Little Happy Things

I've mentioned before how I had baby blues at the beginning of Lizzie's life and although it has gotten better, there are still plenty of days where I feel defeated, exhausted, and stressed. I hate feeling like that...HATE. What I have found to help is as simple as... taking care of myself and doing things I like. I spend all my time and energy caring for my baby which is great of course, but sometimes a mom's gotta do something for herself too ya know? I don't think it's selfish. It's not like I'm neglecting my baby to take care of myself. It's definitely harder to do with a baby but it is possible and so worth it.When I do things that make me happy, I'm a better mom. If any of you moms out there feel the same way and want some ideas, here are some little things I do that make me a happier mommy.

Dress up for the day - Getting dressed in cute clothes actually makes me happy! It's pretty simple I know. Even if I'm not planning on going anywhere special but just going grocery shopping, I feel better when I get dressed and put on make-up. I feel good when I look good - surprise? Now there is nothing wrong with staying in yoga pants all day which I still do some days. I'm just saying I feel better when I get ready for the day.

  

Get out of the house - I'm a stay at home mom and I love it! But that means I usually don't have some place where I have to be. Going along with the #1, get ready and then actually go out! I've never been to Walmart so many times in one week as I have once I had a baby. I can always think of something we need just so I can get out. I also enjoy going on walks with Lizzie. We go on walks every day. I'm fortunate enough to live in a place where it doesn't get too cold in the winter so I take full advantage of it by going outside as much as I can.

Exercise - Along with going on walks, I like to go jogging with Lizzie. I was a runner before I got pregnant, but I can't go running by myself as much now so I just take the baby with me! It's definitely harder because now I have to push a heavy jogger with a heavy baby in a heavy carseat but hey I'll get stronger right? Yoga is another thing I like to do. It's nice because I can do it at home while Lizzie naps. I hear exercise videos are also great! Hmm...I should get one.

Visit friends - I would also add seeing family to those who live close to them. I schedule play dates often in order to get together with other mommy friends. Who cares if the babies are too young to actually play with each other? It gives me a chance to have some adult interaction.

Dates - My very favorite. Tyler and I have always tried to go on dates at least once a week since we got married but it has been quite a bit harder since having the baby. We usually just take her with us; when she gets a little older we'll get babysitters more. Most of the time we'll take her to dinner with us and then watch a movie together when she's asleep for the night. It's not extravagant, but I look forward to the weekend because I get to spend time with my husband. I really believe dating strengthens a marriage and is especially needed when kids come into the picture.

I know some of these ideas aren't for everyone but they work for me. And mothers aren't the only ones that need a reminder to do things for themselves once in a while. Now just find what works for you, what makes you happy, and do it! 

On Motherhood

When I found out I was pregnant, my biggest fear was labor and how painful it would be. I was afraid but so excited. I was always looking forward to meeting this baby but I didn't think much past labor and delivery. Little did I know that the hardest moments of my life were actually after that.

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade being Lizzie's mom for anything. I can't believe the love I have for her, the love I felt so instantly upon meeting her. However, her 3 months of life have been the hardest 3 months of my life. I've heard it time and time again but it is so true that nothing really prepares you for motherhood. I read books, went to classes and yet I felt clueless when this beautiful girl came into my arms. Every week there was a new problem: Jaundice, constipation, colic, napping. And not to mention I had the baby blues. I couldn't help but think that I must have the hardest baby in the world...or I wasn't a good mom. It seemed like all the other mommies just had it figured out. I don't know how many times I told myself, "maybe I'm just not cut out for this."

Tyler has been a life saver. Not only did I snag a terrific husband but he just happens to be a terrific father as well. He is always willing to help with Lizzie. I don't know what I would do without him. Living away from my family hasn't been as difficult as it has become now. My parents visited when Lizzie was born and I sobbed when they left. How can I do this alone? But I have realized that I'm not alone. I have Tyler, and most importantly, I have my Heavenly Father. Let's just say that I have never prayed so much in my life! And along with that, never have I received so many answers to them. God is good.

Motherhood has been rewarding already. Watching Lizzie grow has been a joy. In her early days I would get excited when she would just look me in the eyes. Now she smiles at me and she laughs. When I go get her in the morning after she wakes up, she smiles up at me which totally makes my day. This is only the beginning of our special relationship. And it's only going to get better.

Being a mom is the most difficult thing I have ever done and I've never been so exhausted. However, at the end of the day, I would never give it up. I love Lizzie and I love being her mom. I am extremely blessed to have her and Tyler as my family. So here's to this new life that is motherhood. Bring it on!