Mama, did they tell you?

Recently I have been thinking a lot about motherhood and all of the wonderful things everyone shares. They are true, but there are also some other things that are true but aren't shared as much because they aren't the wonderful, perfect picture of "motherhood" we think we need people to see. I think it is important to talk about these things while remembering the good things that come from the hard things.

It is HARD. We know it is, but why don't we share the things we struggle with more often? I know I am always comforted knowing that others experience similar struggles and being able to hear how they got through them. Let's help each other out, okay mama? Don't be afraid to share the struggles, or the wonderful things you learn from them.

We hear you in the middle of the night crying. We know it is hard to go from sleeping through the night for a month straight to waking up every hour for the last four nights. There are mom's out there that will tell you it gets better. Their kids are grown up and moved out. Their house is quiet at night. They will tell you to enjoy even the middle of the night awakenings because you will miss them. Yes, this is true, but do you know how hard it is to keep that in mind when you are experiencing it? VERY! Sometimes it doesn't feel like it will ever get better. It is okay to feel like this! There are times when it feels like you will never sleep again. There are also times when you have the best sleep you have ever had. You're napping with your baby boy on your chest. He is with you and safe. You feel peace of mind. It's quiet. He's happy. You sleep better than you ever have. These moments compliment each other. The long, hard nights make the naps amazing.

Mama, did they tell you that you won't recognize your body after? Did they tell you that you might try new things to feel better about yourself? New hairstyles, new clothes, new makeup? Did they tell you nothing can make you feel 100% yourself? The thing is, you need to accept the new you. Celebrate the new changes. Celebrate the hard things you learned that your body can do. Work to become the new you you want to be. Find things that make you feel happy about your body. Find the things you love about your new body. Do you love that it can carry a 2 year old, 5 month old, sippy cup, bottle, water bottle, phone, blanket, binky, burp cloth, stuffed animal and snacks down the stairs while shutting the baby gate behind you? Do you love that you can translate "Mo, ticky, blow! Hop hop side!" to "I want my Mickey Mouse blanket. I heard the wind blow. I want to jump on the trampoline outside."? So yes, you won't recognize your body. It is different. Find new ways to love yourself and improve yourself. It is okay to feel different. But find those new talents you have and love them!

We hear you when you are at the end of the rope and it is only 11 am and your toddler decided this is the day to skip his nap. You don't get a break. We hear you. It is hard. You feel lonely. This is something no one shares. How is it possible to feel lonely when you are never alone? You literally have the people you love the most with you constantly. The emotions are impossible to explain. You feel so alone even though your toddler is holding your hand and your husband keeps telling you what an amazing job you are doing. How can you feel alone? How can you feel worthless? Mama, I know it is so hard to hear this, BUT YOU ARE SO IMPORTANT!! YOU ARE YOUR BABIES FAVORITE PERSON IN THE WORLD!! You are FAR from worthless. Your children don't know anyone else as much as they know you. They know when they cry you are there for them. They know when they are smiling you are smiling with them. They know your smell, your voice, your touch. They NEED you.

Mama, times are hard. It is far from easy. But those moments when you are crying and your 2 year old son comes and kisses you on the cheek make it way more than worth it. Those moments when it seems like your baby girl just knows that you needed her to touch your face and look you in the eyes and smile. Those chubby hands and dirty feet running around make you feel a whole whirlwind of emotions. Mama, there are hard emotions, but there are also a lot of good ones. Don't be afraid to talk about the hard times. But always remember the good things people tell you. They are true. Remember the slobbery kisses and gummy smiles you get. So experience your hard moments, don't hide them. We all have them. But in the end, focus on the good moments, because there will be far more good moments than hard ones. I promise.

LIFE CHANGES.

LIVE IT.

LOVE IT.