ON BEING A MOM WITH BUBBY & BEAN

Greatest Challenge as a Mom
I've only been a mom for a few weeks now, so I don't have a lot of experience with challenges yet.  But so far, I'd have to say that the greatest one for me has been the same one that every mom with a newborn faces: adjusting to a new (and very unpredictable!) sleep schedule. My husband's career keeps him away from home a lot (he is the Stage Manager for a band that is on the road six months of the year), and the first few nights he was away and I was on my own without any help were pretty brutal. I'm not very good at napping during the day, and after an average of two hours of sleep a night over three nights, I was a major zombie. I work from home so I only took a two week maternity leave, and that's been a challenge too. I have faith that I'll learn as I go though, and I know that eventually we'll create a balance that works for all of us!

Greatest Joy
My greatest joy is getting to wake up to my sweet Essley girl every morning. Seeing her sweet face brings me instant happiness. She is by far the coolest thing to ever happen to me!

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
So far, my favorite memory would be right after Essley was born, when the nurses put her on my chest, skin to skin. I had a pretty grueling 30 hour labor and quite a few scares (I was induced at 39 weeks due to Gestational Hypertension), and was at the point where I wasn't sure she'd ever arrive.  But she finally did! I was so relieved, in complete awe, and fell in love at first sight.

A Word of Advice
There is so much advice out there (and I've definitely gotten my fair share of it), but in the end, every mom/family/baby is different, and no one thing works for everyone else. So my word of advice would be to learn as you go, figure out what works best for you, and take the rest with a grain of salt. I was so worried before she was born because I had no experience, and it seemed like a lot of the advice I'd gotten and things I'd read contradicted one another. But so far, I've been able to figure it out just fine. It's amazing how much natural instinct we have as mothers!

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom
1// La Leche League International. This is such an invaluable reference and area of support for breastfeeding mothers. 2// Aden and Anais swaddle blankets.  These muslin blankets make swaddling easy (and they make great burp cloths too!). 3// WubbaNub Pacifier. Essley has the giraffe WubbaNub and she loves it. It's an easy, effective way to soothe (and so much harder to lose than regular pacifiers!). 4// Happiest Baby on the Block. A friend lent us the DVD of this and we watched it in the hospital while I was recovering. Essley is a night crier and several of the techniques Dr. Karp teaches have worked wonders for us. 5// Boppy Nursing Pillow. This thing has been basically attached to me since Essley's birth! It's comfortable for both mommy and baby, and makes nursing an even more enjoyable experience.

Find Melissa Here: Blog | Instagram | Pinterest

ON BEING A MOM WITH IN HONOR OF DESIGN

Hi, Maiedae readers! So grateful to be a guest here, especially on such a special occasion! I thought I would share some quick advice on what I finally learned the third time around after having my son Max.

There aren't really words to describe that first week of life of a child. Despite the post labor pains, sleepless nights, and adjustments at home, there is an unprecedented joy and peace that takes over my heart to have this tiny being in existence. There are only a few precious months when their innocence and dependence on you is so pure and simple.

With each child I have grown more aware of just how fleeting the time is, and so I have learned that it is really okay to ignore the laundry and the growing pile of dishes, and just hold my baby a little longer. Everything else in life will come and go, but the time we have with our children is irreplaceable and irreversible.

So my advice for new mothers is to give yourself time to get back into a groove, give yourself time to rest and find balance, and especially give yourself time to hold that new baby. And also, let your husband in. He is probably more than cautious, learning his new role as a protector and provider for a new life, and how to love you best in your new role. Give them lots of reassurance and in return they might change a few diapers and maybe give you that massage you really need. ;) 

Congratulations, Savannah, on precious little Soren! So very happy for your family!

ANNA'S FAVORITE MOMMY PICKS
1// Beoudreaux's Butt Paste - This wonder cream has saved us time and again with any diaper rash problems. Within 24 hours you see improvement and happy baby returns!

