Moments of Musing

My Pregnancy Emotions Remind me to be Grateful

Filed Under: grateful, motherhood, pregnancy, thankful //

I experienced some intense pregnancy emotions this week… so I’m just trying my best to remain present and grateful, and what better time than Thanksgiving week?

In the midst of my emotions, I’ve been reminded of a few people and things I’m extra thankful for:

  • Crying to your mom will never get old. And she might even cry with you, not necessarily because she’s feeling what you’re feeling but probably because she hates to see you upset. I am so much more grateful for my mom and dad now that I’ve become a parent myself. 

  • Having a village is pretty necessary. To vent to. To laugh with. To get help from… To take photos of you for your blog and Instagram (I’m looking at you, Tim and Lou, my Instagram Husband and Instagram Brother haha!). In all seriousness, I don’t know what I’d do without family and friends. The support does not go unnoticed. 

  • Being married to a husband who empathizes is so important. Someone who’ll hold you and rationalize what you’re feeling because you’re feeling A LOT. Pregnancy hormones are no joke–neither are postpartum ones–but having a loving partner makes navigating pregnancy (and life) so. much. easier. 

  • A toddler who doesn’t necessarily get that you’re tired or feeling sick. Said toddler will want your love and affection when he wants it. And sometimes, the go-go-go will make you feel better. Lighter. And remind you that at the end of the pregnancy experience you get another little, which is pretty darn amazing! Plus, being his mom is the best thing ever so getting off the couch to chase him feels like an honor instead of a hassle. 

  • Life. Life is a gift. Pregnancy is a gift. Everyday is a gift. 

Of course, I’m also thankful for all of you who are reading.:) Wishing you and your family a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! 


A second line

Filed Under: Baby L, Marriage, pregnancy //

One year ago, a second line appeared … It was one of the most exciting life moments to date. I felt like I could burst at the seams and telling Tim in special surprise way went right out the window because I couldn’t contain my excitement! My lifelong dream of becoming a mommy was becoming a reality. 

It was one of the best days because it led to our baby boy. I’ve never loved someone so wholeheartedly and fiercely. He’s made our life so much better, so much more whole. 
I am so, so grateful.
When I first looked at these maternity photos all I saw was how much weight I’d gained … Now, I see only beautiful images, some of which are my most favorite photos. 
This was one of the absolute best stages in our life thus far and I’d be remiss not to thank my husband. Through the ups, downs and all-arounds, he’s been by my side. First-time parenting sure isn’t easy but loving you and being a parent with you to our baby boy is. 
Thank you for helping to bring our baby into this world. It’s truly a better place because he’s here.

Every body is different

Filed Under: body image, motherhood, postpartum, pregnancy //

When I was pregnant, I constantly compared my pregnant body to that of others. I didn’t exactly feel the most comfortable in my skin, especially as the pregnancy progressed and the weight piled on. My discomfort in my own skin almost kept me from doing and enjoying my maternity photo shoot.

Now that I am postpartum and trying to get back into shape, I find myself doing it again. Though I am close to my pre-pregnancy weight, these last few pounds have been difficult to lose.

At times, it feels like I’m back in a love-hate relationship with my body and I want to change that. I want to appreciate my body more and be grateful, especially for the blessing it brought into our lives. Therefore, I’m reminding myself of why I should be more patient with myself.

I have to remind myself:
  •  It took my body 40 weeks to grow a human. It needs and deserves time to bounce back. 
  • I’ve weighed this much in college…when I didn’t have any excuse except laziness and a bad diet. 
  • Gaining weight because of pregnancy is the best reason for weight gain- ever ever.
  • Comparing my postpartum body to someone else’s does no good. After all, we each carry babies differently.  
  • My (and every woman’s) body is amazing… I mean it stretched out (but thankfully NO stretch marks!) to grow a little human and yet I can fit in pre-pregnancy jeans just one month after giving birth. 
So for now, I am not going to be hard on myself and expect my body to look how it did so soon after having a baby. In fact, every time I snuggle him, I’ll be grateful for my body, extra belly rolls and all.