Zack and I went ice skating last month in Los Angeles. I was about 5 months pregnant, and as Zack laced up my skates it was right then we realized this was our very first time ice skating together! Of all the years we’ve lived in cold weather states, of all the adventures and dates we’ve been on, we’d never gone ice skating together. I couldn’t believe it, and it was a sweet moment for me. A “first”, in our 11 years of dating.
As we were walking to the rink, a woman sitting nearby commented about my baby bump. And of course it felt only natural to blurt out, YES, AND THIS IS BABY NUMBER THREE! I love saying we are expecting our third baby :) We stopped to talk about Maxwell and Natalie (and their ages), which quickly transitioned into how fast the seasons of motherhood change and how we mamas have to work even harder to keep up! We talked for a few more minutes before she left me with this compliment, “Motherhood must come really natural for you, because you make it sound so easy.”
And honest to goodness, in that exact moment all I could think about was my “mama toolbox”, and the different things I’ve been taught (or have learned) over the last few years.
These tools have helped me in extraordinary ways, here are some of my favorites:
+ READ A BOOK: I have so much to share on how important it is to be reading! :) Last year I started a book club. I LOVED having something to read with a group of friends! Every six weeks we met to discuss the book, and oftentimes we shared book titles to read outside of book club, which encouraged me to read a little more frequently. Some of my favorite books can be found HERE, but one of my truly all time favorites is The Fringe Hours (also my inspiration for starting a book club). Jessica openly shares it’s not a book about doing more, but rather on empowering women to do more for themselves so they can be more: creative, fulfilled, and alive. Jessica recently released a book called My Fringe Hours which serves as a workbook companion to her previous book. And, The Fringe Hours is available for just $1.99 this week via Amazon Kindle! Something else to consider: reading opens up a world of inspiration for you to float on. That may be my favorite part of why I read.
+ PLAN NUTRITIOUS MEALS: When the meals are planned and there is nutritious food in the fridge, I feel like I can conquer the world! Seriously. Mothering is so much easier for me when everyone (including mama) is well-fed :) Knowing what we’re going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner each day/week — including snacks, has never steered me wrong.
+ TAKE A NAP: Daily. And never apologize for taking your daily nap :) Sometimes I lay down and 20 minutes later I wake up feeling totally refreshed. Other times, and most often, I sleep for at least an hour. Each time I nap I’m amazed at how much better — happier, even, I feel about the rest of the day. When do I find time to take a nap? When the kids are sleeping, of course! When Natalie was a newborn, this took some time to establish, but being consistent with our naptime routine has helped me in big ways. Do you work outside the home full time? Perhaps you could take 20 minutes immediately upon arriving home to refresh, either through a nap or by taking a quiet bath.
+ KEEP A LIST OF “FUN”: Oftentimes making a little list of fun things to do is just the encouragement I need to make it through when I’m knee deep in the chaos. Here are some of my favorite fun things: paint my nails, learn something new, go for a run, plan a trip to the fabric store, meet a friend for coffee, color, watch a movie with homemade popcorn, take a hot shower, make myself a cup of tea, meet with my girlfriends, invest in my marriage (go on a date, cook a special meal at home, watch a movie, set goals for your future, plan a vacation, going to bed early).
+ KEEP A LIST OF “GOALS”: Ask yourself: What am I looking forward to (outside of my role as a mama)? What do I want to accomplish? What is on my wish list? Then ask yourself, How can I get started? Keeping a list of achievable goals will help you see what you’re working towards during your fringe hours, especially when you work in 20 minute increments. And, like I mentioned above, consider goals that are just for you (taking care of yourself now as an individual will help you thrive later as a mother). Do you need a little help finding time to work on your goals? Here’s a downloadable time tracker to find, plan, and maximize your fringe hours.
+ KEEP A LIST OF “TO DOs”: When the kids are playing well together, and I suddenly I find myself with some extra time, I’ve found it’s so helpful to have a list of important “to do” tasks ready to go. Knowing exactly what I need to work on when I finally have a little bit of time on my hands, like call my doctor, research moving companies, or write a thank you note, has helped me get through my to do list without delay. Also, hello helping our family move from California to Michigan!
+ SHARE WHAT YOU LEARN: I’ve been so encouraged by friends who have shared with me what they’ve learned as a mama themselves! I clearly remember feeling overwhelmed last year over how I’d get newborn Natalie, toddler Maxwell, and our dog Bauer down a flight of stairs (our apartment was on the second floor) with a double stroller in tow. I honestly remember feeling overwhelmed over how to figure out a solution. One of my dear friends gave me a few suggestions, and her advice saved me from those continued feelings. The advice of another dear mama is so important — often invaluable!
