So last year I confessed tidbits of truth from my first year of motherhood. I shared my journey and how I navigated the uncharted territory of caring for our baby. There's no right way but there is a way that fits your family best and I hope mine encourages you or at least provides a little giggle of entertainment :)
Here's last year's Confessions of my 1st year of Motherhood.
Several things are the same. I still loath meal time (she's just like her Mamma with no interest in food and ugh the messes), I still rarely give her a bath, she still plays happily with recyclables, I NEVER EVER violate the schedule, still creep/watch her sleep on the monitor, and of course we are styled in coordinating outfits as much as possible!
This has also be another year I'm out of the office. I miss the hustle of my career every. single. day! But God knows better than I do so I continue to have faith in his perfect plan for me.
1. I rejoice in having my body back
Literally, she is no longer attached to my physical body for nutrients. I legitimately have PTSD from nursing her. I truly despised every little thing about it and shiver at the thought that I actually sacrificed and did it (and PUMPED) for 51 weeks. A year later and I'm still waiting on my trophy.
It feels amazing to have my physical self back! I've thoroughly enjoyed getting dressed, without regard to having to access myself, wondering if I can fit into my clothes and wearing undergarments that are pretty rather than functional. I also have my body back when it comes to my weight and physique. I no longer haul planet sized boobs around and have regained my muscle tone and waistline.
2. My home is free of toddler decor
Yes, she lives here but there isn't evidence in every room of our home. I love her more than anything but I don't love to see toys throughout. If you read my fun facts post you learned that I'm anti-clutter and keep out home very tidy. I didn't have contraptions for her the first year and I don't have big toy contraptions as she's aged. Our formal living room just after Christmas accepted her little chair which I'm still not crazy about but it does serve us well. And I can easily pick it up and put it right back into our den in the back of our home. That's where we did allow a toy chest along with a small table & 2 chairs recently. Her room, primarily her closet/playroom, houses a majority of her toys. I do have a drawer in the kitchen containing play kitchen items to entertain her while I cook.
I believe in moderation when it comes to toys and focus on toys that can grow with her and have learning elements to them.
As for outside, she has a wooden picnic table and playhouse that are discrete and NOT made of colorful plastic.
She has accesses to play kitchens, slides and all kinds of big toys at preschool, the park, the gym and at the homes of her friends.
3. I have a primping partner
On the days that I'm not dressed and beautified before she wakes up, I let her primp with me. She plays happily while I shower (we have a drawer of toys in our bathroom for her) and sits up on my vanity while I put on my face and coif my mane. She loves to copy me applying lotions and waving makeup brushes over her face. I enjoy her sweet company and it tickles me to see her pretend to be just like her Mamma.
While there are times when I just wish I could be alone I try to remember to enjoy things while they last. My Mamma liked her privacy which I respect and understand. But I want to try and incorporate her and share my world with her.
I can NOT wait until we can paint our nails together!!!
4. I do ALL the toddler things
Vivian transitioned to 1 afternoon nap in the Spring and despite my fears it turned out to be the best! We have the ability to do all the things during the first half of the day. And we stay very busy! On the days she's not in school we go to the library for story time, the gym (child care is so much fun with toys, playground and art time all while I sweat), gymnastics, parks and playdates with friends. She can do so many active things as a toddler!
5. I live my best Mermaid life
We spent a majority of our Summer outside and in the water! She had her first trip to the beach and LOVED it! She ran straight into the ocean and giggled with glee at the waves.
We were also at the splash pad & pool nearly every weekday. I had just as much fun as she did splashing around.
We never had a kiddie pool or water table at home (see #2).
6. I'm always on the run
I'm not one to sit still so I'm not surprised that as soon as she was up on her own two feet she's been on the run. Literally. She moves at a running pace over walking. It amazes people when they see how fast she is. Our days are very very active and I wouldn't have it any other way. We both sleep sound at the end of the day. I basically get double the exercise chasing her around.
7. I Praise for Preschool
Vivian attended 3 weeks of Summer Camp and started 2 days a week at Preschool at a church just 1/2 a mile from home. It's has been the greatest blessing for us both. The teachers are loving and truly invest in her wellbeing. She's learning so much and we are both making friends. Those 4 hours/day of school afford me time to do things for myself and our family. I can not sing her preschool's praises enough.
Next year she will attend all 5 days of the week! I'm eager to see what doors open for me given this time.
8. Babysitting is my lifesaver
While Vivian can easily be the center of our world it is of upmost importance that we honor ourselves as husband and wife and as people with relationships, hobbies and interests. That's where babysitters come it. They are my means of staying sane while enduring Ryan's intense work schedule (he's currently on day 21 In. A. Row. of 14 hour work days most of which are night shifts UGHHHHHHH). While I am so grateful for the blessing of his job that provides for us and his strong work ethic to afford me the gift of being home with her, it is extremely challenging. I battle loneliness, mothering fatigue and jealousy of husbands/dads who work day jobs and can eat dinner and spend evenings and weekends together.
Babysitting saves! I can leave our home handsfree and run errands, attend evening bible study, have alone time, participate in the Junior League, see my friends and most importantly have date nights.
I was a wife and woman before I was a mother and it's crucial to honor that.
S/O to my sisters for their love and care for Vivian while I'm away!
I've had to adjust my own schedule to compliment hers in order to allow for productivity. I thrive on accomplishments so I wake up at 5am and have at least 2 hours to myself. I typically start with prayer and devotional time, work on the computer, light chores and enjoy my breakfast & piping hot coffee and get showered/dressed for the day.
During naps I tidy our home, work on the computer and maybe enjoy a tv episode.
On school days I workout after nap, the other days we try and do mornings but either way I go to the gym or sometimes run outside if the weather is nice. I believe in exercise every single day. #fitmom
We are both busy busy gals that thrive on structure and routine.
10. I have Mamma Gal Pals
I saved the very best for last. I joined MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers) in September and it's been a wonderful blessing. Sure most of my gal pals were mammas long before me and have cheered me on but joining this group of mammas that I didn't know has cultivated relationships, that while stem from our status of Mammas with toddlers, encourages and provides laughter in so many ways. These gals are so diverse and offer so much to one another. We bear not just the elements of motherhood but those as wives and women of faith. We meet 2 Fridays a month and have regular socials. They have embraced me and my uniqueness with open arms (even though I strongly express to them my opposition to their wear of leggings - they are NOT pants). I look forward to years alongside these ladies.
Two years. They've flown by but I don't look back wishfully wanting to turn back time. I make effort to cherish the present moments, slowly absorbing the joy of each day. I've truly LOVED these past two years and have excited ants in my pants to see what fun this next year holds.
Dress Beautifully in All Your Years of Motherhood
XOXO Sarah-Louise
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