Hello there, if you have ever heard mention of the sister who lives in the sweltering heat, I mean, heart of Texas… That’s me, Hannah! I am That Mama Gretchen’s youngest sister – a military spouse, laboratory scientist, and mom to my precious fur baby, Riley (the dog Max always wants to say hello to when we FaceTime). No kids, so why did I go to MommyCon Austin last week? Good question!
Even though I am not a mom yet, I look forward to the day I will be, so why not start planning for and celebrating motherhood now!?! Here are some of the top reasons why going to MommyCon before you are even expecting is so great …
Stress Free Perspective
Even though I get excited about meeting my future children one day, it can be scary to think about sometimes. It will be a whole new frontier. For me, education brings peace and understanding. So why not treat future parenthood just like any other life change? Becoming aware of all the options when it comes to clothing, strollers, wraps, diapers, and breast pumps will help me be less overwhelmed when I see 2 lines on a pregnancy test.
Topics to Research
Just attending MommyCon gave me a GREAT list of topics to research. Seriously, I have so much to start reading and learning about! Plus, I know my husband will be on board with researching alongside me. Researching our parenting style and choices we will get to make will give him an active role in our journey towards parenthood while I am busy growing another human.
Financial Planning
I am sure I am going to go a bit baby crazy once I am expecting! However, no matter how much I will want to go buy a million newborn outfits, logically that just doesn’t make sense for our budget. MommyCon gave me an idea of everything I will need and want so we can start making financial plans for a child now. Then, once we’re actually pregnant hopefully money won’t have to be a stressor. I think God knew new parents would need at least 9 months to plan, mentally and financially.
Avoiding Pink or Blue
There we so many adorable things both pink and blue all over MommyCon, but not knowing the sex of any of my future children made me more inclined to see out gender neutral options. And guess what, there are tons! I know I’m not going to be able to resist certain prints that are more for girls or more for boys ever once in a while, but for the most part I was happy to see that many of the big purchases we’ll need to make are available in colors, prints, and styles that will work for multiple kids and genders.
Products for Mom
There are so many products out there for newborns! Who knew a tiny human needed so much! And while little ones need lots of essentials, I was pleasantly surprised to see how many products there are for moms. In the midst of so many options, I felt the reminder that when we are expecting it is of utmost importance to take care of myself not only during your pregnancy, but also after baby is born. Ultimately, no matter how many amazing products you have for baby, you have got to choose products that make life easier and more enjoyable for you. Because, really, the only thing your little truly needs is you.
If you’re like me and not expecting, but hope to be a mom someday, I highly recommend attending MommyCon. Going into pregnancy blind would be totally overwhelming. I feel like I learned a lot and now have a basis of where to go from here as I imagine my future as a mom. MommyCon captured the joy of motherhood (really, I can’t wait!) while providing tools and encouragement for parents.
In 2016 there are quite a few more MommyCon events happening so whether you’re a mom now or a future mom, sign up and use code THATMAMA2016 for $5 off your MommyCon ticket!
A big thank you to MommyCon for sponsoring Hannah’s ticket to the Austin event.
You are awesome, Hannah, for already thinking ahead.
It’s also really interesting to see the different swag available for each MommyCon event- there were a few repeats from MommyCon SEA and a few new for ATX!