Biggest Lesson Learned After Being a Mom for 10 seconds ;-)

This isn't one of those posts where I am new to a role in life and pretend to be an expert and advise everyone on what to do. Nope. I'm a BRAND NEW mom, only 6 weeks in. I know nothing (outside of my maternal instincts). But I HAVE learned an important and huge lesson already. And that is: Don't judge other moms.

Entering Motherhood...

With the arrival of our Baby Boy recently,  I have really been taking this entire experience in... just enjoying every moment, because babies grow up so fast. I am especially grateful for the additional paid time off my job has offered so that I have time to bond with our son, as well as the love and support my husband and I have received throughout this journey. Being a mom is something I wasn't sure was in God's plan for me, so sometimes I still can't believe this is my life. I am so grateful.

Our son was born on March 12th, 2018, and he is so perfect. I find myself just staring at him sometimes, and this morning when I went to change him, I just sat with him in my arms, and started to cry. I am truly just amazed at how God has been working in my life since I started trusting Him more and doing what works for me and my family. Reflecting... yes. I've been doing that a lot.

I already know I have a lot to learn about being a mother. I'm taking things day by day, and enjoying the little moments. But, I know he came at the perfect time for us. You never feel 100% ready to be a parent, but I know God's timing is absolutely perfect.

And I am not worried about the superficial things, like getting my body back asap, or having the latest and greatest in baby products, or proving myself to be this "super mom". Not at all. I'm taking things day by day, focusing on the important things. I often think about the wisdom I want to pass on to our son, our mommy-son experiences as the years go on. I do my best to take care of myself so that I can be the best mother he needs.

Also - I know over the last few months my blogs have been about baby and pregnancy and marriage. I will be writing about other topics soon, but I really wanted to share what was currently going on in my life with you all (because these are huge life events for me).

If there is anything topic-wise you'd like me to write about, let me know. It could be a beauty post, spiritual, etc. I will be back soon!!

xo

Celebration of Life

The past 2 weekends have been eventful for us, with our maternity shoot and our baby shower. If you follow me on Instagram, you've seen some of the pictures already. This won't be a long blog post, but I mainly wanted to share a few images with my blog readers from these special days.

We had our maternity shoot in Philadelphia, PA, and used the same photographer we used for our wedding ceremony. He is amazing and his website is here for more information and to book. Tell him Malik and Markeeta referred you!

8 months preggo

Then, yesterday we had our baby shower. It turned out beautifully, I have such great family and friends. I didn't have to do a thing except show up, they literally did everything. My bro-in-law and stepdad took pics for us, but while we wait for them to be edited and sent to us, here are some iPhone shots from some of our guests! :)

with my mom and nephew 

L to R: Sister, Uncle, and Cousin

Malik and I are just thankful, and so blessed. We appreciate everyone who took time from their busy lives to spend with us and help us celebrate our son. It means the world to us!!

xo

Embracing it all

I was talking to a close friend just a few days ago about embracing all of the changes our bodies go through as women to carry a child. I'll admit - I had often been afraid of what my body would do and how it would change when I ever became pregnant. This fear was more prominent in my 20s. I couldn't imagine things not being as tight or unflawed as they were (Lol). So many women are more than eager to share their horror stories of how their bodies used to look one way and then after kids, it all went downhill. I used to buy into that fear. Since getting older, and actually becoming pregnant with this beautiful boy growing inside of me, all of those thoughts dissipated. Sure, I had gotten some comments from some women here and there, telling my face was fat or I was "huge", but my sister and a good friend of mine got me all the way together. And I realized - what is happening in my body and to my body is a beautiful thing! How dare anyone try to make me feel bad or gross when there are so many women who would give anything to have this chance? To carry and bring forth another life? God has made our bodies these super powerful and miraculous vessels - I still can't fully wrap my mind around it when I sit and really think about it. Now, I look in the mirror and I embrace and accept and LOVE the new stretch marks on my thighs and butt, the way my face looks fuller and "motherly", and my ever expanding tummy. It's beautiful. I've had my husband take so many pictures of my body because I want to remember this, always. I want the memories of what God is allowing me to do right now in my life, and I celebrate it. So, if you are pregnant, or have been, and feeling bad about your body - don't allow anyone to body shame you. More importantly, don't body shame yourself! Your body will do what it needs to do in order to do this beautiful thing. Don't stress about the "snap back". Do all you can to be healthy and active, and enjoy the journey.

<3 KeetaRay

As 2017 Comes to a Close...

Christmas has come and gone, the New Year is just a few days away. 2017 is coming to a close. From what I see online, and based on the events in the world this year, most of you are ready for 2018. I totally understand. I have been trying to focus on the positives, myself. I've had many great experiences in my life this year, and I am looking forward to next year being even better. I hope you can also reflect on the lessons learned and make 2018 more rewarding.

For awhile now, I'd say since maybe 2015 or 2016, I've periodically been taking a step back to just regroup and focus on what is important to me and my life. Something I've learned about myself is that, though it's great that I can be dependable and loyal and all that, I was constantly putting my own needs aside to support many who had no interest in supporting me or learning anything about who I was. I had to ask myself why, and STOP doing it. It was really hard for me, as these were people I held dear to my heart. But my efforts were never (or, very rarely) reciprocated. It became exhausting. Relationships can't be one-sided. Letting go was one of the best things I've done for myself this year, and that is why my own personal life has blossomed, I am sure. I've also been approaching a lot in life with a "less is more" attitude. It really helps me to keep it simple and find the beauty in everyday things that we overlook. I'm continually renewing my mind, and I look forward to what's next.

I pray that you all have an amazing New Year! I'm excited to be celebrating my 1-year wedding anniversary on NYE, enjoying my time off from work, and spending quality time with my family.

xo

12/31/2016