What I’ve learned as a mother

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.

An InLinkz Link-up

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

On Carlota

Sweater and Jumper: Bonds //

Sneakers: Munich //

How has it been a year since this beautiful being has entered our life? When I first got pregnant I was so excited, but scared at the same time. Would I be a good mother? Would I know what to do? How would my life change? And the list goes on. I had no idea what to expect. Carlota came into our lives and our world has forever changed. She is such a beautiful soul and I’m so proud to be her mother.

This year has been a whirlwind. Many firsts, sleepless nights, late night online research, play dates, tantrums, pump breaks, diaper changes, tears and smiles. It has been the best year of my life, but also one of the toughest. I’m sure all you mothers reading this understand exactly what I’m talking about.

I love experiencing the world through her inquisitive eyes. Everything is so exciting and new. She loves playing outside, especially at the park. If she could go up and down the slide all day she would be very content. She is miss independent at her daycare. She likes to explore her surroundings and is chatty Cathy. We have no idea what she’s saying but she loves to talk. I wonder where she gets that from.

Her best friend at the moment is our Boston Terrier, Pinxo. They are best buddies. She runs after his favorite toy and brings it to him to play. He loves it. Not to mention she likes to feed him all her leftovers. Of course he is her sidekick. She’s a smart lady.

This weekend we celebrate Carlota’s birthday. I’m getting all the final touches ready. As much as she won’t remember it I can’t wait to look back at the photos from this amazing year and tell her all the wonderful memories she has instilled in our minds forever.

I thought I would be the one who would be teaching her about life….but as it turns out, she’s the one teaching me. I see the world very differently now with her in my life and I am very thankful for my little angel.

I can’t wait to share her first birthday with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey with us.

With love,

Andrea