Have you ever wanted some advice from those mothers that seem to have it all together?
Here are some great tips from some of my favorite beautiful mothers!
"Sleep when the baby is sleeping!" -Cora
I'm sure this isn't the first time you've heard this. It's hard to have this mindset when there is laundry to do, dishes piling up, monstrous dust bunnies, and little bits of cereal and dirt in the carpet. Take a breath. Dishes can be done just before bedtime or as they are being dirtied. Instead of everyone putting their dishes in the sink, ask them to rinse out the dish and place it in the dishwasher. Simple steps like this will make everything easier on the Mommy!
"Dust can wait, babies can't, they grow much too quickly. Each stage is so precious you don't want to miss any." -Inetta
Noticing a trend? There will be time to do the chores. When the baby is very interested in playing or when the baby is eating (if they can self-feed) do some dusting, fold clothes, or sweep. Give the baby a sock or a dust rag too. It would be a fun game for the baby, and I'm sure the floors could use a little extra shine.
"Have at least 30 minutes for yourself and take a bubble bath." -Stacelyn
I can not express how important this is. Bubble baths are a must for any woman. Especially those that are stressed with a baby, school, work, chores, weddings, and various other things. I'm not saying have a bubble bath every night but once a week or twice a month is still better than never. Those 30 minutes to yourself could be in the morning before the baby wakes, or at night while the baby is sleeping. I usually take at least 15 at night before bed either way just to have my quiet time and read a little scripture.
"Keep to a simple routine and don't let yourself off the hook when you're tired. You'll feel much better!" -Jeanette
One of my favorite tips. This has been the most overlooked mistake I've been making. I'm a huge procrastinator especially if "I'm tired" or "not feeling good". I know I don't need to make excuses for myself. If you're anything like me, having something out of place bothers you. A lot. My bedroom was a wreck for two months and I never really did anything about it. I would avoid going into my own room if possible. It was insane. So, after our last trip to Cincinnati I decided it was time to get our bedroom back into shape. I need to be an example for Noah after all. I can't express how much better I've been sleeping and feeling since getting organized!
The only thing I'll add.
Wake up before the baby.
I know this isn't going to be possible for everyone especially those with newborns that wake-up every few hours. It may seem like you're losing a ton of sleep but really what's an hour or two if it helps you feel better? It's the perfect time to take a relaxing shower or bubble bath, read some scripture, start a load of laundry, and have breakfast without having to share.
