So you're a mom... That's awesome!

 

Becoming a Mom is life changing.
From the moment those two pink lines popped up, I knew that my life would never be the same.
I knew that soon my life would no longer be my own and that I would be responsible for another.
Being a mom kicked in immediately with prenatal appointments, healthy eating, prenatal vitamins, maternity clothes, and gathering all that I needed to take care of the little one that would totally change my world.

I just didn't realize that not only would my world change, but I would too.

 

My life was mine and mine alone.
I did what I wanted when I wanted.
Bought what I wanted when I wanted it.
Slept in past noon.

Stayed up all night if I wanted to with no concern of the next day.
I flew by the seat of pants and could be spontaneous at the drop of a hat.

But...

That changed in a matter of 9 months...

21 hours of labor...

a few good pushes...

 

I had a new identity.
MOM

  And I had less to do with me and more to do with the littles.

Somehow I felt like in my Mom identity, I lost some of my independent identity.

The things that made me, me.

Heck, even my ability to use the restroom without a child crying or putting their fingers under the crack of the door.
I felt boring, frumpy, and blah.
And that's when I decided that adjustments needed to be made and I needed to pull myself out of my mommy rut.

  I needed to find some way of making motherhood enjoyable for all of us.

How?

 

1. I learned a new hobby.
I've always looked to creative outlets to express myself and so I thought knitting would be perfect.
I learned in a few lessons and 5 years later I'm still a knitting machine.
It is one thing that I can do for me.

I've even picked up on hula hooping.
Or you can continue on the hobby you already have.
Just because an artist has a baby doesn't mean that they stop being an artist.
Just because a runner has a baby doesn't mean they have to stop being a runner.

  2. I make it a priority to shower.

It can definitely be a challenge with little ones and they may be short ones but hey, at least I'm clean.
Even if I have to wake up a little earlier than the kids, it still gives me time to get ready in the mornings.
Sure you're tired, but at least you don't stink.

 

3. Put on a pair of jeans.
How many mom's live in yoga pants?
I traded mine in for leggings.

I can at least dress those up AND I'm still comfortable.
But I usually feel my best in a pair of jeans, even if I know I'm going to be home all day.
I just feel less frumpy that way.

 

3. Take a break for adult conversation or alone time.

Though conversation with your child can be fun, it is nice to have things to talk about aside from going potty in the toilet, what they want to be for Halloween, or the nonstop playing of "patty cake, patty cake".

If dad isn't around, find a family member or friend to watch the kiddos.
Run an errand, get a coffee, go grocery shopping, go on a date with your dude.
Do something.
If you're limited to the house, have a friend over for a cup of coffee during naptime.
What about a play date?

They say that play dates are more for the moms than for the kids and for the reason of adult conversation.
For as awesome as kiddos can be, they can also be very draining.
Sometimes you just need to recharge your batteries.

4. Do something that takes care of you.

Paint your nails.
Do an at home face mask at bedtime.
Buy a new shirt, dress, or jeans off a clearance rack.
Throw on some mascara even if you don't have enough time to do your makeup completely.
Something.
Whatever you need to do to give your tired, mommyself, a little boost.
You're worth being pampered, even in the littlest ways.
Sometimes as a mom, that's all we can do...
Something little.
For me, I like to get my hair cut.... a lot.

And when the kids are resting, I bust out the nail polish from time to time.

  5.Include your kids in the fun.

Just because you're a mom doesn't mean you become boring and not fun.
Fun is just sometimes redefined.
Do family dates with friends that have kids.

Go bowling, paint pottery, check out museums, go to a movie, go camping...  whatever is family friendly and gets you out of the house.
I'll even take my kids to starbucks and sit with them while they drink hot chocolate and eat a pastry.
My biggest joy is seeing my kids have fun and knowing that I've contributed somehow to a happy childhood with great memories.

 

6. Remember that they grow up fast and savor the time.
They aren't kidding when they say time flies.
My daughter is 3 and my son will be 7 next month.
I still feel like somehow they should both be younger than what they are and at times I have to reeeally think about how they were as babies.
And I know that when they are grown and are no longer wanting me to do their hair or play cars with them, I will wish that I could go back in time.
I will miss these days and know that I need to soak it up while I can.

 

  7. Remember that they are a gift.

Remember that when you're childless friends take fancy trips.
Remember that when there is something you want to do but can't because you have a kid/s to take care of.
Remember that when they are screaming at you, demanding of you, and crying because of you.

You are cherished in the eyes of your child.
You have the kisses that heal.
You have the touch that comforts them.
They need you.
You have the blessing of watching a little human (that is a part of you) grow, learn, explore, laugh, and enrich your life. 

  So take care of yourself because as the saying goes...

"If mom ain't happy, no one is."

:)

 

Keep
Calm

and
Mom
On