Life With A Baby is turning 10.  To celebrate, we are excited to share with you insights from 10 different Moms, answering 10 questions honestly.

MALLORY C.
Mallory is a single Mom of four children (5 months,6,8,11). She works in the community as a Family Service Worker with The Salvation Army. Her hobbies include drinking coffee and taking pictures. Although, if her children were asked, they would say her hobbies are cooking, doing dishes and laundry 
      

1. How would you describe yourself before having a baby?
I was a lot more calm and had a ton more patience. I was always babysitting and enjoyed being around kids.

2. How would you describe yourself after having a baby?
A little less patient and always tired. But not much different to be honest

3. What is one thing you miss about your pre-baby life?
Just getting up and going at the drop of a hat. And sleeping whenever I wanted....also having a clean house lolll

4. What is one thing you wish someone prepared you for, when it comes to Motherhood?
That you will never sleep again, lol

5. How has Motherhood changed you?
It has changed me for the best. I feel like i am better person. It's made me more assertive and outgoing.

6. Do you feel like you have “balance” in your life and why?
As for the balance between work, the kids, and keeping the house with a social life no lol......I don't really ever have me time or any sort of social life if it doesn't involve my kids or social media Lol, especially as a single mom its tough but I try to do small things like a nice walk or a drive which yes the kids are there but usually quiet or hot bubble bath when they are in bed.

7. What helped get you through the postpartum transition into Motherhood?
I'm very lucky to have some great friends and a very supportive mother. I always dreamed of being a mother and loved to be surrounded with kids, so I was so happy to finally be a mom. Also joining moms and tots groups in my community helped to meet other new moms as well and connect with some "new friends (it's hard to continue friendships with people who do not have children I found)

8. Motherhood is hard. What gets you through each day, day after day?Very hard....sometimes I struggle more than other days and honestly can't wait until it's bedtime. I try to keep myself and kids busy every day to make the day go fast. Always remind myself that we all have bad days and its OK. Sometimes venting to friends especially ones in similar situations helps as well. Also, I started going to church after my 2nd child. I had never gone as a child, but for me being there and joining programs the church ran made me feel much more whole inside and much better about myself.

9. What makes you grateful about motherhood?
Everything. As hard and frustrating as it gets, just looking at my children makes me feel amazing. I've read a lot and know many women who have trouble conceiving or who have children who are sick. And me having been blessed with 4 healthy children makes me very grateful. 

10. What is one thing you would tell a new or expecting Mother?
To not "read" into it too much. There are no books with the right answers. No doctor who knows it all and no other mom who is living in your shoes. You know what is right and wrong for your child. There is no right or wrong answer also, you can plan all you want, but it will never work out that way. And always remember that having a bad day or feeling like giving up is normal and OK. You don't have to be a super mom......just be you, your child will love you unconditionally no matter what. Also in saying that it is OK to ask for help, it is OK to tell someone when you are struggling. Do not keep it in, if you have a friend or a Family member or ever your Dr or even a church pastor.