Heart, and Ah’m bout ta burn up as some of the top sellers, they have found there is certainly no shortage of funny things people say. This duo also gets suggestions daily on their website. “Our customers are helping to mold our business and preserve our Southern heritage for generations to come,” said Bashford. And it’s those loyal customers who have made SweeTea one of the fastest growing branded t-shirt companies in the South. Leaving the stress behind of the corporate world, they now spend most of the day laughing hysterically at the new saying of the day as it is folded, tagged and packed for shipment to some cute main street store in the good ‘ole Southern USA.

Stephanie’s 2 cents: I personally own 2 SweeTea shirts and am totally impressed by the quality. I love the tapered cut of the shirts & always have the hardest time choosing from all of the hilarious sayings! You won’t be disappointed!

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Lily Mae’s

What started out in 2003 as a small at-home jewelry business, Tiffany Brockman, then a stay-at-home mom to two boys, decided it was time to branch out and opened a small kiosk called Lily Mae’s (named after her niece) at The Factory in Wake Forest. The kiosk offered jewelry, as well as handbags, and became a great way for this wife and mom to balance spending time with her family and further pursue her hobby in a retail setting. The year 2004 proved to be quite successful, and Tiffany decided in 2005 it was time to open a larger store, also located in The Factory that carried more gift items, shoes, and a number of other items that make Lily Mae’s the unique store that it is today. Flash forward a few years to 2008 and Tiffany has branched out even more having opened a store in Falls River, which carries, along with her gifts and shoes and jewelry, a few different types of items like jeans and other clothing items. Of utmost importance to Tiffany is her dedication to customer service and providing the latest fashions and trends to her customers at affordable prices.

Stephanie’s 2 cents: If you know me at all or have read any of my posts, you will know how much I love Lily Mae’s! My numero-uno place to shop — for gifts AND for myself! If you haven’t been, you are missing out!

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Absolute Body Balance

Kim Perry began Absolute Body Balance Massage in 2001 to provide better health and wellness with exceptional customer service in Raleigh. Her massage practice specializes in therapeutic, sports and medical massage for clients, as well as prenatal and geriatric massage. She prides herself in the fact that her clients have remained loyal to Absolute Body Balance for years and they can attest to the superior customer satisfaction they deliver. ABB offers new client special pricing as an incentive to try their therapists, as well as package pricing to allow affordable care. Kim is also committed to local business networking and referrals within the community and passionate about supporting local charities. In 2005, she was very fortunate to have a special someone join her practice — her daughter Leacy, who not only strives to educate her clients but is also a huge supporter for the local animal charities. Kim thoroughly enjoys being one of her clients — as well as her mom!

Stephanie’s 2 cents: My husband & I both see Kim for different types of massage … sports injury massage for my husband & relaxation massages for me. Not only is her service wonderful, she is a top-notch business woman who supports the community in so many ways!

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b.sweets

Growing up watching their fathers as the third generation to run the family-owned candy business in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Erica, Shelly, Bree and Lindsay Bashour have always dreamed of creating a chocolate company with a fresh, new twist to call their own. Even their earliest childhood memories are of sharing family treats with friends, teachers and neighbors. Fast forward to 2004 … with children of their own, the Bashour girls have created b.sweets — an all-American collection of classic comfort treats smothered in rich milk chocolate, packaged in a hip, stylish girlie-girl way. The girls have learned first-hand how, chocolate can be a true pick-me-up for almost any mood, craving or occasion. Yet, they’ve always noticed that people – especially women – feel guilty for eating it. The original Chocolate Rx collection was created to embrace the idea that no one should take themselves too seriously, and a little fun is always therapeutic. When is it time for a dose of Chocolate Rx? Think rough day at work or rainy Saturday afternoon — anytime you want your girlfriends around. Remember with Chocolate Rx … “any self-diagnosed problem can be treated the right way… sweetly.”

Stephanie’s 2 cents: I just bought my very first b.sweets box last week to enjoy with MY mommas during a little spa day. Not only is the chocolate the best I have had, the packaging is cute & trendy … I’ve officially converted!

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Gracely Girls

Every new mother faces a crossroads when starting their family; focus on career or focus on the children. Amy Gracely, founder of Gracely Girl Designs, has found a way to remain a huge influence in her daughter’s lives and satisfy her need for a creative and professional outlet. By starting a web-based business that creates unique, fun, handmade clothing for kids, Amy lets moms and kids express themselves through fashion. And by involving her daughters in the business, she sets a positive example for how women and girls can make their dreams a reality. Gracely Girl Designs launched in October 2009 and you can visit her at a variety of shows in the Triangle, as well as, her online store. Click on over to www.gracelygirl.com!

