sarah's new motherhood survival guide

not that you asked.

but I thought that I would share a
few items I have found that have made motherhood
easier
more do-able
more not cry everyday
no wait that was just the first 2 months.

Getting back into my normal routine with Juniper has been really refreshing.

I told my husband, that I was a good mom the last two days.
he said I was always a good mom.
I said, no I'm not, but I have been a great mom the last few days.

June and I were queens in the castle. I gave all my energy to June instead of putting energy into finding distractions for June so I can get other things done. We played with blocks, read books, danced to records, played piano and drums, sang in the car, arranged stuffed animals, colored pictures, ate good food, played with the dogs, took baths, and cuddled.

June is getting heavy, but there is something about the weight of her in my arms that makes my heart feel lighter. I don't know how else to say it. I love carrying her, and I love being able to hold all of her, I know that being able to cuddle my entire child won't last too much longer.

ok. onto my favs.

I just added this one. BUT HOW COULD I FORGET! (thanks ricki for the reminder) Yes, the controversial topic of sleep, forever to be debated between mothers. I loved this book. I felt it suggested a few ways to help your baby develop better sleep pattern that changed our lives, and provided a few alternatives to just one method. Junie goes to bed still around 7-7:30 and wakes up at 7. my free evening time is pretty sacred to me.

We recorded this song for the new old hymns album coming out this year. June LOVES this song, and if you pause before each time the word "shine" appears, she fills in the blank amazing well.

my iPhone. this would be one of my three items in the game where you are stranded on an island. I know it is not wise, but I have let june play a game or watch a show countless times on this machine when she is in her carseat and having a meltdown.

The bunny.
I think that every child has their comfort toy/blanket. For Junie it is this little bunny that my lovely friend anna gave me at a baby shower. The company is called "Bunnies by the Bay" and we have purchased 3 more bunnies, because can you really ever have enough? Also, June won't leave home...wait, she won't leave the room without bunny.

The Bob.
I can't say enough...I LOVE THIS STROLLER. We take it everywhere, dog park, plane rides, etc. I bought a dinky stroller to take to the airport because it was 'smaller/easier to use' not so fast wise mom...soon I realized that crappy strollers need two hands pushing to move an inch. Not the Bob, I push the bob with one hand, tow guitar or bag with the other just fine.

I think the disposable stick-on place mat is genius. I use them all the time. No mess, no germs, easy clean-up. They also come bio-degradable and eco-friendly. Click here. Also www.diapers.com has saved me, free shipping over $50 and it arrives within 2 days. always.

my favorite toddler bowl, sticks to the table surface great.
made by Boon.

We started watching a little of this DVD pretty early on to help Junie learn her signs. She loved it and picked things up fast. There are many signing videos out there, but this is on the top of my list. Junie still signs simple things, even though she is learning words now.

I love this book. Junie loves it. She loves the animals, and it is a book that any adult likes to hear over and over. By Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jane Dyer.

This book has got to be over 25 years old, because I remember reading it as a kid. Still love the idea of it and the pictures are great.
By Audrey Wood

June loves sticker books. She likes Shrek. Great for church or planes, I guess confined space in general.

My lifeline; Sarah Jane Powers.
We grew up as best friends in Santa Barbara. She went to Chicago for School, I went to Utah. But just over 2 years ago we had a phone conversation in which we both told eachother we were pregnant, turns out our daughters were born 9 days apart. I know most new moms are not so lucky to be able to talk with your dear friend about every stage of pregnancy and motherhood, and I still thank the heavens that I have Sarah in my everyday life. She is a wonderful mother and helps me to be a better mom all the time. Word to new moms, find another new mom and hold onto eachother for dear life.
I joined a wonderful group in Seattle called PEPS, it pairs new moms in the same neighborhood with same age babies.

Have you ever eaten Fran's salted Carmels? Oh you haven't...
you might want to change your life right now.
thanks to lovely laurel for this one.

Pair. My lovely friend Kelly brought me here. It has become a staple in my life. I bring out of town guests here all the time because the food is so good and it incorporates all that I love about seattle; good food, a community centered restaurant, not wasteful, simple, delicious, inimate setting. My favorite items? Roasted artichoke, half chicken, and fondue with apples and pears.

there has been a lot of dr. pepper in my life.

All of my family has been amazing to me on this journey of Motherhood. James especially deserves all the praise I can give a person for being an incredible hub and dad. And all of my McDonald family has been kind, gracious and supportive. But I have to give an overflowing bucket of love and praise to this woman. My mom. She watches June every month for a few days while I tour, and she loves June more than she loves pretty much anything. Thank you mom, for being a wonderful mother, and making it possible for me to keep making my dream a reality...motherhood and musician.


I always love to hear what has made life a little easier
more simplified
more beautiful
more meaningful
to new moms.
please share any favorites you have .
xo
s