Let’s get real folks. I’ll start by showing you this…..
I saw a post written by blogger on Babble a few months back.
The writer is one of the moms from a duo mommy vlogging team.
Their youtube vlogs are centered around style, crafts, and thrifting
They are precious, upbeat and positive.
I always enjoy their post……
BUUUUUUT
One particular post written about mommy style no no’s really made me stop and think on a few things.
What was shared was not intended to upset or offend anyone.
Although some did take it that way.
Her mommy style post was written to be helpful and it was.
Let’s just say I’ll never touch another pair of capri pants!
Although the post was written about style mistakes mom’s should never make it made me stop and ponder a few things.
A few things a little deeper than just style.
Is food splattered across your face considered an okay mom accessory? I say sure!
I want to chat with ya about how this post made me feel as a new mom. Perhaps you feel the same……
When we’re handed that precious little baby our whole world changes in an instant.
Our focus
Our drive
Even the way we see ourselves changes in a matter of minutes.
For some the role of mommy doesn’t come easy and for others it does.
We all have our path each different from the other.
Many that have followed our journey from the beginning know my motherhood journey thus far.
I’ve been very honest and open about sharing.
I struggled with low milk supply.
Weston had colic, lip tie, milk allergy, and a mild case of reflux.
The 1st 6 months were precious yet trying.
He survived
We survived
He’s a completely different baby today.
And I know it could have been worse.
All of these things shaped my journey.
They are still shaping my journey.
Hoodies not only great breastfeeding attire but also double as a mommy pack.
During those 1st 6 months we did what we could to get by.
What was best for Weston.
I let go of my dreams to get back into shape quickly after baby.
I headed back to work only to go back on maternity leave.
I was lucky if I showered once a week.
My sweet precious boy spent most if his days in screaming fits.
Naps, what? Sleep, what?
We were all sleep deprived.
I lived in nursing tanks and yoga pants. Who am I kidding sometimes I didn’t even bother putting on a shirt.
Our house was a mess.
Kent was an amazing support but I still felt alone.
I posted on my Instagram account about eating bean burritos outside of Taco Bueno at 12am.
Yep we did what we had to do and took the bean burritos down with us!
Mmmm but let me tell ya they were worth every stinking calorie!
Notice a coffee trend. Another must have mom accessory!
Even though the 1st few months were rough they were laced with precious moments and gratitude.
It all just played out a little differently that I imagined it would.
You know that perfect life bubble some of us paint ourselves?
Yep I did that pre baby too!
Tons of mommy style no-no’s were broken during that time.
Well shoot they’re still being broken. Who am I kidding?
I was struggling with things that came easy to some.
Breastfeeding, finding a bottle my baby could latch onto, calming his colic.
All I needed was someone telling me I was doing something else wrong.
I was very interested in how others took this post. I could see the good intentions behind it but knew it wouldn’t go over so well with others.
And it didn’t
This is where the pondering started.
Sometimes mom’s can be judgmental. Perhaps forgetting that we’re all different.
Each going down our own path.
Doing our best.
My best may be different than your best and that’s okay!
”What, she co-sleeps?”
“Well I would never give my kid packaged food!”
”She’s on her phone…again?”
“I heard her kid spends more time in daycare than at home!”
“OMG capis on Monday and now workout clothes outside the gym! She’s totally lost touch with herself.”
Unfortunately these are all things we’ve heard.
No makeup, mom hair, ANNNNND sweat pants. Just arrest me now because I’m breaking all the rules.
Yes some of us may wear yoga pants……..often.
Perhaps that mama on her phone is dealing with something important. Or maybe she just taking a moment to herself.
Maybe little Johnny is on a hunger strike and will eat nothing but baby puffs and mama is just too tried to fight the battle.
Tennis shoes outside of the gym is a mommy no-no? Maybe that mama has foot problems and they are the only thing she can comfortably wear while chasing after her kiddos.
Who are we to make someone feel bad about the decisions they make?
Especially with something as trivial as what they put on their body.
We are not perfect.
Nor should we make others feel bad for not being “our idea” of perfection.
Each mama is living her own journey.
Each mommy deserves love, grace, and understanding.
As moms we should support.
Not put down with words and harsh judgment.
As loving moms we give it our best.
Our best may look different than the mommy next to you and that’s ok!
That mom sporting her capris and tennis shoes (outside the gym) handing her kid a package of chips and passing her baby a bottled of formula is still a mama that is trying her best and loving her babies.
Just like you!
In honor of the mommy style no-no post I’ve filled today’s post with photos of yours truly breaking ALLLL the rules because I’m a rebel like that!
Managed to change out of dirty workout clothes into clean workout clothes. I know I’m pretty awesome. I did put on a touch of makeup but had to sacrifice my carpet and a glass of almond milk to do so.
Yes I wish I was a size 8 with a closet full of beautiful clothing and had the drive to get myself together daily but I don’t.
Nor do I need to.
It’s not that I don’t care about my appearance it’s just not real for the season I’m currently in.
My hair is almost always pulled back.
I wear yoga pants daily oh yeah and tennis shoes outside the gym. Like as part of my outfit…gasp!
I may not be chasing after my son in a beautiful vintage A line skirt but that’s ok.
I often wear baggy shirts that are too big.
I get my act together when it’s necessary. I enjoy fashion and getting prettified shoot it’s actually part of my job description but when it’s not necessary I’m wearing my mom clothes and little to no makeup.
My son drinks formula.
And my house is not always perfect.
Sometimes I forget to brush my teeth.
Oh and the yoga pants I have on in the photo above, they were left in the washer for too long and smell funky.
I put them on any way!
That doesn’t make me any less of a mom.
It makes me real.
So I say less judgie and more huggie! Mmmk?
Instagram- Kendra.Pryor
