Moments of Musing

First Birthday Week Thoughts

Filed Under: first birthday, kids birthday, motherhood //

It’s Monday morning and if you’re new around here, please know you won’t find me wallowing about it being Monday. New week, new beginning. That’s my motto. …If you’re not new, there’s your 82737th reminder that I’m kinda sorta a Monday person.

Anyway, I’m feeling extra recharged today. 
It could be: (a) S falling asleep at 8:30PM. (b) the summertime sunshine — I’m not kidding. I love this stuff. (c) the big week we have! S turns 1 year old! (d) all of the above. 
As for my babe’s upcoming birthday, we had a little birthday photo shoot and OMG I’m obsessed. With the photos but moreso him. 

I thought I’d be really sad in the days leading up to it. But I dunno–I’m actually pretty pumped. I feel like this is LIFE. We WANT to see him grow and develop and be a healthy human. Right?? So what’s there to be sad about? Sure, I can’t cradle him in the crook of my arm but he still snuggles. And he calls me Mama and holds my hand. There are big pros to watching him grow. 

This really is a big milestone. The first year! We did it. All 3 of us. My husband and I have survived our first year of parenting — it’s not easy, in general or on a marriage — and our boy is reaching his first year of life on the outside! 
Maybe I’ll cry as I fall asleep on his birthday eve? Maybe I won’t. 

Basically, what I’m saying is the best way to describe this time is bittersweet. But it’s much, much sweeter than it is bitter. And, as you can see, I’m trying my best to be positive so I don’t turn into a messy mush of a mama. I just want to be happy and excited. (Even though I do feel like the year could have not gone by so fast sheesh…)

Cheers (mocktail for me) to that!
P.S. Boy, did it feel refreshing to write a “normal” not-so-cohesive life post/tangent. I miss the blogging days when that was the norm. If you do too, feel free to check out my archives–it’s chock full of those posts. 

There is an Explanation

Filed Under: motherhood //

For the missed 

Text.

Call.

Email.

Get together.

Chat.

Message.

Comment.

There is an explanation.

For the

Unfolded laundry.

Dishes piled up.

Dust bunnies abound.

Laundry bins overflowing.

Disorganization.

There is an explanation.

I was busy being a mom.

Please do understand.

I will try harder …

But if motherhood beckons, 

Motherhood wins.







Love Your {Postpartum} Body – 5 Ways to Improve Your Postpartum Body Image

Filed Under: body image, motherhood, postpartum //

This post is sponsored by TOBI. 

My self confidence has most definitely evolved since becoming a mom. While I still have my moments of discontent, I have never loved my body more–and not necessarily because it looks better. But because I am eternally grateful for what my body has given me–my baby, the best gift of all. 

How can I be upset at it when it’s done such an amazing thing?? 

Plus, I don’t want my son hearing me lament about my body. Because contrary to popular belief, boys suffer from body image issues at pretty alarming rates. I don’t want my body issues to cause or influence his. In fact, I hope he never has any. 
So, though I have moments when I’m hard on myself, I quickly snap out of it (and I’ve almost completely dropped the F [fat] word!). My hope is that you, too, will do the same and love your postpartum body.

Top c/o  • Skirt c/o • Purse similar • Bracelets

If you are struggling with your postpartum body image, here are five things you can do to improve it:

1. Embrace your new figure. Focus on something(s) you like. It can be your bigger bust or behind or your curvier hips. Maybe it’s a welcomed change 😉

2. Remember the reason for the changes. Your body did an amazing thing. It grew, nurtured and birthed a human. A miracle was born from you. 


3. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself grace and love. So much love. You and your body have been through so much change recently. You don’t deserve to be hard on yourself.

4. Put good things into your body. Veggies, fruits, whole grains. Sure, have the occasional soda or ice cream but I assure you the healthier the food you eat, the better you will feel. Exercise would help, too. 

5. Rock your body. Buy the new clothes you’ve been wanting. Show off your curves. Be bold. Be you. Be proud. Confidence is beautiful. And girlfriend, you are gorgeous. 

I know this is a very serious issue but I want to end on a light note so I leave you with this Scary Mommy quote: 

“Your kids won’t remember your muffin top, spider veins or saggy ass. They’ll only remember you.” 

Now, go out there and work it, mama!

*** I am not a therapist or doctor nor do I claim to be. This post is comprised of my individual opinions, and not meant to convey professional medical or mental health advice. This post is not about an eating disorder, self harm, or suicidual thoughts/ideations. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of those, please call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the National Eating Disorders Association Helpline at 1-800-931-2237.*** 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Filed Under: Father's Day, Father's Day gift guide, gift guide //

This post is sponsored and contains affiliate links, for which I may receive compensation if a purchase is made, but all opinions are my own.

With Father’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time to spoil the special dads in your life. 

Whether your dad is athletic or your husband is a bookworm, I’ve got you covered.

Here are five budget-friendly gift ideas that will be sure to make the dads in your life happy:

Shave and Aftershave Care


Captain’s Choice would make a great gift for dads with beards, dads who shave their facial hair and dads who are barbers. The products include everything from shaving balm and aftershave to shaving brushes. My husband’s favorite of these was the 45th Parallel Shave Balm.
A Briefcase

Sports Fanfare

*Other teams available*


Workout Gear



Cooking Supplies

What Works (for You) is What’s Right

Filed Under: motherhood //

Ah, motherhood. 
This new(ish) season in life is unlike any I’ve ever experienced — and I’ve pulled all-nighters for law school exams, which were worth 100% of my grade, and stayed inside for 12 straight days while studying for the bar exam. I am no stranger to stress or spreading myself thin. 
But I am new to this experience and what I’ve learned over and over and over again, is that it is different for everyone. And everyone does it differently. Similarly to other life experiences, I do what works, I cut myself slack when I fall short, and I promise to be better.

What I’m getting at is that I’m not perfect and neither are you. And that’s okay. You can do a lot but you can’t do it all, and that’s okay, too. That’s been my biggest takeaway–I can be Mom, Wife, Attorney, etc., but (and it’s a pretty big but) I have to compartmentalize. I can’t FaceTime my son while I’m meeting a client. That doesn’t mean I’m any less of a mom–it just means I’m doing what I can when I can.
I’m sure you are, too. So, be proud of yourself and love yourself–shortcomings and all. Speak up and speak out. Know it’s also okay to take a step back. Be in solitude if you need to. Cry if you want to. Vent if you have to. You know you better than anyone else. So, be you. Do what you have to. Be it work. Me time. Sleep time. Do what works for you. Be it formula. Bottle. Breast.

And don’t you apologize for it. You have nothing to be sorry about. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

You care, you love, and you’re trying to be the best mom you can be. You’re doing everything right.