Today’s Shade of Shay is all about being a girl mom.
Raising a girl and raising a boy are very different for me at times.
We didn’t find out our babies’ genders until they were born…and the entire time I was pregnant with Kensington, I just knew it was a boy (ironically, I would have bet my life that Smith was a girl…I apparently have absolutely no mother’s intuition).
When they pulled her out and Andrew said it was a girl, I was really in shock. A girl mom. I immediately became a girl mom.
One of the best parts about raising a girl is watching her turn into this little lady. I love watching her pick out her outfits, play with her baby dolls, find the perfect bracelet, giggle when she watches something funny on TV, listen to her talk about becoming a mommy one day, catch her trying on my heels and hearing her “mother” any and everyone who will let her (poor Smith).
I find raising a daughter really challenging too. I want her to be sweet but strong at the same time. I want her to be sensitive but also full of self-confidence. I never want my daughter to find her worth in the way she looks or in a man. I want her to always know she’s good enough on her own…made unique and beautiful and perfect in the Lord. I pray every day she finds her worth and completion in Christ, not people.
I’ve already learned that girls are tricky because in my opinion, they’re more emotional than boys (at least in our house that’s the case). If Smith is upset, he can tell you exactly why…but Kensington, if she’s upset, sometimes it’s just because (there can be a lot of emotions in that five year old girl). Andrew and I have to work every day to be sensitive but firm at the same time.
Kensington is my clingy kid. This girl is connected at her mama’s hip…and I love it :). I hope she always wants to spend time with me.
The things I hope she (and her new little sister) learn from me are that first and foremost, I love the Lord. I want them to put their faith and trust in Jesus.
I hope they learn to love other females like I do too. I love having girlfriends in my life. My friends mean everything to me and I really hope my girls become women who love and support other women too.
I hope they find a few passions in life. Whether it’s something as silly as baseball or as big as a career, I hope they are passionate girls with big dreams and goals.
A few things about my sweet K right now…
1. She loves to bake and cook. I don’t know if she’ll professionally be in the kitchen, but I know that preparing and enjoying a good meal is something that will be with her forever.
2. Her favorite color is turquoise
3. She has a dog named Lucky who goes everywhere with us. Every. Where. When we gave her the dog five years ago, it had spots on it (it’s a dalmatian), and she has literally loved the spots right off.
4. She loves all things baby. She loves playing with our friends who have little kids and she cannot wait for Ashby to come. She tells me every day that she’s basically going to raise her by herself (she’s going to feed her, bathe her, dress her, care for her, and on and on).
5. She’s really nervous about kindergarten. She doesn’t want to be away from me all day, every day. This just breaks my heart into a million pieces but I don’t let her see.
6. She’s my kid that says things she shouldn’t…and we’re working on that. We’re working on her choosing her words wisely and not just saying whatever she feels. She’s quick to throw out statements like “you’re not my best friend any more” which is hurtful and mean…so, we work on that.
7. She’s recently discovered Full House and loves that show. She has a crush on Uncle Jesse and honestly, so do I ;).
8. She is not a big eater. Her favorite foods are pasta and meatballs and she loves salsa and ketchup on any and everything. Her very, very, very favorite thing to eat is egg whites (her dad is so proud).
9. She loves ballet, speaking little bits of French, the Red Sox, and planning our next vacations…she couldn’t be more like me if she tried. She has so many of my good qualities and a handful of my bad.
I love this kid so much. I love that she made me a girl mom. I am so excited to watch her become a big sister twice over, and I’m excited to be a girl mom to a second girl really soon. I find being a girl mom so much fun and so absolutely hair-pulling frustrating all at once…it’s a wild ride :).
In a few weeks, I’ll share my thoughts on being a boy mom. It’s so different, and yet, so fun too.
If you’re a girl mom, I would love one piece of girl mom advice!
Comment below please because I covet any and all tips and advice for raising girls.
And Pssssst….
Today is the last day of Gap’s Friends and Family Sale! Use cod GAPFAM at checkout to get 40% off your purchase! Eeks!
On the foodie blog today, it’s Meal Planning Monday. Click here to see this week’s menu.
XOXO
Catherine says
I am going to have to come back and read some comments! After having 2 boys and then adopting 2 girls, I am still figuring out the girl thing. It is somewhat the same and also SO different.
