Not only did 2023 start with a lot of change for myself and family, but it also ended with a lot change. I started to take care of myself more this last year, but I never got to fall into my “soft girl era” if you will. It was a busy season for me.So, while I have goals and intentions for this New Year, I am in no rush to force them onto paper or share them right now.I’m very much leaning into the winter season still. Turning inward. Really teaching myself how to slow down. And quite frankly, adjusting to our new lifestyle.Spring is coming, a time of blooming and new beginnings— so don’t feel bad if you aren’t feeling like goal setting right now either 🫶🏼
I honestly wouldn’t want it any other way 🫶🏼🩵
It’s all about mindset + perspective 🫶🏼
For the longest time I never felt like I ever “lost” myself in motherhood.A sweet friend, @withlaurensullivan, approached this topic on her page and suggested what if getting lost in motherhood is actually a good thing?Since I can remember I have always wanted to be a mom. It was my one life goal that never changed and I never felt any insecurity or guilt towards it. So, when I gave birth to my first baby I never felt lost because it was exactly where I wanted to be.But maybe lost isn’t the word for it.I believe when a woman gives birth she sheds a version of her old self to make space for the new one she is becoming. Not only does she meet her baby earth side but she meets herself too.And just like getting to know her baby, she needs to get to know the new version of herself too.I think it can make you feel lost sometimes, but I also think it’s really beautiful.
Our first line of defense when it comes to supporting our bodies will always be to focus on a whole foods diet. When we eat well, we feel well.
However, germs are inevitable, especially with little kids.
Think of this post as your mom friend sharing her tried and true, tips + tricks that help support your little ones (and you!) when they are feeling under the weather— minus the yucky ingredients and dyes that are found in standard otc medications + supplements 🫶🏼
✨ Earthley’s “Feel Better Fast” ✨ we like to use this at the first sign of feeling under the weather; take it straight from the bottle or add it to water or juice.
✨ essential oils ✨ these are great for overall immune support + are safe to use daily. Thieves roll-on is easy to apply to your neck and spine for ongoing immune support. We also like to diffuse various oils to cleanse the air, support or breathing and lungs.
✨ manuka honey ✨ I added this to our arsenal about a year ago. My kids love it straight from the spoon or you can enjoy it with tea. Manuka honey, specifically, has antiviral and anti inflammatory properties in it. It’s especially wonderful for coughs!
✨ Bee Keeper’s Naturals throat spray ✨ we like to use this for ease + convenience because let’s be real sometimes a quick squirt in the mouth is a lot easier for young kiddos.
✨ fermented garlic honey ✨ honey + garlic?! Nature’s antibiotic! We use this for colds, coughs, sore throats, body aches, etc
*this is not medical advice
In a perfect world we wouldn’t ever get overwhelmed or frustrated with our children, but as we all know it’s not a perfect world and we are only humans.I try my absolute hardest never to raise my voice at my kids or show them any form of disrespect. Children learn by witnessing the world around them. It would break my heart to know my kids don’t know how to understand their emotions because of something I did or said.However, I do sometimes raise my voice. I lose my calm. I even throw the occasional toy. And I immediately regret it afterwards because it upsets them and it’s not who I am or someone I want to be.So what do I do when I lose my cool?I step away from the situation to calm myself.I come back to my child(ren) and immediately apologize for what I did or said. I try to explain how I was feeling but let them know I shouldn’t have reacted that way toward my emotions.I tell them I love them and ask for a hug. I think it’s important to note I also talk to them about WHY I got frustrated, angry, sad, etc and if they made a mistake too I acknowledge that as well. For example— I am sorry I yelled really loudly. Mama was very frustrated that you were throwing your toys after I asked you not to. You shouldn’t throw your toys and mama shouldn’t yell. I am sorry and I love you sooo much.I make sure I’m at their level and looking them in the eyes when I talk to them too. Also- if they aren’t ready to talk or hug I respect that.
