Originally published last March 2018.

Motherhood update at 26-months

Despite being a mother for already 2-years-and-2-months, you would think I’m acing motherhood like a pro. Contrary though, I still feel like a newbie just like when Bryce was a newborn baby. I still struggle, daily. Although the issues probably change per day, I couldn’t say if it’s getting better or worse.

Just the normal world of motherhood — the joys, the laughter, the challenges, the frustrations and the in-betweens.

Being a first-time mom, or a mom in general, is tough. It’s rough. Especially for hands-on, stay-at-home, breastfeeding momma like me. Bryce breastfeeds on-demand, 24/7. And he breastfeeds a lot even at 26-months.

Every day poses a new challenge to overcome, or at least survive, and it’s easy to feel insane and overwhelmed by it all.

I’ve cried a river. I’ve doubted my parenting choices. I, sometimes, second-guess my instinct. Am I nurturing him well? Am I listening to his needs? Am I teaching him effectively? Am I feeding him enough? These are just some of the million questions running through my head on a day to day basis. And it’s easy to get lost in all my doubts.

Yet despite of all my struggles and doubts, there is this indescribable joy in my heart when I look at my boy. I can’t help but to feel PROUD and HAPPY that he is growing up as an awesome child. I feel GRATEFUL that he is healthy inside and out — no major health issues or skin rashes, he has manners — he knows when to say thank you in the sweetest, most heartfelt way, and he has a big heart — he knows when to say “aboo” (love you), kisses us on his own free will and knows how to share. Oh my heart!

My and his daddy’s hearts always melt with gratitude and gladness. We must’ve done something good in our lives to deserve this boy and call him our own. ?

So at the end of the day, I remind myself that I’m doing the best mothering I know how. The best way I can.

And if there’s one thing I’m learning in my motherhood journey it is that:

…there are no perfect moms, only real moms.

I wish to emphasize the importance of accepting all forms of motherhood, without judgement — of others and oneself.

Motherhood comes with this great responsibility, yet there isn’t a perfect way to be a mother. And that is ok. YOU are ENOUGH. Trust your own instinct in your mothering and parenting journey! ?

The important thing is that a mother loves her children deeply. A mother’s role is to love her children with all her heart. And I’m sure your child loves you.

Speaking of worries, I have one less worry when it comes to caring for Bryce’s baby skin. I’m so happy that BABY DOVE is NOW in the PHILIPPINES! No more second-guessing what to use that goes beyond mildness to moisturize and care for his skin. Definitely one less worry for a momma like me!

Baby Dove’s product range is a new line of premium baby care products for baby’s delicate skin. It has 2 variants: Rich Moisture & Sensitive Moisture.

Our favorite to use for Bryce is the Rich Moisture, especially the Baby Dove Hair to Toe Wash. It leaves a good smell for hours even if he is super active. You can know more about these products at Baby Dove website.

Us, mothers, are a great example of courage, strength and hope. Let’s rock this #momlife!