Motherhood makes us feel beautiful. Yes, it's intense to be so needed (all the time), but it's also just so meaningful. From feeding meals to bathing, cuddling to reading—a child's needs are constant, but simple and achievable. A mama feeds, cleans, plays, teaches, cuddles, kisses. It's a beautiful thing to be so loved and so wanted. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We adore all of Aden + Anais blankets, but especially this merino wool edition for snuggles in your toddler's bed. Toddler this week: Your tot understands way more words than she can say. Try this: Keep narrating the world around you both, and asking for her input, even if you have to interpret gestures or partly-formed sentences.
My kids are the reason I wake up. Really early. Every morning. Try this mama: go to sleep. We all make sure that our toddlers get enough rest every night, so why deprive ourselves of the gift of rest? The dishes, work projects and even favorite Netflix shows can wait. Discover the magic of going to bed early. (No, really. Try it.). XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Arianna Huffington's new venture, Thrive, features sleep apps, resting tips and products to help you feel more balanced throughout the day. We love her 'Goodnight Smartphone' spoof on 'Goodnight Moon.' Nightie night! . Toddler this week: Your little one loves testing gravity—and your limits—by jumping. He's also refining his motor skills. Try this: Leverage that jumping power to get his toddler energy out. Try a kids gym. Do the hokey pokey. Practice hopscotch.
Get it girl. How did this even happen: In a few short weeks, your baby will be a two-year-old! The good news: Two is so not terrible. (In fact, two is kind of adorable.) The honest truth: It is still a lot of work. Warm up those mama muscles. You're about to negotiate with someone just under three-feet-tall. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. The sweetest second birthday invitations are at Minted. Toddler this week: Around now, your little one starts speaking in short sentences like, "Mama go." Try this: Repeat your toddler's sentences back to her to develop her conversation skills, "You want mama to go downstairs now? Okay baby, nightie night!"
Say yes to new adventures. Just asking: Are you thinking about having another baby someday? Or are you D-O-N-E? (Whatever you're thinking is awesome, we're just curious!) Motherly offers expert tips for you when you are trying to conceive. (You can update your profile to "trying to get pregnant" at any time.) No pressure, just baby vibes. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. How one of Motherly's mama wrestles with being "done."❤️. Toddler this week: Your child's attention span is quite short—and this is perfectly normal. Try this: Follow your child's interest and engage with items that she is paying attention to—a good recipe for your relationship as your child grows up, too!
Messy bun + getting it done. You might be wearing yoga pants. You might be rocking a mom bun. You might be fueled by coffee and love. But you're definitely making this mom life look so good. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Your new favorite loungewear. Toddler this week: Child has strong feelings and temper tantrums, including her new favorite word, "NO!" Try this: Now's the time to start reading up on parenting and discipline strategies to turn power struggles into cooperation. You've got this.
Home is where the wifi connects automatically. So—this is us now. Date nights on the couch. Saturday morning wake ups at 7 am. Mommy + me music class. Life after kids sure looks different. And we wouldn't have it any other way. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. This is Us, Catastrophe, Parenthood + Modern Family are some of our all-time-favorite shows about life as parents. What do you love to watch to laugh about this #momlife? Toddler this week: Your child is starting to develop some self-control. Try this: Set reasonable expectations of what your toddler can handle, but keep her to it! Heap praise on her for the good decisions she's made!
Celebrate good times. You did it. Another year into the baby books. From your wobbly little walker to your confident toddler, baby + mama grew up so much this year. We're celebrating alongside you and your family. Get your party hats ready, it's almost time to celebrate! XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Toddler this week: Your little one is trusting of adults and enjoys being in their company. Try this: Celebrate two! Marking milestones and creating family traditions makes memories that last a lifetime.
Happy birthday! Don't let anyone tell you that two-year-olds are terrible. They are funny, sweet, curious and kind. (Yes, they are handful, but you've got this.) A wonderful new year awaits. Happy birthday to your sweet little one. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Take time to celebrate what YOU did two years ago. This is all possible because of you, mama. (You're our hero.) And if you're looking for a party dress to celebrate the occasion, check out Rent the Runway's daytime collection. Because girl, you've still got it.Toddler this week: Your baby turns two! Try this: Take her in for her two-year checkup. Make sure her immunizations are up to date, and that she's meeting milestones.
