Nancy Copeland
Age: 29
Location: Emporia
Occupation: associate product manager (Marketing)
Family members: Husband, John, 26; daughter, Zada, 2; expecting No. 2 in October.
The last time my child made me laugh: Today: Zada ran up to me and asked for her kitties. She has Hello Kitty slippers that she wears to bed and they fall off her feet. She takes big giant steps once they are on her feet because they have a rather large Hello Kitty head on the top.
The last time I made my children laugh: This morning when I sat her in bed so she could watch “Mouse” (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse). I pretended my hand was a monster under the bed and grabbed her leg and started tickling her. She just started to laugh and giggle. This is also a sure-fire cure to the “crankies” in the morning!!
The hardest thing about being a mom: Balance. I think it’s difficult to make sure you are doing your best for your children while doing your best at work or as a wife. There is the housework that takes time from playing but is a necessary task. We have two dogs and they need affection as well, making sure neither one feels left out. Even making time for myself. Each of these daily events needs to be handled. I doubt that I balance this every day, but trying is fun.
The most fun thing about being a mom: The giggles and the hugs and kisses. Something about those makes you shine inside and balances all of the temper tantrums and tears.
My favorite outdoor activity to do with my child: Run around the backyard. Zada loves the outdoors. When the weather is nice. I think she would stay out there all day if possible. The backyard is nice because it’s fenced in and I can let her just run around and play with the dogs without worrying.
The most important life lesson I want my child to learn: Patience. This is something that comes very difficult to me and will benefit her through her entire life.
My favorite book to read to my child: Any of them. She loves books. Plus, she really likes to snuggle into me. That’s the best part!
The kid’s snack I am most likely to be caught eating: Goldfish crackers. I love them and they take me back to when I was a kid.
I fit “fitness” into my life by: I go to Pilates every Tuesday and Thursday. They have a day care there so it’s very convenient. Since it’s a class, you feel the obligation to go, which gets you through those rough days or weeks when you really don’t have the energy. I always feel energized and refreshed when I leave and am glad I went.
I realized I turned into my mother when: I heard her voice come out of my mouth. I don’t even remember what I said, but I heard “the voice” and realized it came from me. That was a pretty weird moment that still makes me chuckle.
My most embarrassing parenting moment: Going through Chicago Midway Airport this past weekend with Zada. She really wanted to ride the escalators again, but we needed to go through the security checkpoint. When I wouldn’t let her she laid on the ground and became a limp noodle and SCREAMED at the top of her lungs. I just had to pick her up and keep going while she continued to wail.
The last temper-tantrum occurred because: She didn’t want to sit on the potty. It’s that time in my household and she usually hops right on and either goes or doesn’t, but this morning she proceeded to have the worst fit. Who knows why? It’s just another cranky toddler moment.
If I could throw a temper-tantrum it would be because: Zada, being a 2-year-old, doesn’t always listen. It drives me crazy. She has always been a good kid and stops whenever I ask her to. Now that she’s becoming more independent, it’s an ongoing struggle to get her to listen. I think I’d better get used to this.
The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a parent is: Doing it all by myself. My husband has been gone on and off for months. He joined the Navy and just graduated from basic training. Learning to be and do all things can be very taxing. I wouldn’t trade it for the world but there are moments where I’d just like to scream or cry or both.
The most urgent home improvement project that needs to be tackled at my house is: Well, there are two, really. I need the back porch steps fixed and the light on the landing upstairs needs to be fixed by an electrician.
To nominate a mother for Meet A Gazette Mom, please contact Ashley Walker at ashley@emporiagazette.com.
TeamKansas (anonymous) says...
Any chance we could get the name of this "Gazette mom"????
April 18, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cwalker (anonymous) says...
This Gazette Mom is Nancy Copeland. Somehow her name was left off the top. We apologize!
April 19, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )