Motherly

Life in color —18-month-old

Live colorfully. If you embrace it, this momlife can be a beautiful adventure. Do you ever just sit and marvel at how fun, miraculous and (at times) mind-blowing it all is? In the midst of the grind, we hope you take time to count those little fingers and toes, and thank the universe for the gift of your child. We do. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Our toddlers love arts + crafts time at their Melissa & Doug's Standing Easel. Add a smock and drop cloth to make clean-up a breeze! Toddler this week: Good times ahead, as your toddler can follow 1-step verbal commands, for example, he stops when you say "Stop painting the walls !" (He can follow commands, but we can't promise he always will.) Try this: Try not to bark too many orders, instead focus on essential commands, especially ones around safety.

Motherly powers —18-month-old

I'm not a superhero—but I am a mom. So close enough. Motherhood gives you supersonic hearing. Motherly intuition. A sixth sense. Superhuman strength. So may you soar this week like the superhero that you are. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Even superheroes need to take a break from time to time. Massage Envy's monthly massage plan gives you an amazing deal on a rub down every 30 days—easily the most relaxing hour all month. We're big fans. Toddler this week: Your baby can now easily eat with a spoon—but your supervision is still essential. Try this: Let baby self-feed, but stock up on Ikea's bib shirts.

Ch-ch-ch-changes —18-month-old

I'm not afraid of change. I'm afraid of staying the same. As soon as you get used to each stage in this momlife, something changes. Whether we're talking teething, naptimes, meals or milestones, it all transforms so quickly. Motherhood keeps you on your toes. The good news? You're becoming quite the skilled quick-change artist. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. The Dazzle SmarTrike 5-in-1 ride morphs from a reclining stroller to traditional stroller to guided trike, training trike, and finally a classic tricycle. POOF: Magic. ✨. Toddler this week: Can identify several body parts. Try this: Point out all of your little ones' parts by singing 'head, shoulders knees and toes.'

Motherhood, simplified ☕️ —19-month-old

Coffee is my star sign. Toddlers are adorable. And exhausting. That's why we've embraced the simple things: a good cup of coffee, a folded pile of laundry, a perfect pair of pants we rock every single day. Because in motherhood, less can be so much more. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Getting rid of stuff can SAVE motherhood. Toddler this week: 'Sharing' is not in the vocabulary of most 19-month-olds. Try this: Encourage 'taking turns'

The runaround —19-month-old

Children are my cardio. Who needs the gym when you have a tiny tornado living in your house? Between cleaning up after meals, lugging loads of laundry, bending down to kiss little boo boos and running after your little one, you're already getting a work out in every single day. Build those mama muscles, lady. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Burn off some of that toddler energy with a Gymnic Rody Horse with Rocking Base Ride On. Rody is the perfect way to harness that energy in a fun and safe way. Toddler this week: Your little one may reject the stroller (not to mention the car seat). Try this: Let your tot walk more places, and embrace choice when getting her into the carseat. "Should I put your left arm or right arm in first?" "Do you want to climb in?" Cooperation, FTW!

Kiss kiss, mama —19-month-old

Kiss that booboo and carry on. There's nothing better than mama. Your kiss can heal booboos. Your voice can calm meltdowns. Your snuggle can ward off bad dreams. A mother is magic. Use your powers wisely this week. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: It's never too early to start fostering a love for nourishing and delicious foods. Check out this inspo for your blossoming little foodie. Check in on nutritious eating techniques for toddlers + fuel on.

Good day ☀️—19-month-old

It's a good day to have a good day. Sometimes all that keeps you going is the hope that tomorrow will be a better day. Sometimes you burn dinner, make a mistake at work, get frustrated with your toddler and can't find pants that fit. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, you're going to rock it. Promise. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. A new pair of sunglasses can make you look instantly put together. Read what other beauty pick-me-ups for we love for busy mamas. Toddler this week: Playing pretend is the name of the game. Try this: A play kitchen provides years of entertainment for your little one, and is good training to take care of himself!

Time out —20-month-old

Log out, shut down, turn it off. MAMA NEEDS A VACAY. Seriously—when is the next time you're giving yourself a no-joke, no kids, alone-time break? Put it on your calendar. Studies show that even just knowing that you have planned time off can help to relieve stress now. So go on, it's time mama. Make vacation happen. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Kid and Coe helps you locate family-friendly vacation properties around the world. It's like AirBnB for your little crew. Toddler this week: Bath time is a powerful time for learning for your little scientist. Try this: Boon's Building Bath Pipes are an amazing STEM starter kit.

I like the way you work it —20 month old

No coffee, no workee. We know your career has gone through some changes since you've become a mom. It might be time for you to re-evaluate your current situation and figure out what it is you really want. And if you want flex work, more pay and more ownership of your career, well, ask for it.XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: Toddlers can't help but find joy exactly where they are. Try this: Follow your tot's interests and engage him exactly where he is, even if that means pretending to find a paper towel roll absolutely fascinating.

