Instagram vs. Reality

While these nice photos go on Instagram, here I share the reality of getting ready with a newborn.

————— When Kyle and I plan to go out as a family or when I take an hour or two to leave the house for a meeting, my getting ready routine is not the way it used to be. My baby's needs are first, so we have to make sure he's changed, fed, clothed appropriately, and ready to go with his extra necessities. We've gone out a few times, but we're still getting the hang of the time it takes to prepare, which is roughly a half hour before we need to get out of the door. And that's only for the baby. I try to leave Jacob in his bouncer, but his attention span by himself is so limited and he quickly needs us again. Kyle takes him when he can, but typically my getting ready time has drastically reduced to just a mere 10 minutes. Maybe 30 minutes if I need to shower. That's including brushing my teeth, skincare, makeup, and getting dressed. I haven't used my jade roller in weeks, because it takes an extra precious minute of my time and I quickly pat on my makeup with my fingers as fast as possible. Right now, stepping into my closet is actually a bit dreadful. It's the most hurried decision-making with poor results; nothing good comes out of haste. I've stepped out of the house a couple of times so disappointed at my  hasty outfit choices that veered towards "sad mom." I'm still about one size bigger than pre-pregnancy, so I have to look for things that may fit and it's always a desperate routine of trying something on, not being able to zip it up, and repeat. If we're going out with Jacob, I have to look for a practical top or dress that can allow me to nurse easily. I have to say in this moment, getting dressed isn't as fun as it used to be. —————

But I'm not defeated. And this is only temporary. There are successful days when I feel confident and love my look, like above (I was happy to fit into my favorite Elizabeth and James dress from this past season!). My routine and my wardrobe are going to have to evolve for my new lifestyle, so my next plan of action is to organize my closet with clothes that I know will fit, be practical for nursing, and look good together. There are tons of clothes that seem to be from a past life, so I'm cleaning them out to make my daily decisions easier. Now that I'm past 6 weeks postpartum, I'm cleared to exercise. I believe I can get back to my pre-pregnancy size soon enough, so I'm not getting rid of everything. The flip side of the joy I have with my baby is the frustration and work it takes in getting myself back together, but this is a completely normal phase and I think of these little things as a challenge that will help me grow as a working mother and a mom who can "do it all."

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Outfit Details

Elizabeth and James dress / Sezane bag / St. Agni mules / Marida earrings / Monica Vinader bracelet

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