Monica Seabourn: The Calm & Chaos of Motherhood and Life

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Monica Seabourn: The Calm & Chaos of Motherhood and Life

Welcome to the calm, chaos, and fun that is my journey through life & parenthood!

12/09/2023

With school wrapping up for the holidays in a little over a week and a half, JP has had quite the busy December so far. A science fair project, 4-H presentation, and quizzes to round everything off. Oh, and let’s not forget nightly homework!

It can be a lot mentally, emotionally, and physically at times for him and his “fine print”. With the workload, we knew JP needed some extra help to keep him grounded and focused.

We came across the FocusPad Seat, and I knew we had to give it a try. It’s a sensory pillow that helps your kiddo focus and stay engaged with tactile input! JP gave it a try the first night it came in, and his ability to pay attention to math homework was SO much better. Honestly, it surprised both of us!

JP has used it each night for studying and homework, and the amount of time he can spend working without bouncing around or losing focus has seriously improved! He’s also pretty happy with the extra free time he has after homework since he can stay on task better.

If you’re looking to add more support to your toolbox, definitely check out Special Needs Essentials to learn more!

12/08/2023

Tis the season for festive socks and pulling your Christmas decorations out of storage!🎄 Let the decorating FINALLY begin!

Anyone else getting a late start? 🙋🏽‍♀️

12/05/2023

❄️🤍 Happy December, friend! 🤍❄️

Yeah, I know I’m a few days late, but life has been life-ing hardcore lately. Like, I refilled my meds early if that helps explain things a little better. 😆

Anyway…

I hope you’re well, getting there, or finding the support to reach wellness.

Y’all it’s December! 👀

Weren’t we all just putting out pumpkins, plaid, and mums? These last few months have passed entirely too fast, and I honestly feel like I haven’t even gotten to enjoy all the seasonal fun and happenings out there.

I know it’s just “the times” and the ongoing work work work feelings of this part of the year, but damn, I want to enjoy it too!

I guess as grownups our fun and holiday magic just evolve into us creating those memories for our littles and loved ones. We get to carry on and pass along those traditions while making new ones.

We just have to remember in the mix of the mess that can be life and work to add in some extra magic for ourselves. ❤️

11/10/2023

⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️

09/29/2023

🎶 We're gonna have a funky good time! 🎶 Lunch with a view!

09/27/2023

Happy Wednesday!

These are the moments I live for. ❤️
Mornings can get pretty hectic if baby wakes up before I head out to take JP to school, but this morning was slow, calm, and just what my mama heart needed.

Our sweet girl woke up ready for a story, and like the awesome big brother he his, JP jumped right at the chance to read to her. 🥰

Why can’t every morning be this quiet or this cute?! 🤣

We hope you have a beautiful day!

09/27/2023

Happy Taco Tuesday! 🌮❤️

*the cricket is a paid actor* 🤣

09/25/2023

09/23/2023

It’s a fuzzy slipper kind of day! ❤️

This has been quite the week with busy school days, doctor appointments, working on content, prepping for Mimi’s birthday, and trying to eliminate the ever growing pile of laundry. I swear it doubles overnight! 🤣

So today is all about REST! Yes, truly resting. We will be in pajamas all day, eating our favorites, taking random naps, catching up on reading, and watching our shows.

Comfort and cuddles all. day. long!

Hope you have a beautifully blessed and relaxing day! ❤️

09/22/2023

It’s officially the last Friday of summer! 👋🏽☀️ What will you miss most about the season? What are you excited for in fall?

Me? … 🤔

I’ll miss the freedom of lazy summer days, but I’m excited for fall family celebrations, cooler temperatures, and no mosquitoes! 🙌🏽

09/20/2023

My picky eater survival tip? Freeze-dried fruit! 🙌🏽

JP’s SPD (sensory processing disorder) makes eating anything mushy or too soft incredibly hard for him. Lots of gagging. 😩

Since he’s not eating certain textures, JP misses out on foods that are good for him (and once ate) like berries and bananas! This is where the freeze-dried fruit comes in.

