Category: Motherhood

Hello September. Back to School & Fall Sports.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 2 Comments

And just like that it is back to school time.

How was your Summer!? Ours was amazing filled with lots of trips, swimming and family and friend time.

Anyone else feeling a bit rusty at the early mornings and lunch packing or is it just me??

I feel like in the Summer it’s easy to get up early but even though I am an adult and work full time, when the school season starts I still find it harder to get up just like when I was attending school 😆

It’s so bittersweet. Every new school year just reminds you of how much your little’s are growing.

My son started first grade yesterday and although my daughter is still at home, the fact that she is starting pre school next Fall is just unbelievable.

Weren’t they both just in diapers toddling around and keeping me up all hours of the night!? I remember starting this blog and all I had was my little man, just figuring out motherhood together. Now they have sassy little comebacks and Lego’s and Barbie’s galore strewn across the floors.

Ok, cue the tears!

With September, I am saying bye to long Summer slow days and mornings and starting to fill my calendar with sports practices and school field trips again.

My son is starting his first year of hockey and my little girly is on her 2nd year of dance starting up as well.

As much as I do love a non busy day, sometimes I strive in the chaos with figuring out the kids schedules and how they work into my work schedule.

Adulting is being excited for new calendars and pretty pens and markers to use!

My friend and I have been gushing about our excitement for organizing and keeping schedules in check.

Also, my TBR list is growing outrageously now that it is September. I am so so excited about so many of my upcoming reads, let me know if you would like a post on that! Plus, share the book you are most excited to read this Fall!

Ok, enough of the rambling. I am mainly trying to say that I hope you and all of your kiddo’s have the best and the safest new school year! Wishing you all of the luck and just know we will all navigate this together!

We’ve got this mama’s!

Mama’s: Welcome to The Chaos of “Maycember.”

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 6 Comments

I don’t know about you, but I feel like I am scrambling more and more looking at my May calendar than I do in December! Talk about total May madness.

My oldest is in Kindergarten so this is my first full year with all the school activities so I never really understood the meaning behind Maycember until this year. He brought home his May calendar from school about a week ago and I never knew there could be so many days that have things going on! Brings back so many memories though especially seeing field day on the calendar. But all the end of the year parties, teacher appreciation week, performances, field trips, spirit type week days.

I defiantly feel the pressure of trying to keep everything straight. Especially when you throw in all the extra activities for both kids. Ball games, dance recital, birthday parties, Mother’s day, Memorial day weekend, trying to be in two places at once at times.

The feeling of an endless to-do list is real.

And we wonder why it’s so easy to get burnt out as a mom?

The part keeping me going though? It’s just a season.

It will pass and I will look back and I’m sure wish I could do it all over again because secretly the chaos is fun. I love being busy with my kids. I love supporting them and cheering them on and being there for as much as I can and showing the people who deserve it how much we appreciate them.

But that isn’t saying that all of it isn’t overwhelming because it is.

To help break up the chaos a little I’ve started writing everything down.

Prioritizing and making lists on what to get each week for the week coming up.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. I fortunately have a wonderful support system and have family to help when my husband and I can’t be in two places at once.

Push things that aren’t pivotal that month to later in the next month to help loosen the up load of things to do.

And most importantly give yourself grace, remember you are doing the best you can and no matter what, you are doing a wonderful job!

I am here rooting you all! We’ve got this.

Bring on Maycember!

The Joy’s of Potty Training & Spring Sports.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 18 Comments

How are you feeling momma’s? Anyone else feel the busy season of life brewing up? For some reason whenever Spring comes along, the older my kids get the more I just feel straight up busy. Defiantly a good busy though because I am desperate for that warmer weather and sunshine!

I’m looking at my May calendar and thinking how there is not a free weekend in it. Baseball opening day, dance recital weekends, school plays, birthday’s, Friend gatherings.

My kids are currently 5 and 3 and one of my favorite things has been having them try sports to see what they like and don’t like. So far my 5 year old son is loving baseball and if you ask him what he wants to be when he grows up his answer is to play for the Detroit Tigers. He’s taking a real liking to learning how to play hockey as well which is exciting and he just told me the other day he also wants to practice golf with daddy this Summer plus he tells me all about his playground adventures of playing basketball with his friends.