2// Lily Jade Bag - I carry around large totes to keep everything in one place when I am on the go with my three little ones. Unfortunately, most bags only have one large pocket for you to spend hours of your life rummaging to find that one pacifier. Lily Jade came to the rescue when Max was born and I now recommend it for all baby registries! Pocket heaven with enough room to fit everything you need. Versatile backpack straps for long days on your feet, and canvas inserts for easy cleaning. I can't say enough good things about it. It's all disguised in a stylish leather tote form. :)

3// Mom N Mia Natural Teethers - These have been Max's favorite thing to chew on and play with. :)

4// Life Factory Glass Bottles - Easy for the baby to hold, safe for their health, and so far, the only bottle Max will drink out of!

5// Wren and Rumor Swaddle Blankets - Softer than soft, the perfect size for swaddling, and a very fun selection of modern prints. Max likes to cuddle with this blanket now. :)

Find Anna Here: Blog | Instagram | Pinterest

Anna of In Honor of Design is such a sweet friend that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with recently. She has been my ultimate inspiration for being a great mama and running a killer business. She is a go-getter and I'm so honored to know her personally. Thank you Anna for sharing such special advice with my readers! 

ON BEING A MOM WITH SOMETIMES SWEET

Dani is such an inspirational mom. I've loved reading her blog, Sometimes Sweet, over the past couple years. Dani and her husband have two adorable little boys and I always look forward to her posts about family! :) Thank you so much, Dani, for sharing about your family and mommy-hood!

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom

It's so hard to pick just one thing, but I'd have to say that my biggest challenge is letting go. To me this is the hardest part of being a parent- because really, that's such a huge part of being a parent; letting go just a little more everyday. As much as I love watching my kids grow and evolve, there's always a tiny little part of my heart that feels sad that it's all going by so quickly. It's still shocking to me that my three-year old is THREE and my new baby boy is already close to 6 months old! How and when did that happen? So my big challenge, every single day, is really being in the now and appreciating every stage for what it is, instead of feeling sad that time is ticking on by.

Greatest Joy
My greatest joys are the simple things - Charlie's morning smiles in his crib, Henry's messy bedhead and the way he rubs his eyes when he walks out of his bedroom. It's the bedtime stories and the special lunches and the long strolls to the duck pond. The happy laughter and the silly jokes and the way it feels to hear "I love you." It's so much more than that, but the greatest joys for me are all of the everyday things.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
A recent one would have to be when Henry met Charlie for the first time at the hospital, right after I gave birth. It was amazing. We had anticipated that moment for so long but nothing had prepared me for what it would feel like to see my oldest son holding my youngest. I'd say it was one of the most beautiful memories of my life, so far.

A Word of Advice
For new moms, do what works best for you and your family. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks their way is the best way, because it's the way that works for them. So read the books, check out the blogs…but in the end listen to your own instincts and do what is best for you.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom
1// As far as blogs go, here are a couple: We Seek Joy, which is my friend N'Tima's space all about her life and her new baby girl. Her writing is great and she inspires me daily to see the beauty in the little things. I also love Small Fry Blog, which is a blog geared for parents and is chock full of fabulous content, ideas, and inspiration.

2// The Snuza. This is a little device that clips to your baby's diaper and sounds an alarm if he stops breathing. Invaluable. We used this with Henry and use it now with Charlie. Best baby product ever. I wrote more about it in a Hello Giggles column, if you'd like more info.

3// Mom's One Line a Day Journal. This is such a fun little book and so easy to use, because you just have to write down one line a day. This is a great keepsake, and such a fun place to record all of the little things (funny quotes, random stories) that might otherwise be forgotten.

4// Solly Baby Wrap. This was my favorite thing during those first newborn months. Nothing is better than wearing your baby, and having them so close all day, and the Solly Wrap is by far the lightest, best, and easiest to use. I can't recommend it enough.

5// Timer Cam App. Seems like a silly thing, but I love using this app on my iPhone to take photos of the boys and me during the day. It's so important for me to actually be in the photos too (as the main picture-taker of the family I have to make a conscious effort to do this), so the timer app is a great way to capture moments when my husband is at work. And this one is my favorite.

Find Dani here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

ON BEING A MOM WITH CUPCAKE MAG

Casi is such an inspirational mommy with 5 beautiful children! She's the founder of CupcakeMAG and is an overall super-mom. Casi and I recently connected and I immediately loved her sweet and positive personality! Thank you for sharing some mommy knowledge with me and my readers!  