Stacy P. says
Best bit of "raising girl" advice….find them an older girl who can be a mentor. Maybe a babysitter or family friend or cousin. My kids (15, 12 and 8) are blessed to have had a babysitter for the last 5 years who is a WONDERFUL example to them. She is a Christ-follower who demonstrates her love for Jesus in wonderful ways. She has just graduated college and is preparing to enter the "real world" and still finds time to text/call/visit my girls on a weekly basis. I overheard my 15 yo saying she wants to be like Kenzie. What a wonderful compliment. (not that I'm not close to my daughters, but sometimes having an outside voice who is NOT mom or dad can help!)
Traci says
I second this advice. This makes a world of difference!
Tab & Erika says
Such a sweet post!!! Who doesn't have a crush on Uncle Jesse?? 🙂
Lindsay Hilosky says
As a girl mom, I just love love love this post. I am actually a mom to two girls, which will turn into three girls in 20 weeks or less! And I swore that all three of these sweet little girls were boys too! I guess I also do not have that mother's intuition! My oldest is only three so I don't have so much advice about raising girls yet but my parents raised two girls and I have to say they always allowed us to be ourselves and express ourselves while trying to guide us to do that in a way that was polite and sensitive to others! I just love reading your 52 shades! I am thinking of starting a similar series on my blog which would appropriately be called 50 Shades of Pink! My husband is super outnumbered!
Julie Mills says
I LOVE being a girl mom. My daughter turned 20 in May…We waited for 12 years for her and she has been nothing but a blessing to our family. We have went through some rough patches through the teen years but I never gave up on her and always loved her no matter what..She is now starting her Junior year in college to teach Middle School Math and I couldn't be prouder of her. I guess I will say LOVE your daughter no matter what the circumstances and ALWAYS be there to support them. They are Gods gifts to us :))
kimm atwood says
I love this post! And I love having 2 girls…love my 3 boys to the moon and back too!!! I got SO lucky with my first daughter,,,she is about to turn 22 (sniff sniff) and she really never gave me any problems…everyone told me teenage girls can be rough but mine wasn't,,,,,,now my sweet Olivia…6 going on 26 she is sweet with a ton attitude mixed in! She gives me a run for money everyday but I love it. My best advice after raising one daughter to become an adult and raising another is always let them know they can do anything …I've raised my daughters to be sweet and strong and confident. I've let them know that though I chose to stay home and be a wife and mother women can go out there and have successful careers and accomplish anything…but I can tell you nothing makes me happier than when I hear my daughter say mommy when I grow up I want to be the best mommy just like you. At that point I know I am doing something right and even as a stay at home mom I'm so successful!!!!
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
So, so sweet! Kensington is absolutely precious!
April Parrish says
Loved this post! Kensington is precious and she will be a great role model for your next baby girl!
As a mom of 2 girls; I believe in praise…telling them each and everyday just how beautiful they are inside and out! And of course never telling them enough how much I LOVE YOU!!!
No doubt, you've got this! Praying for Kensington as she begins kindergarten and for you as you will miss your days with her.
Lots of love and prayers to you and your family!
Patty says
This was a sweet post. I am a boy mom. I had two sons who are now adults and my oldest is going to be a daddy in November to a son. I have loved being a boy mom and can't wait to be a grandmother to my grandson but I would have been happy with a granddaughter too. 🙂
emma @ {from my little pink couch} says
Shay … such a sweet post! My Maggie is crazy about Full House, too.
The Schauble Family says
As a mom to three girls ages 9,9 (yes identical twins) and 11, my piece of advice is to find their love language. My three girls are very different yet very similar since they all are 15 months apart. Reading the "Five Love Languaages of Children" helped a lot with understanding my oldest's emotions. The emotions will continue to grow as they grow. Be prepared for that. I enjoy reading your blog every morning. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Anonymous says
I love having girls but they can definitely be a little challenging as they grow. My most simple piece of advice is to always remember especially in those emotional times that you were there once too. I like to relate to my girls and remember that I was that age too and felt the same way sometimes. Girls are such a blessing.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
AWWWWW! This is such a sweet post. Your little baby girl has grown into such a beautiful little lady! How in the world has this happened so fast?!?