+ SAY “NO” UNAPOLOGETICALLY: If something doesn’t work for your schedule, if you simply have no interest, if you aren’t excited about the task, if, if, if. If you are at all hesitant, listen to your soul and respond accordingly. I’d also like to add, consider how saying “yes” would make you feel. If you’re going to feel overwhelmed, even if it’s a task you want to do, you must say no unapologetically… for the sake of yourself. (Here’s an encouraging post by Myquillyn Smith.)
When I pair these tips with what I know to be true about me, how our family works best, and our family goals, these eight tips are my lifelines to being able to mother at my best. None of the creative activities I find time for would happen without preserving my fringe hours (or knowing how to find them). A favorite “fringe hours project”? Making a quilt for Maxwell.
When I reached the point in life where I stopped considering how others would feel about me, before considering how I would feel about myself, is when I felt I was really thriving as a mama. Almost all of the time, the choices I make regarding our schedule, how I use my personal time, and how I parent our children, do not affect others. And, this has released a lot of unnecessary guilt for me.
My fringe hours, they are so important to me. And not just for one person (me), but for my entire family. Do you protect your fringe hours? Or, do you need a little more encouragement in this area? Leave a comment below sharing with me where you’re at and I’ll pick a winner to receive a copy of The Fringe Hours and My Fringe Hours, both by Jessica N. Turner, a little gift package from me :)
UPDATE: the giveaway is closed!
A winner will be picked on Sunday night (1/17) and will be notified via email. Good luck, and thanks for entering! (Giveaway open to US residents only.)
This is exactly what I needed to read first thing! I’m so overwhelmed with being the best mama to my 16mo old son. I rarely think about how I feel. I over schedule, over stimulate and over think EVERYTHING. At naptime or bedtime there’s no unwinding for me it more like crashing…unfortunatly, my sanity and my quality time with my husband suffers. What a wonderful post, thanks!
I really needed this today. I’m struggling with being everything I need to be for everyone else. Being a mommy is my favorite thing. I was blessed with a miracle boy and I don’t want to mess this mama thing up. Thanks for this!
What great advice! I struggle to keep a to do list in perspective. But I try to add fun stuff to it, also :)
I sometimes feel guilty about doing stuff for myself because that means that I was taking away time from being with my family. But I realize that taking time for me makes me more whole and available for my family.
This year i want to take time to train for running a half marathon which I never thought that I would do ever in my life. But I Want to give myself this opportunity I deserve to nurture myself.
Thank you for your tips. They were really great and I would love to see more of Jessica’s ideas and her book.
I’m guilty of overloading the schedule so that those fringe hours are filled with housework or driving. Lately the family has been sick (4 weeks of someone sick) & it’s given me a lot of time to slow down. It’s shown me that staying home with my kids is valuable and we don’t have to go and be all the time. It’s also shown me just giving myself 10-20 min to do something like read, journal, or knit a day is helpful. But I do need a bit more help and direction in that area.
Where am I at? I’m a novice in the area of making and protecting my fringe hours. I am feeling overwhelmed and resentful at times. I decided my words for this year will be “grace and space” and to embark on a journey to make myself a priority.
I love this post! Some great things that I needed to be reminded of. And sounds like a great book…I love to read!!!!
Thanks for the ideas and not feeling guilty with a little nap here and there. I think your ideas are spot on!
i checked out a copy of the fringe hours from my library and it has been so helpful in discovering what i need. as a new mom, i still have so much to learn. i struggle with comparing myself to my husband who works at a job where he is always on call. i feel guilty if i get a chance for a nap or doing something creative because he cant do that whenever he wants. this book has helped me so much. i hope read it again and again, and having my own copy would be great to make notes in. ive been dying to take a look at her journal book as well. thank you so much for this opportunity.
Great tips! I own The Fringe Hours but I’d love to get it away as a gift to a friend!
Brand new momma & working from home. Add people pleasing to the mix and I could have a recipe for exhaustion! I could learn a lot from this book i think!
Taking care of myself is something I keep coming back to lately. I’ve finally realized that me being healthy, (emotionally and physically) helps equip me to be the kind of wife and mother God has called me to be.
