Motherly
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.
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.
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.
Right where you are ♀️—14-month-old
Coffee. Yoga pants. World domination. When you have a child, you've got the whole world in your hands. The future? Well it lives in your house. But there's a long and windy road from teaching your child how to put on her own pants—to launching an independent young adult out into the world. So rest up for the journey, mama. It's going to be a beautiful ride. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our favorite yoga pants. Ever. Baby this week: Climbing suddenly becomes very appealing. Try this: Put those new moves to good use at a mommy + me class (we love My Gym), and be sure to babyproof your own house.
All my people —14-month-old
Find your village. Love them hard. For many women, motherhood is profoundly lonely. Getting out of the house is just plain hard. Your work schedule keeps you from socializing. And your new roommate goes to bed at 7 pm which makes it difficult for you to escape at night. Know this, mama: It takes a village, and you deserve one. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. "Be my friend?" Meetup lists thousands of moms groups around the country (and the world.) Find one near you. Baby this week: Your child knows the names of his caretakers and close family and friends—even if he can't say all of them. Try this: Play 'the name game' with your little one. Gather a few loved ones around your toddler and point to each. Ask, "What's her name?" Grandma!
Keep up, mama ☕️—14-month-old
Maybe she's born with it—maybe it's caffeine. Open. Closed. Up. Down. Over. Under. Your little one is fascinated by how the world around her works, which is adorable—and exhausting. Make sure you are fueled for the journey: get enough sleep, stay hydrated (does coffee count?), and shower every (other?) day. Your little one needs her mama to keep up! XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love this water bottle + tracker to help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink up! Baby this week: At this age, children fascinated with switches, knobs and buttons. Try this: Busy boards are sure to provide hours of switch-flicking entertainment. (Make sure to supervise!)
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.
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.
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.
Some days you win —16-month-old
The only person you should be better than is the person you were yesterday.
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.
Much Love, Mama—A Valentine’s Day Giveaway
If anyone deserves to be treated this Valentine’s Day, it’s you.
What goes up —13-month-old
My house isn't messy. It's custom designed by a toddler. What goes up must come down. All that laundry you folded? Your toddler prefers it on the ground. That amazing organic homemade baby lunch you made? Your little one wants to see how it looks on the kitchen floor. Motherhood humbles you. But that's also when you learn that the simple things are all that really matter—and that less is so much more. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Baby this week: You might have noticed that your little one's favorite game is "drop it on the floor." It's annoying—but it's a great sign that your little scientist is aiming to understand his world. Try this: Encourage the behavior (at least anytime other than meal time!). Baby will feel confident and supported by you.
Winning at #momlife —13-month-old
You know the feeling: Your baby is wearing his cutest outfit. You showered and styled your hair. (WHAT WHAAAT ♀️.) You (finally!) arrived to an appointment on time. Some days you just find your mama groove, and nothing can stop you. Except a toddler meltdown in aisle nine. Those will stop you right in your tracks. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Starbucks' app lets you order ahead to make it faster for you to go from "don't talk to me" to "I've got this." ☕️ Baby this week: An independent streak is emerging. Who is this super-demanding tiny person? Try this: Start asking for your baby's opinion between two equal things. Red cup or blue? Pink pants or green? House white or red? Even if she can't give her opinion, she'll love that you asked.
I work out —13-month-old
Let's guess: You suddenly understand the baby leash people. Now we're not saying that you're about to take little Greyson or Ella for a walk in the doggie park, but your on-the-go child has you second guessing your anti-leash stance. Life is getting busy, mama. And it's getting oh so good.XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. We've found that our bellies need a little more support (read: a higher rise) from workout pants after we had our babies. Our favorite leggings for chasing after your little one. Baby this week: At 13 months, your baby is more steady on his feet and might even start to run! Try this: Now that your toddler has total control of his movement, it's time to make sure your house is completely babyproofed, including locks on cabinets and gates near any stairs. Our list here.
In this moment —13-month-old
Just take it one diaper change at a time. "The days are long but the years are short." It's something we heard before our babies were born, but motherhood reveals just how true it is. Raising a child is so hard, so demanding, and so wonderful. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. These compact strollers make it easier for YOU to get out while spending time with your tot. (And many are even small enough to fly with you ✈️.) Whether you use it to run errands—or run to Starbucks—is your choice alone. We're not judging. Baby this week: Your little one loves being the center of attention. Try this: It's not really possible to spoil a child by heaping love on her, so keep up the emotional support. But also begin encouraging independent acts (putting toys back with your help, feeding herself, waving bye bye!)—it's good for both of you!
Pick me up —14-month-old
Who run the world? Girls. How could we do it without our mom friends? Grandma? Favorite aunt? Generous mother-in-laws? What did we do before help was just a Facebook question or Google away? The Internet is sometimes blamed for pushing us apart, but this week, we're celebrating all the ways it is bringing us as moms together. Thanks for being a part of our team.XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Mommy Nearest is an awesome app that helps you find local events and activities nearby—and you just might find your new best mom friend. Baby this week: At 14 months, your little one's gross motor development picks up—meaning he can move sideways and even up stairs (while you stand safely next to him!). Try this: Encourage coordination (and cleaning) by having your newly mobile tot pick up toys and place them into a basket. What a good helper!
Here she is! —12-month-old
Be where you are. You are here, mama. You have a one-year-old (!), the confidence of an experienced mother, and have been rocking this #momlife for a whole twelve months. My, look how YOU have grown!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. The cutest bows for your little babe come from Little Poppy's monthly subscription box. $12/ month for the sweetest accessories we ever did see. Baby this week: Your smart little one will start to use objects correctly. Try this: Hand her a hairbrush and let her comb through her baby locks. What a big girl!
What does the cow say? —12-month-old
Motherhood is a strength. We say that motherhood is the ultimate superpower. Your toddler? Well he says, "mamamamamamamamamama." (Our favorite word.) One of the best parts of life with your one-year-old is finally getting to hear what's going inside that cute little head. Lots more talking, coming right up!XO, TeamMotherlyP.S. Time to upgrade your diaper bag? We love Pottery Barn Baby's on-the-go bags for busy mamas—so classically styled that nobody will even know they're made for lugging diapers! Fawn Design's diaper bags work as crossbody bags or backpacks for hands free-momming. Both = LOVE. Baby this week: Your growing toddler loves to learn animal names and the sounds they make. Try this: A simple animal names board book provides ample opportunity to teach animal sounds—now go make your best barnyard noises, mama!
Breaking through —12-month-old
I can do anything. Um hello—superhero status! Motherhood is super demanding. But on the plus side, all of those late nights, early mornings and too-short naps have made you more resilient than you ever thought possible. You're kind of becoming a pro at this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Now for your reward: Dwell + Slumber make dreamy house dresses that you can live and sleep in—pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding + beyond. Feeling comfy never looked so good. Baby this week: By this point, most toddlers have at least one tiny little tooth, though timelines vary widely from kid to kid. (Check with your dentist.) Try this: Make sure you're brushing those little chompers with a training toothbrush and water. Adult supervision required.