MEET CATHERINE FROM LAGOSSELINE #VIITAVOICES

This weeks on #VIITAVOICES, we are chatting with Catherine, the blogger behind LAGOSSELINE, about the obstacles surrounding being a family of three, how she became a full-time content creator, and how she juggles it all while being a mom. 

 

Tell me about yourself?

I am a woman, a mother, a daughter, a friend. I try, at best, to balance all these beautiful roles in my life. I would describe myself as a simple woman, who loves simple things. Rarely in a bad mood, I’m more of a bubbly type. Careful! I still have a good character, I know what I want and where I’m going. A caring woman, devoted mother, who’s always present for my family and friends. 

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Longueuil, on the south shore of Montreal. I lived there until I was 20. Then I moved to a smaller city- out of love.

 

Do you come from a big family?

In my family, we are three children. My parents met at 18, got married at 20 and had three children close in age. I am the first of the family, my mother had me at the age of 20. In 4 years they had 3 children. My parents are still together. They are the ones who have taught me the value and importance of family.

 

Have you always wanted to be a mother?

When I met my boyfriend, I immediately knew I wanted kids with him.

 

What did you do before you became a content creator?

I worked for almost 12 years for a construction contractor. I was an administrative assistant in accounting.

Why did you choose to be a content creator?

I was at a turning point in my life that I was in great need of change. I needed to take care of my mental health - to find myself. I also wanted to put my time and energy on my projects and not on someone else’s dreams. The creative side of my current job always pushes me to surpass myself and I love it.

 

What differentiates you from other content creators?

I believe that my very down-to-earth, simple and relatable side reaches the women of my community and resonates with them. 

Did you want to have one child or have you ever tried to have more?

Before I had Louis, and even when I was pregnant, I only wanted one child. It was when Louis was 2 years old that I felt the call of a second baby. Unfortunately, after 3 years of trying, we didn’t have a small miracle.

How did your partner feel about the idea of having only one child?

We had to grieve together. As the months went by, Louis grew up, and we had more freedom. Three years later, we realize that life has taken us elsewhere, and that we have other dreams. We are a family of three very, very united and I will never regret having “only one child”.

Has this caused friction in your relationship?

No, but several discussions. Along the way, over the months of testing, I happened to change my mind... I had a lot of trouble managing the disappointments/sorrows that came with trying to get pregnant... You should know that Louis took two years to get a positive pregnancy test.. I think that having accumulated almost 5 years of baby testing, it was very heavy for me at times. My partner was always very attentive and always respected these difficult periods.

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having an only child?

I have time for Louis. I’ve always prioritized him since he’s been born. I don’t know what it is to have to share my time/energy between several children... but I appreciate being able to give it my 110%. The drawback that comes to mind is that Louis does not have a sister/brother to play with him, he is alone. So as parents, we have to compensate for that.

 

Are you looking at other forms of parenting? Adoption?

No. It’s no longer in our plans, and our grief is over. If I hadn’t read Louis, my opinion wouldn’t be the same. But I don’t feel like I have a void in my life. 

 

Does it bother you when people ask you if you want another child? How do you react to that kind of situation? 

During the months that we were trying, yes. It’s very painful to be asked the question when you’ve been trying for a long time. Now, I feel more at ease. However, in my opinion, this remains a hyper-personal question that should not arise.. You never know what people are going through.

 

What are the Viita values that speak to you the most? 

Ever since I started using Viita products, I feel like I’ve reclaimed my period. I had been going through my cycles the same way for so many years, never wondering if there was anything I could do differently. 

 

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Simple and small. A brunch at the restaurant, with my loves - that’s how I like to celebrate.

 

Thank you Catherine for your openness and vulnerability today. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.