Motherhood & Lifestyle Blog

Categories: Baby, Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Self-Care

14 Things I Learned In My First Year Of Motherhood

Aubrey Ann is officially a toddler! There have been so many milestones and exciting adventures with her this past year. Watching her change, grow and discover new things has been so amazing. I’ve been reflecting lately on how fast her first year has passed and how much we’ve both grown. Here are some of the lessons that I learned in my first year as a Mom.

Love my Aubrey Ann

How Much I Can Love Someone

The first time I held my Aubrey in my arms, I knew what love was. I finally understood what it meant when someone would say, “Having a child is like having your heart outside your body.” She brings so much joy to my life and my love for her grows more every day.

Patience

I will admit that prior to having my daughter I was an extremely impatient person. I still struggle with it at times but it has become much easier. Learning to show patience in motherhood is a daily process. One thing that has definitely helped is to let go of misconception that I need to have it all together and learning to live in the moment and to give my child and myself grace.

Someone Will Always Have An Opinion

You will always have someone trying to tell you what you should be doing and how it should be done. It will be family, friends, random strangers in public and sometimes even keyboard warriors on the internet giving you their opinion of how you should raise your baby. It is so easy sometimes to get consumed in what others think you should be doing. While people are entitled to their opinions I don’t have to accept what they are saying or take it personal. I am Aubrey’s mom and I know what is best for my daughter and that’s all that matters.

I can handle whatever Motherhood throws my way

I Am Stronger Than I Thought I Was

There have been and still are so many moments of doubt with me feeling like a failure as a mom because I felt like I can’t do anything right. Those moments have made me so much stronger than I ever thought I could be. No matter how tired physically, mentally or emotionally I am at times, I have been able to deal with whatever motherhood has thrown my way.

Selflessness

I truly learned the meaning of selfless since I have become a mom. I don’t care about the lack of sleep or the physical toll that childbirth has had on my body, my focus is on comforting, nurturing and protecting my Aubrey Ann. Life isn’t just about me anymore, everything that I do revolves about my daughter and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Multitasking

Prior to Aubrey being born I thought I was great at multitasking. After she was born its a whole different level and type of multitasking that I have advanced to, lol. Whether I was breastfeeding and washing clothes or talking on the phone with my mom while taking care of something online for my husbands business while also nursing Aubrey or playing with her, I have officially learned how to be calm and handle more than one thing at a time if I have to.

Those legs and that adorable smile

Enjoy Every Moment, Even The Little Ones

Even when the days seem long and hard I have learned to never to take any moment for granted. Babies grow so fast and eventually they aren’t babies anymore, so I live in the moment and make as many memories as I can with my babygirl.

Mom Intuition

Since Aubrey was a little baby I have known what each of her cries mean. Whether she is sick, tired overwhelmed or needs something, I know when something is wrong because I listen to my gut and have learned to trust my intuition. It was when I stopped listening to others and my fear that I truly could understand what my child needed. Trusting my intuition has helped to create a strong bond between Aubrey and I.

Self Care Is Important

As a mom, it is so easy to put others first and sometimes we forget about ourselves. This is something I still struggle with at times but have definitely learned that its important to take care of myself just as much as I take care of others. It’s not selfish to make myself a priority. By taking time for myself it has helped me to be more present and also to be a better parent to Aubrey.

Beach time

Embrace The Mess

Since Aubrey was about 5-6 months old I have been saying that, “My motherhood is a beautiful mess.” Kids are going to be kids and we really should just let them be just that. From the toys that have somehow managed to infiltrate every room in our home, food crumbs EVERYWHERE, sticky handprints everywhere, Aubrey being extremely vocal and loud and all of the chaotic moments, I wouldn’t change a thing. I love watching Aubrey just be a kid. You learn to appreciate the mess and chaos because a messy life is a full life.

Everything Happens For A Reason

Aubrey’s birth didn’t go as planned and 5 days after giving birth I was in ICU for a week dealing with pulmonary edema. Needless to say I learned real fast that everything won’t always work out as planned but everything happens for a reason. I find the joy in every situation and thank God for the lessons I learned early on and I truly believe that He will never give us more than we can handle.

