5 things they don't tell you about being a mommy.

Motherhood (a month into it)
It has been exactly a month since my precious little Ryan came into the world.
It's been the most challenging and happiest month of my life.
People always say you won't know love for a child until you have one.
That is so true.
This little boy completely owns my heart.
When you are pregnant, the excitement of having a little one,
seems to overtake the thought of being a parent and the challenges that will come with parenthood.
I just wanted a little baby to play with and hold and love,
but it's not that simple.

I came up with 5 things that seem to have hit me this past month,
that I wasn't prepared for.

1. Their cry will break your heart.
Ryan sometimes has a hard time falling asleep,
and so I have to let him whimper for a couple minutes when I put him down to bed.
It breaks my heart.
I so badly want to go in there and snuggle him up,
but it's teaching him to fall asleep on his own (without me rocking him).
And he is getting so much better!

2. Lots of tears are shed.
For happy and for stress.
I didn't realize how stressful it would be with a newborn.
I remember the first time I got him in the carseat on my own and made it to the grocery store and back.
He ended up screaming the whole time we were at the grocery store,
and I called Aaron in tears wondering how I was going to do this.
Or tears at 3 in the morning when he just won't stop crying, and wont eat.
Tears of feeling inadequate as a mom.
But there is also lots of happy tears.
Like the first time Ryan smiled at me,
and watching him and Aaron together,
and knowing that you are this little one's world,
you are his source of life.

3. Feeling run down.
I knew you would be tired,
but I don't think I imagined being this tired.
Your body is worn out, and his feedings sometimes feel endless.
Sometimes I tell Aaron I feel like a walking zombie haha.
I realized I haven't slept longer than a 2 1/2- 3 hour period of time since he was born.
You HAVE to take care of yourself.
I have learned to sleep when he sleeps,
even if it's 2 or 3 little naps a day.

4. Feeling more love than you can possibly imagine. 
I honestly didn't comprehend the love of a mom.
This little child is so perfect to you,
and you want to give them everything,
you want to be their everything,
you would give your life to protect them and keep them safe.
When he has a tummy ache,
I cry, because I would do anything to feel his hurt and take it from him.
Love for your spouse.
You don't think your love can keep growing but it does.

5. Motherhood is not easy.
Emotions are high,
and sometimes (most of the time) I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing.
Some days I cry because I feel inadequate.
I find myself calling my mom sometimes 3 times a day with questions, concerns, 
and just to have someone to talk to.
It's a complete learning process.
Each day you learn something new.
In the short month I have been a mom,
I have come to learn there is no textbook or right way to be a "perfect mom",
I think a perfect mom gives all her love,
and the daily schedules, sleep, and feedings work themselves out on their own:)

I still have so much to learn,
but I love it all,
somehow life is just perfect.
I feel so blessed to be a mom to this precious little angel.
I can't imagine life without him.

Karina Marie Powell


  1. I definitely agree with these! I definitely didn't expect motherhood to be so hard.. but I also didn't realize how perfectly wonderful it would be too!! :)

    You're doin' good, momma!

  2. Like I said in my comment before...he is so perfect. That picture is SO PRECIOUS! This makes you so relatable though. Every picture I see, I think, "She is so natural!" I'm not a mom yet but I can definitely tell you that you are a really good mama!

  3. This is so sweet Karina! And I can tell you're are an amazing Mother. I appreciate your honesty and what you share since i won't be in your shoes for quite a while. Keep doin what you're doin Girl! Im sure you're sweet boy feels lucky to have you as a mom!

  4. I agree with all of this. It is funny how pregnancy really does overshadow pretty much all thoughts of what being a parent will actually be like. But all the hard stuff is so worth it just to see them smile! :)

  5. Transitioning to motherhood was one of the hardest things I've ever done... and am still doing! Motherhood forces us to become more selfless and patient and the list goes on, but now that I've been doing this for 2+ years, I really like what I see and who I'm still becoming. Motherhood is for sure a rollercoaster, but it gets easier! One day you'll feel naked leaving the house without a big bag and baby in tow. I don't think you could be doing a more perfect job than you are already doing. You're a wonderful mother to Ryan, I can just see/read it.

  6. Awww this is great advice....you are such a wonderful Mommy! Ryan is lucky to have you. Hope y'all have a great weekend :)

  7. I love reading your blog girly!!! I CAN SO RELATE!!!! Our first baby boy as born on the 9th of September...it's been such a huge adjustment and I am sooooo glad to know I am not the only one who is experiencing these same things!!!!

  8. I so relate to this. my little is just over 3 weeks and everything you said here is something I have been dealing with. The crying is the worst because it does break my heart to hear her sad especially when i don't know what she needs! I am learning every day though and even after lack of sleep, the what seems like endless crying and the long feeding sessions I am so in Love with her and wouldn't trade it in for anything else.