Twenty Three Oh One: Mama Katy

Hi, everyone! I'm Katy, the girl behind Twenty Three Oh One; a blog about life, design, style, and home decor. I'm so happy to be here today while my sweet friend Natasha is soaking up some precious time with her beautiful baby boy. I have loved following her pregnancy and can't wait to hear more about little Ethan!

I have to admit, I haven't been all that great of a blogger these past few months, and I'm going to go ahead and blame that on the fact that I just became a new mother! My sweet, laid back, and extremely handsome son, Parker Reed, was born on April 27th and we have honestly never been happier.

While motherhood does bring its fair share of joy, it also pretty much smacks you in the face with some "Tough Stuff" in those first few weeks. Today, I thought I'd share just a few tidbits and peices of advice that I have learned in my two month adventure as a mommy. I love a good list, so here we go:

1. Nursing Is a Full-Time Job. Nursing kinda sucks the first few months. That's right. I said it. Once I had a baby, I turned into a giant boob and felt as if I nursed 24/7 (which I basically did-and still do). I was lonely, confined, and frustrated at first, BUT it got better. Just give it a few months--the sore you-know-whats WILL go away, and you and baby will eventually become pros. Promise.

2. Be Patient With Your Body. Remember that those first few weeks after your baby is born are for you to heal. I know first hand how hard it is to look in the mirror at your once thin, unstretch-marked body and think, "Who is this person?!", but hold back those tears! You WILL fit back into your pre-pregnancy jeans soon. Your stretchies will fade (or so my mother says). Chin up, buttercup--you just created another human being!

4. Make Friends With Your Dirty Laundry. Just give up all expectations of keeping your house clean those first few months weeks. Period. New parents are busy, exhausted, and trying to adjust to this new little person that has taken over their world--the last thing you want to think about it whether or not the laundry got put away. Trust me--I am extremely Type A and accepted this one early on.

5. Shower Everyday. It will make you feel like a million bucks! I found out quickly that a shower (and a hairdryer and makeup) often made the difference between a great day and a not-so-great day those first few weeks.

6. Document, Document, Document. I have a feeling that I will really cherish the time I spent writing down all of Parker's "firsts" in about 25 years. Moments are fleeting, but pictures, blogs, and baby books are forever! Heck, write your memories on a sticky note and put them in a binder--I don't care, just soak up those little moments--your little one will never be smaller than they are now.

7. Don't Be A Baby Hog. When I was pregnant, I thought I would want "alone time" with Parker in the hospital and at home, but once he was born, I wanted to show him off to everyone! I wanted them to fall in love with him just like his dad and I had. One of the sweetest things I have ever seen is watching our family and friends love on the most precious gift we have ever been given. It truly reminds you of what is really important in life.

8. Do Something That Makes You Feel Normal. Go to Target. Get a Manicure. Go to Church. Whatever it is, whether you take your little one with you or not, just go out and do it. I promise, it will be great for your well-being and will bring a little bit of that pre-baby normalcy back to your life.

I could go on, and on, and on....but I will force myself to stop. :) Mommyhood is hard but amazing and I am so thankful that my sweet Parker has been able to show me the ropes. Thank you so much, Natasha, for letting me crash your blog!

Have a wonderful day!