
It's amazing how much you love your own child. Although motherhood can be hard sometimes, and the juggle of work vs. life vs. baby can feel impossible to get right, Toby and his little bald head and his powdery/milky scent and his drooly smile and his throaty laugh make me so moony every time.They say that when you have a baby, your heart lives outside you, and that phrase has come to mind so many times since Toby was born. It even feels physical: Funnily enough, when I'm away from him, like at a work meeting or dinner with friends, I often get a constant nagging feeling that I've left something behind; I keep checking my pockets for my cell phone and my wallet and my keys, and then I realize, oh, yes, of course, I left behind my Toby!
I read a great Carl Jung quote the other day: "Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important." And I realized that I'd love to talk more about the real-life, day-to-day experiences of being a new mom. So I'm excited to start a new weekly series called Motherhood Mondays, where we can talk openly about everything from babysitters to breastfeeding (and Alex will finally share his side of our birth story). (And is there anything specific you'd like to talk about or have been wondering about?) Much love to you all! xoxo
(Photos by Alex)



I will look forward to this very much--thank you!!
ReplyDeletelove your spirit
ReplyDeletethis sounds fantastic! i for one will be waiting with breath baited.
ReplyDeleteand you both look beautiufl in the photos.
such a lovely post on a lovely topic. i look forward to reading your thoughts. although i'm no where near motherhood..haha..i've always adored babies and their genuine affection.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing!
I'm no mother yet--still a few years away--but I'd love to hear all about it. I usually ask my pregnant friends waaaay too many things.
ReplyDeletegreat idea, can't wait to hear what you share!
ReplyDeleteyou might want to check out www.simplymodernmom.com who has a weekly photo series called "Glimpse Into Motherhood," where readers can share a photo each week on what motherhood looks like for them. I've been playing along, and it's a lot of fun and even thought-provoking.
Strength as a mother comes in sharing experiences with friends. I felt like I had a stronger hold on motherhood when I realized that my weakest moments were their's too! Thanks so much for sharing here!
ReplyDeleteI have always maintained that the internet was really invented so mothers could talk to one another. I love that you write honestly about motherhood; it is something I strive to do myself. I am so looking forward to your new feature!
ReplyDeleteAnd holy moses Toby is soooo cute!
I really look forward to your posts! Not yet a mom (maybe someday?).
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :)
as someone that's not yet a mother, but someday wants to be, I'm really looking forward to this series. :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful photos! fantastic quot by C. Jung...
ReplyDeleteI'm not a mother yet, but hear this from many friends. And I love my furry child Billy so much that it feels like that-my heart outside of myself. I look forward to reading your motherhood moments!
ReplyDeleteaw, i love the photos! toby is so cute and you are beautiful!
ReplyDeletexx
Hooray! Such a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteSo much changed once I had a little one and even though I thought I knew that going in, I didn't KNOW it the way I do now... both good and bad.
I'm not a mommy yet and your post makes me want to be a mommy soon! I'm really looking forward to the weekly motherhood moments posts. Have a lovely Monday and those photos of you and Toby are so sweet!
ReplyDeleteOh how that Carl Jung quote COMPLETELY resonates. Write about what moves you/drives you mad/defines your everyday and we will all soak it up—even those of us who don't have kiddos!
ReplyDeleteSo excited about this Monday theme. I love your writing, Joanna, I'm excited to read all about your experiences as a new mom.
ReplyDeleteSuch cute images of the two of you :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this new series! I'm a new mama to my 2nd child after 5.5 yrs and would love to hear from other moms about real life parenting!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Oh I love this so much, and my eyes got teary reading this entry. I recently found out that I am going to be a Mom for the first time, and the thought of it makes my heart leap. I have never wanted to be anything as much as I've wanted to be a mother, and I am so grateful to the universe for bestowing upon me this most awesome and blessed responsibility. I am so looking forward to the weekly Motherhood post....
ReplyDeleteCarl Jung has said it so well! I can't wait to be a mom :)
ReplyDeleteThis this is a great idea. I'm 18w pregnant with my first and so looking forward to the baby arriving in September. I know it's going to be a whole new world and while I can predict what it might be like a bit I know it's going to involve a whole new set of feelings/experiences that I can only try and imagine right now. Would love to hear your experiences.
ReplyDeletereally beautiful joanna. it is so important that mamas realize that we are in this together and need to uplift each other on this incredible journey. i'm looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeletemelissa, huge congratulations! and thanks for all these lovely comments xo
ReplyDeletereally looking forward to this. i'll be having my first baby, a girl, in june and so i'm open to hearing about anything and everything!
ReplyDeletewrite lots!
i'm keeping that quote, what it says is so true, thank you for sharing. although i'm way past the baby stage i love to think back to those days... like birth itself, over time you forget how hard it was and just remember the brightest moments.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea and I will look forward to these posts! I'm glad that women are becoming more open about the struggles of motherhood versus the everything is sunny and rainbows of the past.
ReplyDeleteI remember that feeling so well. My girls are 16 and 11 now, and every once in a while I will feel so intensely lonely for them.
ReplyDeleteDeeDee
Oh! Toby's a charmer already!
ReplyDeleteHow did motherhood change the relationship with your mother? Did you ever feel like she was doing too much? I, strangely, didn't want my mother at all, to the point I didn't tell her I was at the hospital until after the baby was born, and it didn't get better afterwards. Now, 12 years later, I still can't accept any advice.
Lovely words and photos-gorgeous you and baby Toby! In a heartbeat I would go back. You are right, you described it perfectly - the feeling of missing something when you are away.
ReplyDeletere: nursing/all four of my boys. For me, it was easier and made me stop being busy. Your posts are wonderful - and will be beautiful memories.
I'm SO excited for this series, Joanna!! I hope you'll also talk about how balancing work vs. motherhood as been for you.
ReplyDeleteYou are the second blogger to mention wanting to add a lifestyle posts to their blog and I seriously love it. Thanks for letting us see a glimpse of your life. :-)
ReplyDeleteyayyyyy. i very much support this idea. ;)
ReplyDeleteThese pictures are completely beautiful. You look so loving and gorgeous. I wonder if you ever felt that you wished you didn't have a baby (just for a second) or ever felt overwhelmed with the whole process. It is so life changing.
ReplyDeleteI am really looking forward to this! These photos are so beautiful and perfectly express the written sentiment.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea. My blog started out as a photography blog but it is just too hard not to talk about my beautiful daughter on it. I shall look forward to reading your motherhood posts.
ReplyDeleteI've got 3 girls and now a 6 month old boy.....your heart living outside of you is the PERFECT description. What is truly amazing to me is that my heart has enough room for each one of them without positively bursting. (I remember being about to have my 2nd and actually worrying that I couldn't love her as much as my 1st because it was IMPOSSIBLE to feel such a strong love for TWO PEOPLE. Ha! Little did I know!)
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your thoughts!
Toby is the cutest. baby. ever.
ReplyDeleteToby's cute little giggle just helped ease my stress. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'll be Looking forward to this as a new mom-to-be!!!
ReplyDeletexx
Nikki
I'm really excited that you are doing this! Can't wait to see how it progresses.
ReplyDeleteI soooo know what you're talking about. I became a momma 7 months ago. I was married and HAPPY, unexpectdly my husband decided he no longer wanted to be together. If it weren't for my girl I'd be an even bigger mess. When you have the feeling of forgetting something...just be lucky you get to go back to that something whenever you want...when I have to give my little one to her daddy I can't go back and get what I "forgot" for 8 hours...so unnatural.
ReplyDeletehttp://danirousseau.blogspot.com/
That sounds great ! and yes it's so true, it is amazing how much you love your own child. I always tell my pregnant friends that when my son was born I felt like my heart exploded with love. Sounds cheesy but it's true. I feel like you know what's it's like to love your husband/partner, to love your parents, your siblings, your friends etc but your own child, it's completely overwhelming, so powerful... makes me a bit teary to even think about it sometimes... Do you feel the same way ? Looking forward to reading the mommyhood posts :)
ReplyDeleteHow timely! I'd love to hear your thoughts on all of the opinions out there (relating to breast vs bottle feeding, co vs solo sleeping, etc.), how moms can be nicer to each other, post partum depression/baby blues, adjusting expectations...etc. You have such a great take on things - I'd love to hear anything, really. Just trying to give some suggestions of the mess my head is lately (so much info on motherhood out there!). :)
ReplyDeletei'm excited for your new motherhood monday stories!
ReplyDeletei want to know how you balance your time... do you feel guilty when you're doing things beside playing with toby? do you ever get bored of being with him?
Aww, what sweet photos! That Toby is such a treasure. He's going to be a real heart-breaker one day!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how your opinions on motherhood coincide with your pro-choice views.
Love to your family!
Wow, what a great idea. Can't wait.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSounds great!! Can't wait to read your posts x
ReplyDeletep.s. I know everyone would say this but ... Toby is adorable!
Great idea!
ReplyDeletePersonally, after just having gone through weaning my daughter after 20 months, I found a real lack of support out there. Most posts I found were very guilt-ridden on both sides of the issue! Either I had nursed my baby too long or I was taking away something special from her for my own selfish needs. I know you are still nursing Toby but it would be interesting to discuss this whenever you (and Toby) are ready.
Thanks!
beautiful photos...
ReplyDeletelittle Toby is an angel...
it would be lovely to hear your take on mothering and balancing and all things life in a little loving family...
melissa x
Awwh. You and Toby are TOO CUTE of a pair!
ReplyDeleteYou make me wanna have a baby NOW~ :)
I would love to hear how you knew that you were ready for baby. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLovely, can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect timing! I am due in a week with our first baby, so I so very excited to read about your take on motherhood and all the good (and not so good) moments that come along with it.
ReplyDeletelooking forward to all your mommmy posts:)
ReplyDeletei really love that Carl Jung quote, it feels so true.
ReplyDelete<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons
Joanna- reading this post brought tears to my eyes, a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. I am a new mom (my little man is almost 6 months) and you managed to put into words what I feel daily. I read your blog often and you seem like such a amazing mom. I admire your ability to balance your life with being a mommy, a wife, working, etc. I look forward to reaing your Monday posts :) I would love for you to post about putting Toby to sleep in his crib. Teaching him to self soothe/put himself to sleep. Also your take on the "crying it out" approach.We are trying to do this currently with our little love and are truly struggling. I would love to read about your experience with this and any advice. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited about this as I had my first child, a boy, six weeks ago! It has been such an overwhelming, amazing experience so far and I look forward to reading what you have to share.
ReplyDeleteI am not a mother yet, not even close to being one but I am so looking forward to this series :)
ReplyDeletei never pictured myself as a mom. and it's just as difficult as i thought it would be, but the rewards are so much greater than i ever imagined!
ReplyDeletecan't wait to hear what you have to say.
yes! i look forward to these new posts so much! i love the way you describe motherhood and toby - your love and heart come flying through the screen. gorgeous photos as well. i hope one day to be half as beautiful and loving a mother as you.
ReplyDeletexo
I ALWAYS feel like I leave something behind when my Miss Leyla isn't with me! I always check my cell at work, for fear that something will happen and I will miss it when she needs me most!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your series! I read a quote in Real Simple once (I wish I remembered the woman's name) that said something along the lines of "let work sneak into your life and let life sneak into your work." Makes thing so much simpler and less stressful! This resonated with me since I'm a stay at home mom of two.
ReplyDeleteTalk about identity ... what were you prepared for, and what was the reality?
ReplyDeleteI believe our heart is where our loved ones are, very true.
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect. I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on all-things-motherhood. There truly is nothing else like it in all the world.
ReplyDeleteI am not a parent but I know I will enjoy reading these posts. Looking forward to them!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Joanna! And thank you, this will be wonderful. Since becoming a mama, I feel like my heart breaks so much more often. I think it comes from now seeing the world from a mama's perspective, viewing all people as their own mama might. Do you know what I mean?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting it is Joanna to read this new series !
ReplyDeleteMy baby boy is 5 months old since yesterday and I've never felt so full of love ! The funny thing since I've returned to work is that every time I heard a baby crying or babbling in the subway, my heart become crazy and I think to myself : "Oh, my baby has follow me !" Since I realize he's a bit young to take the subway all by himself ! :-)
Both of you look absolutely adorable in the photographs....
ReplyDeleteMotherhood Mondays...as a mother who writes frequently about motherhood...I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteim so excited for this new series. I love your blog and am so curious to hear more real life stories about your experiences thus far! p.s. such darling photos of the two of you.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I am not a mother, I am really looking forward to these posts about motherhood. I just love your spirit and honesty!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate!!! this is great - I do "Mummy Circle Mondays" on my blog about the same things and it is so nice to be honest and true and to lend support and love to other mums! cant wait . . . toby is beautiful
ReplyDeletexoxox
E
Your Toby is SO adorable! I love when you share photos of him growing up. Cherish every second with him now as a baby because one day you will wake up and he will be off to college! These days are precious for you.
ReplyDeletei'm looking forward to reading your posts on motherhood! once you're a mama, nothing can fill you up, like the love you have for your children :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read these posts! I know I'm always talking with other mums about sleeping - it seems to be the main topic of every conversation we have! There's always something to learn from talking to other parents about their successes. I guess that would be another good topic - how have you connected with other new moms? Very few of my friends have babies and I've had a hard time meeting many like-minded mommies to be friends with! Thanks for this series!
ReplyDeleteso precious :*)
ReplyDeletewill be looking forward to mondays!
Looking forward to the Monday posts. Love, love the pictures of you and Toby. The love they radiate is awesome.
ReplyDeleteYes have to agree... a mother's love towards her child/ren is something so unique and so unconditional. NO other love can compare. Amazing!
I love this and I am so excited about your new series! : ) Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteI love this. I'm not a mom yest, but I feel like reading the blogs of new moms has already taught me sooooo much. You're great!
ReplyDeletepics-o-andrea
Ha! I have that "I've forgotten something" feeling every time I go somewhere without my kids. I thought I was the only one.
ReplyDeleteOH YEAAA!! I'm so excited to hear this!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have a blog and write about daily life with a one year old baby boy because sometimes it just nice to share all of it. it's such a hugh life change and communicating your thoughts and feelings (even if it is just with the internet) is very freeing and wonderful.
I can't wait to read your posts every monday! Thanks so much, Joanna!
Just became a Mama on March 17th and this will be great. I read your blog daily - well I did before becoming a Mom :) Now I seem to be a bit behind at times!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how you knew you wanted to have a child. People always say "you're never ready" which I understand. But having a child is such a commitment. What were some specific thoughts, conversations, feelings, and logic you went through prior to deciding to have a child?
ReplyDeleteToby looks sooo cool. This is very awesome Joanna. I'm soooo glad you're happy. :)
ReplyDeleteNot a mama (yet), but I would love for you to share your wisdom!
ReplyDelete(I clicked on the "Alex" link to 'father + son' photos; I can't believe how much Toby has grown... he's such a handsome baby boy. xo.)
Firstly, beautiful pics of you both Joanna - stunning.
ReplyDeleteI think a topic around the concept of lonely would be great. You do love your baby to bits but sometimes when you are dog tired, they are grisly or wingey and you are stuck at home - you can start going bananas! I know I did. I used to have a mantra 'this time will pass' and it would have to kick in to get me through those tough times. Now he is ten and the world is so different - challenges are bigger but the rewards even greater - each phase does get better. Please tell me I'll be writing the same when he is 15 and a potentially surly teen!!!!!!!!!
I love hearing about the experiences of new moms, since it's a journey I intend to embark upon at some point. I have this nagging biological clock thing, and hearing about mum's experiences keeps it at bay! So write on!
ReplyDelete-Kaitlyn
http://light0a0candle.blogspot.com/
I think I've may have said this before, but I would love to know how you juggle mommy vs career. That has been a constant struggle for me since my daughter was born 5 years ago. I've always felt like I'm being pulled in a million directions and worry that I'm not being as good a mom as I could or should be. How do you handle it?
ReplyDeleteThe Cheeky Cafe
Love this idea! Can't wait to read more. I've loved your breast feeding blog posts and have referenced them on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so important to have a community of women that help each other navigate the new stages that come with motherhood and raising a child.
Our Daughter is almost 24 weeks old and I've been taking some time out on my blog to get more personal and share her developments with a weekly nesting themed blog post. I write it mainly to keep in touch with family overseas and friends and family who are in the same boat or embarking on the journey of parenthood.
Still working on drafting our birth story... but have loved documenting so far. here's a glimpse into my past nesting posts: http://tiptoethrough.blogspot.com/search/label/Nesting
looking forward to your monday posts!
As a babysitter myself, I look forward to hearing your perspective on babysitters! I'm specifically curious on what you think babysitters should be paid (in reference to minimum wage maybe? seeing as pay for babysitters probably varies in different areas, and I've heard many argue pay in relation to the minimum wage).
ReplyDeletelooking fwd to your new Mommy Posts!
ReplyDeleteI am absolutely looking forward to these.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. The amazing part is that it never changes. My daughter is 28, and I still feel that my heart lives outside my body, because I've come to realize over the years, that it's not just a saying, it's fact.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a "new" mom, and I do have a thriving career, but I'm still most of all - a mom, and very proud of it.
So excited for Mondays now! 9 weeks pregnant with our first little baby after 3 years of trying :) this will be great information and inspiration for all mamas
ReplyDeleteYes, please! Talk motherhood, I have a 6 month old and can't wait for Monday posts.....
ReplyDelete1. How do you get your body back after giving birth?
ReplyDelete2. What to do with all of those maternity clothes/newborn clothes and diapers that you never used and Toby has grown out of
3. Balancing family visits (to see the baby) and having alone time
4. What to expect directly following birth (ie. how tired you will be, how sore, how hungry...)
Joanna, I'm looking forward to these posts! My little man was born only 2 weeks before Toby, so I'm very interested to hear your take on the journey and the moments ;-)
ReplyDeleteI've been back at work for just over a month (working 4 days a week), and I'm currently struggling with conflicting instincts – enjoying the work but feeling guilty and missing my little Oliver so much!
I'm already looking forward to next Monday :)
ReplyDeleteOh this is so great! I'm also am a new mom, my daughter Finley turns a year old in May. I can't wait for Monday posts! Also, I love Toby photos, he so is precious!
ReplyDeleteoh I'm so excited for these!!
ReplyDeletevery much looking forward to this!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI really relate to what you've said and I can't wait to read the new series!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so beautiful Joanna.
ReplyDeleteToby is so amazing! I just love his bald head! I was a bald headed baby too :) we are the best! :D
ReplyDeleteKiss kiss.
I'm so glad you posted this today. All day long, baby Iris has only wanted to be held. At only 7 weeks, it's the sweetest thing and I'm so excited to do it. But that meant neglecting my long to do list, the one I'd planned on accomplishing during her normally regular naps. The laundry stayed piled up, the dishes unwashed, my bathroom filthy...but I had a beautiful day holding my beautiful daughter. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm due in late July with my first, so I can't wait to dive into this series!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea! I look forward to it, as I'm a new mommy too. (My baby is only 11 weeks.)