Thank you Maggie! I just love reading everything you write. I so needed this, and have been wanting to read the Fringe Hours. I have it in my amazon cart right now, but maybe I should wait until you choose a winner! :)
Great tips! I’m so with you on the read a book. That’s my go to during nap time and I really am thankful for it. I’ve been so curious about these books and they’re on my to read list!
Hmmm, where I’m at seems to fluctuate. Some days it feels like I’ve figured it all out and I’m on top of “this” (whatever that is!) ;) Other times, I feel completely out of balance and don’t know where I went wrong. I guess I’d say that maybe I’m on the verge of learning to protect my fringe hours, but have yet to grasp it totally. :)
Thanks for holding a giveaway, Maggie! You are always so generous and positive.
XOXO,
Jess
What a great breakdown of how to be the best you. I could really use to say “no” more often, and not feel guilty or overwhelmed when I do.
I just started reclaiming some fringe hours this past month. as a new mom, I felt like I didn’t have the time/space/energy to invest in myself, but between my little one getting older and an attitude shift towards abundance, that has changed! claiming these pockets of time has revitalized so much joy in our home.
I’m an older Mom of 4 grown up boys. I chuckled when I read about getting the stroller down the stairs because I remember those days. You get through it and learn something new everyday. Be open to all kinds of suggestions and ideas. Embrace every minute and spend all the time you can with your little ones. They grow up way to fast and you will so miss those moments. Now I enjoy my grandkids and try to be the best grammie ever!
Love this post! My kids are a little bit older 8 and 6, so lack of sleep is not my problem …. I struggle with what to do with the time I do have while they are in school and how to still make time to spend with them between homework and activities. Loved the part of your Post about having a To Do list on hand. Love it! Thanks for this post it was inspiring today and I would love to read the book The Fringe Hours. The part about reading opens up your creativity really made me want to pick up a book and I am not normally a reader!
I need help in this area! Life feels so chaotic right now. And I have a hard time saying no. Even now there is something I want to say no to, however, I feel I can’t because I’m so concerned with what my friends will think and how they will feel.
Thank you for the tips!
Was just reading about this book over on tsh’s website too. She linked to Jessica’s site and the download for charting how you spend your time.
I’m one of those people who feels like they have no fringe time, but probably waste a lot more than I realise.
My husband and I are in the process of really reevaluating a number of areas in our life and looking at saying no a lot more, honing our time and prioritising us, over what we think others think we should be doing (make sense?!!)
This is great advise! Lately, I have not be able to say “NO” to family and friends. I feel out of balance trying to please other people that I’m not doing my role as a wife.
I need to do this! My fringe hours are frazzled and mostly spent on Netflix or reading, but I need to get into a better rhythm of life so I can pursue my writing again!
Thanks so much for such an insightful post! I find so many of your tips and advice to be extremely helpful. And the book sounds fabulous! It certainly is easy to lose yourself in the journey of motherhood.
Ohhh how I struggle with making time for myself. I have a million reasons why there isn’t time for me ranging from lack of time, lack of energy, lack of resources, but totally understand the importance of it. It’s something I really want to improve on. I know I’m a better mom when I have some “me” time – gives me more patience and I can better fill their cup when mine is filled as well.
I feel like I could use help making the most of my Fringe Hours. I often find myself spending time scrolling my phone or tuning out to tv, which doesn’t leave me feeling relaxed or refreshed. I would love to harness some of that time to get back to creative projects. Thanks for the reminder that this is something to keep working at!
Thank you so much for this post, and for everyones comments. Not that I’m happy others are also having a hard time, but there is something nice about seeing you aren’t the only one. I need to read this book – like, now. I have two little ones (3 and 6 months) and I absolutely do not prioritize any “me” time, which I know is most of the reason while I find myself frustrated and resentful. I think as moms we have a tendency to feel selfish for wanting time to ourselves, but really a little bit here and there benefits everyone. I know my kids would be happier if I wasn’t with them for an hour, and instead came back refreshed rather than being with them always and not being in a good mood.
I was doing so much better after I read Jessica’s first book. Now, not so much. I feel like things are out of control. I was out of work, found a job, now my mom’s in the hospital. It all feels like it’s getting away from me. Maybe the new book will help me get those hours back. I feel as if I’m being pulled in too many directions.
I am a MUCH better wife, mom, and person when I workout in the morning! Reading, spending time with friends, and scrapbooking are my other favorite fringe hours activities. Thank you for the chance to win!
