Dear Expecting/New Mommy,
Welcome to the club! I’m so glad you are in this special group with me. Here’s a few tips that I’ve learned as I have navigated this crazy life as a new mom.
[1]
Have your tissues close by at all time because you WILL cry.
When I was pregnant with Luke, I bawled at George Strait’s “The Chair”, broke down in the drive thru at Chick-Fil-A because I saw the outdoor play-place and ordered lemonade (I don’t even like lemonade), and got that lump in my throat when any commercial aired with a baby, mom or dad.
Even just a few days ago I was sitting on the floor with both babies close by and I started crying because I knew this is what I was meant to do. *cheesy much, Jord?*
[2]
You can do all the research in the world when preparing for your baby, but all that goes out the window when they are in your arms.
Heck, I didn’t care what the “recommendations” were…Just get the baby to stop crying! No, but in all honesty, you are Mommy. You will know what is best for your baby, and you will quickly learn what works and what doesn’t. DO NOT stress if something doesn’t work like you have planned – because it never does – just keep trying something until it works for YOU and your baby.
[3]
You have heard it before: Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
This one is still a challenge for me. I always feel like I am burdening the Grandmas when I ask them to watch the boys for the afternoon so I can get things done around the house. Time after time, they are thrilled to spend time with the boys and I am so so thankful for their help. If family doesn’t live close, look into a Mother’s Day Out program, ask a trusted friend, or even just ask Daddy to watch them for a few hours so you can get a nap…
[4]
Speaking of naps… SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS
Oh goodness, how I wish I could do this now. Some of my most cherished times with Luke are when we would just snuggle and snooze in the recliner. It is so funny how I took having one baby for granted and thought I never had any time at all… You do have time. Use it wisely. Sleep when you can! 😉
[5]
How you feed the baby is yours and your husband’s choice ALONE.
Please, please, please do not let others pressure you/judge you/guilt you into feeding your baby one way or another. People say “breast is best” and hey, that’s great if you believe that, but I promise those of you that can’t do that, formula can be “best for your family”. Goodness, I could write a whole post about all the different advantages of each type of way to feed your baby but I honestly don’t have time for that. If you nurse your baby in public, props to you. If you exclusively pump and feed your baby via bottle, you go, Momma! If you use formula, that’s great. Truly, as long as you and your baby are happy, that is all that matters.
[6]
Take time for yourself, Momma.
It is a HUGE adjustment once you bring home that little angel. Your whole life has changed (for the better, mind you). The first few weeks can feel like you are in a whirlwind of diapers, crying, spit up and sleep deprivation. Hang in there, this too shall pass. Make the time for a shower, eat balanced meals, and as mentioned before, get rest when you can! Treat yourself though. Have a glass of wine with your baby daddy, snuggle up and watch an episode of your favorite show before bed. Take a trip to Target and just browse the aisles. Go to your favorite store and pick out a new outfit – be forewarned though: if you aren’t a VS model or Blake Lively, you won’t be back in pre-baby clothes. Don’t let this discourage you. Find something you would look forward to wearing that isn’t maternity clothes. Stick to cute flowy tops or dresses.
[7]
Reinvent your beauty routine.
I know it is a challenge and there will be days when you look in the mirror and you don’t even recognize the zombie looking back at you. Occasionally, you will have to leave the house and want to look like the mom who has it all together. If you’ve seen my snapchats lately you know I definitely am NOT that mom…as hard as I try sometimes 😉
Come up with a 5 to 10 minute makeup routine. Keep it simple. Check out my fast and easy make up routine here. As for hair, dry shampoo is my best friend. I used to wash my hair every day…now I can go 2 or 3 days without washing. You have to gradually build up to that and slowly your hair will learn to stop producing so much oil. Dry shampoo helps keep your hair looking fresh. I try to wash it on Saturdays and Tuesdays and style it and just touch it up on the in between days. If all else fails, throw it up in a messy bun, put on some LipSense and some earrings and you’re good to go!
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