It is still weird to say that I’m a mom. I have moments where I just look at Papa and I’m like …. you came from me little man. I immediately smile and my heart warms up. Life as mom is crazy. Once I think I have it all together then BAM … toddler hood comes at me full force lol.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything though.

Last night I was thinking about everything I have been through so far with Ash and how I’ve grown that it seems longer than 18 months. I wanted to share the top 7 lessons that I learned from being Ash’s mom and wanted to share it with you guys too

1. There is no one way to motherhood. As mothers, there’s so much pressure and it begins right when you find out that you are pregnant with a human being growing inside of you. There’s so much advice being thrown at you from every direction. I think it is okay to listen, but remember only to apply what fits your lifestyle. You can ask a handful of moms about how they got about something, like let’s say potty training. I guarantee you that almost every single answer will be different, because we all are going to do what works best for us. It really does help though to have family and friends that have either been in your shoes or are currently in your shoes to get that mommy advice. At the end of the day, do what is best for you and your family.
2. You can’t always please everyone, I REPEAT … you can’t always please everyone. As if being a new mom or a mom period wasn’t hard enough. We have days that are long enough as is and there are times when you won’t get anything done. Your family, your child is your priority. It is okay to not inconvenience yourself for others. I use to do that A LOT and I still do sometimes, but I’ve learned to say no. Especially when I just want to stay in and not go out, I hate it … sorry not sorry … umm but I hate it when people try and guilt trip me because I rather sit in the house and do nothing then go out somewhere. And you would think that your family or friends would understand that, but some of them truly don’t. That’s why I can’t wait for them to be in my shoes, so that they get it. Sometimes you will respond 3 or 4 days later to calls/message … that is just my new normal. It is what it is people.
3. Accept + Ask for help. Oh you want to watch Ash for the weekend? A whole hour? Take him, be my guest. LOL, every mom is different and I am the type of mom who needs a breather. Sometimes its multiple breathers. I cannot thank my family enough, my mom, my siblings, my sister-in-law, my cousins, and friends. There has never been a time where I couldn’t find a helping hand. I want to thank all of you for your help, it means a lot. I get overwhelmed easily and I need me time, I need a reset. I’m still learning. So don’t be afraid to ask for help and please don’t hesitate to accept help, it is okay to rest. It is okay to do you for a couple of hours or so.

4. Marriage, keep that flame burning. Once baby comes they are the main act, the star of the show.  They are the boss, literally. That doesn’t mean to forget about your significant other. It’s really the little things that count. Show your significant other that you care and do little things to surprise them. And date nights!! Date night are very important, something that my husband and I are still working on trying to do consistently. Keep the flame burning.
5. 
6. A love like no other. To new Mama’s … cherish every single little moment you have with your little one. I know this is not the first time any expecting or any mom has heard this before. I use to hear it a lot and say okay, but I truly get it now. Sometimes, well a lot of the time, I just sit back and watch Ash in silence. I’m in awe, this little guy who was in my stomach that I pushed out that I had to nurse and carry everywhere is literally running around talking, doing sign language, feeding himself. God gave him to me, he’s mine. And the love I have for him is truly indescribable. My heart yearns for his attention, for his love. He’s everything, more than I ever imagined. The feelings you have for your baby is not comparable, it’s just not.
   
7. Don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself. See how all of these lessons tie in to one another. Mama keep that glam up that you used to do before. Keep your hair + nails done. Go out for brunch with you friends. Sleep in for God’s sake. I’ve seen women over work themselves, do it all for their husband and kids. And I just stare and wonder, what about you? I’m so happy I made a pact with my my best friend before I even knew I was going to be pregnant that we would not lose ourselves once we had kids. I’ve changed, but man I still take care of me and I don’t care not a single cent LOL what anyone has to say about it.
8. 
   You are enough, you are strong Mama. I feel like there are so many expectations to live up to that we end up being so hard on ourselves. Give yourself some grace Mama. You literally grew a human being inside of your body. You are the one that will always be there for them. They will always look to you , you are seriously their own real life superwoman. You were made for this Mama. Remember you are enough and you are strong. Don’t let anyone tell or convince your otherwise.

I hope this helps. especially for my expecting and new mama’s out there. Can any of you relate to any of these 7 lessons I listed? Please share or comment, let’s chat.

Until next time,

Ciao!

R E LA T E D P O S T :

Keeping up with Ash|18 month update

4 Ways to Start Your Day off with a Positive Mindset

Mommy Guilt! Embrace it.

Postpartum feels|PPD (PART III)