Mommy Matters Blog: KARK 4's Wendy Suares Prepares for Motherhood

Hi there. This is KARK 4 Today co-anchor Wendy Suares, and I'll be blogging here from time to time about all things pregnancy and mommyhood. I am so excited for our new Mommy Matters section on KARK 4 and ArkansasMatters.com. As a mom-to-be, I've already found the online community of moms to be an invaluable resource. 

A little over a month ago, I revealed some big news to our viewers. My husband and I are expecting twins, a boy and a girl, this Spring. It was a long road getting to this point, and we are over-the-moon...and naturally, a little terrified. Neither of us has ever spent much time around newborns.  Will they arrive healthy? Will we learn everything we need to in order to care for them? How will we afford it?! 

Let's start with money. (I had no idea how much daycare for two kids costs!!) Already, other moms of multiples I've connected with on the internet (as well as fellow KARK 4 twin momma Jancey Sheats) have been a big help in breaking down what I'll need two of (car seats, cribs, bouncy seats) and what I'll only need one of (play pen, bath tub insert, changing table).

A few friends have been sweet enough to give me their old baby items. ("Sure, I'll take your used bibs and leftover breast pads!" Never thought I'd say that). Perhaps the most exciting loot I've gotten so far came several weeks into pregnancy in a big box from my dear childhood friend, Stephanie. It was filled with her old maternity clothes.   

If you're reading this, and you're a mom, I don't have to tell you what a gift that was.

Pre-pregnancy, I looked forward to going out and buying lots of cute new clothes to show off my growing bump. Trouble is...  those clothes are marked up 3 times higher than normal clothes. And I've found many are made extremely poorly.  It's a complete racket!  I really should learn how to sew. 
 
I'm making the most of the Internet....finding good deals on baby gear and finding necessary items for the nursery, but also just getting good, sound advice.

It hasn't happened yet, but I've been warned that complete strangers in public will approach me to offer some terrifying birth stories and other inappropriate comments. Who does this? And what's the best way to respond?

I've had to get a few responses ready for the comments that I'm already hearing a little too often - "Was it planned?" (Why yes.) "Do twins run in your family?" (They do now!) And then there's this gem, "Glad it's you and not me." (Um... me too).

Despite a few folks who need a refresher course on manners, everyone has been incredibly supportive and happy for us. After spending the first few months feeling awful--no appetite, nausea, and exhaustion, all while waking up each morning at 2:30am to anchor the morning show)... and carrying around a very big secret (times 2), it's so nice to be able to share openly what I'm going through. 

By the way, I'm feeling much better these days. Thank Goodness! I'd love to hear from you all on any tips you can share. And thanks for listening to this pregnant lady's rant!