Guest Star: Tonya of Letters For Lucas

There are times in blogging when you come across a blog that makes you think, I like her, I really like her, because I can relate to her story. The first time I read Tonya of Letters for Lucas‘ blog in April 2011, I nodded and commiserated along with her about dealing with a toddler’s tantrums and feeling discouraged.  My heart ached for her when she wrote about dealing with the devastating loss of her parents. I laughed when I watched her funny vlog about her favorite outfit.

Tonya, you’re a beautiful mom and person, talented writer and a supportive, wonderful friend to all of us. Welcome to my corner of the world, and I’m so glad to have met you. Take it away!

1. When and why did you start blogging?
I started Letters For Lucas on August 27, 2009. Lucas was 2 ½ months old and my primary objective was to keep family and friends updated on his life. In addition to being a documentation of his childhood, I was desperate to find a way to maintain my sanity! So far it’s working on both accounts. The more I write and share, the more connected I feel to my role as “mommy”.

2. What do you love most about blogging?
I am constantly surprised by how generous and supportive the blogging community is. I have never met a lot of my readers in real life and yet they make me feel better than some of my real life friends do. I love that!

I also enjoy keeping the dialogue going so I respond to each and every comment and I’m on Twitter a lot!

3. Who is your favorite blogger ever?
That’s hard… I read 30 or so blogs on a consistent basis. My favorites are Sherri (Old Tweener), Poppy (Funny or Snot), Jessica (Four Plus an Angel), Coreen (The Adventures of Captain Fussypants & Little Miss), Jessica (My Time As Mom), Kirsten (The Kir Corner), Galit (These Little Waves), Nichole (In These Small Moments), please stop me anytime…

My favorite blogs are the ones that make me feel something; good or bad.

There are so many amazing writers out there!

4. Is there a post you regret publishing?
Nope, not a one!

There are some that I wish I could have written better, but none that I regret publishing.

5. What do you love most about being a Mom?

I am so lucky.

Lucas is such a neat kid. He’s smart, funny and so curious about everything. I could not love him more.

I love experiencing all of the firsts.

Lucas has his entire life ahead of him and I play such a HUGE role in the person he’ll be some day. He needs everything from me right now and that won’t always be the case.

I love being his mom; watching his face light up when he sees me, witnessing his character develop, the moment when he “gets” something and hearing him use “please” and “thank you” is such a thrill. All of it’s wonderful.

6. What’s your favorite time of the day?
Naptime and bedtime!

Just kidding…. I really love those moments when Lucas and I are truly connecting and he’s happy. When he’s happy, I’m happy!

7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
My husband and I met in Cabo San Lucas in April 2003, so I’d love to go back there someday.

Also, I want to show Lucas the Eiffel Tower. Paris is one of the most magical places I have ever been and for me, that tower (and the wine) is a big reason why.

8. What could you eat every single day?
A cupcake.

9. Favorite season and why.
I like Summer… I love warm (not HOT) weather, beach-y activities and bar-be-ques.

10. One word to describe you.
Sensitive. I have a hard exterior, but I’m really all mush on the inside.

11. You have a weekly series ‘Letters for You’ featuring guest bloggers. If there were 3 people you could write a letter to, who would it be and why?
If I could be guaranteed a response? My parents. They’ve been gone for five years in October and there is so much I’d like to say to them; thank you being the most important.

If it would be read and taken to heart? Myself at 20. I don’t regret anything per se, but I could have really used some words of wisdom back then, especially knowing what I know now.

If it were possible? The world. I’d ask it to be kind to my boy. He’ll work hard and is not above struggling, but I’d just ask that everyone who comes in contact with him, be as kind to him as I know he’ll be in return.

12. Tell us – any New Year resolutions?
Drink more water! I’m not kidding. Hydration is SO underrated and I am lacking!

I’d also like to put the phone down at night and pick up more books! Before Lucas, I used to read a book a week. In 2011, I didn’t even read a book a month.

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Thanks so much for having me here today, Alison! You are one of the most supportive bloggers I know and this is an awesome series.

Thank you, Tonya, for being here today, the honor is mine. Do follow Tonya’s blog, Letters for Lucas, follow her on Twitter and Pinterest and like her on Facebook!