The first 5 months of motherhood have flown by, and although I love watching Vivie grow each day, I wish time would slow down! Since February, our lives have been filled with diaper change after diaper change, feedings around the clock, lots of snuggles, and the acceptance of change. I can no longer just run out the door with only my purse and keys to meet friends for a last minute dinner. When we travel, it takes me 3 days to pack what feels like the entire house. Date nights are far & few between, and weekends are filled with cleaning, laundry, and trips to the grocery. But the truth is, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. This tiny human has taught me more in the last 5 months than I’ve learned in my lifetime, and for that I am so grateful.
Today I am sharing with you the top 5 things I’ve learned the first 5 months of motherhood:
1. SLEEP IS OVERRATED
Yes, you read that right. Sleep is overrated. I know that sounds crazy but hear me out. Of course I miss the days when I could plop on the couch & nap for hours or hit the snooze button on a Saturday. Yes, I admit I’ve dreamt of getting a babysitter & using that time just to stay at home and sleep. But the bottom line is that sleep is overrated. Ever since waking up early with Vivie each morning, I can honestly say I have better time management and motivation than I did before. I feel more energized & determined to get my day going and check off as many to-do’s as I can. There may not be enough hours in the day, but there are 24 and it’s amazing the amount of things you can get done if you jump out of bed & hit the ground running.
2. LOVE YOUR BODY
I know this one can be a bit cliche, but it hits home for me. Anyone who knows me well knows that my number 1 fear of pregnancy was my body changing. I grew up playing hand fulls of sports & I’ve always loved fashion, therefore it’s a priority of mine to be fit, in shape, and feel comfortable in my clothes. Watching my body grow during pregnancy was scary and overwhelming for me, and the thought that it may never be the same was very emotional. The fact is, my body will never be the same. I’m never going to have a perfectly tight tummy again, and that’s okay! I’ve learned to accept the changes that my body has made and be confident in my own skin. My hips are even wider than they were before, my skin isn’t as tight, and the line down my belly button may never go away, but I love my body because it gave me the most perfect gift. So for those of you who have had a hard time acceptingyour body during pregnancy or postpartum, please know that you are beautiful– curves, scars, stretching and all! These last 5 months, I’ve learned to stop comparing myself to other women or even to the body that I had at 26 before Vivie, and to focus on all the positives: I exercise, eat healthy, make time for myself, and am thankful god gave me the child that I asked for.
3. EMBRACE THE IMPERFECT
Any of you type-a perfectionists like me? Then this one is specifically for you! I exhaust myself always wanting everything to be perfect. From projects and events to my wardrobe and the interior of my home. I want things done perfectly, placed perfectly, and to play out perfectly. Motherhood sure has thrown me for a loop though! I’ve learned that my house is not always going to be clean, tidy, and Pinterest perfect. I laugh at myself when I realize half way through the day that I forgot to put on mascara after my eyeliner (anyone else?), or when my socks don’t match cause I’m always in a rush. Recently I’ve learned to let go of the perfect image, and embrace the imperfections that can come with everyday life and parenting. As long as you’re giving it your best, that’s all that matters!
4. IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP
There have been many times where I’ve second guessed myself or contemplated asking for help. As time has gone on, I realized that asking for advice or help doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom or not doing things right. It just means you’re willing to educate yourself or lean on others for the goodness of your child. I come from a large family. So big in fact that Vivie is 1 of 12 grand babies on my side, and 1 of 5 on my husband’s. My two sisters, sister-in-laws, mother, and mother-in-law have been amazing to lean on for baby advice. They all probably think I’m crazy the amount of questions I’ve asked since the day I found out I was pregnant, but I’m not afraid to ask their opinions on things or feel ashamed if I do things differently than them. Take advantage of the moms and dads who have experienced this before you, they are some of your biggest supporters! Also, don’t expect your husband to be able to read your mind. If you need his help, whatever it may be, just ask! You’ll thank yourself later!
5. LIVE IN THE NOW
If you take away anything from reading this post, take this: live in the now. I’m a planner and always have been. I worry about what is to come in the months or years ahead. I worry about how I’ll juggle multiple kids whenever that day comes, or saving up for our kids’ education. I think about my dream home and if or when we will be able to build it. I imagine all the trips we will take and all the places I want Vivie to see. Most of the time my mental lists are filled with work projects & reminders. I’m always rushing from one place to the next during our busy days, but recently I’ve learned to be more aware of the moment. Each day Vivie is experiencing something new in her world, and I love capturing her in a moment when she’s doing something for the first time. I remember the exact moment when I first heard her sweet laugh, and when she started holding on to & interacting with toys. I took her to see & pet the elephants at the Cinicinnati Zoo this summer, and although she won’t remember, I will never forget the look in her eyes. These were all moments where I shut off my brain from the thinking, analyzing, worrying, and I was entirely present. I know it can sometimes be easier said than done, but be in the moment and soak it all in. Stop spending time worrying about what’s to come, and just be content where you currently are because these days go by in a blink.
xx,
Taylor
photography by Katie Marie Photographie
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Absolutely precious!!