He gets the flavor, the nutrients, and none of the mush! I also don’t have to worry about any food going bad. You know how it goes…

One week they are in love with something, and the next they hate it. This is, of course, after you’ve already bought extra. 😑

Freeze-dried fruits are also a great addition to lunchboxes because they don’t have to be kept cold, and you don’t have to worry about browning!

Do you have any picky eater tips or favorites we should try?

09/20/2023

Starbucks and popcorn are a Target must! ❤️

06/23/2023

This is 37! ❤️🙌🏽

It seems like just yesterday I was hitting the big “3-0”, and here I am now, inching closing to 40. 😳

I’ve always heard people say they feel more comfortable in their skin as they get older, and I see what they mean. I’m not the smallest (never have been), and I’m okay with that. These curves came with maturity, food adventures, and bringing my beautiful babies into this world. My body fed JP for over 3 years, and I’m getting closer to 9 months every day with Mimi.

My skin is honestly the best looking it has been IN MY LIFE! 🙌🏽 Pretty sure because after years of trial and error I know what works and what doesn’t. I still experiment here and there because I can’t help but love skincare! 😍

I’m more comfortable with saying no and quitting, which is an absolute blessing. When I tell you it has helped my mental health in the most amazing ways! I was suuuuch a people pleaser (I still am in ways), but I’ve learned when to please and when to walk away.

I love with every cell in my body and bit of energy in my soul, and I’m not sorry about it. I’ve been called “too much”, “ridiculous”, and so much more all because I care. Yeah I’m passionate, emotional, fiery, bitchy, silly, empathetic, stubborn, creative, and one of the best damn people I know. Yeah, I’m awesome, and I’m not afraid to toot my own horn. TOOT TOOT, baby! 😘😎

I’ve learned just how vital it is to care for myself, and I embrace it now every chance I get. For many years, I skipped out on my physical, mental, and emotional health to save other’s feelings or put their care above my own. It made me someone I didn’t know, and caused me loads of distress. With therapy, meds, and more IDGAF 😆, I love where I am.

The character development is on point, but I still have A LOT of learning and growing to do. I know with passing time there will be more change (hopefully all positive), and I’m here for it!

Cheers to 37! 🥂🥳

05/21/2023

Just two rescued fur dudes living their best lives! 🐾

All of our dogs have been rescues, and each has been the sweetest. Through deployments, moving all over, and having our little ones, our furbabies have been right there along for the ride. Shamrock and Bolo have since passed on, but Kain and Duke are here showing love for them all.

And one way we show our love to them is filling their bowls and bellies with Nom Nom! We were gifted a variety of flavors to treat our boys to nutrient packed, delicious meals.

Created in small batches and packed up fresh, Nom Nom is mixed to cater to your dogs very own dietary needs. With Kain being our senior (almost 13 years old), he won’t require the same intake as Duke. And with our hot summers, I know they are getting some extra hydration through their food.

Show some delicious love to your pups, rescued or not, with Nom Nom!

03/17/2023

🌈☘️ Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️🌈

🍀 ❤

03/03/2023

Hi, friend! 👋🏽 I just wanted to check in with you and see how you’ve been. ❤️ Can you believe it’s already March?! I feel like I’m still not settled into the new year, and we’re three months in now. I JUST took my Christmas tree down. No, I am not joking! 😆

Life and its curveballs! Things can be going your way and then BAM! All hell breaks loose, and the world feels like absolute chaos. Whew, those times are tough, but we’ve got this! You’ve got this!

But we don’t do that toxic positivity around here, and if you happen to not “got this”, know that I’ll be here if you need. I know I can’t do much with our distance, but I can still be there for you. We can talk to find a solution, if possible, or I can just sit and listen. I know how important it can be to just release what’s on your mind.

But I get that sometimes you just don’t want to talk, and that’s okay too. The right words to express ourselves can be hard to find. Trust me, I’ve been there. Just please remember to give yourself grace and extra care in those moments. Your body and mind need it, and it will do your heart so much good.

