We are delighted to have Kelsey Diane Blog as our Guest Blogger this week!

It’s okay to ask for help 

You know that famous saying “It takes a village? Well, it’s 100% true! 

It realIy does take a village to raise a child. I was so hesitant to ask for any help with our first born. 
It wasn’t until she was 8 months old that I left her with family for a few hours and even after that I never left her overnight with anyone until she was over 2 years old. I was sleep deprived and overwhelmed and I still couldn’t bring myself to ask for help or accept it when it was offered.  
I’ve learned now that asking for help does not mean your failing. Everyone needs help sometimes, and trust me, you will be a much better mom after some much deserved rest. I ask for help often now. Anytime we go on any family vacation or outing, the first thing I do is invite my mom. The kids love having her around and I love all the extra help! 

You Will Learn To Love Your Body 

I was 3 days shy of my 20th birthday when I gave birth to our first born, which made it really hard for me to accept my new “mom body”. After our daughter was born, I wasted so much time body shaming myself. I hated what I saw in the mirror. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. I had stretch marks and fat in places I didn’t before and swore that I would never wear a bikini again. Fast forward three kids later and I have learned to love my mommy body. Life is too short to worry about your imperfections, and we all have them! My belly has been home to three babies and its mind blowing all the incredible things a woman’s body is capable of. So love your body, no matter what body type, imperfections and all. We are all beautiful.  

Making Time For You and Your Partner Should Be a Priority  

Having children is one of the most beautiful gifts but it is also one of the biggest tests you and your partner will face in your marriage.  
It is important to remember that your children are here because of the love you and your spouse had for one another first.  When you become a mother, your children’s needs become priority but its important not to forget about your partners needs as well. Make time for date nights, leave love letters in each others lunch bags. Little things like this go a long way in reminding us that our marriage is important too. 

You Will Never Be That Pinterest Mom 

“Comparison is the thief of joy” 
I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve wasted comparing myself, to other moms. I know that some Moms are “Pinterest Moms” that appear to have it all together, and other mothers like me, will never be one of those moms and that is OK. I became a much happier mother when I stopped comparing myself to others and started doing ME.  
Your kids don’t want a perfect mom, they want a Happy mom.  

Some days you are going to feel like you’ve totally figured out this mom thing and others your going to ask yourself what the heck you got yourself into. 

I give you permission mamas, to let yourself feel these emotions, and to love yourself for who YOU are as a mother. 

Trust Your Mama Instincts  

I read more books than I can count on pregnancy and motherhood when I was pregnant with our first baby.  
It made me a nervous wreck! Who knew there were so many things that could go wrong? If I could go back I would throw out all the books and trust my mama instincts. Only you know what is best for you and your baby.