ReplyDeleteAnd the love a mother feels for her baby? - I never realized. It physically hurts how much I love my daughter.
Sounds great...I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteLove love love those photos :)
Joanna, I really loved this post. I'm not a mom, (someday I hope to be) but what you've described here is one of the most honest, and what seems to me, one of the most accurate descriptions about what it really feels like to be so connected to your child. It's also so lovely to see how much you're enjoying being a mom. Thank you for sharing so honestly.
ReplyDeletei'm so looking forward to this new series!! being a new mom myself, i totally get what you mean...and i'd love to hear about how other moms balance work+baby+life because it's so overwhelming sometimes! great post, can't wait to read the next ones.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, I know that "something missing' feeling. It just kills me. You want to be enjoying your small amounts of 'freedom', but there is a part of you that seems incomplete when your child is not around.
ReplyDeleteEven when her father takes her out visiting people for a couple of hours I miss her. Violet will be 6 months in a couple of weeks, and her bald head has just started to sprout some fluff. It is too cute.
I sometimes feel like the word blessed was specifically invented to describe parenthood. Yes, it is hard and tiring and a major adjustment from someone that is used to doing 10 things at the same time successfully - but when you have that little body in your arms, asleep on your chest and the sweet scent of their hair and breath surrounds you, there is no other word for it.
Looking forward to your Monday posts,
sallyx
Oh wonderful - I look forward to this.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful comment, which reflects exactly what I am spending today. I can't for the Monday series!
ReplyDeleteGrettings from Chile!
I'd love to hear how you manage your time. This is something I see a lot of people struggle with - balancing full time work plus a baby. If you can share how you do this, I'd love to hear it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear how you keep your energy up! I recently had a son as well, and follow your blog. You seem so upbeat all the time! I work full time, and care for my 14 month old son, Henry when I am home. When he goes to bed at night, I find myself laying down to read, watch tv, or surf the web. I have neglected my creative urges, and often household duties during the week! Where do you get your energy, and do you find it difficult to find time for yourself/marriage?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love this idea about blogging about Motherhood!
All my favorite bloggers are now mommies, or are pregnant! I feel like (at 20) I am getting a little peek into the future of what motherhood holds. So beautiful and inspiring.
ReplyDeletewhat sweet, sweet photos.
ReplyDeletelove.
Yeah what a lovely idea Jo!
ReplyDeleteExpecting and would like to know what you wish you had known before about:
1) Buying essentials before baby
2) Labour and delivery
3)Setting up nursery
3) First few months with baby
4) Breatfeeding
5) Mamahood in general
A mouthful I know.
Really looking forward.
Love from England.
Very exciting! I'm not a mama yet, but looking forward to reading your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteReally sweet pictures on this post : )
What a sweet boy. (And your hair looks amazing there too.)
ReplyDeleteI love the thoughts of your heart living outside of yourself, and lonliness being not being able to communicate.
I'd be interested to know how many Cup of Jo readers are mothers versus not-mothers (or not-yet someday mothers)!
another great thing to look forward to on your blog!
ReplyDeletethanks pre-emptively for sharing this deep, lovable, sometimes frustrating, magical, natural part of your life.
p.s. i too get that "i forgot something" feeling every time i go anywhere without my son. :)
You are so poetic and inspiring. Thank you, Joanna.
ReplyDeleteOh yea! I described it as I felt like a limb was missing. And then just wait. Just when you readjust your entire life and you're finally use to having an extra limb at ALL times they all of a sudden don't need you around as much. My daughter is 3 and Dad has become the center of her world. We went to Ikea and she was thrilled to dump me and go play in their "day care". Not even a goodbye! I was literally on the brink of tears in the middle of Ikea. And the kicker is that when she was an infant I swore I wouldn't be that mom that's just waaay too attached to her kid. Well, I've become THAT mom!! How did this happen?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your Mondays!!
Very beautiful, Jo. I just started feeling really close to my Mom this year and it's a wonderful feeling.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful, powerful post. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSimply Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder if every dad is into it at the beginning or not until later. This is such an amazingly wonderful sharing post. Often people don't talk about the down sides of a wonderful event. Thank you , Joanna.
ReplyDeleteYour comment of work vs. life vs. baby is so true. I have a 13 month old and a busy career--balancing both AND finding some time for yourself (without feeling guilty!) is nearly impossible. I'd love to hear more thoughts on this!
ReplyDeleteI love you both. xoxoxo
ReplyDeleteFiguring out the wor/k life/ husband/baby/ self balance is so hard. how did you do it? I am still struggling so much...