Stephanie’s 2 cents: My daughter has a Gracely Girls shirt and it is one of a kind! Totally unique & awesome quality! And you can’t help but want to buy from Amy — such a great momma & definitely has an eye for girly-girly style!

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Renaissance Dental Center

From the moment the doctors at Renaissance Dental Center met, they knew they shared a vision. In March of 2009, Drs. Abernethy, Sonner and Wells redefined the perception of dentistry with a truly revolutionary dental experience. From the relaxing decor and lighting to thoughtful touches like iPods and massage, Renaissance Dental Center, in Raleigh, doesn’t look, smell or feel like a traditional dental practice. In addition to continually offering the most advanced technology available, they empower each patient by making patient education a priority. The “No cavities club” room offers a fun place for kids to play and learn, so the whole family can be seen in one visit. The doctors are more than just partners — they have been close friends since dental school. On May 14th, 2010, they helped Dr. Wells and her husband celebrate the birth of a healthy baby boy. If you’re ready for a new dental experience, call (919) 786-6766 today. You’ll receive $100 off plus free whitening as a part of the signature “New Patient Experience.”

Stephanie’s 2 cents: Think ‘comfy living room’ when you enter this place. Definitely designed & decorated by women! I was blown away the first time I visited. Paired with 3 very sweet dentists, it’s a little like a home away from home.

If you are a mom-preneur (or know one) that would like to be spotlighted in our next Women Entrepreneur post, please leave a comment or email me at momentum.steph@gmail.com  

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.

Each Mom contributes her unique blend of witty, realistic approaches to life and is dedicated to sharing stories and short-cuts that shed light and laughs on surviving Motherhood and what it means to hit her stride. Throw in some Hollywood gossip, product favorites, and a few dirty little secrets and there you have it … a yummy, 100 percent guilt-free recipe for what it means to be a Mom and still be YOU.

I think that I may have discovered the answer to world peace, and it is infatuation gum. Or, infatuation mints, infatuation gummy bears . . .

Stay with me here, and I will explain myself.

I’ve been happily married for 11 years and, I can honestly say that my life is much more rich, happy and full because I have enjoyed all the many wonderful blessings that come with being married to a fantastic partner. I’m sure my married friends can relate (hopefully . . . wink). BUT, with the many great things that you gain by sharing your life with someone, there is certainly one thing that you give up, almost altogether, when you get married. That thing is infatuation.

Remember it? It’s the, “I kinda like you, but I am not sure and I don’t know if you like me and don’t know if I even care, but I love the thrill I get from this silly exchange” feeling. Or, the newness of early dating, which usually does not materialize into anything long-term, but is oh so intoxicating? What is it about having a crush that makes one feel so sassy and fantastic? It’s a strange and delicious sensation . . . It’s infatuation.

Now, like most drugs, too much infatuation could probably cause nerve damage, sleeplessness and (possibly) heavy night sweats. BUT, just the right amount could, conceivably, make the world a happier place. Perhaps just a little bit of infatuation in your morning coffee would do. Or, maybe you would enjoy a refreshing after dinner infatuation mint. Pop a piece of infatuation gum (sugar-fee, of course) and you may feel like a 20-something all day long . . .

I don’t want to go back to my dating years (pretty sure my 1990’s “game” is a little outdated). Nor, do I think, at age 36, with a 5-year old and another baby on the way, that I could capture the true essence of infatuation even if I got out there and tried. I think it’s a place and time. It’s a drug for the teen years, the early 20s. And, although we would not give up all the fantastic and rich elements of our grown up lives for a mere fleeting feeling, it would be great to have just a little boost now and then. Just a few infatuation gummy bears in the carpool line, at the playground, or while waiting in line at the DMV. You get the idea.

Now, to just figure out how to extract it, package it and distribute it . . .

Infatuation Gum was written by our dear friend, Holly, who has had us all doubled over in laughter on more than one occasion with her witty theories of infatuation. She finally put her thoughts to paper and we are thrilled to share her quick fix for world peace with the SoMo readers. Thanks, Holly! When you figure out how to package and sell it let us know. You’ll be on speed dial for sure! – Stephanie

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.

Each Mom contributes her unique blend of witty, realistic approaches to life and is dedicated to sharing stories and short-cuts that shed light and laughs on surviving Motherhood and what it means to hit her stride. Throw in some Hollywood gossip, product favorites, and a few dirty little secrets and there you have it … a yummy, 100 percent guilt-free recipe for what it means to be a Mom and still be YOU.