We’ve been doing this since my husband and I’s first Christmas together. At first it was to slowly collect ornaments, but since having kids it has become so much more than that 🥺🫶🏼🎄✨
This trend, but make it boy moms 🩵 #iykyk
I am beyond grateful I get to be the one to create that holiday magic for them 🎅🏼🎄✨🤍
These rare moments are what make them extra special ✨
With each one of my children, I have gone into my pregnancy knowing more than the previous one and have felt more equipped to handle things thrown my way. This obviously comes from experience as well as education.I was not as prepared as I thought I was when I got pregnant with my first. Don’t be a naive first time mom like I was— take my advice lol. But also I probably would have laughed at my future self for doing what I’m doing with my now fourth pregnancy.Knowledge is power though, right?From my own personal experiences, knowledge + education as a doula, and even experiences through my doula clients I know just how important it is to fully embrace and support physiology pregnancy AND birth. Special circumstances aside.These are some of the things I’m changing up this pregnancy to better support the physiological process of pregnancy and birth—- not sharing my due date- staying very vague with how far along I am- keeping the gender to ourselves (I’m like 95% sure of this lol)- not attending every prenatal appt unless I feel it is necessary- opting out of the standard test for gestational diabetes- not having any ultrasounds past the 20 week anatomy scan unless I feel otherwise is needed- being more intentional about the supplements I’m taking + my nutrition- not taking a traditional prenatal*this is NOT medical advice 😊~ check out my “pregnancy” highlight for more information + details on my fourth pregnancy 🫶🏼
Before having children I always had this idea of how I would raise my kids and the things I would or wouldn’t do. I feel like a lot of those beliefs came from what I was (or wasn’t) exposed to as a child myself.That is not to say my own parents did “x” right or wrong— just like us moms and dads now we are doing the best we can with what we have, know, and believe.However, times have changed and ultimately I am now in the thick of it as a mom and parent with my husband. Everything we currently do is based on what we feel is best for OUR children and family. We didn’t always do these things and have definitely shifted our mindset and beliefs over the years. Also, what we do may not fit your parenting style or your family’s dynamic.I love seeing the genuine intention behind this generation’s parenting styles. We aren’t perfect but we are trying our very best to raise a next generation of amazing and well rounded individuals.Do you do anything on this list that others may consider “unconventional”?
I know, I know nutrition is SO important in pregnancy— even the first trimetser (I am a certified prenatal nutrition educator) 🤪 but ya don’t know until ya know.
I cannot hide this bump any longer 👶🏻🤍
First steps, first words, etc are all things we are expecting and eagerly look forward to as moms.But what about the smallest moments that sneak up on you when you least expect it? No one talks about those moments.They become the really big moments because you don’t just see your child growing up and learning things. You see them start to become their own person. Confident. Strong. Independent. Curious. The list goes on…It’s in those moments you find yourself randomly sobbing at the playground when your oldest asks to ride his bike without training wheels 🥺
You don’t *need* permission to do anything that adds value or joy to your life… and same goes for eliminating anything that steals your joy.Also— if it feels really scary, you’re probably making the right decision 😉
I can’t believe how fast that first year went 🥺🤍
Happy FIRST birthday to our third son 💛Your birth was my favorite despite what came afterwards— you will forever be a reminder of how strong I am. A reminder to keep fighting through the hard because it is SO worth it at the end.The joy and happiness you hold within you is contagious and I am so grateful I get to witness that everyday.I love you, Onyx Kane 🫶🏼
I recently have seen a reel where the text reads “we are raising children, not houses” and it was a nice reminder for me.It is so easy to get swept away in keeping the house tidy so it doesn’t get out of hand, staying on top of laundry, clearing the sink right after meals, the list goes on… that we often forget the mess is proof of life.Proof of core memoriesProof of playProof of meal time spent togetherProof of reading on the couchProof of LIVINGThose messes created from having little ones? Yes, it’s your work to keep the mess in order, but don’t forget it’s their work to create that mess.And THAT reminder is very beautiful 🤍
Here’s your reminder you can still have an *aesthetic* home AND have kids…This isn’t a new or fancy hack but it’s one I’ve used since I had my oldest almost five years ago and it never fails 👏🏼
