Please help us welcome Melissa Yakaback, our blogger of the year for 2015. Melissa operates My Tourquoise Home, a blog with a lot of heart. Fall in love with this Mommy and her family as we watch her document their life together!
When did you become a Mommy?
I became a mommy on a hot and overcast Monday evening on August 26, 2013.
What was it like to see your daughter for the first time?
I was overcome with a lot of emotion but the first thing I said was that I couldn’t believe how cute she was! She was just so perfect with the most beautifully shaped little head. I was so happy to finally meet her and I truly experienced the feeling of “Love at first sight.”
What was the biggest change from being married to being married with a little one?
I think that the biggest thing was just coming to the realization that it wasn’t the two of us anymore and that all of our attention and energy would need to be focused on this little human being we created. My husband and I have always been a great team but I think now we really figured out what compromise meant and how to be there for each other.
How did you make the decision to start your blog, Our Life with Isla.
I have always enjoyed following other bloggers and when I was on Maternity Leave, I decided that I really wanted to try a new hobby. I love writing, graphic design and researching ideas so it just seemed like the right fit for me. I also wanted to be able to document things that were happening to me as a first time mom and I wanted my family and friends to stay updated on our new life as a family of 3. Most importantly I love doing it and it will be something that we will all be able to look back on and remember for many years to come.
What has it been like, sharing your life with your readers?
For me it’s therapeutic. I love sitting down to write a story or a review and know that if it helps someone out or gives someone hope then I have accomplished what I set out to do.
Your blog has many facets. Explain to us HOME, LIFE and LOVE.
I wanted to primarily write about life as a mom but I also wanted to have the freedom to write about my husband, or our family weekends or about how we decorated our guest room. I want to be able to share a story about anything and not feel 100% tied down to a certain subject.
We especially enjoyed the post where Isla goes to daycare. Do you have any advice for Mommies who are about to send their little one to daycare?
Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Visit 20 day cares if you have too and drop in unexpected. It will definitely give you more of a feel for the place. In the end, trust your gut and pick the place that you feel will best suit your family.
You are a multi tasker, you also own COO. Tell us about how you came up with the idea to have an Etsy Shop.
I also work 40 hours a week as an Administrative Assistant so I am a SUPER multi-tasker! COO is a little store of mine where I can be even more creative and make a little bit of extra money on the side. I enjoy paper crafting, making necklaces and baby accessories and crafting in general. I have given some of my items as gifts and got great reviews so the obvious next step for me was to try my hand in setting up my own online shop.
How do you juggle it all?
As I have mentioned, I am a great multi tasker and I make every minute count. I bring my computer to work and blog on my lunch break, I make teething necklaces while my husband and I are road tripping to see my parents and I work some more if I have to after Isla is off to bed. When Isla is awake, it’s all about her so when she goes down I can focus on what I need to. I also have a wonderful husband and parents who will give me a break if I need it. In the end though, my family comes first so when it comes down to it, blogging and COO get pushed aside if needed.
What would you like to see happen to Our Life With Isla in 2015?
I would like to continue to make great content for my readers. I would also like to work with other bloggers and do some collaborations! I have also thought about a Youtube channel and posting some toy and baby reviews; things like that. The possibilities are endless and I couldn’t do what I do without the fantastic readers and support I have so thank you for the opportunity to share my stories and ideas!
