Jalessa, 25, is the mother of two boys: Pierre, 2, and Preston, who is three months. Outside of her motherly duties, she is also a full-time student at Hunter College. Although she is securing her future, it’s made motherhood a little more difficult.
“The most challenging for me is still being a full time student trying to be flexible with my school load and tending to my two children,” Jaleesa explains. “Having kids back to back was very overwhelming for me but I I’m learning day by day how to push through it. I also have my kids father by my side which is a huge blessing. Some days when he’s at work, and I have to be a full-time mommy and finish my homework and still clean up after them and get them ready for the day, plus attend classes at night, I feel like the world is on my shoulders.”
It really takes a village to raise children and I’m glad I have the family I have to be apart of my village.
On what being a mother has taught her:
“Being a mother has taught me to love myself unconditionally because if I’m unhappy then my children will also be unhappy.I realized after having my first child that everything I do will reflect me as a parent. I also learned that when you have your own, you would do every & anything to protect and nurture them. Being a mother has taught me so many wonderful things, but the best gift is learning how powerful and intellectual I’ve become now that i have children. That’s something that moms should embrace everyday because we pushed out these beautiful little people.”
On what she loves most about being a mother:
“I love watching them grow day by day into the person they was put here set to be. I love that my “little someone” will love me unconditionally and will never judge me. I love that in my little ones eyes I’m their superhero!!! I love that I get to capture these beautiful moments with someone I created.”
Advice to new moms:
This is going to be one HELL of a ride so hold the f*ck on!!! This is not easy believe me, but it’s worth it. Just take in day by day and relax.
It’s okay if you feel overwhelmed, you got this!
“The babies have their own schedule, so you now run on their time now. There is no more YOU for a while until they learn a sleep routine. But make sure you still find time to rest and get “you time” when the baby is resting.”
“There will be tonssssss of SH*TTY diapers, so prepare to learn how to breathe through your mouth and not through your nose, if you want to survive. Also don’t worry the baby is breathing!!! It’s ok… don’t worry …you’re gonna check to make sure the baby is breathing every second of the day. ‘You’ll barely remember to sleep.”
Jazz Marie 