The Hughes Family

Coto de Caza, CA

What is your favorite family tradition?

Sunday dinners with family! Every Sunday my brothers and their families come over for a crazy, loud evening of laughter, love and good food. On any given Sunday there are 9 adults, 5 kids and 8 dogs... not to mention any additional guests! It has been amazing to see the kids love on our baby girl.

Tell us about your favorite family story.

We had been trying to get pregnant for about a year and we went to a consultation with a fertility specialist. I really did not want to go that route just yet, but the woman we were meeting with said that it is really common for people to get pregnant shortly after meeting with them... little did I know that I was already a few weeks pregnant! It was like she knew before we did.

What is your family's motto?

It is what it is!

Share Your Parenting Wisdom

What's your number one tip for new parents?

It won't be like this forever. All these stages are so short and babies change so quickly. Enjoy every little phase and there is no such thing as too many kisses (contrary to my dad, I won't wear out her skin) or pictures! Someday they won't want you to kiss them or sit still long enough for photos. Document everything!

What has been the most surprising thing you've learned as a parent?

I can function on very little sleep! Everyone tells you "sleep when they sleep" but I wasn't tired so I was able to get some things done around the house (or just relax...) while she was napping.

Tell us about your funniest parenting story (we all have them!)

On Mother's Day I was gifted with my first blowout! My sister-in-law was holding her and she was tooting up a storm so we thought for sure she had pooped so I go to change her and there was no poop. About 15 minutes later, we heard the loudest noise from such a tiny human and we knew it was a doozy. Sure enough, it cam up both sides of her and onto my shirt. What a gift!

You can find the Hughes Family on Instagram at @katiebuffhughes.