Hard days and moments will pass, and you’ve made it through so much to be here today!

I didn’t want to keep you too long, but just know that you’re amazing, loved, and blessed. I hope March brings you good luck and all your heart needs. ❤️ Now I’m off to change what appears, and smells, to be a massive diaper blowout! 😳 We’ll talk again soon. Love ya!

02/21/2023

Why didn’t anyone tell me I would have to relearn lessons I thought parenting for nearly 11 years had already taught me?

I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish today since it was a “free” day at home without our usual daily routine. I wouldn’t have to stop midway on a task to hop in the car for parent pick-up. There would be no rushing through a chore so I could make it to an appointment on time. I’d just take my time and mark off things I NEED to do because the house looks and smells like a landfill.

I didn’t do one thing on that list.

See the picture I posted? This is what I’ve done pretty much the entire day. Nurse, cuddle, and be “nap trapped”. I did also dish out Robux, hit the drive-thru for JP’s favorite fries, and watch the kids giggle back and forth at each other.

Truthfully, I was irritated and felt like I wasted a day. I could have accomplished so much if I just hadn’t surrendered to parenting.

Surrendering. Is it just me, or does that sound awful? It makes me feel some type of way in the pit of my stomach. I guess because surrendering literally means to stop resisting an enemy. Parenting isn’t the enemy, neither are my babies. The enemy here is the crappy guilt we’re made to feel. Guilt that shouldn’t exist.

I had to take a step back and think about the moments I had today. I might not have been able to do what was on my list, but I accomplished a lot more.

Trust me, there are days that go to absolute sh*t, feelings get hurt, and nothing gets done. This wasn’t that. This was me loving, savoring, and caring for what does exist, my b
So here I am giving myself grace and learning again that the dishes and laundry can wait. Honestly, I didn’t want to do them anyway. 💁🏽‍♀️

06/24/2022

This is 36! 🥰 Grays for days, but I wouldn’t change a thing! Another year older, wiser, and more tired. 🤣

Monday was my birthday, and I’ve spent the week celebrating with Netflix, Disney+, take out, living on the couch, and plenty of cuddles. Oh, and I’ve skipped all laundry! 🙌🏽 I can’t complain too much about that!

Here’s to another blessed year around the sun. ❤️

🎉

06/22/2022

“Mommy, can I sleep with you?”

Sleep?! No sleep here. You brought your pillow, but stole mine. I mean, I don’t blame him, my is pretty freakin’ awesome!

And now you’re reenacting Enter the Dragon on the side of my head.

I guess there was more emphasis on the “I sleep” when he came in.

Hey, JP, Daddy likes cuddles too! 🤣

06/20/2022

I have to give the biggest birthday shoutout to my sister from another mister, my shoulder to cry on, and the holder of a piece of my heart, Polly Bailes Smith.

From the moment we met, we just hit it off! We connected over our mutual disdain for someone’s outfit, and instantly became friends. 😆 It’s horrible to say we were talking 💩 about someone (amongst ourselves), and being kinda sorta terrible people brought us together, but hey, it is what it is! But the Lord knows our hearts. 🤣

Borderline sharing a birthday and the same unruly, curly hair. Bingeing Friends and I Love Lucy. Drinking wine and eating cheesecake became tradition (not the best combo 🤣). Mai Tai sipping on birthdays. Keeping Mama Bailes up because we were being too loud. Terrible nicknames (you will forever be P-Dizzle)! Fun nights that became long mornings. A friend who became family.

But seriously, Polly has been a part of honestly every major moment in my life. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have met . She’s the one who pushed me to give him a chance. She was there when I had doubts and was stubborn. She held my hand during deployments and welcome home ceremonies.

Then she abandoned me for an education and her future husband. It’s okay. It’s not like I’m still angry about it or anything. I’m just sayin’... 🤷🏽‍♀️

Polly was one of the first people to learn I was pregnant with JP. She cried with me, listened to my fears, and literally talked me back into sanity more times than I can count.

