6 New Mom Musts

Alright, now for some brutal honestly. As most of you know, once you have kids things are a little different. The reality is that there isn't a "you" anymore, it's all about "them". I'm sure you are thinking "well duh, I was born to be a mother," but save it. I hate to break it to you, but it's not always butterflies and rainbows, occasionally there will be some boogers and blowouts thrown into the mix. Oh, and add another one into the picture - it's a whole nother ball game. And while your days now revolve around everyone else, it's important to make sure to take care of you.

One thing that saved my sanity, and saves most parents is to develop a routine - and try to stick with it (for the most part). This was a little harder for me because although I consider myself somewhat organized, I'm not as much of a routine person. But once you've got that down pretty solid, and are feeling a little more confident with yourself, there are a few other important things that I think any new mom (or new mother of two) should make priority.

1. Eat Breakfast

Go ahead and turn on the Keurig & whip up a bowl of oatmeal, because you're going to need it. This mom thing will drain you, and it will happen fast unless you refuel in the morning. I admit sometimes I don't have a lot of time for a full breakfast before we have to be at swim lessons or a play date, but a to-go protein shake is better than nothing. 

2. Take a shower

It sounds silly, but when you've been up all night feeding or dealing with a fussy baby, this does not happen on a regular basis moms. Your new best friend will be baby powder - which you should have plenty of by now. But, when you do get the chance, the second you get out of the shower you will feel like a new woman ready to hit the town. But take it easy the first few weeks, and stick to the grocery aisles.

3. Do Your Hair

When I had Sawyer, as most of you know I had extensions in. BAD IDEA. It would literally take me close to 30 minutes just to blow dry the horse mane that was on my head, and it was a lot of work. So ultimately I made the decision to chop my hair shorter, and now it takes me maybe 10 minutes. Now, that doesn't mean everyone should chop their hair off, but you will feel so much better if you take just a few minutes on your locks. It takes no time to throw it up in a cute bun, braid, or spray it with some beach hairspray - messy is in! Just make sure it's not dried spit-up, knotted rats nest messy, that's not going to make you feel any better. 

4. Regular Clothes

I think everyone's definition of regular clothes is a little skewed, so let me rephrase it - put on any clothes other than workout clothes. Don't get me wrong, I have mountains of leggings and racer backs, and of course they're my go-to most of them time (like the time I'm actually working out). I don't know what it is about moms in workout clothes, maybe it's that we will feel like if we wear them we might get a quick jog in? Or maybe if we wear workout clothes, other people might think we actually do work out? Unless you really are going to get a work out in that day - which I applaud you for, I think this is an easy out. If you make it a goal to put some effort into changing out of your all day pajamas or workout clothes at least a few days a week, you'll be proud of yourself. 

5. Mascara

I don't care what you say, mascara is magical. You can pull off the bright eyed and bushy-tailed look when you're only running on 3 hours asleep, it's awesome! Let's face it new mommas just don't have time for your normal beauty regimen. Make-up, what's make-up? But I can guarantee that you will have enough time for that little tube of glory, even if your toddler is smashing your Chanel blush into the shower door, and your baby just spit up all the way down your shoulder and into your Kate Spade purse. Hmmm, better yet, invest in some waterproof mascara. That way, no one will know you've been crying.

6. Me Time

I think this one is sometimes the hardest, but most rewarding thing for moms to do. Whether it's sneaking away first thing in the morning to grab a Starbucks, or later in the evening for a bubble bath, its necessary to have some quite alone time. And when you're husband gets home from work, it's time to sub him in. I literally can't wait for my weekly me time. Of course it's not a nightly occurrence because I don't want to miss out on time with the kids, but I do take some time to either catch up emails, or just read a magazine. It's so relaxing and it really clears the mind. 

Now I know what you're thinking, that was the most ridiculously simple list I have ever read, and you're right. But yet as ridiculously simple as those things are, they get overlooked. These are easy mood boosters and you'll feel so much better! If you're not taking care of yourself, you're not going to be the best mom you can be. There will be days that nothing gets done, and you don't leave your bedroom. I'm plenty guilty of throwing on a baseball hat over unwashed hair, wearing the same clothes from the day before, or walking right past my oatmeal in the microwave all day long that I didn't get around to eating. But I promise you, I've done the mom thing twice over now and can attest that things do get easier.

What are some mom musts for you? Even if you're not a mom (yet) what are some mood boosters or priorities that you make sure to take time for? Let's hear them!