To say we may have our hands full with this one…

My 3 year old daughter is currently in dance which is so adorable to watch but lately she has been kicking balls around and wanting to play soccer. We are taking the Summer off of dance and our area has a fun rec program for her age that teaches tball, soccer and basketball so I am thinking that will be her activity for the warmer weather. She’s also begging to get out on the ice like her brother.

I never was much of a sports player but my husband was and I can tell he is just thriving in the newly developed sports era the kids are growing into. Which good for him, I have absolutely no problem being the on the sidelines and bleacher mom just ready with snacks after the games.

Speaking of my 3 year old, I can’t believe we are going to be a pull up free house soon. I honestly could not see the day ever coming and although it is bittersweet I would be lying if I said I wasn’t also excited about it.

Potty training my son was rough, lots of crying both him and I and frustration so when it was time for round two with my daughter and she started to show the same “I’m not doing it” attitude I was so nervous.

But….she took to it well after the first few times and we are on a good track and my relief is HUGE.

For a reward for doing so well these couple of weeks her grandma spoiled her and took her to get her nails painted which she has been asking to go with her to a nail appointment for a while and they turned out so cute! Fingers crossed it stays a positive experience for us all.

I am wishing you mama’s all the luck to you that are in your busy sports mom era, potty training era, newborn era, just mom era in general. We are all in this together the excitement, the tiredness, the hard parts. You are defiantly not alone.

May your coffee stay strong and the sunshine stay shining!

A Letter to My Sassy Little Girl That I So Needed.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 13 Comments

Dear Daughter,

I never knew how much I needed a little girl until you came into my life.

Your head full of hair and sweet little cheeks, nose and lips I could not stop staring at when you were born.

The dreamy after feeding smiles and the long nights of walking around rocking you while you wailed and wailed.

My sour patch kid, and I could not love you more.

Your independence and your strength are admiring. Of course keeping up with your older brother I’m sure has contributed to that strength and sassiness you have but that’s ok. I hope you never lose it. It’s so important to be strong and independent as a child and as an adult, especially as a woman. I just know you will move mountains.

I hope you know how beautiful you are, even now at two-years-old with your blonde curls and big blue eyes, that cheeky little grin. I hope you never stop saying “I so pretty” when you put on a new dress or a new bow in your hair that you love. My words to you will always, always stay positive and I only pray your words to yourself will as well.

I hope you know I will always be there for you as your mom but as your friend as well. I will never let you feel like you can’t come to me for anything, no matter what. I will be there to help, to teach and to comfort and to listen to you and your brother, always.

It’s such a privilege that I was picked to be your mama.

Always keep your strength, your sassiness, your sweetness and your attitude. Your independence and your love for adventure. Your positivity and your love for everyone in your life.

I am so blessed to be on this journey with you.

I love you baby girl.

Love always,

Your mama.

A Letter From One Kindergarten Mom to Another.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 16 Comments

Well, here we are.

This day seemed so far away for such a long time didn’t it? I thought so too and sometimes I still can’t believe we are on the full on school journey now.

It seems like just yesterday that we were rocking, burping, pacing the living room floor just trying to get adjusted to having a new baby and now our baby is growing up.

We were listening to baby shark on repeat and holding chubby little fingers to steady them while learning to walk. Going through the emotional journey of potty training and their preschool journey learning how to be a friend, leading us all to here.

This moment.

Kindergarten.

I’d be lying if I said it didn’t keep me up at night thinking about it.

Just hoping and praying that it will be a great year and that he will thrive and be happy being in school and make lots of friends, be kind and have a wonderful teacher who is patient. That’s all you can ask for right? That’s what we have been teaching and preparing for.

Even sitting here typing I can’t help but cry and our first day is still a week away.

I guess I am writing this to let you know mama, you are not alone. Your fears are rational. It feels like you’re sending your baby out into the big scary world without being able to be there to protect them every minute of the day.

But I am choosing to embrace this new journey and make it the best I can for my little man. Making sure lunches are fun to open each day, volunteering for all I can, being involved in his school journey as much as I can. Attending every event or field trip he asks me to. I think that’s what helps your little one and you in this adjustment and school years to come.

So don’t be afraid to cry after hugs and drop off, don’t be afraid to think about your little one every second of their first week because it’s normal and it will happen.

