by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
10. I never thought I would let my child have a pacifier for so long. Once teething was a part of our lives so was the paci. At age 3 we were at her pediatricians office for an intervention. Later that night she discovered her thumb. She sure loved her pacifier.
9. Use the t.v. as a babysitter. While Dora is exploring, mommy is showering. It’s amazing how quickly the first weeks of motherhood go by and after trying to make everything perfect and learning how impossible that was. I quietly turned on the television and stole some me time.
8. Allow kids to eat in front of the television. I was so sure I would never ever do this, ha! Just about as sure as I was my child would love her vegetables, which she was fine with never seeing another vegetable. I never factored in how much personality a little one would have! So, I gave in and we ate dinner and watched a movie.
7. Let my baby look anything but dressed and adorable. When the struggle to get dressed becomes too real and staying cozy wins I found myself letting her stay in her comfy clothes more than trying to dress her like a doll. In my mind I would put her hair in pig tails and she would love it. Reality she did not want me to brush her hair, ever. Finally at age 8 she lets me play with her hair. 🙂
6. Wipe my childs face with spit. The first time I did it my daughter called me mama kitty. I thought, this works and I can keep doing this when it needs to be done.
5. Wiping another Childs face with my spit. “My mommy is a kitty!” Oh I never ever thought id need to do this but as a mom with neighbor kids around I always seemed to be nursing a boo boo.
4. Have to deal with a child acting out in a grocery store. Wow. I always thought my kids would never act like that, turns out it wasn’t up to me. Even with all the right conditions, like snacks on hand, my daughter still flipped out when I said no to a cereal I knew she wouldn’t eat.
3. Wear shorts out in public without having shaved in a couple days. OK really more like a few days. 🙂 I’m Italian and all I need to do is listen to a good song and my stubble is back, ha. Sometimes in the throws of motherhood and not getting as many showers as I need I have found myself putting lotion on my legs so the stumble would at least be smoother.
2. Own several pairs of yoga pants. It turns out yoga pants go with everything, especially when you’re tired. Add knee high boots and I look have way decent sporting my little one around.
1. Sound like my Mother. Ugh right?!?
Author of the 2006 release ‘Broken Moms’ and long time mother’s advocate, #LianaPreble currently resides in New York with her fiance and their 2 little ones. A marriage officiant proudly serving the Niagara Falls region by day and #mommy #cakeeater and #winelover by night. Freelance writer, Liana Preble
lianapreble@yahoo.com
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
1. Keep moving. Walk everywhere. If you’re already very athletic you are at somewhat of an advantage. But for those of us who can be sedentary I can’t stress enough how important it is to get moving. A simple walk can help lower stress, keep weight manageable and help any constipation you may be experiencing during the pregnancy.
2. Carry positive affirmations with you. Be mindful of your mental health. Stay positive. Meditate, listen to happy music, talk to your Doctor if you are feeling off. Don’t succumb to too many emotional breakdowns. Have a plan in place for your mental wellness. 🙂
3. Eat several small well-balanced meals a day. My nausea and vomiting was ridiculous! I found it very helpful to graze my way through the day and not fill up too much. Carry peppermint gum and ginger chews to help curb the ickys.
4. Become one with your water bottle. Drink plenty of fluids — at least eight to 10 glasses a day. You’re already going to pee a lot so why not be sure your body is getting the proper hydration it needs. Your baby benefits from it too! Keeping yourself hydrated will help relieve several body aches and pains as well.
5. Relax! Put your feet up several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet and legs. I had to force myself in the beginning to take what I called, my afternoon tea time lol. But I became very comfortable taking time to just sit and relieve all that pressure in my legs. Some days I swear my ankles looked like they were going to snap. 🙂
6. Enjoy your time alone. Especially if this is your first pregnancy, take time to go out with friends and family. Have a “just you” day at the mall. Because it really is true what they say, once your baby arrives carving out time for you can be difficult.
7. Take unwanted advice with a grain of salt. If you are sick of hearing how so and so did but don’t want to offend them, simply smile and hear what they are saying without being defensive. You never know when the unwanted advice will come in handy.
8. Don’t go it alone! Whether it be your bff, spouse or whoever is in your support system, lean on them. Do not try to keep it all together for the sake of appearance. You are pregnant and allowed to be a hot mess.
9. Shower, shave and get dressed. If you are not going to work everyday be sure to always get up with the day no matter how lousy you feel. I had nausea all day and night! Being preggo sick always seemed better with lipstick on and my hair done.
10. Maintain your health by journaling. Journaling is a great way to relieve stress and built up emotions that sometimes feel like they are coming out of nowhere during pregnancy. In my alone time I would journal. Some days it was about the baby and other times it was about my fears of being a mom.
11. Do Pregnant Pauses every day! Buy Here
Be good to yourself mama! 🙂
Author of the 2006 release ‘Broken Moms’ and long time mother’s advocate, #LianaPreble currently resides in New York with her fiance and their 2 little ones. A marriage officiant proudly serving the Niagara Falls region by day and #mommy #cakeeater and #winelover by night.
