So, it was recently Mothers Day Sunday ( in many countries ) and I thought it as good a day as any to write all down all these things in my head. ( Oh you young moms know what I’m talking about )

All the things that collect and coil and circle there way around. ( And by things in our heads I mean thoughts that don’t involve around Moming or daily Tasks )

But yes, all those feelings, changes and life moments that finally catch up with you and bring you to a place of reflection.

This is my place for that. And here I share it with you. If you aren’t a mom, this may not interest you. Or maybe it may some day?

My little one just turned 20 months old. And in May we „sleep trained“ her. This means we decided to teach her to fall asleep on her own, without our assistance or body, and especially not by just by „crying it out.“

I have been putting this off for months. It was never the right time, I was too tired, and I really didn’t want to pay someone else to help me get my baby to fall asleep. My back was aching, my patience was paper thin.

But after many many sleepless nights, co-sleeping emergencies and the realization that I still hadn’t slept through the night since she was born ( and actually even during the pregnancy ) I decided to give in and give it a go.

I am not going to go into detail about this process. Only that I choose to work with Weesleep.com But I will say this, my daughter was sleeping through the night by day 3 ( most nights ) and so am I! I am so amazed, relieved and extremely thankful. To have taken the time and the energy to do this for me, but for her as well.

And that I have a partner that can help so well when her many tears and calling out for Mama brings me to hysterical tears. That he can step up and is able to take over.

This process made me so aware of the steps one must take to distance themselves from their babies, for gaining strength back as a Mom. To be able to feel complete again, and to show up for them 100%, because you feel 100%. And to grow. Oh my how we grow. I had this revelation that :

1. Giving Birth – is already a huge step for the baby for 1 person to become 2.
2. Time Apart – Spending the first time away from your baby after months of being attached. I remember this so well, even though it was only 3 hours.
3. Stoping ( breastfeeding/bottle feeding ) And letting someone take else over. This changed her relationship with food, with sleep, and with me completely.
4. Walking – once our Baby/toodlers, walk fully on their own, Mamas stand straight again and can move on their own. Wow this does wonders for the spine!
5. Sleeping in their own room & own bed through the night – This changes so much for the whole family and life becomes much healthier once again.
6. And I am sure so many more to come …. Motherhood is such an adventure !

So now, since having more time for myself, and am getting a proper nights sleeep. I have realized how much I have been missing. How much time and energy it was costing me, and how I now again am feeling more like myself.

So for any moms out there ( no matter the child’s age ) Who are not getting a proper nights sleep, and wish too ( aka 8+ hours straight ) I encourage you, sooner then later to commit ! ( for yourself, but also so for the child’s sake ) This isn’t bullshit, it really works ! If we can teach our child to sleep in there own bed, in their own room, you can too.

Your physical, and mental health will improve. And your reality becomes clearer.

You start doing things again like flossing, reading, watching films, writing blog posts, making doctors appointments, meal prepping, mopping your floors, doing your taxes. Washing every fabric in your home and hanging them in the spring air to dry. Because you have the time and energy because you have again an evening ( & night )without interruptions !

You know, all those things that pile up all winter but you just don’t have the energy or desire to get done, because everything else like eating, sleeping and napping take priority,

So this is a message to you Moms. But also to all you Caretakers. Caregivers. Grandmothers. Aunties. Friends. First responders. Au-Pairs. Friends. Teachers ….. You know who you are.

Those who take the time to give more of themselves than they have to give. In order to take care, raise and love the others more then themselves.

If May is the month for something. I declare it that. For the selflessness of those super humans. The ones who give more than they get.

Cheers to you. And to May. And to all the new life and flowers it brings.

Greetings from my sunny terrace, Andrea