Daddy’s Girl

My Love For My Husband Has Grown

When I watch Danny with Aubrey it melts my heart and I fall in love with him so much more. Seeing my husband love the child that we have created is such an awesome feeling. Even after working 12-15 hour days, he comes home with the biggest smile on his face and gets in quality time every night with Aubrey Ann. I am so grateful to have a husband that loves, works hard for and will do anything for his family. My love for him has grown so much and our relationship has become so much stronger.

Comparison Really Is The Thief Of Joy

Being a new mom it was so easy for me to look at other moms and compare my motherhood to theirs. Social media was the worst when it came to comparison for me. I would look at other moms and see how happy they were in their pictures and thought they had it all together. When it starting to become depressing I took action and cleaned up my social media accounts. I unfollowed any pages that made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough as a mom or just weren’t inspiring and encouraging me. Since doing this I have come to realize that no mom truly has it all together and you can’t compare your style of mothering to anyone else’s. I have let go of the comparisons and learned cherish the joy of my motherhood.

Aubrey and Mimi

I Am Grateful For My Mom

I am so grateful for the unconditional love and support my Mom has always shown me. Now that I have Aubrey Ann I truly understand my mothers love for me.

Motherhood is a 24/7 journey and I am grateful for everything that I have learned so far and look forward to so many more lessons, experiences and adventures with my Aubrey Ann.

Categories: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Self-Care

30 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

“When you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.”

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and sometimes it can be a challenge finding the right gift for mom. Whether she is picky, hard to shop for or has everything, the following list of different gift ideas has items that any mom is sure to love.

Kitchen

  1. KitchenAid Mixer
  2. Marble Monogram Board
  3. Instant Pot
  4. Digital Airfryer
  5. Recipe Box
  6. Keurig K-Cafe
  7. Magnolia Table Cookbook
  8. Funny Mom Mug

Technology

  1. Apple Watch
  2. Amazon Echo
  3. Amazon Echo Show
  4. Digital Photo Frame
  5. Apple iPad
  6. Amazon Smart Plug
  7. iRobot Roomba

For gift ideas for new moms click here!

Delights

  1. Chocolate Covered Berries
  2. Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut Chocolates
  3. Godiva Chocolatier Chocolates
  4. Organic Tea Flowering Gift Set
  5. Gourmet Gift Basket
  6. Mother’s Day Brunch Gift
  7. Gourmet Cheese Gift With Wine
  8. Wine Subscription

Pampering

  1. Spa Day
  2. Bath Blessing Box
  3. Cozy Pajamas
  4. Salt Lamp & Ultrasonic Oil Diffuser
  5. Ultra Plush Bamboo Robe
  6. Therapeutic Heated Foot Spa Bath Massager
  7. Cozy Fleece Slippers

What are your Mother’s Day gift ideas?

Categories: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Self-Care

9 Mother’s Day Gifts For New Moms

“A Mother is always the beginning. She is how things begin.”

Motherhood is such an amazing new phase of life. A new Mom’s first Mother’s Day is a milestone that should be celebrated in a special way. These 9 gift ideas are perfect for making a first Mother’s Day a memorable one.

1. Baby’s Birthstone Necklace

This is such a perfect and meaningful gift for a new Mom.

2. Spa Day

All moms deserve a day off to pamper themselves with some well deserved self-care and relaxation. A spa day would be such a great way to show her how much you appreciate her.

3. A Chic Diaper Bag

Every mom needs a diaper bag that is big enough to hold all of their little ones essentials as well as her phone, wallet and other belongings. The Lily Jade Meggan is stylish, multifunctional and a great idea for any mom.

Read my review of the Lily Jade Meggan diaper bag here

4. Custom Photo Book

All new Moms take numerous pictures of their littles ones starting from the day they were born. Gifting them a customized photo book of their little one would be amazing for Mother’s Day.

5. Plaster Prints Kit


How neat would it be to have a lasting memory of how little your babies hands and feet were. The MyMiniJoy Handprint and Footprint Picture Frame Kit is the perfect keepsake for any mom.

6. Comfortable Pajamas

A nice set of comfortable and soft pajamas would be perfect for a new Mom.

7. Mommy & Me Photoshoot

Gifting a Mommy & Me photoshoot with a local photographer is such a unique gift.

8. TheraBox- Self Care Subscription Box

From the careful and thoughtful packaging to the self care wellness goodies inside, this ultimate self care subscription box would be great for a first time mom.

