It’s been just over a year since I’ve been a mother.  Time sure does fly when your having fun.  Watching Carlota change and grow right before my very eyes is such an amazing gift.  The thing I never realized was that I would be changing and growing right along with her.  Many things that used to matter to me before baby….just don’t anymore.  My outlook on life has shifted, and I would sacrifice anything to give my daughter happiness.

Those first few months when Carlota was first born all seem like a blur to me now. (You can read her birth story here).  Everything was so new and scary.  I constantly worried I was doing something wrong.  I’m the type of person who wants to do everything perfectly and lets be honest there is no such thing as a “perfect” mom.  I needed to get out of the house but then would panic when the baby started to cry in public.  I can still remember the anxiety I had when she cried on a walk, in a restaurant, in the car etc..  Would family, friends, or even strangers think I wasn’t a good mom?  That I didn’t know what I was doing?  These were constant thoughts in my head.  It doesn’t help when everyone tries to tell you what YOUR baby needs when they are crying.  “YES I know they are probably hungry”…. but as I’m paying for my groceries I can’t really stand here nursing my child!!  (I quickly figured out how to nurse and run errands using my carrier and this erased a lot of my baby crying stress.)

The first few months are hard!!  At this point I don’t know how you mothers do it with multiple children….you are superwomen for sure!!  It does get easier…and at some point you will miss those early days.  At about the 4 months mark is when I started to have my groove.  I started to be more confident in my knowledge and how I was raising my child and let all the outside advice or comments roll off my back.

There are many theories and books telling you what you need to do in that first year of life.    There is a lot of advice that can be contradictory and confusing.  This is especially true when it comes to sleep!  If there was only one right way to raise a child we would all be doing it.  The truth is that every baby and family are different.  What might work for one may not be the best option for another.   I have learned that you just have to trust your gut. Do what you believe is best for you and your baby.  Don’t worry if you’re not doing  what is written in the textbook.  There is no such thing as a perfect mom and you are bound to mess up at some point…..that’s OK!!!!  As long as you are giving love and support to your child thats what really matters.

That one piece of advice I would give is to find a mommy support group.  I was so fortunate to meet such wonderful mamas in a mommy and me group when Carlota was just 6 weeks old.  These ladies will be friends for life.  I don’t know how I would have survived the first year without them.

Looking back what advice would you give to someone starting this journey?

Today I’ve linked up with Alia from Little Mrs Priss and Sarah from Sew Sarah R.  Its fun to collaborate and support other bloggers.  To submit your post, use the button below to post a link back to this link-up, so everyone can come and visit.

Leggings: Lululemon old (Similar and great price here and here) //

On Carlota

Sweater and Jumper:  Bonds //

Sneakers: Munich //