Schedules might be a little more crazy, doubts might be a little more high, evenings a little more busy, but it’s nothing we can’t handle.

I wish you the best of luck on the new school year! I hope it’s successful and fun and that you both enjoy it.

We’ve got this mama’s!

How Did We Get Here So Fast!?

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 2 Comments

I swear, some days it feels like I just had my sweet babes. They sure were right when they said time flies when you’re raising kids.

I wish it would slow down.

I’ll tell ya what though, we have been BUSY. Busy busy with life and learning the new stage of “activities”

My son and I just went to kindergarten round up. Cue the waterworks because I can’t believe it, my mama heart is not ready! Even though I am so excited for him but secretly a little scared too.

T-ball sign ups are this week!! Let’s hope for some grass stained baseball pants and lots of fun.

Also, my two year old daughter has such a loud personality and needs to be busy so let’s throw in a fun dance class for her this Spring! I mean why not?

I just find myself all the time asking lately how did we get here already!?

What happened to the middle of the night bottle feeds and the sweet sweet smell of newborn baby.

I have loved every stage of motherhood no matter how hard it can be and I know I am still just at the beginning stages but I can’t help but feel sad about how big my babies are getting already.

At the same time though, it is so exciting experiencing all these firsts.

Motherhood is such a whirlwind.

Watching them become their little selves and learning and growing is such a gift.

I am just embracing this season of life.

Trying to slow down as much as I can and give my all to my family.

That’s what matters most to me.

So yay for early dinners because we have to get to practice and uniforms to wash.

Bring on this new season of parenting!

This mama is ready to take on the new title “sports mom”

To The First Time Preschool Mama.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 9 Comments

I’m struggling with the fact that I have a preschooler.

Where did the time go?

You were just a little rolly polly baby asleep in my arms yesterday, I swear.

Time is such a thief.

Even at a young age, you try to give your child all the tools they will need to succeed in any new adventure in life.

When the time comes to use the tools though, it’s both exciting and scary.

I feel like a tiny part of your innosence will be chipped away as we enter school age, even if it is preschool.

Yet, I want you to flourish and meet new friends and learn all you can at the same time.

Bring me home all the fun crafts you do each day to display, I hope I see a big smile at the end of each day and hear nothing but re-telling of fun things that happened while you were at school.

I know drop off’s will be hard and pick up’s will be exciting and it’s all apart of growing up for both you and me.

I swear, being a mom is the biggest emotional rollercoaster there is.

But just know mama’s, your baby will be fine.

I’m here to convince both you and myself.

Trust the teacher’s.

Trust that you raised a brave, smart and fun little one who will be nothing but great and kind.

And know it’s ok to cry, just hold it in until after drop off as to not scare them.

Know that they are ready, they have all the tool’s you’ve given them.

I know the hardest part will be getting yourself ready though.

I know how hard it is to let them grow, and even harder to let them go just a tiny bit.

Let’s get through the first week of preschool together mama’s!

We’ve got this and know as always, we are in this together.

Love,

A preschool mama.

Mom Friends and Coffee Chats

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 17 Comments

Hello friends!

You want to know what I think one of the biggest blessings in life are? Mom friends.

Even more specific, mom friends and coffee dates!

Seriously, it’s so nice to have someone to talk to who knows what you are going through, or at least has been there before. Everything just seems a bit more manageable when you have someone there that is deep in the trenches of motherhood just like you.

Sporting those messy buns, dark circles and weird stained clothes because for some reason, I don’t know about you but I find a weird stain from my kids yucky fingers on something I am wearing almost daily? Hope I’m not alone in that one.

Anyways, you just feel less alone! And let’s be honest here, motherhood can be extremely lonely.

A walk to a cute coffee shop, sunshine and some chit chat with a friend though? Could cure the soul I swear, even with kiddo’s tagging along.

Marissa and I did just that yesterday, she was kid free but I instantly squashed that when my little’s had to make the trip with us to an adorable coffee shop in our town, The Electric Coffee!

It’s such a cute spot with a fun seating area to chat, work or read a good book!

I just feel like I can take a deep breath when I get myself ready for the day, get outside in the sunshine and have an iced coffee in my hand. It sounds so cliché’ I know but in my life it really is the little things that make me the happiest.

