This post is all about mothering.
On mothering…
Being a mother, mothering, well there’s nothing else like it. From the moment you think about becoming a mom you are changed.
Then there’s getting pregnant, actually being pregnant, birth, postpartum, and, well you know the rest (or maybe you’re in the process of discovering what “the rest” is).
The Oxford dictionary defines mothering as “the act of bringing up a child.” What sounds so simple on paper, we know, is the most complex, beautiful, hardest, transformative, and fun experience you can ever have in life.
Filled with paradoxes, being a mother can be one of the most rewarding, awesome, truly special, and, at times, isolating jobs on the planet.
You want to do everything “right”, but you don’t really know what you’re doing at times (or most of the time). It’s a trial and error and trial and success business. There are seasons where you’re crushing it and seasons where you have never “failed’ more (I put that in quotes because you’re never failing – you’re learning!). And those seasons can happen on the same day.
Why mom needs a mom friend
Having mom friends is one of the most invaluable things ever. Sometime just looking at another mom, you both just know.
But those mom friends…they’re the best.
It might be someone to sit down with to process your birth, help your with breastfeeding (because it’s definitely not coming naturally like everyone said it would), a current struggle, or just have to laugh at something so freaking funny the love of your life aka your child did.
Or maybe it’s someone to text during those middle of the night feedings, someone to ask what exactly the order of operation is when your baby poops in the bath, alllllll the product recommendations, or even an older mom to have as evidence that, yes, we do make it through this.
That’s why we have this Mothering Series. Each installment will ask a mother questions about mothering. Questions like the ones you text your mom friends about. And in case you don’t have a mom friend, you’ve got one now! 🙂
Meet Lindsey!
Our first installment of the Mothering Series is with Lindsey. She works in education, and is just a really incredible person. She’s hardworking, she’s really fun, has a great sense of style, and is always positive. Her interview is filled with so much delight, wisdom, tips, and overall practical guidance!
So grab a mug or glass of your favorite drink and enjoy our conversation with Lindsey below!
Tell us about yourself!
Currently in my third year of being in the role of a Dean of Students at a large comprehensive high school, and this year is my 21st year of education.
I love traveling to both new and familiar locations, a really good cappuccino with a lot of foam, and trying new restaurants within the area to check out both as a family and more for the occasional date nights sans our son.
I also love reading actual books- preferably hard-covers, that are suspenseful page turners that I can’t put down and cause me to stay up extra late.
Tell us about your family
I’m a Mama of a 6.5 year son named Augustus. He’s an only child and LOVES being one. My husband and I are learning so much from him at this point in his life- especially in his development and all about his interests and what makes him special and unique. His personality is now that of a boy- no longer a small child or little kid.
He’s growing into his own self and this year more than ever, the independence I was yearning for and thought would never come is here, and ironically I so miss him needing me as much as he once did.
I was told once that Kindergarten will be the last year he will seem and need you like a little kid, and this year while he’s in 1st grade I’m amazed at all he now teaches me and shares with me, I see that sentiment coming true. It is equally both exciting and saddening to me at the same time.
What’s something you can’t live without?
Besides the obvious of my husband and son, I’m going with my health and the ability to move.
Whether it be walking, pilates, yoga, barre3, stretching etc never good to be too stagnant and still. Movement does amazing things for your mental, emotional and physical health etc. You’re only as young (or old) as you feel.
A good stroller was key in helping me with this when he was younger. We only had one stroller ever– but loved it and it totally worked for us.
What has been your some of your favorite wisdom on mothering?
True statement: The days are long and the years fly by in parenting so try to be in the moment and try to remember this as much as possible. Remember this especially when you’re in the thick of something that literally seems like it will never ever end and that it will be that way forever. Nothing is forever and it will change eventually- that’s a promise.
What’s your current go-to dinner recipe?
Chicken thighs in a skillet- full pack, brown with olive oil. Throw in cut up yellow or white onion and 2-3 heaping tbsp of french onion dip. (I use Trader Joe’s). Simmer and cover. Once cooked, throw a serving over mixed greens along with the sauce. Could serve over rice as well.
If you could put on any outfit, where you feel your best, what would it be?
Jumpsuit, denim and or cotton, long sleeved with cinched waist – wear w/flats, heels, or cute tennis shoes.
Pregnancy or postpartum items you couldn’t live without?
Lived in my Kindred Bravely Labor and Delivery gowns after delivery- bought multiples. Also their postpartum underwear- high waisted.
Urban Organics Baby Butter- used on Augustus and myself while breastfeeding.
My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow was my favorite of many I tried.
Placenta Pills helped me with my milk supply and my mood
Toys/activities/traditions you kid(s) love?
LEGOS, Bruder vehicles, reading Dog Man books, bike riding, soccer, coding, anything with a motor, likes to “teach me things” – usually about vehicles, how something works, or something robotic.
We have traditions surrounding certain vacations we take every year and Augustus now expects that we go on these….:-)
In July, we stay in Sunriver in the same house every year. For Thanksgiving we stay in Oak Park, CA at Grandma and Pops’ house. And in December we visit Leavenworth, WA in the same lodge every year- same dates too.
We light a menorah and say the Hebrew Prayer every night of Hanukkah.
What has surprised you the most about motherhood?
Nothing is predictable- ever.
As much as you need/yearn for alone time/adult time at times, as soon as you have it- you miss them wholeheartedly.
Any tips, tricks, or life hacks that make your life easier?
SLEEP TRAINING (if needed, don’t hold off), healthy sleep habits and patterns set the stage for so much health-wise. Don’t wait. Makes EVERYONE’S life SOOOO much better off. PROMISE! 3 Day Sleep Method worked perfectly for us! Was a life saver.
If traveling by plane to visit family- ask your family to borrow or purchase a car seat/booster seat and stroller, and travel crib to use while there so you don’t have to fly with it/them. Also mail diapers/wipes to get to destination ahead of time.
Look into good second hand kid stores/boutiques close to where you live prior and after having a baby, and start looking and getting rid of stuff there asap.
If you could tell a new mom one thing, what would it be?
Do what you can and “can” the rest. Meaning let go of or don’t stress about the things you have no control over.
It’s OK to ask for help – and accept the help offered.
Thank you so much, Lindsey!
What are your favorite motherhood products or wisdom? Comment below!
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