Just in time ⏰—20-month-old

Time is not measured by clocks but by moments. What is time? And why does it seem to shift in motherhood? See Exhibit A—Things that go on forever: Getting your kids to put their shoes on, bedtime stalling and the Caillou theme song. ? Things that fly by: The baby stage, date night and your morning to sleep in. Motherhood messes with the space-time continuum, which is all the more reason we're soaking up what's special about every single stage. Help us Albert Einstein, because babies don't keep. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Want to pick up some all-in-one baby + kid items that stand the test of time? These 6 money-saving products grow with your child, and are Motherly tested + loved. Toddler this week: Your little one has likely dropped a morning nap. It's ok if yours still takes one, but most are 1-nap-kiddos by 20 months. Try this: Keep the afternoon nap time as consistent as possible to help your little get quickly get to rest. Naps should be at least an hour.

Time to grow —20-month-old

Find the silver lining. Some days you mom like a boss: Your laundry is folded, your work is done, your kids are happy, mama gets a date night, and you feel like you're on top of the world. (Thank you, coffee ☕️.) And some days your laundry overflows, your kids color on the walls (with Sharpie!), your inbox backs up, you argue with your partner, and you feel like running away from home. #CYA. Welcome to motherhood. Beyond the Pinterest-perfect ideas, is the messy, beautiful reality of loving yourself and your family, imperfections and all. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: Your little explorer needs to get outside. Try this: Unstructured time outside is good for baby's health and brain development. Take a stroll, play in the dirt (yes really!) and let your little one explore the joys of raindrops.

You want it ☑️—20-month-old

If you want it, work for it. Pregnancy is hard work. Caring for a newborn is exhausting. Toddlers are little tornados. Motherhood is a marathon. So we already know you're not afraid of really digging in and sacrificing for what you want. Whatever it is you're working for this week, we hope you go all the way, mama. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Babywearing is still a thing—even for toddlers. We love wearing our babes on our backs using the ErgoBaby carrier. Keep calm + carry on. Toddler this week: Lots of toddlers go through a "carry me" phase, where she needs the security of holding mama close. Try this: As much as possible, indulge your little one. By creating these secure attachments, especially when your child needs it the most, you're actually laying the groundwork for a more independent young adult.

All the energies —21-month-old

Carpe caffeine. Toddlers wake up fully charged. Moms? Not so much. May you seize the day, the caffeine, the nap, the promotion, the night on the couch watching your favorite movie. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love classic blocks—the perfect toy for toddlers to teens (seriously). This Melissa + Doug set comes with the perfect storage tray too. Toddler this week: Your child loves to dismantle things—it's in her tiny scientist DNA! Try this: Your little one is also capable of helping to put things back together, so after she knocks over that pile of blocks, encourage her to put them back where they belong. All better!

Big girl pants —21-month-old

Put your pants on. Nothing like a toddler negotiation to get your day started the right way. Okay tiny person—don't wear pants. Pick your battles, mama. Those chubby little legs are super adorable anyway. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Toddler this week: As two approaches, it's super common for your toddler to begin testing your limits. Try this: Avoid conflict by helping your child feel empowered. Encourage choices. Pick your battles. And keep calm.

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What really matters —21-month-old

The best way to get stuff done is to simply begin.

It’s all yours —21-month-old

The secret to having it all is believing you already do. The phrase "working mother" is redundant. —Jane Sellman. Can we get a praise hands emoji for that nugget of truth? When it comes to navigating career + kids, the most important thing is that you feel fulfilled by whatever it is that you chose to do. And with more women than ever making money from home, working remotely, or kicking off careers as entrepreneurs, the working world is your oyster. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Need a diaper bag that doubles as a work bag? We dig Skip*Hop's Greenwich Backpack Diaper Bag. Toddler this week: Early shape recognition takes shape. Try this: Use a shape sorter to help refine motor skills and learn their circles from their squares.

It’s the best —21-month-old

My mom is the best—your kid. Relax, mama: You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect mother for your child. You just need to show up each day and support and love on your little person. Love means sometimes saying 'no.' Love means taking care of yourself, too. Love means creating a safe space for your baby to grow. So you're already rocking this awesome momlife thing. We all love you just the way you are. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Finding an activity you enjoy doing with your child is the best. Maybe it's a favorite book you both enjoy. Maybe it's mommy + me yoga. Maybe it's a special lunch date. Toddler this week: Fine motor skills are all the rage this month for your babe. Try this: Tin trains, cars and things-that-go become suddenly fascinating—go with it.

On the run —22-month-old

This house runs of coffee, Paw Patrol and love. Toddlers will keep you on your toes. From messes to spills to health hiccups, mothering a growing child is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, you have a big heart—and it's full of big love. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. We love Stride Rite's sturdy shoes for our little runners—they've even held up for multiple kids! Toddler this week: Your little one can develop sudden fears of things like the bath, dogs or new neighbors. Try this: Do your best to comfort your child without magnifying the fear. "Yes, the puppy dog is loud. Can you wave hi to the doggie?"

So many feels —22-month-old

You're stronger than you think. Being a toddler is exhausting. One moment you're giggling like a lunatic because you're throwing your dinner across the dining room, and the next you're bawling your eyes out because mommy said, "No throwing food!" When your little one feels all the feels this week, may you keep your cool and carry on. You've got this. XO, TeamMotherly P.S. Dylbug's personalized plates are THE CUTEST way to make meals special. Toddler this week: Your little one's emotions can be all over the map as he starts to feel big things. Try this: Label the emotions that your little one is feeling to help him understand + cope.