From One Mom to Another: Charles & Bun Bun

Welcome to week 2 of my new series, From One Mom to Another!!! I am so excited to feature a mom that I have admired for quite some time...her name is Hannah and she is ADORABLE!!!! I fell in love with her maternity pictures on Instagram and we have become fast friends since then!!!!

Please go show her and her blog some amazing love!!! She will quickly become one of your favorites, too!!!

I'm Hannah, the BunBun half of Charles and BunBun and the one interview question I'm TERRIBLE at answering is "tell me about yourself." Oy. If you aren't familiar with me, or my blog, there are really three posts that get you pretty well up to speed--get to know us , why our blog is called Charles and BunBun and how my husband and I became a couple.

October 19, 2012 we welcomed our first child--Kathryn Alexandra--and although we elected to be surprised by her gender we were not surprised by how much we love her. It's hard to believe that she's already over 2 months new! We fondly refer to her as the Baby Kate or the Wee Kathryn--Kathryn Alexandra seems like such a big name for such a tiny lass!

Something you wish you knew before having the baby: I wish I would have known how head over heels in love with the whole process I would become. Not even lying... I have a Bachelors of Science in Health Care Administration and a few weeks after Baby Kate was born I found a Masters of Nursing program that I could direct entry into, avoid the GRE, and in four years I could be an RN (Registered Nurse), an MSN (Masters of Science in Nursing), and a CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife [which is an advanced practice nursing degree). I spent a solid week scheming and trying to figure out how I could make the opportunity work because I wanted to give women what had been given to me--a wonderful experience and a beautiful child.

Maybe my infatuation was partially due to the fact that when I was pregnant, I felt beautiful. For the first time in my life I was completely happy with my physical appearance. I certainly wish every woman could experience that feeling at least once in a lifetime.

(Krystal Muellenberg Photography)

I also wish I would have known how dangerous Pinterest becomes once you've had a child because you find yourself saying things like, "I'll *definitely* do that with my next one..." My husband and I are both only children, so such phrases are utterly terrifying.

Most surprising mommy moment: I was very surprised that I didn't cry when Kate was born, but oh my gawd was I tired. Tears of joy? Nope, sounded far too dehydrating and exhausting. (I did cry the next morning because I was giddy, and hormonal, but mostly giddy.)

How has motherhood impacted your life all around? Motherhood has made me a more patient and appreciative person; in hindsight, I really think I took my life for granted before the wee Kathryn. I'm a better wife, daughter and person because of my new role.

Best piece of advice: Over Christmas, a family member shared the following observation, "The days and nights are long, but the years are short." Hence my advice is to never wish your child younger or older--they are perfect in this moment--cherish them now.

Any well wishes for Michelle? Wishing Michelle a quick recovery, lots of snuggles with her new (adorable!) bundle, and the willpower to not let Pinterest dictate her family's size! (*wink*)