I said so

SOCIETY LIFE: What’s one of your earliest memories you have of your Mom? MARTHA NEIBLING: My mom was so engaged and present with my siblings and me. My earliest memories are of her reading us stories, singing, and playing. She always made us feel very safe and loved.

SL: What is something you thought about Motherhood that was totally wrong? MN: I had no idea how much support and encouragement I would receive from family and friends when I became a mom. With it taking so many years of trying and failing at becoming a mom, my community has so kindly embraced Grace’s arrival and shared in my excitement more than I had ever imagined. Especially because I only had two days to prepare for her unexpected arrival—I was without supplies and had friends coming over and meeting me in parking lots to provide me with baby bassinets, clothes, swaddling blankets, bottles, and pacifiers. I received meals and gifts on my doorstep—it was all so touching!

SL: What’s something you always wanted to do but didn’t... and why? MN: I am a huge animal lover and dog mom. I have always wanted to build a dog rescue ranch and have big ideas for what that would include. It may still happen one day when I retire… or win the lottery!

SL: Was there something your Mom did when you were a kid that you swore you’d never do as a parent? MN: Maybe it is surprising, but no! My mom is the best and a natural with kids. She balanced fun and care with guiding and teaching. I hope I can take those gifts and experiences she gave me and apply them just as well for my daughter.

SL: What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? MN: My dream was to be a news reporter. However, when I got to college and started taking broadcast journalism classes, I decided I would rather be behind the camera than in front of it. I changed my major to public relations and advertising which helped me build an exciting career managing public relations and marketing for resorts and hospitality.

SL: How have your notions of what it means to be a Mom changed over your lifetime? MN: When I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to be a mom. As I got older, I wanted it even more because I really felt that missing piece. Having a child was the greatest desire of my heart that only got stronger with time. I can’t wait to give my daughter the happy life my parents gave me.

SL: What’s the first family vacation you’d like to take now that you have a child? MN: Our very first trip will be to Scottsdale, Arizona, where I am from originally and still have family there. Once my daughter is old enough, I plan to take her to Hawaii for her first big vacation as it’s one of my favorite places.

SL: Is there a moment or event that radically changed the way you saw Motherhood? MN: When I was struggling to have a child—going through the ups and downs of it, I was able to better understand (and greatly admire) the other women and men who experienced their own challenging paths to parenthood. They endure physical, emotional, and financial hardships just to have a child. That’s how much it means.

SL: When did you know you were ready to have kids? MN: Oh, I was born ready to have kids! When my little brother was born, I was only 20-months-old and my mom said I immediately thought I was his mother. I started babysitting as soon as I was old enough. My nephews and niece are my world, but I am also honored to be called “Aunt Martha” by many other special little people in my life.

SL: What was you biggest fear in your journey to become a mom? MN: I feared whether I would ever become a mom. I wanted it so badly, but I went through a lot of loss and questioned if it was meant to be. Now I would tell other women like me to never give up—even when many years have gone by and attempts have failed—because God doesn’t place motherhood on your heart without a purpose for it.

SL: What have you dreamed about in your journey to become a mom? MN: I just want to pour into my daughter and give her a happy life with special experiences for us to share.

SL: What do you want or wish most for your kids? MN: I think all parents wish the