<all outfit details below>
It’s Mothers Day weekend and even though it’s officially my second one, last year, I was only a mother for a mere three weeks. This time around, more than a year later, I wanted to share what I learned the first year of motherhood.
*I’ve mentioned this before, but get to know other mamas. Join FB groups, go to local coffee shops and in this day in age, you could even meet new moms via instagram. I know that could sound sort of creepy, but obviously you could get a pretty good feel for someone before you make that decision. Yesterday, I met up with Dikla for lunch and we had such a great time! I knew I liked her vibe on social media, but we clicked even more in person.
*Learn to go with the flow. I’m normally a fairly easy-going person (most of the time) and it’s come to benefit me in the motherhood game. Yes, you’ll often hear “babies love a schedule!” and “make sure you stick to a regimented plan.” While I definitely agree with those statements, sometimes sh*t happens and you’re unable to stick to a specific plan. It’s fine! You’ll pick back up tomorrow. I’m a firm believer that babies truly read off your energy, so if you’re chill, they’ll learn to adjust to what’s happening.
*Don’t judge. It’s important to remember that every mother (and father) have their own way of parenting. To each their own! It’s a hard enough job without the judgement of others.
*It’s okay if you have to feed your baby formula. When breastfeeding wasn’t going 100% as planned, I remember being so incredibly hard on myself the first time I gave Nate a bottle of formula. I felt like the worst mother in the world and as he took his first sip, I cried and thought “what the hell have I just done to my poor baby?” In the end, he was fine! He was (and is!) happy, healthy and thriving.
*Please don’t neglect your significant other. It’s very easy to get caught up in “my child is #1…” and “my child is my main priority,” but don’t forget what came before that. Spend time on each other, get dolled up, go on dates. In the end, it will create a happier marriage and a more positive environment for your child to grow up in.
*Don’t neglect your friendships. I don’t know what I’d do without my female friends. I need them as much as I need my husband and son, but like any relationship, they require work. Friendships are a lot easier when you’re in your careless 20’s without too much responsibility, but as we get older, they require a lot more nurturing. If you haven’t spoken to a special friend in awhile, reach out. If they’re close enough, put a date on the calendar! Send her (or him) a text that you’re thinking about them. Do your part!
*Speaking of friends, try not to get annoyed at your friends that don’t have kids. Example: before I had Nate, I wasn’t necessarily a child person. Unless it was one of my really close best friends or a family member, I didn’t want to spend my precious Saturday doing kid things. I would rather be hanging out at brunch, having bottomless mimosas. (Lets be honest, there are some days I’d still rather be doing that). I have some friends who have only met Nate once and I’d probably be annoyed if it was my very best friends, but otherwise, I get it. Not everyone is a child person and not everyone wants to be around babies and children.
*You really don’t need that many toys. I’ve truly learned that less is more. Quite honestly, Nate is perfectly happy playing with some jars, boxes and a few musical instruments. At one point, we had so many toys and he showed zero interest in 90% of them. Give him a jar that opens and closes and it keeps him busier than a fancy v-tech toy.
*The love will be consuming and often extremely overwhelming. I guess that feeling will never go away.
Wishing all mothers out there, especially the mothers in my life, a happy mothers day! You’re all amazing!
xo,
Helena
Outfit Details:
#1: On me: Michele Deco watch with white strap c/o | Aquazzura Shoes | Levis Jeans
On Nate: Zara Trench & Jeans | Stan Smith Sneakers (size 4)
#2: On me: Rebecca Taylor Dress c/o | Nars Famous Red Lipstick
On Nate: Ralph Lauren Button Down | Zara Jeans
22 comments
La Bijoux Bella | by mia
Happy Mother’s Day to you! 🙂
?LA BIJOUX BELLA ?| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
May 12, 2017Jen
Happy Mother’s Day 2 you. I really appreciate these posts on motherhood, especially since finding out that I’m about to become a mom myself. They’ve been really insightful and encouraging. Thanks a lot 🙂
May 12, 2017Gabrielle
Yes totally agree with Jen! Since finding out I will be a mother by Thanksgiving :), I keep going back and reading all your maternity and motherhood posts! Thank you and Happy Mamas day! 🙂
May 12, 2017Liz - Shopping My Closet
Happy Mother’s Day!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
May 12, 2017Natali
Happy Mother’s Day to you gorgeous!
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May 12, 2017Ewa Macherowska
<3
May 12, 2017Brittany
I really appreciate this post, as I’m about to become a mom myself this summer for the first time. I think your points are bang on – especially regarding having a group of Mom friends (I’ll be the first in my real-life friend group to have a baby and “meeting” other moms and moms-to-be via Instagram has been so helpful). Also, nurturing your existing relationships, both romantic and friendships is great advice too. I think you’re absolutely right that even though our kids are a HUGE part of our lives, it’s good for them to see us pursuing other interests and fostering healthy relationships with others as well. And of course it helps us recharge as well!
Anyway, I love your motherhood updates. Happy Mother’s Day!
May 12, 2017Mireia
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
May 12, 2017https://thegoldlipstick.com/
The pink pineapple
Beautiful post
May 12, 2017xx
The Pink Pineapple
new post:http://thepinkpineappleblog.blogspot.com/
Nicole Sioui
Happy Mother’s Day Helena!
May 13, 2017jessica romero
Although i breastfed my son for 15 months… I made his own pureed food as well as gave him pouches. I got so much shit for it. “It’s not really organic, there’s so many bad ingredients in it”. My son is healthy, thriving, and happy. My official mommy motto is “To each their own”!!
May 13, 2017Charlotte
I totally agree with you on every point. Happy mother’s day 🙂
May 14, 2017michael sfougaristos
Happy Mother’s Day!
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May 15, 2017https://kantilaki.com
Adriana
Happy Mother’s Day to you! Nate is such a sweet boy!
xx
The Black Blush
May 15, 2017Jalisa
I hoep you had a wonderful Mother’s Day, beauty! This was such a pleasure to read, especially as an expecting mom! You’ve shard some sound advice here, which I will definitely be thinking about, thank you!
XO,
Jalisa
May 15, 2017http://www.thestylecontour.com
Jae
Nate is adorable! Happy Mother’s Day!!
May 15, 2017Jae || http://www.allthatjae.com
Allison Harrison
Welcome to the Mommy club. Hang on, it goes by so fast!!! My Daughter A-Jah turned 18 on May 13. I have been a Happy Single Mom, and all I can say is.. I Never Knew love like this before
May 15, 2017Danielle Bentley
As a mom to a toddler and one on the way, you are spot on but, the formula thing got me. I felt so guilty when I went back to work and had to give my baby formula. Also it’s very easy as a new mom to feel like you’re being judged, and it doesn’t help that older women especially tend to give on wanted advise. But we learned to pull it together. All the best in motherhood.
http://mysillylittlehabits.blogspot.com/2017/05/making-time-for-finding-joy.html?m=1
May 16, 2017spanish to english
You’re still doing great!
May 18, 2017Loren
Aw our boys are roughly the same age!
Love this post! Xx
http://www.maddoxandloren.com
May 27, 2017ankita
my mother is prettiest lady in the world.
December 11, 2017pest control services
geometry dash
Happy Mother’s Day to you gorgeous!
August 1, 2018