ReplyDeleteyou have so many comments on this post as you should but i hope you are able to get to mine at some point. im 22 and without any children but reading this really impacted me. i am currently trying to get my life in order (just graduated college and start a career) but honestly i am looking forward to motherhood more than anything else in life. i've always loved kids. im happy to read about all the pros and cons of it and hopefully get some perspective from a young mom. very excited i found your blog and i cant wait for mondays :) lol
ReplyDeletexoxo
FAKE EMPIRE
I would love to hear all about your experiences and I LOVED that quote about loneliness. It really helped me through tonight.
ReplyDeletewow that's priceless :)
ReplyDeletehttp://girlynote.blogspot.com
aw... i would love the weekly series. It's so true that we as a mother become something completely different at the moment of our own baby's birth. Nowadays my friend (in real life) thinks that something is weird when I am not holding my little roo because they seen me on facebook only with little roo. "ah, I didn't recognize you because you're not holding your baby girl!!".
ReplyDeleteI think that's totally okay:)
cheers to a lovely motherhood!
looking forward to reading your thoughts. I know that Henry is the light of my life in a way I could not have imagined. My love for his is impossibly deep.
ReplyDeletealthough I'm not a mom but i'm so excited to read this article every monday :))
ReplyDeletehttp://girlynote.blogspot.com
I would LOVE to read about the realities of raising children and working in New York. Kids are not too far away off for me and I have to think about how I would manage it as a working mom in NYC! There is definitely a need for blogs about working moms, and how to navigate the challenge as a New Yorker :)
ReplyDeleteI think you may have pulled these words right out of my soul. I never thought I would become a part of the motherhood cliche'..."you don't know how deep you can lover another human being until you have a child"....but here I am. :) Looking forward to Mondays... :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that the capacity to love reached an entirely new level once I had children. It's hard to describe. I look forward to the series on being a motherhood. The people who I connect with most in the blogosphere are other moms, especially working moms. I think balance is something we forever strive to find. Encouragement and advice it always much needed when we're all just trying to do the best we can. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of myself as particularly maternal but the deeper I go into married life, it's becoming very difficult to hold off on the babies.
ReplyDeleteIt's something I've talked about a lot. I've asked a lot of questions. It's good to talk, I think.
Keep it coming!
Oh, wow ... I am so excited for this. My little bean is 9-months, so very close to T's age. I have found myself struggling so much lately finding passion in my work when it means I'm doing it with Charley girl upstairs with our nanny. I'd love to read your take on being a working mom.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. I am not yet a Mother, but I know that I will look forward to all you have to share as it is truly the most amazing thing in the world.
ReplyDeletelove your blog. i just started a kids fashion blog if you're interested: http://cutekidsfashionblog.blogspot.com/
ReplyDelete:-)
I am so excited for you to share this. I think you have great insight into motherhood whether you know it or not. I just found out I was pregnant with my fiance. We were shocked to say the least. (Although it shouldn't have been shocking). My first reaction was to get rid of this idea at once, but the second I started to think about what life is, and means to me, I realized I could do nothing but become what was already happening to me. I will be a mother, and my husband will be a wonderful father. I am scared and uneasy at what motherhood will mean, but I look forward to it. Your words make me feel brave to be a mother. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteJoanna,
ReplyDeleteI do that too! If I am out and about without the baby I always feel like I am missing something and if I'm driving I look in the mirror to check on her and then I realize that she's at home.
I have loved reading all of your posts about Toby. He's just the cutest. My baby is 10 months so I'm looking forward to this -great idea! I'll be especially interested to see what your husband has to say about labor & delivery. I think my husband is still getting over it!
Fab idea! Anytime in the last 8 months that I've ever wondered why nothing seemed to be going by the book, listening to other mums (and my husband) has made me feel a hundred times better and stop agonising.
ReplyDeleteMotherhood is such an immensely rewarding and heart-changing experience it's definitely worth sharing.
That's a great idea, I'm looking forward to it! My blog is mostly personal and not many people read it, but it feels good to write about my own mothering experiences nonetheless. I'm excited to see more on the subject from you and your readers.
ReplyDeleteYay! I look forward to it. As a mama of a 7-month-old working full time, I'm right in the thick of this. I'm trying to figure out how to have the life I want--time with my baby and husband, time to cook great meals, see my friends, read a book--and how to have a career.
ReplyDeleteso wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI am so excited that you'll be doing this. I am a soon-to-be mommy and would love to hear stories and advice and just get in on the mommy talk. :)
ReplyDeletei have loved all your motherhood related posts, from toby's birth story to your adventures breastfeeding in public. i, too, have often felt what it feels like to have your heart living outside of you. i remember my irrationality upon the birth of my oldest, that sudden vulnerability that my own body was not protecting him anymore. every experience, every joy and heartbreak that happens to each of my children, i feel myself. i understand and appreciate that more now. and, i love reading about and talking about being a mother. i look forward to your monday posts.
