Earnestly Thankful.

Earnestly Thankful.

As the earnest family and I go through what feels to be an impossible transition in our lives, I am left feeling thankful. I am thankful for the family and friends that surround me, the ones that are so far yet long to be alongside us, and those that have passed from this life. I am earnestly grateful for you all.

Even though some days are overwhelming, never ending and full of unwanted surprises, I continue to feel so blessed. I am trying to slow down and even in the crazy stressful times take in each moment, and be present with my family.

We hope to look back on all this craziness and see how far we have come; then laugh at the things that currently seem to be only stumbling blocks.

So in turn, thank you family, friends and followers. Thank you for your interest, thank you for your patience and most of all thank you for being apart of our earnest little lives!

x.

earnest mom.

Mamahood; let’s DO this!

Mamahood; let’s DO this!

Ok, so typically I would not post about what anyone else does, that being said I’ve decided to create a call to action. Mamas, let’s stop judging one another. Let’s stop sizing up how we gave birth, what diapers we use and if we use bumper pads or not.  Let’s stop using social media to shame or tear down fellow mamas. Why?! Because it hurts. I’m so disappointed when I see us mamas tearing other mamas down.

We are all connected by one thing, we have been blessed to have children all our own (whether birthed or adopted or even step), we are all attached by a cord of responsibility for a future generation. 

Let’s stop. Let’s embrace one another, let’s love one another and most of all let’s lift each other up! Kindness and acceptance are some of the most desired things around the world, so let’s give it out like candy at Halloween. Scratch that, giving it out at Halloween makes it sound like we need to dress up to receive it; no let’s just spread them everywhere, regardless of what we would have done ourselves or how we would have done it differently.  Because kindness and acceptance are FREE. 

Mamahood is one of the most powerful sisterhoods out there! So let’s call that order to march. Let’s celebrate our differences, let’s support our new mamas or less informed mamas. Let’s be caring and earnest in our comments on social media, if we see something may be wrong let’s be classy and privately message where we think there needs improvement. 

Mamas, we are setting the example so let’s set the standard high and help our littles grow to be better than we could ever be. When babies are around, sleep is minimal, emotions are wild and the number one thing us mamas need it an outstretched arm of support; we don’t need hands to only push us down. 

That being said, let’s lessen the judging, public shaming and finger pointing that only cause hurt and offense. Instead let us change it, let us being to increase the embraces of kindness, blankets of support and sisterhood of uplift that will help all mamas out there. 

In closing, I want to take a moment to say: mamas keep up the good work, keep taking care of your kids the best you can each and every day; smile at a stranger because smiling is contagious and that’s one thing I love to catch.  Send a fellow mama a message of encouragement because a kind word can change someone’s day in a moment. If you can, give a text or call just to say “I’m thinking of you and you’re awesome.”  Remember, happy people are the most beautiful and smiles do more repair than any discouraging word. Let’s do this mamas, let’s be the change. 

x. 

earnest mom. 

Earnest Mom Baby Wears. Do You?!

Earnest Mom Baby Wears. Do You?!

Featured image courtesy of Babywearing International 

It’s International Baby Wearing week this week! I love wearing earnest baby everywhere I can. Since she is still nursing it allows us to keep that intimate closeness but I can’t lie, as a stay at home mom the whole “carry your baby hands free” helps me out so much! We started out using a K’tan, which is a Stretchy Wrap and for my inexperience, was a great starter wrap for us. We have since used ring slings, buckle carrier and woven wraps. Every carrier is different and unique as you and your baby; for earnest baby and I, we are a huge fan of the buckle carriers. 

So…why baby wear? Check out this great infographic courtesy of hakunamatatmama.org   Curious about baby wearing but don’t know where to start? Well if you are local to Erie, there is an amazing and supportive natural parenting shop, The Pure Parenting Shop where they have a wide array of carriers and super sweet staff that are more than willing to help get you in the perfect carrier for you and your baby!  They also are having a 20% off of a comfy joey ring sling or wrap conversion ring sling; so if you’re here in Erie, PA stop in and say hi!  They also host a great baby carrying support group Don’t Give Up The Wrap, so if you’re new or experienced in babywearing and are looking to connect check them out too! If you are not local to Erie, hit up Google and Facebook and look for lending libraries, natural parenting shops and babywearing groups in your area to get wearing your baby. Also, be sure to check out Baby Wearing International, this site is full of helpful information and may even help you find a local chapter to attend. 

Stay tuned, all week I will feature a different carrier on Earnest Mom Blog to help you choose which carrier would be perfect for you! Already baby wear? Please comment and share your baby wearing experience! Oh! And you may want to be checking in on my Facebook page…there MAY be a sweet giveaway sometime this week!

x. 

earnest mom