So let’s talk about 5 ways to make yourself get out of the house and call up your mom friend because who says kids are the only ones who get to have play dates!?

Go for a walk.

One of the easiest ways to both enjoy your kids and friends is defiantly taking a walk. Find a trail to get some exercise. Walk your downtown area. Grab the bikes or rollerblades to make it extra fun for the kids.

Visit your favorite coffee shop.

Coffee dates are the best, chatting over coffee is one of my favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing and it is a great way to meet up with your friends and catch up.

Wine tasting.

Something I love as much as coffee? Wine! Wine nights are so fun and if you enjoy wine, I feel like wine tasting is the perfect moms night out!

Workout together.

Take a workout class together! Yoga or Zumba are always fun. Take a hike somewhere you both enjoy walking. Join a gym and plan weekly workouts.

Start a book club.

I love reading and so do a lot of my mom friends! So why not start a book club? You get to do what you love and share your favorite or least favorite parts with your friends.

So make sure to connect and make some time for yourself and your friends. They are so needed to survive this crazy adventure of motherhood.

Most importantly enjoy your favorite cup of coffee at your local coffee shop and chit chat a little, I promise you will feel refreshed! 🙂

To the mama’s having a bad week.

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 16 Comments

I am right there with you.

For a patient person, my patience is thin and you know what? It’s ok.

Do I feel guilty about it? Sure.

Do I wish that every day could just be rainbows and butterflies? Absolutely.

This motherhood journey is not all rainbows and butterflies though, and boy don’t we know it.

The other day both my kids were crying. One because he couldn’t have a snack right before dinner and the other just because her big brother was crying and she thought she needed to as well.

A glass of wine and a bathroom break with the door actually shut and not being opened or pounded on sounded so amazing at that moment.

I feel like sometimes the pressure just builds up for us with every cry or every tantrum and it’s tough to not be bothered.

Throw in a long day at work and I am just exhausted thinking about it.

It’s hard to keep your head up as a mom.

I think sometimes we just feel beat down. Weather it be a rough night of sleep, a bad potty training day, a crying baby you just can’t seem to soothe, a guilty day of work when you just wish you were home, a sick kiddo that has you feeling miserable as well.

The list goes on and on.

It’s all ok though and I really hope you know that when you feel this way, how great of a mom you are.

It’s the toughest job in the world that you show up for every single day. But the reward? It’s the greatest of all time.

Keep your head up, make sure you take the breaks you need.

Take time for yourself, use your tribe of people when you need the help and DO NOT feel guilty about it.

Take a deep breath and know that the guilt will subside and there will be far more better days than bad ones.

Just know that you’re a wonderful mother and we are all in this together.

Driving While Pregnant – Cooper Hurley

I wish someone would have told me..

~ quirkymoms486 ~ 16 Comments

Do you ever remember the rejection you felt when you were younger and someone didn’t want to play with you or sit with you or even just talk to you?

It was the worst getting your feelings hurt or feeling left out at recess or not having a partner for a fun activity.

I think about that way more often now that I have children.

I wish someone would have told me to make sure you play with them whenever you are asked. That advice is actually worth getting.

When I’m busy and feel like I have so much to do and a little voice comes up behind me and says “mommy, will you play with me?”

A far too usual reply ends up being “in a minute, let me just finish this really quick”

Sometimes do you even look behind you at the little face so eagerly waiting for you to be done when you are busy with your tasks? I’ll be honest, not always.

I feel like we think because they are so little, they won’t understand. But trust me, they do.

A bad day or a sad day could easily be cured by simply sitting down on the floor with your children.

Let them take the wheel, trust me their imaginations are enough to sweep you up into their worlds.

Sit on the ground and be present.

Let them bring you things, let them dance around you and zoom across the living room.

The laundry can wait to be folded and put away.

The dishes can stay dirty for a little while longer.

The floors don’t need to be swept right this minute.

The housework never goes anywhere, but these little moments with your children do.

Give them your attention.

Let them make you laugh and be silly.

You need it just as much as they need it.

My favorite is when my son tells me he had the best day ever with me when all we did was play for a little while or went out and about as a family.

So the next time you hear that little voice come up behind you asking you to play or to talk or to sit with them.

Make sure you do.

Play with them, it matters more than you know.