ReplyDeletexo
I can't wait to read it! I love your attitude and spirit - it's a rare refreshment among the rest of the sarcastic and cynical sites out there.
ReplyDeleteThere will be a baby for me (hopefully) within the next year and I'm gathering all the gems and wisdom I can!
Hurrah!!! I'm thrilled you've decided to do this!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea!! Thank you and I will look forward to it! I also loved your quote today. I am going to post it as well. You are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove, Anna
Can you please tell me where your beautiful ring is from? :)
ReplyDeleteSounds incredible(: Motherhood is so beautiful. I look forward to my turn at it in the distant future.
ReplyDeleteI have quite the career in babysitting so i'm looking forward to the babysitting stories.
xoxo
So excited for this, Joanna. I have been Mama to baby Elodie for only 2 weeks, but I relate so much to everything you said, here. I can't wait to read more!
ReplyDeletehello! oh im so excited about this new series and really cant wait! some topics id be interested in are:
ReplyDelete1. the work vs baby balance (can one really juggle both without compromising either??)
2. babysitters - how to deal when they seem to compete with you for baby's love, attention and time??
3. the guilty working mother syndrome, if for eg, finances dont allow you to work only part-time
4. what are healthy things to feed baby
5. how to keep sane and have me-time as a mother!
and so much more.. thanks for this great idea!
PK
ah what a great idea. motherhood is the best thing and the hardest thing I've ever been lucky enough to do in my life.
ReplyDeleteI think that is what I'd like to talk about the hard moments. I'm single with no other parent involved at all and that adds a special dimension. but for the most part, we are all much more similar than we think/know and like I tell people I'm happy THRILLED to see other people's kids have tantrums now because it makes me so relieved knowing i'm not the only one. and I guess how people deal with it too...
As a first-time mother expecting in June, I have many mixed emotions and thoughts. I'd love to hear others' experiences and lessons learned; I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteThats going to be great, really looking forward to here what you have to say. Im a first time mom too. I really feel like I look at everything in life differently now. Its soo true everything changes.(for the better. :) )
ReplyDeleteIts also so nice "joining the moms club" how you understand people with children more..actually I feel like I understand everyone better now! ha.
Officially can't wait for your Monday dish, as husband and I will be trying for our own wee one the end of this year.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea. Thank you.
I'm a long way off from becoming a mother, but some of the women I admire most are mothers. This was such a sweet post! :D
ReplyDeleteLove this post and the beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your next posts about motherhood.
x MENNEPEN
I've a 19 month old girl and I'd love to hear thoughts on:
ReplyDelete- Working from home. I read an interesting post where it calls working from home the worst of both worlds and that hit home for me. Trying to type on the laptop while your toddler wants your attention for me results in mediocre work and mediocre parenting...
- The expectation from others that you'll have another child and the stigma attached to potentially just having one child. I also think it's interesting to hear how parents' own childhoods impact their decision to have one or more children and how far apart to space them... it seems like everyone is either trying to recreate their idyllic sibling situation or trying to avoid the horrible childhood they had!
Yay for the new MMM! Great idea :)
ReplyDeleteAnd love that Jung quote too and totally relate to that feeling of motherhood being akin to 'having your heart walking around outside you body', especially when they are babies, especially (in may case anyway) when they are still breastfeeding...
I love your outlook, this post is so beautiful! xo
ReplyDeleteJoanna, I just found your blog and I already falling in love with it. I like this post especially, and its great to know that you will make it a series.
ReplyDeleteI am a mom for 12 months year old daughter,and I totally understand what you mean by the nagging feeling that you talk about :)
Looking forward for the next post...
I love that quote about loneliness...struck a cord with me rightaway, thank you for sharing it. =)
ReplyDeleteMy brother and his wife are going to have a baby this year, the first one in 3-4 years, I cannot wait to smell and hold it! =)
My sister going to have baby this year so am glad to c Ur picture ..Very sweet!!!Though have seen most of them...gonna see it again:)Glad to visit Ur post.. Ur article is one of my favorite..i just love reading Ur blogs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diKj68Rb_xk Eagerly awaiting for Ur future posts..
ReplyDeleteyou are such an inspiration
ReplyDeletehugs from Romania
I think that is a lovely idea! My baby girl is just a little older than Toby. I've often been saying exactly the same about my heart being on the outside.
ReplyDeleteDo you know what I think new moms need the most? Laughter!! How else are you going to survive the 6 months of sleep you'll miss in the first two years much less the 2,788 diapers in the first year. I'd love to see more new mom humor!!
Also, a frank discussion on how breastfeeding isnt always easy. Get the word out! The more ladies who are prepared the higher the chance they will continue.
I saw an article on shine the other day on tip to prepare from a lactation consultant that I really wish I had seen.