I am definitely learning to protect my fringe hours. I have a 10, 9, 6, and 4 year old. My 4 year old has Spastic Quad Cerebral Palsy and is developmentally pretty much like an infant and relies on me for everything and has a lot of therapies and appointments and I have learned to take the time each afternoon as he naps for myself. I write cards, read blogs, read books, sometimes nap. Thanks for your wonderful blog. Be blessed.
I love the idea of this book! I’ve started waking up early to exercise before work again and I always feel so much better when I do. We’ve also stopped watching so much TV, which makes so much more time for doing stuff that I actually want to do instead of vegging on the couch.
What a thoughtful post! You have such great, practical ideas! Since the new year, I’ve done a better job of balancing my fringe hours vs. taking care of my family, but I still struggle & definitely struggle to MAKE THE MOST of my fringe hours (which means spending LESS time on social media). I have The Fridge Hours checked out from the library & it’s next on my reading list, but I’d love my own copy! I’ve seen Jessica post about “My Fringe Hours”, and it looks like such a lovely keepsake! Thanks Maggie!
This post was super helpful for me!! I’m on my way to being a momma myself, I have a bout two months until our little one arrives. I’ve just started setting up my own blog but I’m also in school and working and being a newly wed so I’m really struggling making any time for my self. I’m finding myself overwhelmed with all of these changes and my “fringe hours” seem to have all but disappeared!!!
I am trying to take my home-based business to the next level, and would love to learn how to ‘add’ more hours to the day! Most of the time, I’m too busy taking care of everyone else’s needs to find time for work…and then it’s bedtime and I’m exhausted and nothing gets done.
I’m trying to be more intentional with my fringe hours, but it’s hard. I often feel the need to rest or read a book or do something for me while my babies are napping, but there’s so much to be done around the house, I feel like I’m wasting time if I’m not doing dishes or laundry etc during that time.
I really appreciated this list! You are such a thoughtful person and I enjoy reading about the wisdom you are gaining as you care for your husband and beautiful children! I think eating healthy is the greatest change we made last year. So many health issues have been resolved and we are enjoying much more even keeled emotions which I am confident is linked to eating much cleaner diet! I would also share that I have renewed my commitment to get up earlier than the rest of the house to pray, read my Bible and devotions or other book related to my walk with Christ in a quiet house. Honestly, that hour has made the greatest difference in my level of peace and joy and I am a much better mom and wife when I am walking closely with Christ! Now, I am looking at your list seeing what the next area to make a habit might be!
My children are old enough now that I have more time. Jackson is 9 and Natalie is 5 and they are both in school all day. The most awesome part of that is that now I have time for myself during the middle of the day. My favorite thing is to watch House Hunters International and eat a nice hot lunch. Now, the best thing about my fringe hours is truly enjoying putting them to bed. Instead of rushing through so I can have time to myself, I savor every book and every snuggle. I no longer mind when they ask if I will cuddle them until they fall asleep. I lay there and sort out my day and appreciate every second I have with my angels while I still have them.
I am stuck right in the middle…and need help to the other side
Gosh – it feels like a loaded question! Right now, I’m momma to two amazing boys (3.5 years and almost 4 months). After having our second son in September I had to undergo four (yes four!) surgeries due to some complications. I’m learning that I have to set aside time for myself and time to rest to ensure I’m giving myself plenty of opportunities to heal. This is something that definitely doesn’t come naturally to me – I typically enjoy keeping busy. I have an amazing husband who is great at making sure I get to sleep in on the weekends and sending me out with a friend to renew myself when needed. I am so blessed with my sweet family – but I think every momma needs a reminder to take care of herself!
I’m constantly saying ‘I’m so tired’ and can’t seem to use my extra time wisely. With a military husband who is always gone, a 6-(going-on-30-)year old, a 1-year-old, and a surprise pregnancy, I’m overwhelmed and stressed. At the end of the day, I just want to sit down and be alone and quiet. I’ve been on the fence about getting this book to help. But I think I might just go ahead and get it.
I’ve heard so many good reviews about this book, but haven’t read it yet. I’m looking for some motivation and direction in finding myself in the craziness of motherhood. I want to feel creative and inspired again!
I definitely need encouragement to create better use of my fringe hours. I have a 4-year old & 1month old girls and will be returning to work next month. It definitely has been a tough transition and I struggle finding time to slow down. Thank you! :)
I definitely need encouragement in this area, especially before baby #2 comes in a few months! I’ve heard of this book from a few different places, and love the idea of a workbook to go with it. Adding it to my wish list today!