9. Personalized Mother’s Bracelet

This beautiful bracelet can be personalized with any message and you can also add initial charm letters and/or birthstones.

Categories: Lifestyle, Motherhood, Parenting, Self-Care

8 Things All New Moms Should Know

Your Life Will Never Be The Same Again

“The moment a child is born, a mother is born also”

Motherhood changes you for the better and it gives you a new outlook on your worth.

When Aubrey was born I gained an identity, I went from Ashley to Aubrey’s mom and the way I saw the world changed.

You’re going to experience a love like nothing you have ever felt and sometimes it will be overwhelming. Being responsible for a tiny human is a lot but I believe that God never gives us more than we can handle.

Motherhood Can Be Lonely Sometimes

“Motherhood can feel like a lonely journey for someone who is ever rarely alone”

After my daughter was born I had so many moments where I felt lonely.

The first few months can be lonesome because you’re discovering your new normal and learning your baby and also new things about yourself.

You’re spending most of your time with someone who cannot talk yet and you’re going to have so many moments when you have no one to talk to.

Something that helped me was meeting and talking to other moms on Social Media and in my area.

You Will Be Judged

“There is no such thing as the perfect mom. Just an imperfect woman giving her very best to her children, everyday”

This is the most disappointing part of Motherhood for me, other moms being so nasty and judgmental.

There will always be someone who has something to say about the way you are parenting. More than likely it will be another mom, so get ready. I’ve had people say the dumbest things to me about my mothering skills.

I don’t entertain other peoples opinions about what I do and don’t do for my child. She’s happy, healthy and loved and that’s all that matters.

Take Care Of Yourself

“Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your kids”

After the baby is born moms need just as much care as the newborn does. Too many times this is pushed to the side.

It is crucial that you remember your own mental, emotional and physical health. Self-care is something that is important.

You cannot pour from an empty cup Mama. Never feel bad or guilty for taking care of you.

Taking care of yourself enables you to be present for your baby.

Get Out Of The House

“Give yourself permission to go off duty”

Newborn babies are so portable and sleep so much that you can take them anywhere.

The first time I took Aubrey out, it was to go to Target and she slept the entire time. I had to get out of the house because I felt like the walls were closing in on me from being inside so much.

It was so relaxing to just walk around the entire store and see all of the new products that had come out since I had been in there last. I lost track of time and ended up walking around Target for 2 hours.

Even if its to go to the grocery store for a few items or walk around the block get out of the house. The fresh air is so good for you and will help you not feel like you are trapped in the house.

Take A Lot Of Pictures

“We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone”

Babies grow and change a lot in the first year and you want to capture those milestones and special moments.

Before Aubrey was born I could care less about pictures. Now that she is here I have hundreds of pictures of my daughter and she’s only 10 months old. I take pictures of her almost everyday and get a lot of them printed or make sure to save them on my computer.

Something I make sure to do now is include myself in the pictures with her. I used to not take pictures of Aubrey and I together because I felt like I looked a mess. I never want to look back later and wish I had taken more pictures with my child.

Your Baby Can Pick Up On Your Mood

“Our children are watching us live and what we are shouts louder than anything we can say”

Babies pick up on EVERYTHING, especially our emotional cues. When you are stressed they can sense it and it will cause them to become stressed.

Being a mom can be hard, stressful and overwhelming but knowing that my daughter is watching me to learn how she should react in situations makes me more conscious of how I handle situations and people.

Trust Your Instincts

“A mothers instinct is always the right instinct”

When I was pregnant my biggest fear was that I’m not mentally prepared to be a mom. To be honest, no one is mentally prepared to be a mom. How can you prepare for something you’ve never done before?

Once Aubrey was born I just wanted to protect and take care of her. My instincts had kicked in.

When it comes to parenting, it’s going to be a different experience for everyone. People will try and give you advice whether you want it or not. Going with your heart is going to be the best thing for you and baby.

You have to do what works for you because you know your baby and what’s best for them.

Categories: Lifestyle, Self-Care

5 Ways To Embrace Your Postpartum Body

Why are we so hard on ourselves after we give birth?

Giving birth is a life-changing event and I found myself after having my daughter struggling big-time to accept my post-baby body.

When I was pregnant I had so many people telling me I could “bounce back” after baby faster if I bind my stomach right after giving birth. I remember my mom telling me that my Great Grandmother, who gave birth to 14 children and had a 22 inch waist. She would have her stomach wrapped right after giving birth to get rid of her post-baby belly.

