This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cardstore.
As mother’s day rapidly approaches, I am reminded of a time 4 years ago when I didn’t have my son. I didn’t have any kids, worries, stresses, or really anything to care that much about (well, aside from my wonderful husband). My husband and I were in our mid-twenties, living the good life in our Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan. I was working full-time and my husband was in graduate school full time; things were easy…simple.
We spent our weekends taking road trips all over the East Coast and our summers traveling the world. Life was carefree and amazing.
I always used to say I would never have kids until I was at least 30, because I knew how much I wanted to do before that time had come. Then in mid April 2010 I found out I was pregnant. How could I be pregnant?! Well, I knew how, but this wasn’t the plan. Me being a crazy type A planner, freaked out. After a few weeks of initial shock, I started to think about how hard life would be with a child. How could we stay in our one bedroom apartment in one of the most expensive cities in the world? How could we continue to live the way we were living? Could I really put myself to the side and put a baby in before everything else? I wasn’t sure. I was scared, nervous, and full of doubt. Luckily my husband, Andres, was unbelievably supportive and confident that we would be great parents. I tried to channel his optimism and hope, but I still didn’t know how things would turn out. Throughout my pregnancy my confidence started growing a bit, and I started feeling hopeful as well. I knew for sure though, that being a mother would be the toughest job I would ever have.
Finally the time for Austin to come into the world was here…after 33 hours of labor and an eventual c-section my son was born….
Throughout the first 9 months of Austin’s life, we were on a crazy rollercoaster ride. He cried nonstop for months, had trouble sleeping, had difficulty feeding, and the list went on and on. It seemed like we couldn’t catch a break and that things were not improving. I had doubts that I could make it through and be a good mother, because I couldn’t even take care of my baby; if I could, why was he always so upset?
After months and months of seeing this little sad face, things finally started looking up. We were getting more smiles, more sleep, and just having a somewhat easier time.
Nothing was ever ‘wrong’ with Austin, thank goodness, he just has a very sensitive temperament. Still to this day he is ultra-sensitive and needy….2 traits I have never really had to deal with before. Going through an unexpected pregnancy and then having a high needs baby was definitely the hardest thing I have had to go through. So hard in fact that I thought I never wanted to have any more kids. Finally, after 3 years of feeling anxiety surrounding the thought of additional children, I began to shift my mindset and see all the wonderful positive things Austin has taught me over these years. I was able to finally imagine having another child, and I am excited about our next baby coming in July.
As I mentioned earlier, Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching and I always try to think of the perfect card to get for my mom and mother-in-law. Luckily my husband’s mom lives right down the street from us, and she is always around. Austin spends a lot of quality time with her, and I’m pretty sure he loves her more than anyone else (maybe the extreme spoiling has something to do with that…I’m not sure…). I headed over to Cardstore.com, the popular custom greeting card website from American Greetings which is encouraging people to take the extra step to celebrate mom. I used Cardstore.com for our Christmas cards last year, and I loved the ease of the site and how affordable the cards were. For Mother’s Day, Cardstore.com is acknowledging that being a mom is the #WorldsToughestJob. Amen to that….
Truth.
They actually made this heart warming and hilarious video about a Mom’s job. There are big laugh out loud moments and perhaps some tears to be shed…. You have to watch it.
Anyway, back to making a card for Austin’s grandma. Cardstore.com is really easy to navigate and you have tons of pre-made cards or DIY cards to chose from. I opted for a photo card that I could personalize.
Then I got to work….Cardstore.com lets you create custom cards by adding personal photos…..
adding personalized messaging and your signature….
Then, Cardstore.com will print, stamp and send the card for you!
How awesome is that?! Right now if you visit Cardstore.com (click to be directed to site) they are offering cards for $2.49 instead of the regular $3.49 with coupon code CCF4249 (valid 4/24-5/5). It’s a great deal considering you can customize the card AND have it sent directly to the recipient!
How are you preparing for Mother’s Day? Are you a mom- if so, what is the toughest thing you have gone through with your children? Did you LOL at the Cardstore.com #WorldsToughestJob video as much as I did?!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cardstore.
Thanks for visiting!