Freelance writer, Liana Preble
lianapreble@yahoo.com
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
10. You will not always be this tired! It might not seem like it now, but eventually your baby will fall into a sleep rhythm. My baby goes back to sleep just fine some nights and I find its ME who is wide awake lol.
9. Your baby wont always be this age, enjoy it while its here. Everyday your baby is rapidly changing and when you look back you will see just how quickly it went by. Remember that when the day seems long and tough.
8. It’s OK to NOT know what you are doing! I read all the books and still I struggled with my babies and I really wish I had moms around me at the time to tell me to just relax! Dry, full belly babies sometimes still just cry. If it’s like nails on the chalk board like it was for me, try to remember this is a helpless new human trying out their vocal chords. Though the song isn’t always pretty, be grateful its you who gets to hear it.
7. The baby crying is not a reflection of your parenting. This one always messed me up. The stares in the grocery store, the days when the baby was just, “fussy.” I always felt like I was under a microscope being judged because I couldn’t quiet my little one down. Again, see number 8 and if you’ve done all you can, do one more thing and give yourself a break already.
6. Your baby is not going to break. Delicate and dainty turns into rolling while diaper changes and barfing on your cutest, last clean shirt. Though putting that tiny little arm through the sleeve hole seems terrifying, take it slow and in a couple months you might be wrestling to put a shirt on what seems to be the worlds strongest baby lol!
5. Sometimes little ones just throw up a lot. My daughter didn’t throw up at all and her brother after her was non stop. No stomach issue, no formula issue, no over feeding issue and still he puked on all of us a few good times. Everytime I tried to dress up and by that I mean out of my yoga pants…lol everytime without fail, splat! Just roll with it, not in it 😉 and keep burp clothes close at all times.
4. Your body needs TIME to bounce back, BE PATIENT! After my last child I was determined to get back into shape fast. My previous pregnancies took about a year, but for some reason I thought I was super woman. I ended up prolonging my recovery time by hurting myself through exercise. Naturally my body took back its shape. My shape being short and plump here and there 😉 and I should have been easier on myself.
3. A new baby is an adjustment for BOTH mom AND dad! I admit it, I acted like I knew more when I had my last child, but the truth is every newborn is an individual. So are mom and dad. I was very impatient with my body bounce back. I was inpatient with not being able to have sex with my fiance for a month or so prior to delivery and then having to wait 6 weeks after! I was grumpy and I felt unattractive and I was, well…mean at times. I drove my man nuts! “do you think I’m pretty?” “do you still love me?” Though he always responded with sweetness and love he sat me down one day and said, “you had a baby, why are you being so hard on yourself? Take the time to heal and I will rock your world as soon as I know you are OK.” Turned out to be the best wait of my life! 😉
2. You DO deserve time alone, a shower and pampering. Ahh the simple things like having time to poop alone and lol, sorry but its so true! By child #3 I have no problem sneaking into the bathroom to take a very long time brushing my teeth. I willing walk the dog just to get a few minutes to myself. Whenever I can I color my hair at home, get a new trim and paint my nails. Those little things for me went a long way.
1. It is OK and admirable to put your baby down somewhere safe and walk away! Any parent who acts like their baby has not gotten on their last nerve is a liar. Children are very demanding and if you are depleted in your energy you may become even more frustrated. The truth of the matter is, its OK, normal and completely understandable. If it gets to be too much and you need to catch your breath, put your little one in their crib and walk away. Don’t go sit by the monitor either, walk away and pretend they are alright and go back in when you are calmer.
#Huffpost writer, Author of the 2006 release BROKEN MOMS and long time mother’s rights advocate, #LianaPreble currently resides in New York with her fiance and their 2 little ones. #mommy #cakeeater and #winelover…in that order.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
Number 1.
You are doing it. That simple of a reason? Yes and its actual a huge reason. Staying in the game is not always easy or desirable. I mean my morning started with the most beautiful smiles from my 9 month old son, immediately followed by an explosive diaper and poop on my hand. Lol! But I took it well and seem to be good at rolling with the punches of motherhood. I have to remind myself that it requires a lot of effort to keep my family in order and to be proud for doing it all.
Number 2.
You made it through another night. 24 hours a day I am the watcher of all things and people, especially at night. My fiance works 2nd shift. The baby still wakes up a couple times. On a teething night I’m looking at a few wake ups. I rarely sleep and if I do they are in these chunks of time revolving around everyone else’s schedule. Last night I got some decent sleep between midnight and 5. That’s a great nights sleep for me with my little one! So I say congrats to those who…made it through another night.
Number 3.
You routinely put others first. It had been a few days since my last shower when instead of being upset about it, I saw just how selfless you have to be when you are a mom. My baby had eaten several meals and I changed a ton of diapers. I completed loads of laundry and managed to keep a couple shirts clean for myself so who needed a shower anyways?! Well, I sure did lol. Although we are selfless and put others first we still need to remember to take care of ourselves.
