"You'll understand when you have kids of your own" is a common refrain often repeated by mothers to their children.

At 25, Kristin Olexsak is finally beginning to understand what her mother meant. Her first child was born April 5.

After Lukas was born a week overdue, Olexsak said she felt she understood what her mother meant almost immediately and believes that understanding will continue as he grows up.

"I'm sure as he gets older it will be more obvious that she knew what she was talking about."

This is Olexsak's first Mother's Day as a mother. She said it is a strange feeling because usually she would be planning something special for her mother, mother-in-law or grandmother.

"It hasn't hit me yet that I'm a mother." said Olexsak of Sawmill Run Road.

The first-time mother isn't sure how she will celebrate Mother's Day, but she is looking forward to it. Above all, she is excited because Mother's Day means quality time with her son and her husband, Jake, who works long hours with the state game commission.

"It's memorable to see them together, especially since he looks just like my husband. He's like a little clone," she said.

The new parents have been married since September 2007. Olexsak believes the 2½ years before the birth of Lukas have helped her deal with the stress of a new baby.

"It definitely would have been harder at the beginning of the marriage because I would have been getting to know two people."

Luckily for her, Lukas has thus far been a fairly easygoing baby, who generally only fusses when he is hungry.

"It's getting easier now because we've gotten to know each other," she said.

The stay-at-home mother and freelance photographer hopes to have another child when Lukas is older. For now, she is content to enjoy the time she spends with him and plans to remain a stay-at-home mother for as long as her family can afford it.

"I can't imagine how people go back to work. I'm sure it's extremely hard," she said.

While preparing for the arrival of Lukas, Olexsak said she read books on pregnancy and parenting that have helped her in the early weeks of motherhood. However, she thinks the books only took her so far.

"Books are a reference point. Just because you read the books doesn't mean your baby will be exactly like the books say."

She said her parents and in-laws have been really supportive so far. Lukas is the first grandchild on both sides, so sometimes it seems as if "there isn't enough of him to go around."

Also helping her through the early part of motherhood is her network of friends, several of whom have recently had babies of their own.

"They're an invaluable resource. My mother and mother-in-law are helpful, but my friends who have had babies more recently can relate."

Looking to the future, Olexsak said she is looking forward to the milestone moments, especially talking because she herself loves to talk.

Lukas recently began smiling back at her and following her as she moves around a room. It's exciting for her, and each day brings her something different.

Olexsak knows the future will bring some bad along with the good, but she is prepared.

"I'm dreading the first time he gets sick. I'm sure it will happen and we'll get through it."

Whatever the future holds for Lukas, at three weeks old he already was showing signs of being a true Penguins fan. Olexsak said a recent playoff game captured his attention much to the delight of his father.

"He's got big plans for this one. He's going to be an NHL star."