Let me preface this post with an explanation that this is not the 1st time we’ve poked fun at our Momma friends nor will it be the last. We love all Mommas here at Southern Momentum and if you do not see your silly stereotype listed below please fill free to comment and tell us which flavor Momma you are. Come on, help us out … It’s all in good fun! — Stephanie

Panic-mode Momma: She’s easy to spot because her child is the one at the pool sporting the long sleeve bathing suit with a built-in life preserver and floppy hat that ties under the chin. She has poison control as #1 on her speed dial & knows the 911 operators on a first name basis.

Anti-Sandbox Momma: Number one on her baby gift registry was the anti-germ, grocery cart protector (in Bill Cosby sweater fabric). Anxiety sets in for this Momma at the thought of her child playing at indoor playgrounds or in sandboxes. In the true spirit of OCD, her child, more often than not, will be the only one on the baseball team “without” stains on their pants.

Organic Momma: Some popular items in her household are vegetable-based baby shampoo, organic cheesy snacks, eco-friendly wipes and baby Birkenstocks. On a playdate, this Momma will be the first to pull out Kashi cereal snacks versus standard Cheerios.

Monogram Momma: This gal is the bona fide Southern or Southern wanna be Momma. Her child will most likely be wearing Lily Pulitzer or something searsucker. The hot pink monogram in the back window of the minivan is another telltale sign of a monogram momma.

Star Struck Momma: She obsesses over anything Hollywood. She tivos E and TMZ nightly and knows more about the Kardashian baby than the paparazzi. Her kids wear all the red carpet knockoffs and usually have fruit or baking inspired first names (Apple, Coco, etc.)

Walking Billboard Momma: Upon pulling into the parking lot of the grocery store, you know this Momma is a republican, has 3 children, a cat & a dog. You know which beach she frequents and that her children attend Little Gym, play basketball, baseball and that she is most definitely the proud parent of an honor roll student at the local elementary school. This Momma bonds pretty well with Monogram momma.

PTA Momma: She is the Queen B of all Mommas. She spends more time at the school then her own children do and would no doubt be 2nd in command if anything happened to the principal. This gal is room Momma, head of the PTA, and Field Day committee Chair just to name a few. She probably has her own personalized chair in the teacher’s lounge and not only knows the Janitor on a first name basis but also knows the names and ages of all his kids.

Homemade Play-Dough Momma: Simply stated, she puts all of us non-crafty Mommas to shame. Kids love her because she keeps the kids busy during playdates making projects with ACTUAL glitter & glue (something that anti-sandbox Momma would never allow). Teachers love this Momma because she gives the best handmade gifts, thus making PTA Momma a wee bit jealous. She can easily whip up any zoo animal out of celery, peanut butter and a couple raisins.

It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere Momma: This Momma’s motto is “Life’s a party!” She occasionally sports products with sayings such as “Mommy’s Sippy Cup” or “Life Is Too Short To Drink Cheap Wine.” Her kids can use the word “decanter” in a complete sentence and know that “on the rocks” does not involve hiking or mining. This Momma is friends with all the mommas listed above.

Gym Momma: This Momma starts off the morning in a frantic whirlwind as she rushes children out of the house in an effort to make her Zumba or spin class. After 2 hours (time limit for childcare) at the gym you’ll most likely find her at the grocery store breaking yet another sweat power pushing the kids in the race cart … thankfully she’ll still be wearing her spandex.

Yogi Salami Momma: If the strong scent of patchouli doesn’t give this Momma away then hairy legs and Keens most definitely will. This Momma most likely has a few colorful dancing bear stickers on her minivan. She may or may not home school her children but either way her kids quite possibly may be the smartest and calmest children on the playground. This Momma is by far the most peaceful and patient person you’ve ever met in your life. You can’t help but wonder what secret is in her sauce …

Stephanie is the founder of the witty motherhood blog, Southern Momentum, born right here in the Triangle, and the newest addition to CarolinaParent.com's bloggers. SoMo (for short) is a collaboration of sleep-deprived, Gen X gals who started out as friends and became grounded together in a wonderfully, challenging journey called motherhood … some Southern by birth and others, transplants, who fell in love with front porch swings and sweet tea.

Each Mom contributes her unique blend of witty, realistic approaches to life and is dedicated to sharing stories and short-cuts that shed light and laughs on surviving Motherhood and what it means to hit her stride. Throw in some Hollywood gossip, product favorites, and a few dirty little secrets and there you have it … a yummy, 100 percent guilt-free recipe for what it means to be a Mom and still be YOU.