She came all the way to El Paso, TX from West Virginia, twice, even though she swore she never would. 😂 She held me up during my pregnancy, and then held my baby boy soon after. And from day one of Jaiden being in our lives, she’s loved on him so wholeheartedly.

Polly, I truly can’t say thank you enough for being the friend and sister that you have been. No matter the time or distance, you are always there for me. I feel blessed to have met you, and grateful for all the years we have ahead. We all love you so much and wish you the best birthday! ❤️😘

06/20/2022

👔❤️ Happy Father’s Day! ❤️👔

Wishing the best Father’s Day to the most awesome dads I know! Not only have both been selfless and sacrificing in their service to this country, they’ve been even more as dads.

I could speak for a lifetime on why and how much I love them, and it still wouldn’t be long enough to say it all. I’m so incredibly thankful and blessed to have these amazing men in my life. ❤️

06/19/2022

❤️💚🖤 Juneteenth 🖤💚❤️

"Every year we must remind successive generations that this event triggered a series of events that one by one defines the challenges and responsibilities of successive generations. That’s why we need this holiday." – Al Edwards

Happy & blessed Juneteenth!

06/13/2022

Our new HRC gear is here just in time for Augusta Pride next week!🏳️‍🌈 All my other shirts are so faded now that you can’t tell what they say so a little shopping was needed. The mug was necessary as well even though I barely have cabinet space left! I can’t pass up a big mug! 😆

🌈

06/11/2022

When you and your bestie are goofballs! 😜

They were both so excited that their character ice creams ACTUALLY looked like the characters. I remember getting these as a kid, and they always looked like they were melted, refrozen, and melted again. Always missing one of their gumball eyes! 😆

Like, I didn’t know Leonardo from TMNT was actually a Cyclops! 🤣🤣🤣

☀️

06/08/2022

This photo popped up in my memories, and I couldn’t help but shed a tear. Well, more like lots of tears, but Y’ALL… 😭 My baby isn’t a baby anymore!

I can’t believe this tiny bundle of love is going to be 10 years old in just a couple of months! Where has the time gone? It’s sooo true when they say the days are long but the years are short. ❤️

06/06/2022

🥳🎉 Congrats, JP! 🎉🥳

After two years learning from home, we were worried there’d be issues with JP joining a class again. That can be a lot for any kid but especially one living with SPD and APD! He did fantastic though and strived to do his very best. We couldn’t be more proud! 🥹❤️

There were some hiccups along the way, but he pushed through and made sure to improve. Lots of hard work went into this year, but we know we couldn’t have done it without his amazing team of teachers!

When I tell you these ladies were on it, they were ON IT! Phone calls, meetings, messages, and updates were always available, and that helped so much when communicating where JP was and what else he needed educationally. We’ve been at FPS from kindergarten, and every teacher, TA, and Para we’ve worked with has been so supportive and beneficial!

Congratulations, JP, on another awesome year and officially being a 4th grader! 🎉 We can’t wait to see just how much you continue to learn and grow! ❤️

💙

06/03/2022

Well we missed our appointment due to the train, but the day was saved with a couple of scoops from and donuts from ! Hey, it is National Doughnut Day after all. 🍩❤️

Speaking of, do you spell it donut or doughnut? 🤔 🤷🏽‍♀️ Anyway…

After our sweet treats, we headed over to the park so JP could burn off some energy, and I could just plain burn up. Y’all, it is HOT! 🥵 I was melting, but it was worth it to see JP enjoying some fun in the sun.

On the way home, JP said the train knew we needed a break. I just laughed, but maybe he’s right? With so much life and scary stuff happening, maybe we needed that train to stop up in our tracks as a simple reminder to just slow down, take our time, and enjoy the day. Or it could be Monica needs to get her rear in gear and stop being late!

