Family dysfunction, toxic relationships, anxiety, finding real healthy love, marriage, infertility, motherhood, the loss of my sister’s husband in a tragic car accident, the loss of my brother to a drug/alcohol overdose, a surgery gone wrong which led me to Ostomy life (temporarily), a dog bite to the face…

… life isn’t always butterflies and rainbows.

I’ve always shared about my good stuff. But, I started talking about the yuck, too. I was amazed by the response. People connected and felt less alone. Then, I felt less alone. Then I started thinking -- isn’t that what we all really want and need?! To know we’re not the only ones going through ‘something’? I think it’s so important in this world where we are inundated with ‘perfection’ on social media to just ‘get real’.

So, that’s what you’ll get here. The good, the bad and the downright ugly as I journey my way through this thing called life. And yes, that was a Prince reference. On purpose.

2005

After many a frog… married my Prince Charming, Matthew. The most normal person I think I had ever met up to that point. No, really.

2010

Became a mommy to my sweet Julianne Faith. Without a doubt, the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me. Something that I appreciate more than words can fully express because the road to get there was beyond rough. A three year infertility journey which included six miscarriages, two ectopic pregnancies, failed IUI’s and failed IVF’s. I know the heartache. I understand the fear and uncertainty. I’ve been there.

2012

My miracle baby boy, Miles Parker, was born on… are you ready for this? 12.12.12. From wondering if I’d ever get the chance to be a mama to finally having my baby girl… to having a son, too. On such a lucky day. Wow. Just wow. More gratitude in this heart of mine than I can even say.

2012 - present

So then… well, how do I sum it up… ah. I recently bought an adorable graphic tee that says this:

Y’all gonna make me lose my mind,
Up in here,
Up in here.
~ Mom

You feel me.