All the best,
Kelly
oh, you make me want to be a mommy.
ReplyDeleteyou really should just change the website/blog to a website for moms who are obsessed with being moms. frankly i have enjoyed your insights and style over the years but for people who wish to be parents or mothers the focus of your posts ends up being a turn off and hurtful. please excuse me if this sounds mean or spiteful but i think i am done logging on each day, given the change in your focus.
ReplyDeleteso cute all the time :)
ReplyDeletehttp://pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com
It's such a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWould love to hear how others have adapted going from a mom of one to a mom of two...or more. I have a 2 yr old & am expecting # 2 in about two weeks! I don't know how to juggle both of my babes!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter, Aurora, was born just a few days before Toby. It has been such a joy going through pregnancy and now first time motherhood with you on your blog. Toby and Aurora even started crawling the same week. I am really looking forward to your Motherhood Mondays. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI am SO looking forward to this. I feel like the blog has drifted away from the more personal details (like wedding planning and and dating) which I understand, lots of concerns about putting your family and kids online. I am so glad you feel comfortable sharing with all of us. I love hearing more about your life and how you seem to magically do it all.
ReplyDeletePlease and thank you for this idea. I find myself needing a talk off a ledge once every 2 weeks from trying to balance life, work, and baby! Advice needed on transitioning to new care-taker/daycare, bed-sharing, to Ferberize or not to Ferberize, and maybe some food recipes, product recs (especially car seats and other safety items). Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! I'm a new mom and cannot get enough of hearing how others handled the changes that come with having a baby. It's the most amazing thing you could ever do but also the scariest because I'm always hoping I'm doing everything right!
ReplyDeleteLovely idea. My children are getting older (10&13). However, they remain the most important thing in my life - everything else is icing on the cake of life.
ReplyDeleteoh finally! i thought this segment would never come!...i love the Carl Jung quote by the way. i've been feeling down lately and I wonder where the loneliness is coming from et voila! you've answered it for me... thanks Jo! you're an amazing writer... looking forward!
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love this! I'm 28 and planning to have a baby in about 3 years, so motherhood has been on my mind a lot lately.
ReplyDeleteI'm particularly interested in how you and Alex have worked out a parenting partnership, so neither of you feel like you've taken on all the responsibility.
Also, exactly how do you balance being a mom and being a woman with a career?
I'm actually excited for Mondays now! Thanks so much for sharing your life.
I think it's a great idea. Looking forward to reading your stories and experiences! I think you're amazing, and your family is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteThat's really beautiful, Joanna. I'm looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be interested in hearing how you guys decided you were ready to be parents. Like, had you always wanted kids and so after getting married you started planning for it right away...or, you wanted kids but had to really ask yourselves if you were ready? My husband and I want kids but we have been married only for 6 months and we feel so young (26) and we're just not sure WHEN will be the right time. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to talk about the pressure us working moms have. I belong to a mom group but frankly I do not get too involve. I'm open to other moms that have a different work background then I but find myself "waiting" to meet my mom soulmate. I'm excited about your Monday Posts, I'll bookmark it a long with my Momfilter daily read!
ReplyDeletethanks for all these incredibly insightful and wonderful comments!
ReplyDeleteyay! So cool. Can't wait to read Alex's side of the story ... I love getting to read how guys experience things. And OMG, Toby is so cute. I have a soft spot in my heart for him as he's just a couple of weeks younger than my nephew ... and although I can't of a mom's feeling, being away from my little nephew breaks my heart a bit, it does feel like a part of my heart is living outside of my body and all I want to do is kiss and cuddle my little nephew. So cute :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm a mother of two and I'd love to hear about your mothering experience. Things I've never experienced interest me like living in a big city and being a mother with a job 'outside" the home.
ReplyDeleteanonymous, i'm so sorry that you feel that way! i try to balance the motherhood posts with other fashion, design, art, food and lifestyle posts, so that there isn't too much about babies on the blog. and it breaks my heart to think about people trying hard to have babies and not being able to; i would love to talk about that one monday, as well, as i know it's a huge reality for many people, and i would never want my excitement about being a mom to make others feel bad. thank you so much for your honest input! xoxo
ReplyDeleteand the other anonymous -- my wedding ring is from blanca monros gomez, and the other ring is a heart ring from catbirdnyc.com xoxo thanks!
ReplyDeleteyay! looking forward to mondays!
ReplyDeleteYay! Looking forward to all your sweet motherhood moments :) Oh, and I love your ring!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea! I'm a very new mom (my little guy is one month today!) and it's more wonderful and difficult than I ever imagined.
ReplyDeleteAs I was talking to my husband about what makes it so difficult sometimes, I realized that motherhood (at least for me) has amplified all of my weaknesses and shortcomings. It's such an awesome responsibility and I just want to not screw it up so badly! It's always good to have things to improve on, no?