Link Up - How Do You Take Care of YOU, Mama??

Im linking up with a few of these bloggers, and am looking forward to reading each other's take on some very good topics.

First we are talking about ME time.. Momma time.

 

Remembering YOU

{taking care of yourself and keeping your identity}

 

How do you take time out for yourself as a Mom, and do things that truly make you who you are.

 

 

I realized how important ME time was after I had Andrew.

Having one child, I also worked full time until I had my 2nd, so I really did have a lot of ME time, and I didn't even know it until #2 came.. oh and he was colic... double whammy.. and take away more me time.. ha! There was a few periods last year where I did have the baby blues.. pretty bad.. and ME time was very very sparse.. I had a newborn who was sleeping on top of me, and with me all day every day...and a 2 year old that I was constantly trying to pay attention to and make up for the screaming baby in the background.. life was tough.. and I neglected myself probably for the better part of 2012.

 

Now that he doesn't demand all my attention, I have been embracing ME time, and truly realizing that as a busy Mom, and wife everyone needs to make time for YOU.

 

I never realized how much time I had on my hands until after I had kids.

I had endless time to myself to walk around my favorite stores, grab a coffee and read magazines, DVR favorite shows.. and actually watch them before a whole week goes by...

I wouldn't change my life with my two precious kids for the world. I feel like my life wouldn't

 seem complete without them, and I know as they get bigger, the time will be given back to me for such things.. But for now Im trying to enjoy every day with them, because they are growing so so fast, and these days are precious but few.

 

So these days... things like washing my face, and getting a shower every day are events that make me feel better each day.

 

Getting Dressed... Luckily SJ is in school two days a week, and next year it will be 4 or 5... so that forces me to get myself looking decent... and not stay in sweats.

 

Polishing my nails.

 

Blogging - Its my outlet.. I love it.. and only wish I'd started sooner.

 

Playdates (for me and for the kids).. I need to have more of them I realize. Adult conversation with other Moms is very cleansing, and makes you feel like you're not alone in this Motherhood journey.

 

Crafting and Sewing - I love making craft gifts, planning parties, and sending letters/homemade birthday cards to friends. I think my love language must be gifting ... I really enjoy it.

Pinterest has nearly fueled my fire for so many great ideas and craft projects.. and when I get a few under my belt, I feel accomplished and re-energized.. make sense? Anyone who's a crafter would understand.. ha!

 

To sum it all up, I cant get on a plane with my girlfriends and hit Vegas right now for ME time like I would LOVE and SOOO need..

SO I do little things like mentioned above to help re-energize myself.

 

I stop and I thank God that at the end of a crazy day, when I've nearly lost my mind, I remember and thank him that my children are happy and healthy, and that I have an incredible husband by my side who I could not do all this without.

Motherhood is hard.. hard work.. but there's no place I'd rather be than right here in the midst of this crazy journey.

 

 

 

 

 



Mom to Mom {Playgroup}

Recently I joined a playgroup.

Before Andrew was born I worked full time, and had not tried to join any groups before then.

Now that Im a newly SAHM, I realize the importance of really getting out.

I've attended a few events so far, and I've really enjoyed myself.

Andrew is to small yet to know what we're doing, but Samantha has fun learning how to play, share, take turns, etc.. Of course all this will go into hyper-mode in a few months when school starts for her.

But I find if I get my kids out ... especially in the AM for a few hours, it makes for a happier house later in the day.

So in attending these playgroups, I have ALWAYS come to find at least one mother who has had a baby with Colic as well! And I tell you.... NO ONE knows what you've gone through other than people who have gone through it themselves... you cant even begin to imagine, or begin to understand unless you've lived it.

A few conversations makes you feel so great and really helps other moms know their not alone. It felt so good to hear another mother say..."My son/daughter slept with us for the forst 4 months too," "He/She would cry all day long .. for hours... I was going out of my mind" "We tried Colic Ease, we tried acid reflux meds" "All I would do was pace the house holding him/her for months"... Gosh it was so nice to hear that my unimaginable lifestyle a few weeks ago was the same as so many other Moms out there.. And you look back and realize.. hey... this made me a stronger mom.. Now even on Andrew's crabbiest days.. I dont even stress out in the least... Because I went through HELL...and I'll take a no napping/crabby/teething baby....(with maybe a glass or two of wine.. haha)

So playgroup has been good. And the Moms I've met have been so sweet, and real, and wonderful to talk with.

This week we had a pool playdate and it was so much fun!

Next week we'll be at the pool again.. We cant wait!