Lauren was blessed with a beautiful son Lael (Lah- Elle) who is currently going through his triumphant twos (two years old). So far this journey has been very interesting for her. Lael is her first child and she resides in NYC.
“I’m basically a mom living in NYC who’s trying to be an all around player,” says the first time mom. “Meaning I believe I can achieve my dreams, be social, provide, and love while raising a king! Is that so hard? The answer is HECK YEAH!! And that’s okay because nothing good comes easy, at least that’s what I’ve heard.”
This is what Lauren had to say about the following topics:
What being a first time mom has taught her:
“Being a mom has taught me to be more understanding and compassionate. I look at my mom differently now, I understand why she may have been just tired to just do anything, such as work, cook, clean, be a wife, do my thick long hair fit school …. but she always got the job done. Being a mother can be overwhelming. When I see other mothers in public, sometimes I communicate with them by just smiling. It’s kind of like saying “hey, you’re doing a great job” without actually saying it, and other mothers understand it and for the few that don’t they’re probably running on two hours of sleep and I understand that too.”
What she loves about being a mother:
“Wow… what do I love most about being a mother! I find this question funny because mom isn’t just one role or task it’s so many things linked together, it’s like you can’t have one without the other. But if I had to pick one I would say being able to be a kid again!! Duh! Lael and I sing all the children songs I used to sing but now it’s better because I get to remix the beat! Like our ABC’s we’ll sing over different instrumentals thanks to YouTube! Sometimes I stop whatever I’m doing to just dance and play with Lael around the house and make him laugh. It’s a great way to relieve stress, exercise, and teach while creating memories. I’m aware that Lael will go through different stages in his life so I’m trying take advantage of being a cool mom stage before he gets older and wants to just hang out with his friends.”
Most challenging moment in motherhood:
“Trying to grow in my career. I have my M.S. degree in Sports Management and living in NYC, it’s been challenging to get my foot in the door and grow. Before Lael, I was heavily involved in sports and it was a bit easier to take on jobs that I felt was beneficial towards my career. I was blessed with the surprise of Lael and I told myself: “Do I really have to throw all my hard work away?” Very confused about how can I possibly do this mom thing and still work in my field, I just told myself that I will do my best with being a mom and working in sports and to only allow God to close any doors in my path instead of me just closing them myself due to confusion and fear. Sometimes I’m unable to do certain things when it comes to work because I have to attend to Lael. So I know I have to work so much harder and my competition isn’t easy. But instead of trying to accomplish my career dreams for myself, I’m doing it for Lael.”
I may lose sleep, breakout, and my hair may fall out but I know Lael is my biggest fan and his smile keeps me pushing forward. I just need to make sure to fit in a little “me time” where ever I can.
Advice to mothers:
“My advice to new mothers is to just find your own mommy rhythm. Find what works for you and your child/children. Every story of a mother is different and your story will be too because it’s YOUR story. It’s okay to cry it’s okay to be nervous it’s okay to be very sleepy. Just look at your child, you’re amazing in their eyes! So believe that you’re amazing too don’t look at those stretch marks, or saggy boobs (which are beautiful so don’t feel down about that at all) if you have any just look at your child! If he/she is happy, healthy, and has a safe warm place to sleep at night, well guess what you’re pretty dope! You’ve got this!!”
Lauren is also a two time graduate from Virginia State University!
Jazz Marie 