This is something every mama can get huge encouragement from, it is a beautiful reminder that when you take the time for yourself, you have so much more to give to those you love. I love the small and the great things that you do to help each and every member of your family thrive, thank you for blessing so many with what truly becomes out of your heart.
Whew! I just had my second about three weeks ago, and I’m honestly struggling. I am in serious need of encouragement and support!
Hi Melissa! I just had our second babe 3wks ago, too! How old is your first?
Oh wow I so need your help. With 3 kids under 4 (I was meant to be infertile) and a photography business, I constantly feel stressed, tired and overwhelmed. I would love some tips!
(Oops. It seems like my other comment didn’t go through) These are some really good and inspiring ideas! Thanks for sharing them, I needed the motivation this post has given me. Also, that post you linked to, about 20 minute increments? It actually brought tears to my eyes. And this: “Good things take hours made possible through minute increments”: I now have it written on my fridge. Thank you! I am a mama of a 2-year-old, twin 1-year-olds… and just this week I found out I’m expecting again! So I get this. Where am I at? Needing to learn how to manage my time better to be able to get past the immediate needs and actually get a few extras done here and there. Now I’m more interested in Jessica’s book!
[…] 8 Tips to Help You Thrive as a Mama! @ Maggiewhitley.com […]
I have a hard time saying no to people about doing things I’m not 100% wanting to do. Really need to work on this! Loved all of your advice, thank you for taking the time to share it!
This post has inspired me! I feel so alive when I make time for myself, digging in to that creative basket. So hard to do on a consistent basis. Thank you for the tips.. I want to ingrain this into my routine. Here’s to spending more time crafting, reading, exercising, and reflection. Thanks Maggie!
I could use more encouragement! I’m a full-time working mother, and most times I just feel like I’m hanging on by my fingernails.
I need to do better. This book sounds amazing! As a homeschool Mama of 4, there is always a little person who needs my attention. However, I know the oxygen mask in the plane theory….I’m not good at caring for others if I don’t take care of myself first. Thank you for this post!
This is so sweet, Maggie! Just what I needed today. I have a 3yr old and a 3wk old! We’re definitely in the adjustment stages still but I’ve been struggling with guilt about dropping the ball on so many things. I’m trying to be gracious with myself (and my wild toddler! ) but sometimes it’s hard! I’m going to make a few lists so that in the moments I find for myself, I’ll be ready to do smthng enjoyable and refreshing. Thank you for these tips!
I feel like I’m finally getting my act together as a Mama! I’ve been floundering for a LONG time, but this month has been life-changing! I’m doing a juice-fast, which has put me on a real schedule, and for the first time in years, I’m feeling happy with being me. I just saw “The Fringe Hours” and added it to my book list to buy/read. It looks so good!
Since I’ve started working out more consistently and lifting weights, I’ve been protecting that time for myself. Making some goals helps me think about what I can squeeze in when my kids are playing happily or I get an unexpected hour alone. My perspective is still off sometimes, but I’m starting to see self care as a non-negotiable aspect of being a loving wife, mom, and friend.
Eh, I’m mediocre at it. . . I don’t don’t a lot of outside commitments but two kids and working and house stuff seem to take up a lot of life and I don’t really carve out fringe hours without feeling guilty about it. Baby number 3 is due 6 weeks from tomorrow so pregnancy exhaustion is making me slow down and do less.
I love love love this post, i am new to wife/mom life and am really struggling to come into my own. I want to protect our time, our routines and our choices but when living with overbearing in laws it’s difficult. So i feel as if our life has yet to start but im so desperately wanting it to. Blogging is how i keep it together and im so thankful for the growth & transformation i have had in that area of my life. I will definitely be implementing more than a few of these tips and can’t wait to pick up these books!
I need this book!! I say no often and I’m good at knowing what I can’t handle but I struggle with how others think of my choices. I could work on being more confident in knowing what is best for myself and my family!
I’m working hard on taking time for myself during rest time and not feeling guilty if the house is a bit messier than I’d like!
Would love a copy of this book to start off the new year. Enjoyed reading your tips as well. Learning to balance life with three littles, two of which I just started homeschooling is sometimes a challenge.
Thank you for this! I really need to be more passionate about my fringe hours without feeling the guilt. I LOVE all your ideas…I’m going to refer to them often in 2016.
