Redefining the Young Mom

Another “Early” Baby On The Way!

My mom has confessed that she thought I’d never have children. She assumed that I’d be off to Manhattan straight out of college, laser-focused on building my career, and then I’d “wait too long,” in her words. She thought I’d be practical and successful, sacrificing motherhood in the process.

It’s a crazy thing for me to understand, because I always wanted to have a family one day. I loved cooing over little babies, and the conversation definitely came up when I was dating Justin. How could she possibly think that?

Because she was comparing me to my sister.

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Choosing To Fight

I feel like this blog is evolving as I am — or at least I’d like it to, if I could work on it as much as I’d like.

It started (not too long ago, might I add) as a response to feeling judged and insecure. I desperately wanted to find other ambitious, smart, loving mothers who started families a little earlier on the spectrum. I needed to create a community that could inspire and encourage one another (read: inspire and encourage me) to have a strong marriage, successful career, and a full life despite the statistics and nay-sayers. I just wanted to know, to prove, that it was possible.

I envisioned nothing but positivity — partly because I choose to live a positive life, and partly because I felt too much negativity about younger parents/younger marriages/younger decisions.

And while I still very much cling to that original mission, I’m in a different place now.

This has been a difficult year for me.

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My Favorite Diaper Bags

Babble.com recently asked me to compile my favorite diaper bags in a number of different categories, ranging from under $100 to way more than any of us would ever spend on a diaper bag.

But for you, I’ll tell you my absolute tippy-top favorites that are worth every penny.

If you want the best bag for the least amount of money…

JJ Cole Satchel($69.99), Skip Hop Duo ($58 – $70)

I recently took the JJ Cole Satchel on my Florida trip — as my carry-on, my beach bag, and also as my ordinary handbag — and I loved everything about it. It fit everything I needed (quite a feat!), plus transitioned beautifully as a going-out-to-dinner bag. I actually got compliments when we were out, even without them knowing it was a diaper bag. I was schlepping beach gear in style, I tell you.

And as for Skip Hop, I love all of their diaper bags. They have so many different styles to choose from, and they’re all super functional with magnetic closures, crazy amounts of pockets, and stroller clips. (The JJ has stroller clips too, btw.) But if I had to choose one, I’d say the classic Duo gets the job done without costing too much cash. Highly recommend.

If you want a bag that lasts the long haul…

SoYoung Charlie Bag ($175), PPB Scout ($160)

These bags are pricier, yes, but you’ll use them for years and years — for traveling, work, etc. And they’re two of the smartest designs I’ve seen, for men or women. Gorgeous inside and out. My husband is a big fan of the Scout bag (made by Petunia Pickle Bottom), and I have to say he looks quite handsome with it slung over his shoulder or worn as a backpack.

If you want a chic, pretty splurge:

Petunia Pickle Bottom Sashay Satchel ($129- $170), Ty Lucas Amore Tote ($345)

I’m all for saving money, but there’s something to be said for splurging on a little something pretty — especially considering you might think that you’re done with the diaper-bag stage, switch over to your favorite handbag (because how long can you carry something hideous around?), and then ruin it with leaked sippy cups and crushed-up snacks. (Not speaking from experience or anything, ahem.)

And if you buy the right durable diaper bag (PPB and Ty Lucas included), it will most certainly be used longer than pretty much any baby-product purchase.

That being said, there are plenty of chic diaper bags under $100. See all of my favorite diaper bags over at Babble.com.

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This post is sponsored by Disney Baby. I’ll be joining the Disney Baby blogging team next month, and look forward to sharing these kinds of stories (projects/ideas/etc) with you over there! Stay tuned for more details!

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My Mantra

(Hint: If you’re positive, it’s easier to be patient and persistent.)

Buy this print from Truly Vera Designs on Etsy.

Do you have a mantra?

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Remembering the Firsts: Part II

This was the first time that Noah ever saw a beach.

He slowly turned the corner, neck outstretched, and then quickly picked up the pace as he booked it for the biggest sandbox ever. For the type of scene he’s only imagined.

It was also, obviously, his first time in any body of water bigger than a pool (and his experience with pools is still new, too). These photos were taken at Sanibel Island and Lover’s Key (in Fort Myers), both on the Gulf of Mexico, and the clear, green-ish tinted water is much calmer than anything I’ve seen on the Atlantic. He was able to wade in up to his shoulders without any waves to knock him down.

Pure joy.

Pure amazement.

It’s incredible how “the firsts” keep coming after the first-filled first year. After the foods have been eaten, the words have been said, the milestones have been conquered, he can still look up at a palm tree and act as if he just stepped into Oz.

He can look at ordinary activities (like playing ball) and ordinary things (like seashells) with fresh eyes and a brand new perspective.

And in that moment I know that he’s still my baby.

We both had an incredible week in Florida — but more than the sun, the swimming, the leisurely breakfasts reading The New Yorker — it was experiencing The Firsts for what felt like the first time.

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GIVEAWAY: Cooler Clothes For The Masses

Last August I wrote about my love for Threadless kids tees — a community-driven company that features indie artists and cooler-than-average designs — and I’m excited that they’re now teaming up with GAP for a line of exclusive tees for babies, toddlers, women, and men.

And I’m extra, extra excited that they’re partnering with me to give a stash of their Threadless + Gap T-shirts to TWO families!

Head over to Babble.com for all of the details, including how to enter. I’ll be picking two lucky winners next Friday (June 21) and announcing on Babble and my Facebook page.

Good luck!

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Design Mom’s Early Family, On Film

Gabrielle Blair started having kids at 23 years old — and didn’t stop.

She now has 6 beautiful children, one of the most successful blogs of all time, and a thriving career that she’s built on her own.

It’s possible, people. It’s possible.

She’s an inspiration to all moms, but especially to “early moms” who might feel that professional success is completely unattainable when you start having kids young. And now the Blair family is starring in a series of videos called Olive Us — where you can see just how good “early” children can turn out:

Follow the entire Blair clan at Olive Us (they released episode 3 today!), and follow Gabby at Design Mom.

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And We’re Off!

We’re at the airport, ready to take off to Florida!

This is Noah’s first trip to the beach, his first real “vacation,” and my first vacation in over 6 years. 6 YEARS, people.

Sadly Justin isn’t coming with us — we still haven’t had a vacation together, ever, in the history of our history — but I’m more than excited to get my feet into some sand.

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