motherhood journey

become a better mom, 2020 goals, motherhood, motherhood hacks, motherhood ideas, motherhood journey

10 Ways to Become a Better Mom in 2020!

ByAnn Marie

Without goals, our momentum dies. And I don’t know about you, but when I’m not laser-focused on my goals, gluttony rears its ugly head and stays for a while, in multiple forms. (Primarily, I stop caring for myself in oh, so many ways).

But motherhood, it’s…hard. It’s difficult to embrace goals. Each stage of motherhood has carried, for me, a unique perspective on goals and my capability to pursue them. This year, however, my primary goal is to reach a “healthy potential.”

With that in mind, I’ve created a list of 10 Ways to Become a Better Mom this year.

Get that momentum going. Find your healthy potential, too. motherhood, ways to become a better mom, motherhood journey, mommy blog, parenting tips

To the 50-Year-Old Me: Regrets in Motherhood
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To the 50-Year-Old Me: Regrets in Motherhood

ByAnn Marie

Thinking of myself reflecting back on this stage of motherhood at age 50, carries with it a tremendous, and apparently very real, fear. 

The possibility is gut-wrenching, cry-worthy. It’s body-aching.

It’s the possibility that my best efforts may not be good enough.

My insides HURT when I consider that as much as I try to soak in these moments while I have them right here in my hands, one day I may STILL long to have them back.

It’s possible. It’s certainly possible.

However. 

HOWEVER.

There’s this…piece. This…other thing. This other “side” of things that sometimes, especially on the bad days, that I want to say, but don’t, in response to that well-intentioned grocery store mom. letter to me, motherhood, motherhood truth, honest motherhood, christmas scene, mom blog, motherhood reflection, motherhood regrets

friendship, motherhood, friendships as moms, finding friends, friend advice

Tips for Juggling Friendship & Motherhood

ByAnn Marie

Everyone is busy. Parents, non-parents…ev-ery-one. Free time is exceptionally valuable. I feel like it truly has become m o r e difficult since I became a parent. Now my schedule revolves around nap times and meal times, and preschool schedules and soccer games. The window in which I can see my friends has become ever more tiny. And it only takes one unexpected poop explosion or one bad traffic afternoon to totally obliterate the chance of quality time with friends. But today on the blog, I’m talking about how to have real friends as new mom and spend time with them, too. Find all the best tips here! motherhood journey, friendships in motherhood, motherhood unplugged

preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, birth story, preterm baby, early birth

Having a Baby Nearly Killed Me: Understanding Preeclampsia and HELLP Syndrome (Part 1 of 2)

ByAnn Marie

Preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome turned my first child’s birth experience into a life-threatening situation. Today I’m here to tell the story and increase awareness about these conditions for all expectant mothers. This story has a happy ending, as this little pea turns 5 this weekend. preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, preeclampsia awareness, new mom, birth story

sailboat, sunset, puget sound
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From the Silence – Guest Post by Addie Davis

ByAnn Marie

Postpartum depression is common and serious. One of my best and most courageous friends is joining me this week to share a part of her motherhood journey. I hope Addie’s story will inspire moms experiencing the feelings she describes to seek help and talk about their struggles. To find strength where there is often shame because of, in Addie’s words, “stigmas and judgement – perceived or otherwise.” #mywishformoms #maternalmentalhealth #PPD