Long before Adam Thielen became a starting receiver for his home-state team, he attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he met his future wife, Caitlin.
Caitlin and Adam have done life together ever since. They are the proud parents of two young boys, Asher and Hudson, and the family recently celebrated Adam's multi-year contract extension with the Vikings. We caught up with Caitlin for her perspective on parenting, connecting with other moms and the passion behind her blog, Life with MRS. T.
Q: Congratulations on becoming a family of 4 when you welcomed Hudson! What has the biggest adjustment been in going from 1 child to 2?
A: I'd say the hardest part going from one to two would be trying to make sure Asher is still getting enough attention. I went from being with him practically 24/7 to now sharing my time with him and another baby. I want to make sure Asher knows Mommy still loves him even though I can't tend to him all the time like I was before. That is where Adam has stepped up, by helping out more when I have to tend to the baby. Also, starting over with a newborn and the lack of sleep, etc., is tough, especially when you have an active 2-year-old as well (thank goodness for coffee!). We are still figuring out how to handle two kids, and we are working on finding a schedule that works for our family.
Q: Why do you feel it's important to connect with other moms of young children?
A: It's important to have an outlet where you can talk with other moms about parenting things, and they know exactly what you're talking about. It's also great to have playdates with other moms. It's good for your kids to interact with other children, [and it's helpful] for us moms to also have that time to chat about life and the ups and downs of parenthood that we are both going through. Mom friends are great at answering questions and giving suggestions about things they might have already gone through with their kids or themselves.
Q: Winter – and even spring! – weather can be challenging in Minnesota. Do you have any recommendations for fun, indoor play-spaces in the Twin Cities?
_A:_**Good Times Park**in Eagan is our go-to spot during Minnesota winters! It's so awesome for kids. There is an indoor playground, basketball court, a huge turf area for football/soccer and more.**Lookout Ridge**in Woodbury is pretty nice, too. I'd say your kids should be a little older for this one; there is a great indoor maze that includes slides. I also take Asher to swim lessons and try to get him involved with some indoor community-education programs so he can run around and play with other kids.
Q: If you can narrow it down, what is your favorite part about being a mom?
A: So many things! Growing up, I always wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, if I was fortunate enough to have that opportunity. My mom got to be home with me and my brothers when we were younger … and thankfully I now am experiencing that with my boys. I love seeing their different personalities develop, and I am very grateful I get to see them hit every milestone and create so many great memories.
Time goes so fast, so I'm trying to enjoy them while they are still this little. It's definitely not easy, and a lot of times I don't feel like I'm doing anything right, but I don't think there is necessarily a 'right' way to do things in motherhood (or parenthood). We are all just out here trying our best to raise good people.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about how your blog, Life with MRS. T, got started?
_A:_I started Life with MRS. T last fall. I wanted something fun and different to do on the side of being a mom and being 'Adam's wife.' I really wanted to share with others that while I love being a wife and mom, that's not all that I am. I love being open with people about this unique time of life that we are in. I have many passions of my own, and I love to share with my followers about fitness, food, fashion, mom life, faith, NFL life and family moments.
I never thought my college sweetheart would become a pro athlete, and I never thought my life would be the way it is (besides the having-a-family part), so it's fun to share that with others.
In a world of negativity, I want to try and spread positivity, encouragement and real struggles that I go through. I am by no means perfect, and our life is not perfect just because my husband plays in the NFL. My blog and social media are fun ways for me to be real and open, and to share everything from personal moments, meaningful quotes, struggles, and fun wife and mom moments.
Q: What have you enjoyed about hearing from and interacting with your readers?
A: My followers and readers are amazing. I love hearing their stories and answering their questions. I especially love hearing from other moms with suggestions regarding baby tips and toddler life. Whatever your platform may be, whether in the workforce or being a [stay-at-home] mom, you can have either a positive or negative effect on people. I love hearing how one little Bible verse, quote or story that I've shared has helped someone in a positive way. You never know who you are impacting or who needs to hear something positive. I like to be raw and real with my readers and share my actual opinion on things, so it's great hearing positive feedback that my followers [appreciate that]. I'm happy I get to share a glimpse into my life and some of this journey with everyone.
