Let’s just start out by saying that motherhood is the craziest, and most rewarding thing many of us will do in our lives. Before becoming a mom, I had an idea of what I thought it would look like. There are definitely aspects of motherhood that are completely different than what I expected. For example, my child is not a great sleeper. Before having Harper, I pictured a baby who slept in a bassinet in our room for a few months, and transitioned easily to her crib. HA! What I got was a baby who would only sleep in our bed with us from day one. One who co-slept with us almost every night, and woke up every hour for the first year of her life. Currently, I have an almost 2 year old who finally sleeps in a bed in her room, with the assistance of either my husband or I to get her to fall asleep at bedtime and at least once during the night.
Since Mother’s Day is only a few days away, I tend to get sentimental and think about what the past two years have meant to me. It all started with a completely unmedicated water birth at a birthing center that became like a second home to us. There were initial struggles with breastfeeding, which wound up being the beginning of a 17 month long journey. There have been a lot of sleepless nights, tears, and laughter. All of these experiences have been 110% worth it, and have resulted in the most amazing little person that is growing and changing every single day.
Today I am teaming up with a group of bloggers than I am thrilled to be able to call my friends. These ladies and I talk almost daily, and have been following one another for quite some time. Since it’s almost Mother’s Day, we thought it would be fun to get together and share our motherhood mottos. Even though we are all still fairly new to the motherhood game, it’s pretty crazy to see how quickly you learn what works for you as a parent.
Motherhood Mottos:
“Your greatest contribution to this world may not be necessarily what you do, but someone you raise. Changing the world starts with within your household.” – Hannah of Brave Blonde
“Motherhood isn’t about having a picture perfect home with spotless floors & perfect little ones running around… Motherhood is about loving on your crying baby at 3am, changing the millionth dirty diaper, & enjoying the sweet and very real moments that come along with being a mama… I’m just enjoying the journey of motherhood because these babies of ours sure won’t be little like this for long.” – Kasey of Thee Girl in Yellow
“For me, being a mama is all about doing whatever it takes. Whether it’s figuring out how to survive with a baby who doesn’t sleep, or balancing work and motherhood, we all have to do what works best for our babies and our families. We are all doing the best we can, and no one is ever going to agree with everything you do (and that’s ok!). You do you mama!” – Lindsay of Middle of Somewhere
“Motherhood for me is complete selflessness. I’m not the focus, my children are. Motherhood is all about never giving up the struggle. It’s a struggle everyday but a beautiful and fulfilling one. When you tell yourself never to give up that’s when the real beauty of a mom is shown. We fight the good fight of surviving the hard days and the good days. It’s the only job in the world I never want to quit!” – Alia of Little Mrs. Priss
“Motherhood is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. It’s important for women to learn what their core beliefs are so they can incorporate them into their parenting style + daily routine. My motherhood motto is find who you are as a mom and be that, everyone else is already taken. Find your top 5 parenting values, thrive on those and don’t fret too much about the rest.” – Lindsey of Lindsey Lee & Co
“My motherhood motto is support and patience. It’s about allowing your tiny human to find their own way, while guiding them down the right path. Then to not lose your “you know what” when they don’t make the right choice.” – Megan of The Fashionista Momma
“Motherhood is a marathon not a sprint. I’ve learned to just do the best I can and to not be so hard on myself. There is no such thing as a perfect mom.” – Andrea of With Love… Andrea
“For me, motherhood is about balance, grace, and love. Raising tiny humans is so hard and not at all glamorous, but it is also beautiful, amazing, and so rewarding. At the end of the day you just have to see the beauty in it all, give yourself grace, and embrace it. Amidst all the chaos, motherhood is a joyous journey.” Jessica of Mama Essentials
“Motherhood in the last two years has taught me strengths I didn’t know I had, fears I didn’t know I could have, but most of all a love that I didn’t know existed!! Motherhood is a wild and crazy ride that I feel so blessed to experience.” – Kayla from A Darling Dream
“Motherhood is so many things, but the one word that encompasses it all for me is selfless. A mothers life is dedicated to loving and raising her children, often with little concern for herself. It is a crazy, fun, busy journey and there is nothing that has brought me more happiness in my life than my children.” – Kaycee from Cordially, Kaycee
“I’ve only been a mom now for two years, but it has been the best two years of my life so far. Everyone always tells you when you’re pregnant that your life is going to change once a baby comes, and it does, but for the better. You see this little person that you created growing each day and experiencing things for the first time and it brings you an indescribable joy to your life. Being a parent is the hardest thing I’ve done so far, but it is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I’ve had moments in my life where I wasn’t sure if I wanted a child, and now that I have one I can’t imagine not being able to experience such a crazy type of love for someone. Does becoming a parent change your life? Absolutely, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!” – Sarah from Sew Sarah R
“Motherhood to me is trying to be present in the wonderful moments + the chaotic moments. Whether you’re present or not, time will slip right through your fingers. #YouHaveMyWholeHeartForMyWholeLife” – Stefanie from What’s Up Buttarcup
Giveaway
These lovely ladies and I are excited to be teaming up to give away the ultimate mommy and me giveaway prize pack. Be sure to enter via the Rafflecopter below. Also, remember that the more entries, the better your chance of winning is! The giveaway is open to US residents only. It will run from 12am MST on 05/10 until 05/17. One lucky winner will receive the following:
A $150 gift card to Target
A $50 gift card to Incredibundles.com
A set of 6 supersized bath bombs from Sky Organics
A Mother’s Day gift set from All in the Cards
A 5mL bottle of Lavender essential oil from Young Living
A diaper caddy from b.box for kids
A pair of boy or girl shoes from Pediped
A ergoPouch ergoCocoon swaddle to sleep bag
A $40 gift bag of assorted products from MAM
A $30 gift package of assorted GoSili products