Thursday, July 13, 2017

Motherhood Island



Welcome to Motherhood Island. You may have just arrived or you may have been here for awhile. The reasons that we arrive on this "island" are all different but we all have one thing in common: we are moms. 
The more I talk to other moms the more I realize we all have struggles that make us feel alone or isolated at times. We also have amazing experiences and revelations that connect and unite us!  The more I listen to others and have conversations about things that are going on in each of our lives the more I realize that we have such a strong connection and yet a profound diversity about each of us- these women look like this:

Moms who look perfect after babies

Moms who don't

Ladies who get help around the house

Those who don't

Ladies with mom friends 

Those who don't have many 

Women who work outside of the home

Women who stay home

Those who have found themselves in motherhood 

Ladies who feel they have gotten lost in the journey 

The list goes on and on- but I'm hoping this becomes a place that I can share my struggles and joys and each and everyone of you can relate and connect to the words I share in one way or another. I also want this to become a collaboration of writers and moms from different backgrounds. So if you're interested in being a "guest" on this blog please let me know! 




Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Motherhood {new beginnings}


There are SO many new mommies in my life right now. I see new babies being born on Social media what seems like every-other-day and it brings me back to those first time mom feelings that I had with Branson. [not to mention being pregnant again makes me think of what's to come] I consider myself extremely lucky to have been able to chat with a few of these moms and share some of my experiences with them- I've been also able to reassure some that their thoughts and feelings are the norm!

I have been pushing myself to months to jump back into writing on this blog and thinking about what I wanted to share- I've contemplated what topics I want to cover and this is one that just keeps flooding my mind: the beginnings of motherhood. It's already been a year and a half since I've given birth and became a mother- but those thoughts and feelings are still very vivid- so today {for the sake of hopefully encouraging and giving insight to other women} I'm sharing those first motherhood revelations.

-that crazy kind of tired-

i remember thinking "I will never sleep again". Let me tell you this: you will. And you should nap today. There is absolutely nothing wrong with napping while your baby does and putting off chores or other things that you would normally do. The best way to be a good mom and keep sane is to take care of you and part of that is sleeping enough. And don't feel guilty about it- you got up all night long with that little babe. I remember feeling so out of it- forgetting things, being irritable, not feeling myself- and I think a lot of that has to do with the lack of sleep your getting. It's that important. So make it a priority- allow your significant other to take your little while you nap if they offer. This will help you be better for baby.

-body confusion-

I remembering recently telling a new mom about my initial look at my new body. It was probably about an hour postpartum when I got up to use the bathroom. I realized that my belly had gone down significantly and wanted to see what I was working with- I lifted my hospital gown to find a somewhat deflated mushy odd looking belly. Nobody told me it would be so weird- I'm not sure if I was expecting abs or what but it severely confused me that this was now me. I want to tell any of you that are in those first few postpartum weeks or months- it gets better! Give your body time and don't be hard on yourself- it won't forever look this way. My best advice in this area- learn to love your body at any stage it is in. If you don't love yourself (mind & body) you make it harder for others to!

-new hobbies-

I never used to treasure "alone time" like I do now. Baths were nice but I was able to unwind daily- without much interruption. After becoming a mom baths have become one of the most sacred things. Even 15 minutes of quiet time to read, pray, meditate- whatever it is- are so precious. I've learned that especially new moms need this time. It's a way to keep yourself grounded. Also- one other thing I found that I enjoy now is podcasts! I can clean and listen to advise or stories or spiritual information and I feel ultra-productive and can still interact with my little one while listening. These are just a few things that I've found I really enjoy now. And all you new moms- finding these new ways to unwind and enjoy yourself even when you just have a few minutes will help you rejuvenate ;)

I hope you all are adjusting well and enjoying all the ups and downs of this new beginning xoxo

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Post Baby Bodies: (insert clever tag line here)


Okay girls- I'm going to be real with you- I never thought my post baby body would turn out like this. I remember conversations with my fellow pregger friends early on pregnancy " hoping we got our moms good jeans" or that our skin treated us well.
 I distinctly remember the day when I told my hubby- while I was sans shirt- that I hoped I never got "bear claws" and he told me "babe I think you might have a few". I literally thought he was joking. So I looked in the mirror and to my horror there were marks on the under-side of my belly...and they only continued to multiply like crazy as my pregnancy went on. I thought to myself (and even cried to a few) that "this was a 25 year old girls worst nightmare". I got consolations in return or the whole tiger stripes speech and at the time I thought it was a bunch of bs. 
BUT honestly nearly 7 months postpartum- I can say- i am truly learning to be okay with my body and find confidence in who I am beyond the skin on my belly. I have found that our imperfections aren't the end of the world- and that I am lucky to have this body. This body held a baby full-term when I was convinced, after 2 miscarriages, that my body maybe wasn't able to hold a child. I have found that my husbands love and attraction for me isn't based on the stretched out skin on my belly. He still finds me beautiful. 
When my baby boy looks at me with his big, sparkling, brown eyes and smiles i know that it was all more than worth it.
So what is the point in me sharing this today? Why put myself out there like this and be so open about something so hard to share? Because I know I'm not the only one that has experienced this or is going to experience this. 
Someone beautiful inside and out is reading this and no longer thinks they are pretty. They might even be ashamed to let their husband see their body. I am here to tell you that you are still you. You still have that contagious laugh, you're still that hardworking woman, you've still got that bad-ass style, and that impeccable faith. ( yes I put that all in the same sentence) I'm telling you lady- to look at the bigger picture- look at how blessed you are- you are one gorgeous mama. 





Thursday, August 28, 2014

When we can't help but wait.

