When I found out I was pregnant, I felt like I read every blog, article and book out there, but nothing prepared me for motherhood: sleep loss, baby snuggles, days without showering, unconditional love, cookies for breakfast, and mom strength. With all of this, I’m narrowing down and sharing the top 5 things that I’ve learned since becoming a mom.
| 1. To Prioritize|
I like to stay busy and moving. Checking the boxes on a long to do list is a favorite past time of mine, so imagine my struggle when having a baby. It’s hard for me not to be able to get everything done in a day. So instead, I pick what’s most important and sometimes, taking a bubble bath trumps dishes and laundry.
| 2. Time Flies|
Of course, I knew this before. But when it comes to watching your little one grow up, time goes more quickly than ever. I try to cherish every moment with my little boy because I know one day he won’t be little. (If you want to feel all the feels, check out this poem called The Last Time.)
| 3. Sometimes You Break the Rules|
Jackson is a snuggler. Jackson also doesn’t sleep well for bedtime or naps but is a happy baby and rather unphased by it. Since he is almost five months old, we could sleep train, and I’m sure we would all get more sleep. But truthfully, I love cosleeping with him and holding him for his naps. I like knowing he feels loved and safe in our arms. I know we aren’t supposed to do either of those things. But we are his parents, and we make the decisions for what is best for him.
| 4. Make Time for Myself|
As a new mom, I focused all of my attention on my baby. There were days I didn’t shower, eat or brush my teeth! I’m sure you can relate. I was struggling with giving my whole self to someone else, while not taking care of myself, so what I was giving was sub par. To be the best mom and wife, I have to be the best me. My expectations of that are different now, but I find a little time in each day to enjoy a cup of coffee, brush AND floss my teeth, or exercise. It may only be 5-10 minutes, but it’s just enough to give a little self love.
| 5. Ask for Help |
Having a baby is the hardest thing my husband and I have ever done. We get caught up in it all and forget to ask our family for help. Bringing dinner to us or watching Jackson so we can get coffee is such a help. Parenting is nonstop! Obviously. We just didn’t realize what that meant until now. It takes a village to raise a baby (and parents)!
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