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom

As a Mom of 5, my biggest challenge continues to be creating that perfect balance from work and family. Being a work-at-home mom - I have many hats as founder of cupcakeMAG, as a publicist, as a writer, but most importantly as a mom. It's a fine line that I continue to tweak each day in hopes that it eventually won't be a challenge. It can be so hard to switch hats especially when working from home. But if this is my greatest challenge, I will take it, because I feel so lucky to be able to do it.

Greatest Joy
The greatest joy is the unconditional love a child gives you. No matter what kind of day I am having, their smiles make it THAT much better.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
The kisses. All of the kisses! Grayson, my 15-month-old gives some mean sloppy kisses and they always make me laugh. Just watching their personalities shine each day as they continue to grow creates a beautiful memory I always will cherish.

A Word of Advice
Follow your heart. Forget all of the advice and do what you think is best for your family. Whether it's bottle feeding, breast feeding, co-sleeping -- you have to do what is best for you regardless of what the baby books say.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom
1// Pinterest of course is the never-ending website of inspiration. While sometimes it makes me feel like I need to step-up my game at the next 1st grade party, it always gives me such great ideas.

2// I can't leave without notebooks. I currently have at least 5 that I am using on my desks because I am constantly making lists after lists to stay organized. Currently I am obsessing over this one from Sugar and Type.

3// Of course, Babble is one of my favorite parenting sites I love to cruise. You can check out my posts there too! I love reading all of the fun posts on Babble.

4// I absolutely love Stokke. I don't know how I pushed any other stroller. I am obsessed and in-love with all of their amazing products.

5// Freshly Picked moccasins. Need I say more? They are the best baby shoes on the planet. Check them out!

Find Casi here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest

ON BEING A MOM WITH JEN LOVES KEV

I first met Jen in Austin at a conference and just loved her sweet spirit! She has a beautiful site, Jen Loves Kev, filled with posts on being a momma, lifestyle, fashion, and super creative DIY projects. I'm planning on doing her printed family t-shirt DIY soon! Her two little ladies are just the cutest! Thank you so much Jen for sharing!! 

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom

My greatest challenge as a new mom was learning to trust myself. Everyone has something to say about parenting. Even people who aren't parents have something to say about parenting. It can be sooo political. It's hard to not let the "mommy guilt" take over when you think you aren't doing it as well as someone else. The truth is we are all doing our best. We know our little ones better than anyone! So we when learn to trust our own instincts and believe we are making the best decisions for our babes, motherhood is a whole lot sweeter. Everyone should give themselves a pat on the back! Or a piece of chocolate.

Greatest Joy
Oh my goodness! Doing anything for the first time with your baby is like the best thing ever. First christmas, first time to the beach, first time to the zoo, etc... I usually choke up over everything. It's just the sweetest to see them experience something new. Everything is magical, even for you as the parent. We are always out on adventures with our kids.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
Oh boy! This sure changes a lot. I keep thinking "this has to be the sweetest moment" then the next week something else happens and I think "now this is the sweetest". Ha! Lately though, I have been so in love with watching my girls play together. My daughter Finley just turned one and she is finally starting to be at an age where she can really play with her sister. My older daughter, Rowan, makes her laugh like no one else. It just melts my heart.

A Word of Advice
That being a mom is enough! As women, I feel like the world (and ourselves) puts so much pressure on us to be perfect at so many things. That being "just" a mom isn't good enough. What a lie! We need to know that raising children is such an act of selflessness. Something that should be valued and respected. We are teaching them, loving them, caring for them, and showing them how to grow into this world. It truly is one of the greatest blessings.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom 
1// Aden and Anais Swaddles: Our most used baby product. We use them for EVERYTHING!

2// Kelly Mom: Tips for all things nursing. So helpful!

3// Little Hip Squeaks: Our favorite baby accessories.

4// Haba: Our favorite brand of baby/toddler toys.

5// Beaba Babycook: I am slightly obsessed with making baby food. It is so fun!

Find Jen here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest

ON BEING A MOM WITH LUNE VINTAGE

Jill is the creator of Lune Vintage where she writes and sells beautiful pieces in her vintage shop. She lives with her beautiful family, including her two children in Canada. Jill is such a beautiful, free-spirited person and I'm so thankful that she was willing to share a little snippet of her life and wisdom about being a mom. Thank you, Jill! 

