Hello lovelies!

I can't believe my baby isn't a baby anymore! Zara is going to be a one year old in 3 days and I seriously just can't believe how fast time flew. It feels just like yesterday that we went into the delivery room. Zara will always be the one who made me a mama and she will always have a special place in my heart because of that. I wanted to talk to you all about my experience as a first time mom.

I know that I was young when I got pregnant, I was 21 and 22 when I had Zara. A lot of moms LOVED to tell me what I should or should not do as a mother. So many people just love to give out their opinion. Whether it was if I was allowed to get shots when I was pregnant, or if I should have the baby naturally or take the epidural, giving vaccines or not... oh my goodness, the list can go on!

One of the saddest moments was when I had just given birth and the first thing someone I knew asked was "did you take the epidural?" Like, not even a congratulations or anything, but to just find out if I had taken the shot. And that is so sad. I don't care if anyone takes the shot, does an at home birth, or have the baby via ceasarean. We should just all applaud each other for carrying a human inside of us for 9 months and having the baby. We are all champions in my opinion and we shouldn't be so quick to ask questions.

My decision to stop breastfeeding at 4 months and to start formula is none of your business. I was at a bank one day getting money out of an ATM and a male worker came up to me and said, "Oh, what a cute baby. Do you still breastfeed?" I was just in so much shock that a STRANGER would ask me such a thing. haha I kind of chuckle at it now because it is so weird to me that people are so curious, but it is also such a personal question that made me so uncomfortable. "No", I replied,  "I actually just stopped." And he began further asking, "why, breast milk is so good for a baby." I actually had just walked away without saying anything, but I should of said it's none of your business. I think as a new mom, you do not realize all of the things people are going to be asking you and you just got to remember to stay strong and you can tell people that it is none of their business. I had to learn the hard way. 

There were days that were harder than others. I remember the first time Zara fell off the couch. I felt like the worst mother! I remember not wanting to tell anyone because I didn't want to be viewed as a mom who failed. Now I know that it's okay. There will be days that I will make mistakes and I will have to just grow from it.

Being a mother has changed me so much and for the better. I have a responsibility now. I have a little person that I get to raise and take care of. My first year as a mom has been so great, aside from all of the comments from people. My favorite thing was seeing all of the little things that Zara started doing from each month. I remember all of her poop explosions on the bed and even on my arm, when she was able to lift her head on her own, her hilarious crawling (she crawls with one foot on the ground), her first laughs and babbles, and I can never forget her dancing. I start tearing up just thinking about how fast time flew and now I don't have a newborn anymore, but I have a beautiful smart one year old and I can't wait to see her continue to grow.

I decided to share a few stories with you about judgement because I don't want anyone to feel the way I did. I know this isn't going to fix all of the judgement in the world, but hopefully it can help a few people out. Being told what to do with your own child is never fun. STOP JUDGING AND START LOVING. As cheesy as that may sound. I love being a mother and I want all new moms to know that you are doing a great job and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. 😘

Xo,