Nourishing Zen

Nourishing YOU. Adventures to Healthy, Happy, and a Fulfilling Life! Food is our medicine.

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Adventures in Motherhood: Part 6


Wow. And I just keep going!


81.  You think sleep training is bad once… you’ll probably have to do it more than once if you go on vacation, baby gets sick or something else jogs the routine. Yeah. Not fun. 

82. Once the baby is mobile, he or she will have lots of bumps and bruises. They’re just unstable. And curious. Bad combo. 

83. Nothing is safe. Even baby proofed drawers etc. 

84.  Husbands will just never understand. Period. They can try. But they just never fully will. Why? They didn’t grow a human in their belly for close to 10 months. They didn’t push something way bigger than the opening that it came out of. They don’t have an automatic food source built into their bodies. They can’t help it. 

85.  Boys are thrashers. They bang everything against anything and throw everything they can get their hands on, on the floor. 

86.  As a mom, you will get beat up. Pinched, poked, hit, pushed, bruised, hair pulled, slapped and head butted. I look like I’ve been in a fight every day. 

87.  When your kid is sick and he’s absolutely miserable, which makes you exhausted, and people say… “it’s good for his immune system” you’re going to want to mentally slap them in the face a few times. Yes I know it’s good to build an immune system but you’re not the one dealing with a sick, uncomfortable, unhappy, fussy kid!!

88.  My son puts everything in his mouth. Everything. Paper, dirt, rocks, diapers, cardboard… everything. It’s normal I guess?

89.  When they start walking it’s good because they are more independent but bad because they’re constantly falling down and bumping their bodies against everything. Which means more bruises and injuries. I swear he gives me a heart attack every five minutes. 

90.  Tantrums start early. Brace yourself. 
Until next time! 

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Adventures of Motherhood: Part 3



Hello again! Thank you for reading this third post on my adventures in motherhood. I must reiterate that these are my experiences only! I am a first time mama and though I have had experience with babies/kids in the past, there is and was a lot that I did not know! 

I also want to share that given the fact we have been under a bit of sleep deprivation, the order of these are in no order as I’m writing these points down as they come to mind. 🙂 Thank you for understanding!!

And here continues the list… 

22.  All babies hate diaper changes at first.  
They cry every time for at least a few weeks. This is tough on you because you’re changing the diapers so often and it’s just difficult to hear your baby cry. 

23.  You will be flooded with unsolicited advice. 
Ok I knew this already. BUT, I did not know the extent of it. People are very passionate about what’s expected of moms and how they raise their kids. If it worked for them, it should work for all, right! WRONG! Now, hear me out… Everyone obviously means well in trying to help you and offer their suggestions and opinions but what it really comes down to is what works for you and your baby. No one else.  You just have to say thank you and take what you want from it if anything at all. I’m still working on this – it is an everyday challenge. This leads me to my next point..

24.  Not only is having a baby purely a challenge, but keeping your boundaries is also. 
Family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, your waiter, barista, masseuse etc.  (you get the idea) will tell you what you SHOULD be doing. Since every baby is so different, as they say, no one knows what works for you and your babe but YOU.  Holding those boundaries within yourself can be the most challenging. To not be affected by these offerings is much more difficult than I imagined. Why? Because I’m a first time mom and I’m not only trying to SURVIVE and keep this baby alive, but to also figure out what’s best for my baby. Meanwhile, I’m constantly questioning myself and what I’m doing because I’ve never done this before! I’m still battling this every day and I probably will until I’m more confident in myself… So, I just have to take a step back and appreciate the gesture, consider the options, take in what I want and just keep swimming… Or floundering. Just Kidding. Maybe… 🙂

25.  Nothing ever stays constant except the fact that you will be tired. 
All. The. Time. What works one day may make your little one wail the next. For example, when your baby is crying and you’re trying to calm him down, you could have 6 different ways you know helps. Trying each way more than once may be necessary before any one attempt works. Every day is different. What entertains your baby one day may not interest him at all the next day. So… For those people like me who like routines or consistency, just give in to the crazy. 

26.  You’ll never get to sleep like you used to. 
As a mom you somehow sadly get used to getting up all the time at night. And when your baby hits you with a long stretch you STILL will wake up a lot of time! Or you get some time to nap because someone is watching him or her and you can’t sleep!! It’s such a torturous cycle. 

27.  Sleep begets sleep. 
Babies need enough sleep during the day for proper brain function. Do your best to not let your baby get overtired.  It’s a constant battle over here in this household. 

28.  Be prepared for most everything pertaining to the baby falls on mama.  
We grew them in our bellies. These things are just more natural for us mamas. Guys have to learn it all. And it’s tough!!

