Mama
Why being the parent of a 1-year-old is simply exhausting
Who can help me find my phone? We need Daniel Tiger STAT.
Pick me up —14-month-old
Who run the world? Girls. How could we do it without our mom friends? Grandma? Favorite aunt? Generous mother-in-laws? What did we do before help was just a Facebook question or Google away? The Internet is sometimes blamed for pushing us apart, but this week, we're celebrating all the ways it is bringing us as moms together. Thanks for being a part of our team.XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Mommy Nearest is an awesome app that helps you find local events and activities nearby—and you just might find your new best mom friend. Baby this week: At 14 months, your little one's gross motor development picks up—meaning he can move sideways and even up stairs (while you stand safely next to him!). Try this: Encourage coordination (and cleaning) by having your newly mobile tot pick up toys and place them into a basket. What a good helper!
What goes up —13-month-old
My house isn't messy. It's custom designed by a toddler. What goes up must come down. All that laundry you folded? Your toddler prefers it on the ground. That amazing organic homemade baby lunch you made? Your little one wants to see how it looks on the kitchen floor. Motherhood humbles you. But that's also when you learn that the simple things are all that really matter—and that less is so much more. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Baby this week: You might have noticed that your little one's favorite game is "drop it on the floor." It's annoying—but it's a great sign that your little scientist is aiming to understand his world. Try this: Encourage the behavior (at least anytime other than meal time!). Baby will feel confident and supported by you.
Winning at #momlife —13-month-old
You know the feeling: Your baby is wearing his cutest outfit. You showered and styled your hair. (WHAT WHAAAT ♀️.) You (finally!) arrived to an appointment on time. Some days you just find your mama groove, and nothing can stop you. Except a toddler meltdown in aisle nine. Those will stop you right in your tracks. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Starbucks' app lets you order ahead to make it faster for you to go from "don't talk to me" to "I've got this." ☕️ Baby this week: An independent streak is emerging. Who is this super-demanding tiny person? Try this: Start asking for your baby's opinion between two equal things. Red cup or blue? Pink pants or green? House white or red? Even if she can't give her opinion, she'll love that you asked.
I work out —13-month-old
Let's guess: You suddenly understand the baby leash people. Now we're not saying that you're about to take little Greyson or Ella for a walk in the doggie park, but your on-the-go child has you second guessing your anti-leash stance. Life is getting busy, mama. And it's getting oh so good.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. We've found that our bellies need a little more support (read: a higher rise) from workout pants after we had our babies. Our favorite leggings for chasing after your little one. Baby this week: At 13 months, your baby is more steady on his feet and might even start to run! Try this: Now that your toddler has total control of his movement, it's time to make sure your house is completely babyproofed, including locks on cabinets and gates near any stairs. Our list here.
This is what every new mama needs from her friends
You want to help her. Here’s how.
Here she is! —12-month-old
Be where you are. You are here, mama. You have a one-year-old (!), the confidence of an experienced mother, and have been rocking this #momlife for a whole twelve months. My, look how YOU have grown!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. The cutest bows for your little babe come from Little Poppy's monthly subscription box. $12/ month for the sweetest accessories we ever did see. Baby this week: Your smart little one will start to use objects correctly. Try this: Hand her a hairbrush and let her comb through her baby locks. What a big girl!
What does the cow say? —12-month-old
Motherhood is a strength. We say that motherhood is the ultimate superpower. Your toddler? Well he says, "mamamamamamamamamama." (Our favorite word.) One of the best parts of life with your one-year-old is finally getting to hear what's going inside that cute little head. Lots more talking, coming right up!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Time to upgrade your diaper bag? We love Pottery Barn Baby's on-the-go bags for busy mamas—so classically styled that nobody will even know they're made for lugging diapers! Fawn Design's diaper bags work as crossbody bags or backpacks for hands free-momming. Both = LOVE. Baby this week: Your growing toddler loves to learn animal names and the sounds they make. Try this: A simple animal names board book provides ample opportunity to teach animal sounds—now go make your best barnyard noises, mama!
Breaking through —12-month-old
I can do anything. Um hello—superhero status! Motherhood is super demanding. But on the plus side, all of those late nights, early mornings and too-short naps have made you more resilient than you ever thought possible. You're kind of becoming a pro at this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Now for your reward: Dwell + Slumber make dreamy house dresses that you can live and sleep in—pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding + beyond. Feeling comfy never looked so good. Baby this week: By this point, most toddlers have at least one tiny little tooth, though timelines vary widely from kid to kid. (Check with your dentist.) Try this: Make sure you're brushing those little chompers with a training toothbrush and water. Adult supervision required.
Mama’s secrets —13-month-old
So now you know all the secrets of motherhood. The secret of why mama's coffee is always (ALWAYS!) cold. The secret shushhhhhhing sound that makes your toddler fall right asleep. The secret move that lets you change a diaper without a poop-related situation. The secret way your heart transforms when a child enters your life. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. One more secret: These 6 leggings are our secret weapons. The best we've tried, tested and rocked at daycare drop off. ✔️ Baby this week: It's not a secret that sometimes your tot is still afraid of strangers. Try this: Do something kind for the person your child fears. "What a nice grandpa!" Pat grandpa's arm. Hand him a toy. Give him a hug. Let your toddler know that everything is just fine with your actions.
Tutorial: How to take gorgeous newborn flower wreath photos
Hint: It’s easier than you think.
The space between baby and boy
Tomorrow your hair might smell of boy instead of baby, that sweet scent replaced by something unfamiliar.
My degree was not a waste of time because I choose to stay at home
My education and career shaped who I am today.
Why I apologize to my children
Because I can be wrong. I am imperfect. And I want her to know that.
7 mindful ways to connect with your baby before birth
We’ve put together a few ideas to help you mindfully connect with your bundle-to-be.
Breadwinner? Homemaker? Make peace with gender roles that work for your marriage
Who does the housework? The paid work? And who decides?