Interview: OMommaWrites, where writing is how sanity is found amongst diapers, laundry, and homework
The first thing that drew me into Leah’s blog, aside from the very cute design, was was the clever tagline: “Where writing is how sanity is found amongst diapers, laundry, and homework”. I immediately loved it because it is so true!
I also treasure her writing because it is coming from a place very similar to mine- a very fertile place where pregnancy decides to come before marriage. : ) When reading the answers below I almost feel as if I wrote them!
She is a Mom, wife, and student making life work for her and her family. If you are up for a very moving story I recommend reading her story. Since then I’ve been hooked. I love her pregnancy updates complete with adorable pictures of her growing belly!
Links to her website are at the end of this page. Check it out and send her some love!
Here is the interview. Enjoy!
What do you want readers to take away from your blog? What do you hope to accomplish with it?
My blog started as a place to just keep family updated and capture my life as it changed drastically at age 19 when I was pregnant with Savannah and soon after married. In the past 4 years it has moved beyond to a place where I hope most of all readers can relate and know that young moms, birthmoms, moms who have miscarried, who-ever! Have someone who has been there. I also hope it’s a tool for awareness for people who haven’t been in the situations I have to see what life is like dealing with real emotions/issues that come up in adoption, as a young mom, finishing college as a mom, having lost a child in pregnancy, etc. I strive to show that I am more than just a stereotype that the media may portray a certain way or people think they know about my “labels.”
How has blogging impacted your life? Good, the bad, and the ugly.
Blogging is my often my outlet in life, whether it’s taking the time to design it or writing posts when I get a chance in my busy life. I’ve wanted to be a writer for years and while I haven’t finished my book or achieved a true writing career, my blog is a sense of accomplishment for me to fulfill that writing desire. It feels like my own little project that I’m proud to put effort in to. In turn, it has connected me with countless great readers who have turned into friends and being able to work with great companies I otherwise wouldn’t have known about.
The ugly? Is being vulnerable to millions of people publicly. People have stolen my pictures in the past and created their own website pretending to be me, causing me to have to take extra steps in trying to protect my photos and family. Anti-adoption people have “attacked” my blog, my decisions, and my family. I’ve had to put an extra wall up when reading comments and learn how to brush off ones that are hurtful. It’s scary at times to think about our lives so open to anyone, but I feel like my writing and life has purpose and needs to be shared to connect with others.
What is the best thing that has happened to you because of your blog?
Honestly, the benefits of working with companies have brought about some awesome “blessings” that has helped our young, cash-strapped family tremendously. To be clear, the benefits of sponsorship is not why I blog and I often turn down companies because I don’t want my blog to be all about promotions and giveaways. But, absolutely the best thing was receiving $500 to buy and review Linden Street home products thanks to BlogHer. This really helped us out as were 20 at the time, still technically newlyweds, living at my in-laws, both my husband and I in college, etc. and didn’t have money to purchase much of our own stuff.
How do you balance blogging, motherhood, pregnancy, and all of the other demands life throws at you?
I honestly feel like I’m out of balance most of the time! But, I just do what I can and take it one day at a time and focus on what is priority. One day that might be resting and hanging out with Savannah because I am just exhausted, another day that might be cleaning the house, the next day it may be catching up on blog related things. And of course, being a Mom to Savannah on top of all those things! I make a lot of lists to help me know and remember what needs to be done.
What do you love most about this pregnancy right now?
Absolutely, it is feeling Jaxson move. Since I lost twin babies last year in early pregnancy, his movement not only is just fun to watch and feel but also a comfort to know he is alive and doing well in there. Besides that, I also love my body right now. I feel most beautiful and womanly while pregnant, actually having curves for a change!
What aspect of this pregnancy is hardest for you?
I would say it would be the fear that lingers at the back of my mind. Having experienced a miscarriage last year, it has changed my experience and perspective of pregnancy to see what a true gift a healthy baby is. Now that I’m nearly in my third trimester the fear has subsided greatly but the first trimester I was a nervous wreck anxiously awaiting every doctor appointment and ultrasound. And, even when I had the “proof” everything was okay I would still find something to worry about. I still worry about all the what-if’s but hope and excitement surpasses those fear now.
What made you decide to start a family in your early 20s? What some would say is “so young”? I am in my 20s also. 
Well, it was basically decided for us since we weren’t as careful as we should have been! Mark and I knew we wanted to be together forever and eventually would start a family, having Savannah just made it happen a little sooner. It definitely has had its challenges but we have had so much great support and blessings along the way. I wouldn’t change it. I love being a young mom and having established our family, our house, a marriage at “such a young age.” Again, it’s a sense of accomplishment for me to know we’ve taken a hard situation and moved beyond it with hard work and support. I feel like I’ll be able to connect with my kids easier as they grow since I’m not that much older than they are and we like the added bonus of having an empty nest in our 40’s!
So, how are you the cutest and most stylish prego that ever lived with a 3 year old running around and a husband you take care of?
Aw, thanks. What you don’t see on my blog is me sitting in my husband’s huge shirt right now with no makeup and crazy hair. I’m not always cute and stylish! But for when I do make an effort, my secret is lots of good sales! Old Navy and Target maternity are my best friends. I rarely ever buy anything full price because we are on a budget and I need more for my money. That, and I really think that a person’s outside can reflect their inside and right now I feel on top of the world. Call it a pregnancy “glow” if you wish, but happiness can make any outfit look good!
What can readers expect to see on your blog in the coming months?
Less posts as a new baby takes over my time? Just kidding. I expect that I’ll still be doing what I do now, trying to be real about life as it comes up and posting when I can. Definitely expect belly and baby pictures, and hopefully a natural birth story since I’m taking a different birthing route this time around.
Visit her websites and send her some love!
Website: Omommawrites.com
Reviews By Leah: Reviews.Omommawrites.com
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- Interview: A Bloggy Mom, motherhood from my laptop and other nonsense
- Laundry Done Right: Laundry Tips to Save Your Clothing and Machines
- Tackling Family Laundry
I love to write, learn, and share what I know - all while taking lots of pictures. I live in Los Angeles and am married to a very handsome man named Stan. We have a 5 year old Vizsla, a 3 year old daughter, and one on the way (due Aug, 2011). Thanks for stopping by!
Fabulous interview! I love Leah’s personality!
: Interview: OMammaWrites, where writing is how sanity is found amongst diapers, laundry, and homework http://bit.ly/8Zu0TR
RT @babybumpdiaries: Interview: OMommaWrites, where writing is how sanity is found amongst diapers, laundry, and http://bit.ly/aMNZju
Thanks for such a wonderful interview! Y’all are making me miss the days when I had my own wee babes. Now they are 5, 10 and 21… and no more baby bumps for me. Visiting from MBC!
RT @babybumpdiaries: Interview: OMommaWrites, where writing is how sanity is found amongst diapers, laundry, and http://bit.ly/di6xZB