Lisa N says
You have all the important things covered as a Mom…so since you are starting a new journey with Kensington going to school, my advice is to be involved with her school. Be a volunteer. Make friends with her teachers, staff, even the janitors. I was a volunteer at my girls' schools and made some of my best friends through volunteering. Not just school parties, but book fairs, putting up bulletin boards, running off copies, anything and everything. Not just a teacher's helper but a help to the school. There were days that us Moms dropped our kids off and spent the day having fun and came back just in time for the 3PM bell. Best memories! I volunteered (when needed) until my girls were in high school, when I started a job working as the high school secretary. They loved knowing I was a part of their school but most of all the relationships I built with those who cared for them. My oldest daughter is a new 1st grade teacher and my youngest is a year from graduating as an elementary teacher plus she is a certified personal trainer. I have loved being a girl Mom and so proud of the sweet christian girls that have grown into beautiful young ladies. Kindergarten will be soooo much fun for you both. Enjoy every minute!
Anonymous says
I have two girls and one boy and it is all wonderful and different isn't it? Sounds like you have most things covered! My only advice (as a kindergarten teacher) and mom of one "nervous nellie" about ANYTHING new. My oldest is a bit clingy and needs much reassurance. The only thing that brought her much peace is when I told her, "I know you are nervous about kindergarten. But I checked out a lot of schools before I picked the best school for you. I wouldn't just leave you anywhere." As silly as this sounds – it made sense to her and she was much more relaxed to go.
Cathy
Katy says
She is so beautiful! I have three girls and am from a family of three girls as well…my mom keeps telling me to "pick my battles" which is SO true!!
My girls also love watching Full House-even my 2 year old asks to watch it-ha!
jackie says
I love being a girl mom to my 2.5 year old. We find out in about 5 weeks if #2 is a boy or a girl. I can't wait! Thanks for sharing with us, Shay!
Kelcie_Hansberry says
Which color of the Kendra Scott Rayne necklace would you suggest to get that will transition to winter!?
Wendy says
I have two girls…18 and 12. They couldn't be any more different if they tried. At times, I feel like I have a split personality because I have to parent them so completely differently. My eldest is going off to college in less than two weeks. She has been a very easy child to raise, even as a baby, but she has a few quirks in her personality that I have never understood or known the best how to deal with them. I guess her "love language", for lack of a better way to describe it, has always been much different than mine. My greatest tool in knowing how to say the right thing to her or how to parent her to the best of my ability has been my husband. They have similar personalities and even thought he has travelled for work for much of her life, he understands what makes her tick and what makes the situation worse. He has been an invaluable asset to me to be the best mom I can be. I know she won't voice that she misses me or home (that's just her) when she leaves for college, but deep down because of the knowledge her dad has imparted, I know she will. My greatest piece of advice would be to ask those around you for helpful hints when a tricky situation comes up and all your techniques for what you think is the best thing to do have failed. Even 18 years into the job, I still need help navigating the sometimes choppy waters of motherhood.
Kari Maddox says
My 7 & 8 year old recently started watching Full House and LOVE it. As a mommy to 5, two are girls, I will say: push them harder at school. They seem to learn faster than the boys do, so I don't keep them on the same track I push harder and let them excel BEFORE boys start to come into the picture! Both of mine are Honor Society along with Cheer, Volleyball, etc. 🙂 GIRLS ARE SUPER TALKERS, so when you want peace…hang with Smith….you want energy and ideas, GIRLS
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I have a girl and a boy too. It is a wild ride working out their different personalities and emotions! The best advice I can offer is, as she gets older, make regular one on one time a priority. It will look like she is fine and she is happy to spend lots of time with her friends but she still needs her Mama. My daughter is 12 and I had let our special dates slip into an irregular thing because she seemed to prefer to be with her friends but then she came to me and asked for us to do them again. My heart nearly burst I tell you. I just LOVE spending time with her as she is growing up and she really does listen to my advice and need to hear it from me. I don't forget that now.
Andrea Terrell says
The transition to school was hard for my child. She can be shy and new situations make her really nervous. On the way to school each day, we yell I Am Awesome and she loves it. We also have mantras for each day. Today is marvelous Monday. Silly but she loves it and her face lights up every time I tell her how awesome she is.