This is a post I have been attempting to wait for weeks. First I put it off multiple times- and then I finally wrote it last week and forgot to save it. So today- it looks like it just might happen. I didn't really want to write a blog post about waiting on baby because I felt it was cliche and questioned this topic thinking maybe people don't want to read about me waiting on baby- but the truth is- even if you're not waiting on a little babe to "pop" out every person reading this post can certainly relate to waiting on something to happen. So it's happening- I'm sharing my heart today in an attempt to touch yours no matter where you are at in life today. 

The waiting process has went something like this: fearful, hopeful, then antsy- now attempting to trust. When I first found out that I might have baby Gilbert early (after the accident) I was first fearful- fearful it would be too soon-I cried and prayed that he would stay in long enough to be okay. After weeks of prayers and nerves I started to become hopeful thinking it would be just around the corner- he would be here soon and we prepared to welcome him into the world. After a few weeks of being prepared - I became antsy and have been antsy. Everyday I have gotten up in the morning I have thought to myself today is gonna be the day!!!! Especially after my doctors appointment yesterday I thought my odds were good. Butttttt today little man isn't here and I woke up greeted by a thought from The Lord- at least I'm thinking this is what he had for me: my ways aren't your ways- this thought frustrated me. I thought to myself how isn't now the time?? It makes sense!! He's ready! Dr says let's go! I'm saying let's go- so God you must be mistaken - because now is it!!! But this thought kept coming back into my head: his ways aren't my ways, his timing isn't always my timing- but my goodness- the God of this universe does know best. Regardless if I think I know better- (whether I chose to admit it at the time or not) He does know best. Choosing to trust him only makes sense. Isaiah 55:8 says His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways aren't ours. So- as much as I don't want to trust and surrender to His timing it only makes sense to. He really has known what was best from the start!!

Maybe today you can relate to anxiously waiting on something to happen today- you are convinced that right now would be the best time for something to happen. You have been praying for Gods timing but simultaneously thinking you know best- I encourage you to trust Him with this situation. I also encourage you to remind me to do the same. Take comfort in the fact that the same God who created you and me has your best interest in mind and loves you so ❤️

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Next Quarter of My Life





A very wise friend sent me this message on my birthday, "the first quarter of your life was all yours. The second quarter is for babies, and the third is for the golden years with our men. If we make it to the last quarter we will count ourselves lucky to be friends." 

I don't think there is a better way she could have put it. This birthday completely marked a turning point in my life and the start of a new season. For those of you who don't know, I was recently in a car accident at about 31 weeks pregnant. It caused some preterm labor signs and we thought baby just might be coming early- due to that scare- my doctor put me on bedrest and I left work a little earlier than expected. Although I did leave a few weeks earlier than I thought I would- I had planned on leaving very soon to prep for life with baby and prepare to be a stay-at-home mom for awhile.

I can't believe I will be home with my baby and able to enjoy these many firsts with him. A part of me is nervous that I won't fulfill my own expectations or that we will run low on money and I'll have to return to work quickly. BUT most of me is just beyond excited to offer my daily life to be spent with my sweet little baby boy. I want to be the very best mom to him I can be- and look forward to dedicating the next quarter of this beautiful life to my little babe. ❤️

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Hey Mama- You're Beautiful

 We live in a world where everyday is filled with comparisons- its everywhere you go- advertizements, social media, the grocery store. We have been conditioned to compare- and to only find beauty in perfection. As women we want to be known as beautiful and work so hard to look a certain way.

 When approaching pregnancy I didnt fully comprehend that it would challenge my body image and level of confidence. I envisioned a perfect round growing belly and all to return to normal afterwards. I am still pregnant and have at least (hopefully) 10 or so weeks to go and realizing more and more that my pre-pregnancy body may or may not come back. This thought made me realize that so many women have made this sacrifice before me- that mothers have chosen to bear children not knowing what the outcome afterwards for their bodies may be. To me- that is so beautiful. The fact that your body grows and adjusts to hold a little life and supports it is the most lovely thing I can think of.

For all you moms out there that have gone before me- just know that no matter how you feel today-or tomorrow- or how others may make you feel- you are beautiful. The sacrifice you have made is well worth it.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Warming up...Obsessions.



Okay Ladies- now that its mid-may I am reallyyyy starting to look forward to summer clothes. Especially with a growing bump- I see summer dresses and cotton shorts being much more comfortable.

I just thought I would take a quick moment to share some of my current obsessions with you:

Tall Gladiator Sandals- I have tried to get over this trend and convince myself that they were too funky- but I still want them-maybe even need them?? Go ahead and judge me ;)

 
 
I think that Kourtney Kardashian wore this style mutliple times perfectly. You may hate the Kardashians but you can't hate Kourtney- her style and healthy eating are too good to hate. (not to mention she is an adorable mom)
 


 
 
 
 
Cotton Shorts- these are suppperrr comfy and soo on trend. You can find them almost anywhere- but there is a local store in Monroe (Sofi Stella) that carries them. I need my get my booty over there asap and grab some. Who doesnt want to look trendy and simultaneously feel like they are wearing pj shorts?!?
 
 

 
 

They're Real - Mascara.
 


 

 
I am purchasing this ASAP. I used my sister's once (shush dont tell ;)) lol and i LOVED it. It really does work amazingly well. You would think she wears lashes- but its just this stuff.
 
 
 
My last item is from LUSH. I gained a new-found love for that store during my Chicago trip to visit a friend. They have amazing products- you must check them out-
 
 
 
Black Stockings- its a body tint thats all natural- and I am a real fan of the scent. It is a must have for those pasty spring legs ladies ;)





 
 
Hope you all liked my obsessions for the upcoming season. I'm sure I will have more to add to this list soon.
 
 
Have a fabulous weekend ladies-
 
xxxooo