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Greatest Challenge as a Mom

Having a family hasn't slowed us down when it comes to going out, spending time in our city, and enjoying traveling. In fact, since we became parents we have really stepped it up in the traveling, camping, and exploration departments. However, I sometimes miss the days of being able to just pick up spontaneously and spend a night out. I realize now that I never fully appreciated those quick dates with my husband. These days when we are able to arrange childcare, it feels like a mini vacation. On the flip side, I suppose I really do value a rare restaurant meal where all the cutlery and condiments don't need to be piled on my side of the table, and no drinks are spilled in my lap.

Greatest Joy
My greatest joy in becoming a mother is how much my understanding of "love" has grown. When you are a child, you understand love as it applies to your caregivers, friends, and (hopefully) yourself. As a young adult you suddenly understand an overwhelming new romantic love, and its discovery changes your life forever. When you become a parent, you are blessed with a brand new and incredibly consuming type of love that belongs between a mother and their child. Again, it changes who you are beyond measure. Like many parents, I had a faint worry in the back of my mind that I couldn't possibly have enough love in me to give another child, but when our daughter was born, that concern vanished into thin air. Being a mom had expanded my capacity to love and transformed me more than I could have ever hoped for. More than I even knew I desired to change.

Favorite Memory Being a Mom
This summer (2013) we took a road trip together to Banff & Jasper, AB. It was the perfect family trip. Everyone got along so well despite two weeks of staying in single hotel rooms and traveling for long hours in a tiny car. We got a ridiculous amount of fresh air and learned so much together, from close encounters with the bones of many towering dinosaurs, to touring a century old coal mine, walking among mountain goats, climbing up an ancient glacial ice field, hiking and boating, and marveling at thundering waterfalls, to towering above the world on Sulphur Mountain. Seeing my kids (and husband) so fascinated and absorbed in the wonder of every day that vacation made my heart sing. I'm looking forward to so many more adventures together.

A Word of Advice
There is no doubt that becoming a parent is a huge, life changing decision. It's so frightening passing that threshold even when you are certain it is what you want, because you know there is really no way of going back. Your life as you once knew it will never be exactly the same again. Things will be harder in some ways. You'll find yourself waking up earlier and earlier, and having less time to relax or some days even to take a deep breath. But what you do have a say in will be how you choose to value yourself as an individual. Continue to make something that nourishes you as a person a priority. You might have to take a little break from it for the first 3 months or so, but I promise, it always gets easier. You provide your children with a valuable example by showing them that sometimes it's necessary to wait for what they want, and that they are not the centre of the universe (although they secretly are the centre of yours). A healthy and satisfied spirit means you'll be a happy mom who has so much to give to her kids.

5 Resources You LOVE as a Mom 
1// Our favourite Apps are Endless Alphabet and Endless Reader by Originator Inc - $0.99. They are excellent for young kids. My daughter is two and a half and already knows most of her letter sounds and I have a feeling that the colorful, silly animations this app offers has a lot to do with it.

2// Palmers Cocoa Butter Stick has smoothed my babies' cheeks and rough spots for 8 years. It's wonderful.

3// I wish I would have known what a wonder baby wipes are before I had kids! They remove makeup in a flash, and are perfect for hair dye cleanup! I use them to clean up spills and remove marker from little hands. I plan on always having some in the house, even though we are pretty much done with diapers.

4// We have cold winters here in the Canadian Prairies, so warm boots are a necessity for 6 months of the year. It's a challenge to keep boots on a baby or toddler's feet - but a BC company called Stonz as a great solution for warm, waterproof, drawstring, soft booties that reach up to toddler sizes. They almost look like bags for your kids feet - but are so easy and useful. Eve wears a pair and they have held up very well. I would suggest this brand to any new parent.

5// Two words : Frozen Grapes. During Luke's second summer, my sister in law met us at a wading pool with a bag of snacks. It was a real scorcher of an afternoon. She pulled out a baggie of frozen grapes and I discovered that they are completely delicious! They stay frozen but aren't hard like ice, but rather slightly slushy and chewy. It's hard to describe, but if you haven't tried it, it's the perfect hot day snack to cool everyone off. Half them if your child is young enough to choke on a whole grape, it works just as well.

Find Jill here: Site | Instagram | Pinterest