This list is great!! I am 5 years now into this motherhood thing and I still a lot of days feel like I just haven’t “gotten” it yet. But I think I’ve finally figured out that I can’t do everything and am more aware of my “yes” and my “no” right now some good self care has definitely helped transform the way I mother/wife.
Thanks for the practical ideas! I want to make self care a priority but sometimes run out of ideas when I’m so tired from mothering
I am going to be a first time grandma ! My daughter Carly is pregnant with her first baby and due the beginning of August. She follows and LOVES your Instagram. This would be great for my daughter to read !! I would love to surprise her with the book from you and a note inside to surprise her ! Thank you for this opportunity :-) …..Congratulations on your move, so excited for your growing family !!
Great advice, as always, Maggie! Ice skating is one of the perfect hand holding dates. :)
Fingers crossed.
I’m a mother to a 1 year old with one on the way. It’s difficult because she still gets up so early and by time she goes to bed I’m usually right behind her! And with working full time it send to take all my effort to get dinner on the table and laundry done, never mind working on my own goals! I need to remember to take advantage of even smaller chunks of time! Really interested in the book!
Wow, these books sound exactly like what I’ve been needing! I have a 3 year old and a 5 year old and would love some tips on making time for myself to recharge and be a better mama to them. Thanks for sharing! :)
I’m part of the way there, but still need work. It’s been much harder since baby 2 came… And she’s almost fifteen months now. I take time for a long solo Sunday run every week and occasionally I take an evening for a mom’s night or a movie, but I feel like I need to take care of myself more
I’m expecting baby girl #2 at the end of February…. People often ask me how I’m feeling, or if I’m excited (which I am!), and my honest response is that I’m a little nervous about how I’ll learn to juggle a newborn and a 21 month old. Reading through your tips was helpful for me– thank you! :)
Mom of 3 here – preschooler, middle schooler, and high schooler. I struggle with making creativity a priority. Feels like I’m just getting through my day, most days. Even though my day may be enjoyable I would love to read this book for tips on how I can manage my time better and keep working on personal growth.
I definitely need help trying to figure out what “me time” looks like. We’ve moved 5 times in 5 years, one across the country, another across state lines, and I’ve done it with a toddler and pregnant, with a toddler and a newborn, with 2 toddlers..it’s hard for me to figure out a hobby, or what I even want..but I do like to read! I haven’t read Fringe Hours and the library in my little town is lacking. Regardless, thanks for the ideas on where to start! Time to make lists on what “me time” looks like!
I have been eyeing this book on Amazon….I really must read it :)
[…] Thriving as a mom, yes! […]
Love Fringe Hours and have a copy, so if you happen to pick my name, go ahead and give it to lady #2.
I could definitely do better protecting those sweet hours. For me, time sucks like Netflix series, can just devour those precious moments. I want to get better at choosing more life-giving activities.
I LOVE to paint my nails like you, take baths and read a good book. Reading is always a great go-to because it’s “you” time, educational aaaaaannnddd gives you something else to talk about than your kids – always a plus for the hubs and other friends you interact with.
you’re amazing :) I love your comment and how similar we are!!! xx
Dear Magghie, Thanks so much for this post! Thrive as a momma! I love that! I find it so hard to take it to heart. I have been thinking about myself and my wellbeing at the very least as a momma and the outcome is nooooot good for anyone. So I am determined to change that and posts like yours really help and support – so thank you! I wish I was more organized – often too tired to plan meals etc. but when I do, all goes so much more smoothly. Unfortunately, my kids are too far apart in their ages (7 and 2) so napping is difficult for me. Sometimes the old one lets me lay down with his sister for half an hour and that really helps. But my daughter is already at 2 1/2 skipping naps….
I keep my fingers crossed that you can continue to nap with both kids and the baby when it arrives!
Best of luck to you and your family and househunting!
Greetings from Hamburg, Germany, Wiebke
Oh Wiebke, I always love hearing from you :) are are such a dear commenter, thank you for taking the time to write to me and share your heart! is there anything I can do to help your days go more smoothly? I’m sure you have my email — maggieATmaggiewhitleyDOTcom, do write me if there’s anything I can help with :) you’re amazing!!!!
[…] or watching a show (Downtown Abbey season 6, anyone?) or coloring or learning something new. (I expanded on this topic last week, in case you missed […]
[…] Maggie nails it every time. […]
[…] 14. in case you missed it last week: 8 tips to help you thrive as a mama! […]