Motherly

On my own —17-month-old

Own it, mama. One of the gifts of motherhood: You learn to care so much less about what other people think. In fact, you discover that the way you mother is often different (but not better or worse) than the way others do. If extended breastfeeding/cosleeping/homeschooling work for you, YAY. If you prefer formula feeds, crib rest and enrolling that cutie in daycare, AWESOME. Motherhood is hard enough, so we're all done with the judgment. Buh-bye to all that. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. We are definitely not judging if you reward yourself for some awesome Momming with a special delivery from Goldbelly—which ships America's most legendary and iconic foods straight to your house. Send us a Joe's Pizza? Toddler this week: At 17 months, your child points to communicate all sorts of messages to you. Try this: Read up on why pointing is such a profound achievement for your tot—and what your child is trying to say. Aww, he's so smart!

Get up + get it —17-month-old

Set a goal that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Gonna be honest—the only thing that really gets us out of bed in the morning is the automatic coffee maker. ☕️ But maybe you've got bigger goals than getting to the espresso machine. Maybe you're dreaming of starting your own business. Maybe you're trying to spend less and save more. Maybe you're ready to take time off and start a new chapter as a stay-at-home mom. Whatever is getting you motivated, mama, go all the way.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Toddler this week: Your super-curious tot is all hands. All the time. Try this: Try handing your toddler edible "paints"—mixed yogurts and pureed foods + a paint brush. There's only so much damage she can do in her high chair—or the tub, and she'll have the time of her life painting away.

The ride of your life —16-month-old

Just ride this wave. You can't fight it. Motherhood is a wild ride. But if you find a way to ride the waves (the tantrums, the work-life stress, the squeezed-in, we-are-tired-but-let's-do-this-sex) as they come, you just might find that you're really rolling with it. Just ride this wave, mama, one day at a time. XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Keep date night sexy with our favorite simple tips. And our fave lingerie to spice it up for new mamas. You've got this. Toddler this week: At this stage, your toddler loves nothing more than feeling like a big boy with a ride-on toy. Try this: Indulge her with a Push + Ride racer and watch that toothy grin magically appear!

8 Tips to Be A Better Birth Partner

Uncertain about your role as birth partner? This is the guide for you.

Weekly Links: Beyonce Edition

Everything you need to know about Beyonce's pregnancy announcement!

5 Tips to Combat Pregnancy Constipation

This natural remedies will help you get things moving during pregnancy.

Why I make time for romance after kids

1. Small love notes find their way into her handbag for her morning commute.

How to live a good life: A recipe for my kids

6. I hope you get to know people who are different from you.

It’s priceless —16-month-old

Your worth is far beyond what you know. Motherhood demands a lot of you. You've given up mornings sleeping in. Your money. Your freedom. In fact, it's hard to find an area of your life that you haven't sacrificed once your child was born. And yet—you wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Ellevest provides investment advice tailored to the needs of dynamic women like you—because you can't put a price on financial security. Toddler this week: An independent streak is emerging. Try this: Encourage independence as much as you can. Mealtimes might be messier and tasks might not get done the 'right' way, but your child will build the confidence to (one day!) do these small things for herself. It's worth the extra effort now. Promise.

It’s all good —16-month-old

Mom life is the best life. On the one hand, you don't want your little one to ever get any bigger than she is right now. On the other hand, the idea that she will one day be potty trained = , amirite?!?! All you can do is take it one diaper change at a time. What a big girl!XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Little ones grow so fast, which is why we love Primary.com's approach to kids clothes. Soft, high-quality fabrics in simple colors and classic designs. The affordable price is the very best part. Baby this week: Your little one shows interest in doing things his way. Try this: Let him help you out during his bath—rub in his own shampoo, put the toys back in the basket and say bye bye! to the water.

Now hear this —16-month-old

May your coffee be strong and your eyeliner even. Motherhood looks amazing on you. You are our hero. The sacrifice is worth it. The snuggle is real. In the midst of the momlife madness, you can sometimes forget just how beautiful and powerful it all is. But we're not forgetting, mama. Every single day, you show up. And that means that you are amazing.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. This Stila eyeliner can withstand toddler smudges, stressful meetings, bath time splashes and even hot yoga class. Baby this week: Your baby starts jabbering away, and sometimes real words come out! Try this: Engage your toddler in conversation and mimic her tones. Follow her interests no matter what they are—a toilet paper roll! an exciting spoon!—to help her connect with you and her world.

2017 Valentine’s Day Gift Picks

Our editors share their gift ideas for all the Valentines in your life.

Doctor’s orders: Date your spouse!

Both my marriage and I deserve a little alone time.

My daughter’s preemie power will help her conquer the world

…on her own timeline, in her own special way.

15 ways to connect with your child in 5 minutes or less

My love —16-month-old

Do all things with love. Bacon is our love language. Slobbery kisses make us feel adored. John Legend gives us the feels. Motherhood lets you experience a depth of love like no other. How lucky are we to have this love. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. The Forest Feast, Love + Lemons + the Weelicious cookbooks give us all the food inspiration we need to cook fresh family meals we all love. Baby this week: Your little one loves to imitate your behaviors. Try this: A standing stool lets your little helper "cook" or wipe down the counters next to you in the kitchen. Also: get your camera ready, because it's the cutest.

Some days you win —16-month-old

The only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday. 

Yes or no ⁉️—15-month-old

My hairstyle is called, “I have kids." Yes! You showered! No: Your toddler threw up on you immediately after. Yes! Sexy time. No: Someone just woke up and is screaming "mama!" Yes! Momlife is hard. No: We wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Yes! Living proof dry shampoo is just what the hairstylist ordered. Baby this week: Your tot might starting using one-word commands like, "NO!" Try this: Trying saying "no" less yourself—instead guiding your child away from dangerous or bad choices. "The oven is hot, please stay away" and "Keep your cup on your high chair." Less "no!" from you, less "no!" from your tot.

Life in color —15-month-old

Broken crayons still color. Ahh, the joys of toddler life. Messes everywhere. Gleeful grins in the bathtub (so. much. splashing.) And lots of slobbery, snuggly kisses for mama. It's not perfect, but it's perfectly beautiful. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Adult coloring books + a glass of wine + Carla Bruni on Spotify = our happy place. Baby this week: Your little one can scribble and might start reaching for your pen! Try this: Indulge that little artist with toddler crayons—made for chubby little hands.

Make my day —15-month-old

Go ahead, make my day. Parenthood can stress a relationship. In fact, most couples report decreased marriage satisfaction in the years after baby is born. Take note: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. With a little bit of work (and some expert guidance), parenthood can bring you even closer. And we hope it also brings you more help around the house, because mama needs some clean laundry.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Baby this week: Your toddler loves going on stroller rides and looking at the world around. Try this: Can you commit to one 20-30 minute walk each day this week? Easy exercise for you, lots to explore for your tot.