Yeah, I’m gonna go with what JP said. 😆

06/02/2022

What’s on your summer reading list? 📖 I’m visiting some favorites again, and I added in recommendations from friends.

I don’t get to read as much as I’d like during the school year because our days can get super busy, but once summer vacation hits, it’s ON!

I have another stack with mostly (my favorite) ready to go once I finish these. 📚

An ice cold drink in one hand with a good book in the other sounds like a great summer to me. 😎

05/23/2022

Happy Monday from a very happy Duke! ❤️🐕

So how have you been? I know it’s been a while since I shared in GramLand other than a story here or there. I decided to take a break because my body and mind needed it. Hey, it is Mental Health Awareness Month after all! 😁

We’ve had a lot of life happening, and I KNOW you know how that feels! Busy days where there just aren’t enough hours to get everything done. Family and/or friends wanting you one place but you need to be in another. If you have little ones, end of year testing, testing, and more testing! 😩 These last two weeks have been brutal.

Oh, and then there’s trying to figure out what to do for the summer. Staycation? Vacation? Just sit at home, avoid the cooties, and enjoy your air conditioner? I’m seriously leaning toward that last option, but OMGoodness I am needing some beach time something fierce! 😍

You don’t have to nearly fall off the face of the Earth like I did for two weeks (even though I highly recommend it), but remember in all the hectic mess that can be life, taking a break is necessary. You see that last word? Necessary. Yep, it’s needed. Your body and mind crave it so just cave in, and let yourself breathe. ❤️

Yes, I know, easier said than done. But once the busy slows down, or you get even the smallest break, remember to give yourself that moment. You know you’ll feel better inside and out. Hey, it might even cut some of that tension that’s sitting in the air.

Take that break when it comes around, sit in it, and truly enjoy it before the next round of “what the F” gets started. 😆 You’ll be happy you did! ❤️

Sending you lots of hugs & love from GA!

05/06/2022

Happy anni-Zoloft-versary to me!🎉
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and marks my 1 year of having a little extra happiness with breakfast. 😁

And seriously, it was a struggle to get here. I didn’t want it, and I didn’t “need” it.

“Why would I need a pill to help me enjoy life? Yeah, some days are harder than others, but what do I know about it being truly tough?”

I even kept saying if I just push to be better, to do better, then my mind would be better. 🤣 Yeah, sure, Monica. 🙄

“Maybe I can pray more?
What if I just pretend I’m okay? You know, fake it until I make it! My life isn’t that hard!”

But it was hard for ME. That’s what gets you. You compare your struggles to others and skip out on the help. I did need some extra support. I did need medication. I needed it more than I wanted to be honest with myself about. I needed it a decade ago, but I got in my own way. And getting in my own way only made things worse.

Anxiety mixed with depression is a beast.

It makes me sad how much life I missed out on because I was in a depressed fog. I was there, I have the memories, but they are tainted. I think of how many times I wanted to not be here anymore. Just leave the sadness behind and have some peace. Yeah, surprise, my anxiety was not having that.

I often wonder how many fun moments I’ve ruined because my anxiety made me a mess. How many times has my mind screwed up the day, upset John, or hurt JP in ways I won’t know until he’s older?

But I can’t live that way. I don’t live that way as much as possible. I’ve got this little blue pill and a damn good therapist to support me in this process because “mom guilt” is a hell of a drug.

I am “better”, but this is a daily part of my life. It’s not a struggle anymore, but I have to work at it. I’m day by day creating better memories for me and my family, and I’m happy I’m here to celebrate that. My little Zoloft is my “breakfast of champions”, and I’m so thankful for it.

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Monday morning activities! 📚❤️ We’re on the hunt for new favorites for the fam! We got some really great recommendations for the kids from our friends over on IG, and I’m excited for our littles to dive right in. Got a favorite we should check out? 📕 #mondaymornings #barnesandnoble #booklovers #childrensbooks #childrensliterature #kidlit #picturebooksforkids #boardbooks #readallthebooks #readbannedbooks