These are by no means the "answers," but these pointers have worked and helped me as
I've transitioned to mommyhood in the last 6 months! As new moms, we are not alone. Our struggles are the same. Holla.
// Get moving
I hate working out, but when I do, it affects my whole day. I've also recently found out that the more I work out, the more I enjoy it. It's really hard to exercise when you're already tired, but it honestly helps you gain even more energy. I recently started doing this DVD and I'm so sore I can barely walk. But 20 mins? I have no excuse. I have a few girlfriends that are doing it with me so that we have accountability with one another. Also, get outside. Nothing has made me gravitate towards the outdoors more than being a new mom. I seriously go stir crazy being indoors, racking my mind of things to do to keep an almost-7 month old occupied. Being out in the fresh air is good for you and baby. Eden loves the swings, and getting to the park is something we do almost daily now. I usually get adult interaction at the park because there are a lot of moms there and she has a great time. Winning.
Get community //Nothing has helped me more in the last 6 months than finding a good church. It's brought me mommy groups, a women's Bible study, and friendships with other couples that are in the same stage of life and also relationships with older, more experienced parents that can share their wisdom! Finding a church has been an almost 2 year ordeal for us since we moved out-of-state. Having small groups that strengthen our walk with Jesus has helped both me and Joshua be better, more loving-like-Jesus parents. Church on Sunday and our weekly groups sets the tone for the whole week. And there's nothing more that I want for Eden, other than to be happy, than being raised in a community of God-fearing people.
// Get pretty
Start your day off right. Never doubt the impact of getting out of your pajamas or frumpy clothes and putting on makeup and doing your hair. You will feel more confident and people will treat you differently (sorry, it's true). Your husband will also appreciate it. Joshua has a thing for me in gym clothes, but not every day. He actually will comment when I get dolled up for him. It makes him feel loved that I took effort into my appearance for him, just like I did when we dated. A simple, 10 minute routine of makeup + fixing hair can be done at nap time or on the floor while the baby is rolling around with a toy, or even before baby wakes for the day.
Get communicating //
Nothing has made me feel less alone in new mommyhood than having my husband, mom, family and girlfriends to talk about things with. Whether that's sleep training, teething, diaper rashes or losing baby weight, being able to talk about how I'm feeling or what I'm going through is crucial. We can not get through raising children alone. And as much as I love my dear husband, girlfriends just understand things differently because they "get it." Get communicating with other women in your life, whether that's over Skype, the phone, or social media. And even more encouraging, is communicating in person-- there is nothing better than a good talk with a girlfriend over coffee, even if that means bringing my munchkin with me.
// Get freaky
I've talked about it before how sex is never talked about on Christian blogs and I think it's kinda crazy. That being said, I'll talk about it now :) Sex after baby is so crucial and important. It helps your husband know that he's not only still the #1 person in your life, but it decreases stress, gives you energy and puts you in a better mood (duh!). And yes, I totally get that it's different embracing your body after a baby. But you know what? I'm pretty darn sure that that husband of yours thinks you're sexier than after after that incredible gift you've birthed recently, hello!
I've transitioned to mommyhood in the last 6 months! As new moms, we are not alone. Our struggles are the same. Holla.
// Get moving
I hate working out, but when I do, it affects my whole day. I've also recently found out that the more I work out, the more I enjoy it. It's really hard to exercise when you're already tired, but it honestly helps you gain even more energy. I recently started doing this DVD and I'm so sore I can barely walk. But 20 mins? I have no excuse. I have a few girlfriends that are doing it with me so that we have accountability with one another. Also, get outside. Nothing has made me gravitate towards the outdoors more than being a new mom. I seriously go stir crazy being indoors, racking my mind of things to do to keep an almost-7 month old occupied. Being out in the fresh air is good for you and baby. Eden loves the swings, and getting to the park is something we do almost daily now. I usually get adult interaction at the park because there are a lot of moms there and she has a great time. Winning.
Get community //Nothing has helped me more in the last 6 months than finding a good church. It's brought me mommy groups, a women's Bible study, and friendships with other couples that are in the same stage of life and also relationships with older, more experienced parents that can share their wisdom! Finding a church has been an almost 2 year ordeal for us since we moved out-of-state. Having small groups that strengthen our walk with Jesus has helped both me and Joshua be better, more loving-like-Jesus parents. Church on Sunday and our weekly groups sets the tone for the whole week. And there's nothing more that I want for Eden, other than to be happy, than being raised in a community of God-fearing people.
// Get pretty
Start your day off right. Never doubt the impact of getting out of your pajamas or frumpy clothes and putting on makeup and doing your hair. You will feel more confident and people will treat you differently (sorry, it's true). Your husband will also appreciate it. Joshua has a thing for me in gym clothes, but not every day. He actually will comment when I get dolled up for him. It makes him feel loved that I took effort into my appearance for him, just like I did when we dated. A simple, 10 minute routine of makeup + fixing hair can be done at nap time or on the floor while the baby is rolling around with a toy, or even before baby wakes for the day.
Get communicating //
Nothing has made me feel less alone in new mommyhood than having my husband, mom, family and girlfriends to talk about things with. Whether that's sleep training, teething, diaper rashes or losing baby weight, being able to talk about how I'm feeling or what I'm going through is crucial. We can not get through raising children alone. And as much as I love my dear husband, girlfriends just understand things differently because they "get it." Get communicating with other women in your life, whether that's over Skype, the phone, or social media. And even more encouraging, is communicating in person-- there is nothing better than a good talk with a girlfriend over coffee, even if that means bringing my munchkin with me.
// Get freaky
I've talked about it before how sex is never talked about on Christian blogs and I think it's kinda crazy. That being said, I'll talk about it now :) Sex after baby is so crucial and important. It helps your husband know that he's not only still the #1 person in your life, but it decreases stress, gives you energy and puts you in a better mood (duh!). And yes, I totally get that it's different embracing your body after a baby. But you know what? I'm pretty darn sure that that husband of yours thinks you're sexier than after after that incredible gift you've birthed recently, hello!