So after my daughter was born I tried binding my stomach and that lasted for about 3 days. I just couldn’t do it. It was too uncomfortable and I knew that there was no way I was going to continue binding my stomach for most of the day and sacrifice my comfort. I had just given birth and I needed to give my body time to heal and not focus on “snapping back”.

Society gives new moms the message that you should be able to get your pre-baby body back in 6-8 weeks after giving birth. We put too much pressure on ourselves to meet societies expectations and get in shape instead of taking the time to heal both physically and mentally after giving birth.

We need to stop listening to social media, celebrities, friends or family and start giving ourselves and our bodies grace. Instead of putting so much value in our appearance immediately post-baby we need to cherish and love our bodies.

Learning to love and embrace my post-baby body has been anything but easy, however, there are steps that I have been taking to help me accept and love my post-baby body.

Stop Comparing Your Body To Others

Giving birth affects every woman’s body differently and comparison is really the thief of joy when we start looking at how others are recovering after their pregnancy. It’s human nature to sometimes compare ourselves to others.

When we compare ourselves to others it can lead to impractical expectations and not so positive thoughts about ourselves. We need to focus on ourselves and our needs instead of the “snap back” post-baby bodies of other women.

Our self worth is not tied into whether we have “perfect” post-baby bodies.

Accept Yourself

After giving birth, I hated the fact that I had stretch marks, a c-section scar and a belly pouch. Looking at myself in the mirror was not something I wanted to do and I was just ridiculously hard on my self.

I have come to embrace every part of my post-baby body. I mean, I did grow a human inside of me and carried her for 37 weeks and 5 days. That in itself is amazing.

My belly pouch and stretch marks or as some women call them “Tiger Stripes” are a reminder that my body grew and stretched to accommodate, shelter and protect my growing baby. I earned my stripes during pregnancy and I am proud of them.

My c-section scar is a reminder that my baby came out of a 4 inch incision healthy and ready to rule the world. The moment they pulled her out and I heard her cry, I went from being Ashley to Aubrey Ann’s Mom and it was the most amazing feeling in the world.

My scar is also a reminder of how resilient and strong I am because taking care of newborn and recovering from a c-section is some impressive shit.

We should always accept ourselves and appreciate our bodies and what they went through to get those little humans here. Our bodies are powerful.

Wear Clothes That Are Comfortable

I remember about a month after my daughter was born I tried squeezing into a pair a jeans that I wore pre-pregnancy. I actually laid on my bed and rolled around trying to zip my skinny jeans up and my husband walked in and asked what the hell was I doing.

He heard me groaning and grunting from the other room, LOL.

To this day I still can’t fit those jeans and guess what??

I DON’T CARE.

I wear a lot of leggings, tunics and maxi dresses. If one day I am able to get back into those skinny jeans then great, but if not it is what it is. My clothes are still cute and stylish but they are comfortable, especially having to run behind a 10 month old who moves fast like Speedy Gonzales.

Speak Positive Words To Yourself

Positive affirmations are a great way to get past the negative self-thinking when it comes to embracing our post-baby bodies.

On a daily basis I remind myself that I am important, strong and beautiful. By doing this daily it has made me much more aware of when I say negative things about myself or to myself.

Our bodies allowed us to grow a life inside of it and I want to make sure that I always express how grateful I am for that.

Surround Yourself With Supportive People

Having a great support system and leaning on them in times of need has been amazing for me. By being open and honest I’ve been able to meet so many mothers that experienced or were experiencing the same post-baby body feelings that I felt.

Knowing that you are not alone in motherhood and that other mothers can relate to your feelings post-birth is a great relief of the daily pressures that we put on ourselves as moms.

Getting support and guidance from ladies that know that post-baby care takes time and accepts you no matter what is something that all moms should do because it lets us know that we are not alone.

Becoming a mom has changed me, both physically and mentally. Embracing the changes has been a challenge at times but I will always be kind to myself and give myself grace and compassion. My “Tiger Stripes”, C-Section scar, and my belly pouch does not define. I’m an amazing mom who gave birth to an amazing little girl.

How do you embrace your postpartum body?



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ahalfbakedmom

Ashley Tutt ♡ Mom Blogger

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