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