29.  Get used to eating your food cold as a mom.  
Especially if you’re breastfeeding. You’re at the baby’s beckoning call and often times when the food is hot, so is your milk for your little one!

30.  The first year of your baby’s life is the most challenging for your marriage. 
Ok I knew this. But I didn’t KNOW this like I do now. I mean where do I start?? Every. Single. Thing. Is different. You will no longer spend your evenings doing the Netflix and chill thing. Or making elaborate dinners. Or hosting lots of guests for meal. Or. jumping up and going somewhere for the weekend. Or going out on the town with friends. Or going on long hikes. You know what I mean right? Ok maybe some of you do  these things with infants but I have not experienced this just yet. It’s just much more complicated. Your freedom is temporarily gone. Your time spent together has diminished. Your social life isn’t quite where it was before the baby. All of these crazy  moving parts surrounding this new little being are now your focus. It’s not that it’s bad. It’s just totally different. And difficult to adjust to. Communication is your savior. And date nights. 

31.  If you’re an extrovert like me, cabin fever may drive you crazy. 
If I could I would have back to back plans all day long. I love to be on the go and busy! And now, with a baby, I find myself more inside my home more than ever! Yes I get out for walks and quick outings to the store etc. but it’s nowhere near the same! I love entertaining and socializing and being around people. 

32.  Stop looking for the right way to do things, and just do what works for you and your baby especially in the first few months. Just survive. Keep your baby alive. 

33.  Sorry guys – but there isn’t a ton for you to do in the beginning months. 
Especially if she’s breastfeeding. Cleaning the house, grocery shopping, meal preparation, errands and holding the baby to give mom a tiny break!!

34.  Please see image. 

35.  As a new mother with a newborn you will hardly have time for anything or anyone else but your baby. 

Including your husband. This just needs to be known that the energy and effort has now shifted from solely your relationship to your baby. This is extremely difficult especially for the men. Their role has changed and often times this can be confusing and unsettling. Reassure him constantly. Yes, you may have two babies now. 😬

36. Your baby’s laugh could cure cancer in your eyes. It’s the most ridiculously cute sound you’ve EVER heard. Ever. 

37. They grow up so fast. Seriously. It’s a bit crazy! Yes I know I knew this before but the reality of it is nuts😱Weirdest phenomenon. Every day feels like it goes by soooooooo slow but the weeks fly by. You go from giving birth to a 3 month old! It’s unreal. 

Stay tuned for more. Thank you for reading ❤️❤️❤️


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Adventures of Motherhood 


There’s so much people don’t tell you about the first few months of motherhood with your Little Babe.  Can I repeat… SO much. I’m not writing this to be negative about having a newborn, but more to be realistic about what is expected. It’s not all cute matching outfits, strolls in the park, giggles and perfectly staged photos in the most adorable attire!

People say, they don’t want to scare you etc. but I am the type of person that would rather know what I’m about to face!  Every person says, “Don’t worry, it gets easier.” But they must know that this doesn’t really help when you’re deep in the trenches of keeping yourself and this newborn alive! C’mon people. Work with me here!

Here are some things that I have learned this far… From birth on. I’m sure this will be a multi-part post – so stay tuned!

1.  Labor pains are like no other pains I’ve ever felt. Thank goodness for the epidural.  That drug is freaking amazing. 

2.  When your water breaks, it’s not a small cute little drip – it’s like the flood gates have been opened and you’re gushing fluid in the most uncontrollable, awkward way. There’s no stopping this with a pad, or maybe even diaper. 

3.  You get poked, prodded and your sense of dignity goes right out the door. You’re fully exposed with people all up in your… You know – areas.  The nurses and doctors will just keep coming in an examining everything. Everything. 

4.  After your water breaks, you shake convulsively and continuously. They say it’s because of the hormones. It is a bit crazy and it makes you feel like you’re constantly having little seizures. 

5.  When you’re about to start active labor and start pushing, you’ll have at least 4 people in the room not including you and your significant other. They will be setting up, checking you, coaching you and gowning up. It’s slightly worrisome but at that point you just don’t care and you know the end is near. 

6.  After the baby pops out, it’s the most surreal moment, ever. Not only have you been growing this baby in you for 10 months but he or she is now IN your arms and alive and well. Fingernails, hair, limbs and all!

7.  After delivering, there will be someone coming into the room almost every 30minutes to check on you or the baby. 

8.  After delivering you have to wear these disposable underwear with a gigantic sheet folded in half with two big pads lined up together. Basically a mom diaper. 

Stay tuned for more… 😉