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Being a mom is hard work. Fifteen months in, I definitely have an even greater appreciation for my own mom and ALL the moms I’ve ever known ever! But I (and I’m sure you do as well!) also appreciate when the baby finally goes down for a nap so I can have some “mommy me time” to wind down a bit.
Here are four ways you can use that much-needed break…
1. Watch a Good TV Show/Movie
After hours of Curious George, Wonder Pets or ♫”mommy finger, mommy finger where are you?”♫, you’re about way past ready to watch something that isn’t animated. Whether it’s one of your favorite classic movies or a lil something to make you chuckle, if you can do it without disturbing the little one, kick back, grab the remote and watch something just for YOU!
We don’t have network television in our home but, thankfully, it’s 2016 and Hulu is a thing. 😉
2. Make a Quick but Hearty Meal… Then Eat It!
If your mornings are anything like mine, you may only have time to swallow a quick bowl of cereal or grab a piece of fruit… while the kiddies get the “complete breakfast” they show in the commercials. Well, what about you, momma?!
You can’t take care of the baby and the home if you’re running on empty. So try to keep some easy meal options around so you can get in and out of the kitchen fast and enjoy it before they wake up.
My go-to for such occasions is a quick egg scramble with some spinach tossed in, three small pancakes and sausages. Since I always have this stuff on-hand, I can whip it up quickly and still have more than enough time (we hope!) to sit and savor a meal without the puppy dog eyes and tiny grabby hands. Need another quick meal idea? Here you go!
3. Take a Refreshing, Luxurious… Shower!
Especially when your baby is new, a simple shower may be hard to come by. When you finally DO get the time to take one, you’ve gotta make it count! Create a luxurious mommy me time experience by using a silky cleanser like Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Wash.
This creamy wash doesn’t lie when it says “softer skin after one shower”. I actually forgot to oil up after showering once and went all day without it. Normally, my skin would be screaming for moisture but this body wash… so good! Grab your loofah and let soothing scents like Coconut Milk with Jasmine Petals and Sweet Cream with Peony help you unwind as baby rests.
Here’s a little tip: I’ve been using exfoliating bath gloves for a few months now — best. decision. ever. Using them along with Dove’s Purely Pampering Body Wash is like giving myself a gentle massage and leaves me feeling like a new woman… and I smell purdy! 🙂
4. Nap When Baby Naps!
You’ll hear this from many a mother well before you even give birth. LISTEN! Do it as much as possible. You can’t get the moment back and you don’t know when you’ll get another one.
Even at a year old with a pretty good sleeping routine, relapses into old ways aren’t uncommon. So when my Micah goes down for his nap, I’m often knocked out right next to him. Sometimes, you’ve just gotta give in and take a rest, mommy.
If your little one’s a good napper, you can probably get in a show, a meal, a shower AND some shut-eye… LIKE A BOSS! 😉