Becky says
I have 3 daughters; the middle one is Kensington's age. I don't have advice, because I'm in the thick of it just like you are and desire the same things that you do. But, I'm always prayerfully trying to discern when to enter into their drama and when not to, if that makes sense. For example, when they are crying and afraid of something that I think is silly, I enter into that with them and pray with them and talk through it…it's so very real for them. When one of them cries because someone used the bathroom before them, well, that's when I just ask them to stop. I feel like, as they grow older, it might be more difficult to discern what to enter into and what not to…if that makes sense 🙂
Amy Androff says
My baby girl is 22 and just the other day we were talking about how she turned our to be such a good kid and now such a wonderful young adult. She asked me what did I do that she turned out the way she did. I had to think about that. What it all comes down to is to be there for her, listen, and give her lots of hugs, do things together, knowing she will want her independence and will test that a bit. :). Always, always tell her you love her! You are doing a wonderful job and Kensington is such a beautful child.
melissabunny100 says
You are a lucky girl, K…to have your mommy!
Eryn Morel says
I am a mom of two girls…18 months apart. I couldn't read this post without tearing up because my oldest is starting school next week. So much change for her and our whole family. I find raising girls very challenging as well. We struggle with a lot of the same issues. I try my best every day and still fail often. I feel like as long as I'm actively participating in their lives and teaching them to be better versions of themselves, I'm succeeding. One day at a time!
{Hi Sugarplum!} says
Such a precious post! I love being a mom to both a boy and girl, and yes, so very different with each! S is so different from me in so many ways, and very alike in others. The differences are what I have to be careful about…bc she's her own person, and her ways are okay too. xo
Debbie Dankelson says
Hi! I have a 15 y/o daughter right between 2 boys 🙂 I wouldn't have it any other way. They are (almost) 14, 15 and 17. The best piece of advice I can give you is to support and encourage her relationship with her Daddy. I'm very close with my daughter but I think it's equally important, if not more, for her to have a great relationship with my husband. It's different than mine with her. I believe it gives her confidence, trust, self worth and so much more. It also shows her what to expect in a future spouse. I could go on and on but I'll spare you. LOL
Shesabigstar says
Funny, my kids both love watching Full House reruns too! (And I don't mind staring at Uncle Jesse either!)
I don't really have any girl advice… I mean, I'm a mom to a daughter but I'm not sure I have it mastered enough to offer advice. I do know that she teaches me SO much every single day. I love the lessons that our kids teach us, instead of the other way around!
Dena says
Such a weet post! My daughter is just entering High School this fall! Another scary transition especially now that her 2 brothers are in college! My daughter LOVED Full House too and we have EVERY season!!
Elaine says
Love this post! I'm a mom to three little girls! Every Tuesday I write a "girl mom" post on my blog! Would love for you or your readers to check it out sometime! http://www.honeypieaccessories.blogspot.com/search/label/girl%20mom
Sandy P says
I don't have advice for raising girls. My oldest girl (2nd child) is such a challenge. She is 7 and we just pray we are not messing her up too much. So, I guess that is my advice. Pray your way through raising girls!
Paula says
I have three girls. 🙂
#5 …..tears……
Jane says
Your little girl is so precious! I have 2 girls (and 1 boy) who range in age from teens to 20 somethings, and watching your kids turn into fabulous adults is pretty awesome. The first day of kindergarten to the first day of college will go by in a flash, but don't forget to relish each stage your kids are in without looking too far back or forward. When your kids are teens and have those typical teen moments of embarrassment that you are breathing the same air as they are, relish that too lol! I echo much of the advice in these comments and would add that girl moms need to encourage their daughters to get sweaty and dirty – play sports, go camping, mow the grass, etc. There's something about it that is a real confidence booster (and it's fun!).
Anonymous says
Girls can be so mean! I think the best thing you can do – and it seems like you are – is teach her to be kind to others and accepting of them regardless of their background. There will be girls that have more than K and girls that have way less. They're all valuable and deserve to be treated with kindness.
Also teaching her how to deal with the mean girls – she'll have mean girls to deal with her entire life (as I'm sure you know!). I'm still learning how to guide my own teenage daughter through this!
I love that you're teaching her to love & support her girlfriends. You seem to have such wonderful relationships with other women. So many aren't that lucky!
I also love that you didn't find out if you were having a boy or girl. We did the same and it's the best surprise EVER! Most women choose to miss out on that these days.
Darcy says
Great post! We don't have kids, but your thoughts about raising a girl who is sensitive and strong hit home. I'm still trying to develop myself into that person! 🙂 I always tell myself "Be a woman among women. Be classy and humble. Have a servant's heart. And look to the Lord before looking to others." Happy Monday!