Number 4.
You are up for the next challenge. Yeah, you are an athlete of the chaotic orchestration you are about to call your day. With coffee as my admin I’m up to kick each days butt! My kids deserve it. I mean yikes, the poor things can’t even wipe their noses, can’t clean their butts, they need us! They need you to show them some reason when they are absolutely freaking losing it over a miniscule thing to you, but everything to them. So kudos to you for doing it, making it through and being up for the next challenge. YOU are a super hero!
So the next time you feel like you have to live up to some standard in order to be a good mom remember, you already are.
by Tanvir | Jun 8, 2025 | Uncategorized
The holiday season is an awesome excuse (as if we needed another one) to spoil and comfort expectant mothers. We’ve combed this year’s bevy of gift ideas to come up with the ones we found most snuggly, delicious, handy, and downright adorable. No infant or toddler cribs and clothing on this list – this is all for you, Moms. And, feel free to NOT give these gifts away!1. Pregnant Pauses – Pregnant Pauses is a life changing exercise program based on scientific research that reduces pain in pregnancy. Try it today. Your expectant mommy won’t be disappointed.https://dvd.pregnantpauses.us/buy-now/
2. Bella B Pampering Pregnancy Gift Set – Every mom-to-be needs a little TLC. This spa set ($35) includes stretch-mark-prevention cream as well as calming bath powders and lotions. http://www.bellabbodycare.com/luxurious-pampering-pregnancy-and-beyond-gift-set.html
3. Sherpa Fleece Throw from Lands’ End – Micro mink on one side, pillowy fleece on the other; this throw will keep you warm and comfortable all winter long. http://www.landsend.com/products/sherpa-fleece-throw/id_292730?sku_0=::E4J 
4. Japanese Weekend Maternity ‘MamaCoat’ Convertible Jacket – This convertible jacket ($278) is the gift that you can enjoy before, during, and after pregnancy. With two interchangeable panels, the coat adjusts to your body, can keep mom and baby warm in a front carrier, and then can be removed for nonmaternity use. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/japanese-weekend-maternity-mamacoat-convertible-jacket/3430878?cm_ven=Linkshare&cm_cat=partner&cm_pla=10&cm_ite=1&siteId=J84DHJLQkR4-WGM2wQh.kJsUrC_BLgAHig
5. Ugg Slippers – Beautifully plush and sparkly slippers will cushion your tootsies. http://www.neimanmarcus.com/UGG-Australia-Ansley-Chunky-Crystal-Slipper-Black/prod185090025/p.prod?ecid=NMALRFeedJ84DHJLQkR4&ci_src=14110925&ci_sku=sku159320004
6. Belabumbum Lotus Kimono Robe – Belabumbum’s Lotus Kimono Robe ($79) is sexy, feminine, and the perfect thing to lounge around the house in both during and after pregnancy. http://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pf_id=BelabumbumMATLT30N&cm_mmc=Affl-_-J84DHJLQkR4-_-UA-_-UA&source=Affl&term=J84DHJLQkR4&utm_medium=Affl&utm_source=J84DHJLQkR4&utm_campaign=UA&utm_content=BNR&LKP=txt&siteID=J84DHJLQkR4-uH5h8rG8oSuKEWp0VXMRfQ&cmp=xyz
7. Bath Bombs Gift Set – There’s nothing more refreshing and soothing than a relaxing bath with handmade aromatherapy bath bombs ($27). http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U7ML6T0/ref=asc_df_B00U7ML6T04007759/?creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00U7ML6T0&linkCode=df0&tag=wwwshopstylec-20&ascsubtag=1758408179
8. The Dreamer Flannel Pajama by Victoria’s Secret – Incredibly cozy fleece, comes in a myriad of prints and colors, and will help you feel pretty and sexy, to boot. https://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/the-dreamer-flannel-pajama?cm_sp=&ProductID=260732&CatalogueType=OLS
9. McClure’s Pickles – If your cravings tend toward the salty side, a case of McClure’s Pickles ($99) should do the trick. http://www.mcclurespickles.com/products/combo-pack
10. Lemon Slipper Socks – Never underestimate the power of a cozy pair of socks ($40), especially if they have skid-proof soles and will keep your entire legs warm. http://www.shoptiques.com/products/lemon_legwear-floral-blizzard-slippers?signalSource=shopstyle&utm_source=shopstyle&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=linkshare_us&utm_content=208425&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=J84DHJLQkR4&utm_campaign=Linkshare_10
11. Nikon D53200 DSLR Camera – Since you’ll want to capture every precious moment of your pending arrival, a good camera like the Nikon D53200 ($450, originally $700) is a necessity. http://www.target.com/p/nikon-d3200-24-2mp-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-vr-lens-black-25492/-/A-14129489?clkid=49ba67d2N3c5dad0c303bd3fe37d6b438&lnm=81938&afid=POPSUGAR&ref=tgt_adv_xasd0002
