To every mom—expecting, new, or seasoned—let’s sip on this messy, magical ride together.
It’s a quiet Sunday morning in my house. The kind of rare stillness where I can hear the clock ticking and the occasional gurgle of my caramel-infused coffee brewing. I’m perched on the edge of my couch, trusty breast pump humming away, doing its thing. Yes, folks, I’m multitasking like the mothering pro I’ve reluctantly become.
My newborn—officially six weeks old—has decided to grant me this moment of peace (or maybe he’s just gearing up for the next explosion of chaos). His big brother, all 4-and-a-half years of him, is in dreamland, probably plotting his next big question about dinosaurs or the mysteries of the universe. And here I am, boobs out, coffee in hand, soaking it all in.
Motherhood. It’s a lot, isn’t it?
The Wild Ride of Motherhood
If you’re an expecting mom reading this, bless your heart for your hopeful optimism. Keep it—it’ll serve you well. Just know that while those glowing Instagram feeds may show the sweetest parts of motherhood, the real deal comes with its fair share of cracked nipples, diaper blowouts, and wondering if you’ll ever sleep for longer than 45 minutes again. But don’t worry—you’ll also feel a love so big, it’ll knock the wind out of you.
For the brand-new moms, let me just say: I see you. I see you Googling “how to soothe a colicky baby” at 3 a.m. while simultaneously wondering if it’s safe to eat the pizza crust you found under the couch because you didn’t have time to cook. I see the bags under your eyes and the way your heart leaps every time your baby smiles—even if it’s just gas. You’re doing amazing, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
To the moms of toddlers who’ve just conquered weaning or are celebrating those beautiful, bittersweet milestones—take a moment to breathe it in and give yourself some credit. You’ve navigated a chapter filled with late-night cuddles, sticky hands, and more patience than you knew you had. You’ve poured your heart into helping your little one grow, and even on the days you felt like you were just surviving, you were their safe place, their cheerleader, their world. Milestones—whether it’s weaning, walking, or saying “please” without a nudge—are proof of your hard work and boundless love. You’re doing amazing, Mama. Keep showing up, just as you are—because you are their biggest win.
Reflecting on My Own Journey
Motherhood, for me, has been this blend of chaos, comedy, and crushing beauty. My firstborn made me a mom—threw me headfirst into a world where I questioned everything about myself and simultaneously discovered a strength I didn’t know I had. And now, with my second, I’m realizing that no two kids (or motherhood journeys) are the same.
For instance, with my first, I sterilized everything to within an inch of its life. If a pacifier hit the ground, it was an emergency. Now? I give it a quick rinse under the tap and call it a day. Growth, right?
But even with the experience of one child under my belt, having a newborn again feels like uncharted territory. The sleepless nights still hit like a freight train. The juggling act between two kids sometimes feels impossible. And yet, here I am, still standing (albeit with coffee in hand and spit-up on my shirt).
What I’ve Learned (So Far)
You’re never going to feel fully prepared. No amount of prenatal classes, parenting books, or unsolicited advice from your aunt who raised six kids will make you feel like you’ve got this. And that’s okay—you’ll learn as you go.
Laugh when you can. When your toddler decides to “help” by dumping a whole bag of flour on the kitchen floor or your baby projectile spits up on you just as you’re about to leave the house, laugh. It’s either that or cry, and one of those is less likely to smudge your mascara.
Ask for help. This is not the Hunger Games. Motherhood isn’t about seeing how much you can endure before you snap. Lean on your partner, your family, your friends, or even a kind stranger who offers to hold the baby while you pee.
Every phase is temporary. The sleepless nights, the endless feedings, the tantrums—they all pass. And then you’ll find yourself tearing up at how big they’re getting and wondering why time has to move so fast.
To the Moms Out There
To the expecting moms: cherish these last moments before your life changes forever. Not in a scary way, but in a “you’ll never look at the world the same again” way.
To the new moms: take it one moment at a time. Celebrate the small wins, like getting through a day without crying (you or the baby).
To the moms with a few more miles on the odometer: teach us your ways. And also, remind us that it’s okay to not have it all figured out, even years into the game.
And to all of us: remember that we’re in this together. None of us really know what we’re doing, but we’re showing up, loving hard, and giving it everything we’ve got.
So here’s to the quiet moments with caramel coffee and breast-pumps. Here’s to the loud moments with crying babies and toddler tantrums. Here’s to motherhood in all its messy, magical glory.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear my little one stirring—and if I time it right, I might just sneak in a few sips of my coffee before the day really begins.
With love (and a little spit-up),
A mama cheering you on! 💃
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