Mary Hatchett says
I'm not a girl mom, but I'm a 24-year-old daughter of a mom and I've got two sisters, so we know a thing or two about being female in this house! Like K, I also couldn't be more like my mom if I tried. It allows me to relate to her in incredible ways, but it also causes us to butt heads sometimes. Here's my advice, from a grown daughter's perspective:
1. Talk with her about the hard things. Talk with her about sex. Talk about porn. Talk about how she's doing physically with her boyfriend. Talk with her about all the things that our culture (sadly enough, ESPECIALLY Christian culture), and parents shy away from. Be a safe place for her, and never make her feel ashamed.
2. Share your struggles with her, and as is age-appropriate, share them in the here-and-now, not just after you've overcome them. 🙂 As she gets older, let her into your doubts, fears, and questions. Learning that it's ok to have them and it's ok to struggle will be vital for her. It's also vital to teach her to open up to community and share her struggles and questions with others (and you!).
3. Continue to teach her that real, intimate, messy relationship with Jesus is more important (no, is really ALL that matters), over "religion." It's not about doing good things or going to church. It's about an honest, at times frustrating, mind-blowing, crazy relationship with the King. For me, growing up in a conservative Christian home, it's been hard to get out of the legalistic trap that Christian churches and culture can put you into. Let K know that doubts and questions about God are OKAY! She can let Him know when she's angry, when she doesn't understand, and even when she's not sure He's real. He delights in us bringing that stuff to Him! The Gospel is for every day of her life. Continue to model and instill that in her!
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts! 🙂 You're doing a wonderful job.
Lisa says
I have one girl and two boys. The girl mom ride has been crazy, emotional and wonderful all at the same time. My daughter is the oldest of the bunch and will be 16 in a few months. She's been high drama and demanding since she entered this world. My best advice is to pick your battles and let her be her even when it's not at all you. Just love her. I adore my Ashtyn and can't imagine this life without her, even though I know she's the one who's responsible for the few gray hairs starting to appear on my head.
Jill says
Hi Shay! My oldest is starting kindergarten too. I think she and Kensington might actually be 2 peas in a pod. If I didn't know you were talking about Kensington above, I would have thought you were talking about my oldest baby.
My girl was crying last night about being nervous about Kinder and not ready to start in 14 days and so on and so on. A friend of mine recommended that we look at our school's website and see if we can find pictures of the Kinder teachers and maybe that will help calm the nerves. We're going to do that tonight.
P.S. Andrew is our insurance agent. We were using him for years before I stumbled on your blog from seeing one of your food posts on a friend of a friend's blog. Small world 🙂
Lori says
As a teacher and a mommy of a daughter who is also entering kindergarten and feeling nervous I plan to read "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn to my daughter as her bedtime story the night before the first day of school. It is a perfect book using raccoons as the characters about separation anxiety child raccoon feels about leaving his mom to go to school and how mom's kiss on child's hand can stay with child all day. I love it! Good luck to you and Kensington as you start this new chapter in your lives.
Morgan Schlueter says
That's so cute that Kensington is so excited about Ashby! Before my little sister was born, I used to tell my mom that when "my baby" got here, I'd let her hold her haha
Shannon says
She is so adorable Shay!! I love being a girl mom even if they are a bit dramatic and sensitive sometimes. Full House is a favorite show in our house as well and I sure don't mind watching episodes over and over again!! 😉
Jaclyn Johnson says
Hi Shay! I got sad for you when I read that K was nervous about Kindergarten! 🙁 You'll both get through it though! I chuckled that she has a crush on Uncle Jesse, as do I still lol and I smirked when I read that you're working on her not saying "you're not my best friend anymore" because my 3 yr old daughter says that to me and her daddy when one of us tells her "no" lol and I was hoping it would end before she starts saying it to friends, guess I should work harder on that now too so that it stops before she's K's age and going to school soon 😉 Happy Monday!
Becky says
Well, my favorite girl comment is something I told a guy who was teasing my daughter because she was sexually pure. I told him that she could be like the other girls he knew any time she wanted, but they could never be like her. I assured him that she would be well worth waiting for. Oddly enough, although he gave off the wrong vibes, he came to the point where he accepted Christ as his Savior, and found out that she was indeed – well worth waiting for.
Katie says
I have no real advice to give as my 3 girls are all younger than your sweet one, but I loved all you had to say here. I continue to look to you for advice as I think it is so hard raising girls in the world we live in these days and it will only get harder. I know I struggle with my own self esteem and I am really working to get better about that, because I never want any of them to feel like their worth is wrapped up in their appearance.