- Allyson
Jessica Lieb (@bkeepsushonest)
What a cutie! Motherhood is hard and no one can really prepare you for the journey because each person has their own experiences. I know motherhood has shown me just how incredibly strong of a person I really am.
Allyson
You are so right, Jessica. I definitely thought I knew what to expect, and I was totally wrong! You just never know what is going to happen...and you never imagine how strong you could actually be. Thanks for stopping by!
Heather Worby Lawrence
Motherhood definitely isn't for the faint of heart. But all those long nights and even longer days are totally worth it in the end.
The first time I saw that video I snorted coffee out my nose.
It's more painful than expected.
That website looks great!
Will have to do a little hunting to see if there's some photos here we can use to make our own card.
Allyson
LOL! I thought the video was hilarious and heart warming too!
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I used Cardstore for my Christmas cards and they came out awesome.
Mindy Grant
What a beautiful story, and your son is absolutely adorable! I also have a high needs baby, but I didn't have her until I was 31. I'm not sure if I could have handled having a baby in my 20's! Congrats on your soon-to-be arrival, as well, and hopefully things go a little smoother for you this time! 🙂
Allyson
Thank you, Mindy! Having a high needs baby is definitely no cake walk! Though it was super difficult, he has taught me how to be better in so many ways, and for that, I appreciate it...But still hope I have an easier time this go around!
KatyRose
The older I get and the more I see my friends having children I realize my mom was so spectacular to raise nine kids. It must have been hell at times. Moms are amazing! - Katy
Allyson
Nine?! Wow!! That is amazing!
Diane Nassy (@philZENdia)
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story! i love Cardstore.com and use them for my holiday cards. I love that they run a lot of special sales too!
Allyson
I love their sales too! Always such a steal!
Liz
Austin is so precious and you are such a wonderful mother with lots of patience.
Karla Campos
Custom cards are so much fun! I agree being a mom is indeed a tough job : )
adashofsanity
Okay, this most made me cry - love it. I love being a mom too!
lisa galuna (@LisaGaluna)
Beautiful Family LOVE The Last Picture The Best, I Love The Cardstore Been Using Them For Years!!
shaunatorres
We are like you...we traveled and had such a crazy life, then had kids... went through months of sleepless nights and crying kids to now have three amazing little ones who smile all the time. I love making smile-filled cards for everyone, especially on Mother's Day
Rebekah
I saw that video last week! I love it - and even sent it to my mom so she knew how much I loved and appreciated everything she did. I definitely understand the young-ish mom mentality. It's difficult, but the children are life experience we'd never have if they didn't exist. 🙂
mamatomanyblessings
what a sweet post, I am so happy all is OK. Life is crazy, we have 5 kids it's never a dull moment, i wouldn't want it any other wa!
blm03
Awww . . . . I just want to hug you. And tell you congrats on the new bundle of joy
Danielle @ We Have It All
Aww he's a cutie, looks just like daddy! Well one thing is for sure, with him being so needy - your next one will be a breeze!
Allyson
People keep telling me that...better be true!!
Mariana (@ohMariana)
Congratulations on your pregnancy! This is such a sweet story, and your little one is adorable! I love love love CardStore... that card is perfect!
ascendingbutterfly
He is so adorable. The best gifts in life are the ones we never planned for!
Danielle
Congratulations on your up and coming new addition! And thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. I had never planned on children... or marriage... and I've now been married six years, and have three little darlings 🙂 Never a dull moment, and I wouldn't change it for the world!
Allyson
Wow!! That is awesome! Congrats to you, too!!
Maria Constanza Oller Martin
What beautiful son you have. Gosh motherhood might be tiresome, years of 3 hour of less sleeping, cry, food on the walls, but also it's so rewarding. I see my kids faces and wouldn't change anything not even the bad bad moments.
lovenerdmaggie
Your son is such a cutie!
Amy Desrosiers
Your son is sooo adorable! I love hearing of others baby stories!
Debbie Denny
Love that job video. Your baby is adorable.
farmquilter
That video was great! Just wish my mom was still here to send one to...
Janeane Davis
Each journey toward motherhood is different and special. Thank you for sharing you journey.