Sarah E @ theteacherswife.com says
I can't add any advice since my little girl is only 3 and you are further along than me, but I want the same things for my little girl. And we're working on the kind words as well and trying to teach her that her words can hurt people. It's hard, but so much fun!
Mary C. says
I have 3 daughters in elementary school and I know that girls in particular can be mean and cruel to other girls, especially at school. One of the ways that I have found to combat this is telling my girls it is important to be friends with everyone and to not be exclusive. My mom taught me this by inviting my whole class to parties at our house and treating everyone the same. Also, I think it is important to teach kids, not just girls, how to serve others, especially those less fortunate. My kids and I do this by adopting a flower bed in our community and taking care of it throughout the summer. You could also collect items for a local woman's shelter or have a lemonade stand and donate the money to a charity.
Marty says
I have a girl…and 3 boys…and WOW are they different. Both are awesome! But since you are talking about girls today, I have to say that I am so thankful to be a girl mom. Our 3 big kids are young adults and our youngest is a senior in high school. Like you, I had a girly-girl who loved pink and turquoise and babies and puppies and mothering her two younger brothers. Her older brother has Down Syndrome, and she was always such a great little "mother," teacher, helper, supporter, defender, protector and FRIEND to him. And she still is to this day! I have absolutely LOVED parenting her and watching her grow up. She is 25, and some of my best times are spent with her.
Beth Jensen says
Teacher, Counselor, Wife…being a girl mom is my biggest accomplishment. Ally and I have always been extremely close from her first day of K to now a junior in college. They key is open and honest discussions and trust. I have never been a mom to say, because I said so. I have always explained why I feel that way, and in turn it has created discussions daily as she has made choices in her life. I laugh at times, saying is this a time I should grab a glass of wine and sit down? Face it, once you create a beautiful spirited girl, you better be ready each year. I did want to share my K tip for helping your sweet girl, Ally was sooo attached to me that I bought her a sweet necklace that looked like a little tube with an angel on it. You can open it. Inside, I wrote her brave words. She said when she felt like crying, she held it instead and remembered my words. Literally I taught first grade upstairs, but managed to cry each day in the janitors closet. My class always prayed for me! Great Catholic school. Take care Shay!
Claire says
Shay that was SUCH a sweet post! You are such a proud mommy and I love reading you gush about your kids! Can't wait to read your post on what it's like being Smith's mama! 🙂
Katriel-Maria Berbert says
Assuming the ultrasound was correct, I'll officially be a girl mom in about 2 months. There are so many things I'm excited about and nervous about! No pointers yet, just keep praying and doing your best and trust that God will help fill in the gaps!
Jaren says
We now have 4 kids,(girl, boy, girl, boy- ages 7, 6, 2, and 1 month). Girls are extremely challenging and very moody at times. For my oldest daughter, I always try to think back to how I was at that age and the things I worried about or how I got into mischief. It puts things into perspective for me when I am having a difficult day with her. I also LOVE how independent they are and have that natural desire to take care of things and be given responsibilities. Oh and we LOVE Full House…it brings back so many memories!
MorganizewithMe says
I am blessed with two girls. My advice – talk about everything, walk the talk, give lots of attention and affection, and most of all support your daughter on her own path. You are an awesome mom! xoxo
Laura Matthews says
I don't think I ever realized before today's post that you didn't know the sex of your babies until they were born. My husband and I plan to start our family soon, and we also are almost set on the idea of not knowing the sex until they are born…but being the planner that I am, and I know this seems vain and so 21st century, but my hesitation is that it would be easier to know ahead of time when it comes to clothes and decorating the nursery! I would be really interested if you decided to do a post on that one day – how you did everything gender neutral when there are so many cute gender specific ideas out there!
Sarita @ it's a girl's world says
What a wonderful post! Love, love, love being a gill mom!
Anonymous says
I really enjoyed this post! I have a 3 year old son and a one year old daughter. Like you, I didn't find out the genders of either of mine until they were born (LOVED doing it that way). The thought of raising a boy used to make me nervous, but then when I had my daughter, I was almost more nervous about raising a girl! I loved reading all of the comments. 🙂
Danielle says
My daughters are 12 and 15….and the best advice anyone has ever given me is to let nothing be taboo in our home. In light of that I do my best to create an atmosphere where they can literally ask or talk about anything! obviously we address everything in light of what God's word says about that topic….but there is nothing off limits. We want our girls to view our home as a safe place where they can come with all of their thoughts and questions!
Renae says
I love this post, and I love being a girl mom myself. I have two daughters and the best advice I have is to listen to them. I mean really take the time and listen to them. And, lastly to remember that you are their role model in everything that you do, and say. Even in your relationships with other people. Those little eyes and ears are watching and listening to your ever move. I can't wait to come back and read some of the other girl mom comments!!
Anonymous says
I have a 13 year old daughter who is lovely in every sense of the word. She is the type of girl other girls (and one day, women) love to hate. She is beautiful, brilliant, tiny, kind, and is an amazing dancer. Here's what I tell her…don't EVER EVER say anything unkind about ANYONE to a peer. Girls who act like your best friend will not always be your best friend and they shoot their mouths off. If you don't say anything bad about anyone, there is no ammo against you. Middle school is tough, and technology has made it tougher. And listen up mamas…they can NEVER EVER say anything negative about anyone in writing!! Ever!! Those texts will be shown to other people and used against you. Please listen to what I'm saying, because that "mean girl" syndrome is out there. Her 17 yr old brother is crazy protective of her and refuses to let her have Instagram. As parents we are allowing him to advise us on this, because he knows more about the teen culture than we do.
dee says
I have a daughter, 26, and two sons, 21 and 20. She was much like your K as a child. She is a born leader and nurturer. It has been a true joy to be her mom. She calls me every day on her way home from work, which I absolutely love! The best advice I can give is to just enjoy her personality as you obviously do! My daughter was very headstrong and still is. My husband and I always tried to remind ourselves that even though that trait was challenging to parent, we knew it would serve her well as an adult, and it has! The way you point your children to Jesus is all you need to do!
Jeanie says
My daughter is 47 years old. A tip doesn't come to mind, but what does is a card she gave me one year for Mother's Day. The front of the card had all these commands on it, like Brush your Teeth, Be Home by 10:00, You're Not Wearing That, Clean Your Room, and so on. The inside simply said, Thanks, Mom.
Tiffany Campione says
I am the proud Mom of two sweet girls. Sophie who are 5 and Gia is 2. The other day Sophie said, "Mama you are a strong man!" I said, "Don't you mean strong woman silly?" She said, "Well I thought boys are strong." I said, "They are, but girls are just as strong if not stronger and I never want you to forget that love."
Teaching the younger generation of woman that it's ok to be sweet, strong and intelligent one day at a time is so important!:)
Anonymous says
Always love her and be there for her. It can be a mean world out there even on the kindergarten playground. Be a friend to her in the sense that she can come to you with anything. Nurture her relationship with her daddy, its one of life's greatest gifts a girl will ever have. Just keep doing what you're doing, your family is precious!
Taya says
Ahh I loved this post beyond measure!
I am not a mom yet but a daughter who was raised by my mama and daddy all my life with two younger sisters and as the oldest of the bunch here's what I have to say
Since she's the oldest she'll have her plate full of being the responsible older sister.
Especially because of the way you and your husband are raising her shell always know she's loved.
Always always treat her as an individual and respect her thoughts and who she is. She will always a mind of her own and often times she knows how to push her limits far enough to make you angry but not enough to ever ruin how pure and innocent you are raising her to be
She will always know christ and have a relationship with him because she sees your husbands and your relationship with the lord.
Always let her know that no matter what anyone else says and does the lords way is always the right way.
Mom and dad are not always right she needs to hear Jesus tell her and whisper to her what she needs to know the really deep answers for.
My dad always told us as we were small I will always be there to protect you, one day god told him, "will you always be there?!?" God forbid if anything terrible happened and they were lost or kidnapped would you be there, would you know how to save them?
No I will. So tell them even if mommy and daddy aren't around the lord will always be there to protect you especially with his angels.
There's so much I could say but you husband being a great man will always make her more confident in walking straight and upright just like you do….because think about it, how much does your dad influence your life as a grown woman now!
A Great dad will make that girl stronger than she ever could be…moms are always the great frosting friend to teach her to be a Proverbs 31 lady!
Linds Blair says
I love this. I remember when my husband said it's a girl, it's a girl. It's so different than raising boys, challenging and lovely all at the same time.
Kelly says
Loved your sweet words about Miss K. As a 2 year old girl mom, I would say to not get frustrated when the emotions come out. To be there and be comforting, but to let her ride the tears out on her own.