The things that shocked me about motherhood
PLUS: the show we're watching (that no one is talking about!)
Happy Friday, flow-ers! Better late than never - I’ve had a week that’s been all over the place. We took a little couples trip for Monday/Tuesday, and then with Easter prep and Good Friday, your girl feels pretty spread thin this week. BUT, I really love being here with you so this one isn’t super long, but it’s somethin’.
Prefer to listen? It’s like a podcast if you hit the play button at the top of this post. I read it to you with plenty of extra chit chat you didn’t ask for, but might like.
Lately I’ve been reflecting about motherhood (like when do I not to be honest) and certain aspects that have really surprised me. No matter how much I’ve read, or conversations I’ve been part of, you can’t be prepared for what it’s really like. I don’t think there are enough real convos about these things and that can make it feel like you’re alone or “weird” for feeling it. The internet can really make us feel like everyone is doing it better, doesn’t struggle, and has it allll figured out. Well, my hand is up, because that’s so not me.
How much work it takes to build your village
Can I be honest with you for a second?
Sometimes, being a mom feels lonely - and that caught me off guard more than I expected. I often think how lovely it would be to have a small group of moms nearby - women I genuinely connect with - where the kids can just play freely without a big plan or effort. The more casual, the better. But building that kind of community takes work, and if you’re the type-A kind one putting in a lot of the effort… it starts to feel impossible. Everyone’s busy. Everyone’s managing their own chaos. And finding your village people (yes, I said it 😅) feels more rare than it should. I honestly wonder if we’re hardwired to crave this kind of connection - it feels like we are. Even after moving into a new neighborhood and starting at a new school, I assumed that connection would happen naturally. But it hasn’t. And for some reason, that surprised me.
How tiring it would be doing the 5-9 after the 9-5
Nothing really prepares you for how full on motherhood is. The energy it takes to work a demanding job - whether you're running your own business or on your feet all day in customer service - is already a lot. But then you add the after-work shift: school pickup or daycare, dinner, the backpack unpack, the emotions, the mess, the bath, the bedtime battle... it's nonstop. And that’s just the baseline. Then come the extras - holidays, sports, lessons, birthday parties - and I only have one kid. Some days, it feels like it asks more than I can give. That said, I’m so ready for spring and summer. Just being able to open the door, let the fresh air in, and loosen the bedtime routine a bit. She’ll be five soon, and I’m looking forward to what that rhythm will bring.
How challenging it is to take care of yourself, kids, marriage, friendships and everything in between all at once
Sometimes everything hits at once, and other times it just feels like you’re constantly dropping the ball. When you're not feeling 100% or you're carrying something heavier, it can be completely overwhelming. I try to simplify wherever I can, because when the chaos creeps in, I lose the joy - and forget why I’m even doing it all in the first place. Taking care of yourself during those times? It feels almost impossible. It's the first thing I tend to push aside. And honestly, the sheer effort it takes to keep everything running smoothly still blows me away.
I love tulips in the spring, and I can’t resist grabbing some for the house and popping them around wherever I can.
Grabbed this dress on a whim and I love it! I’m always looking for a lightweight dress to throw on for events, brunch, church, and this one is amazing and under $30 (plus comes in lots of prints!)
Ya’ll I want these SO badly. I love my cushy Birks in the summer and these are the perf hang out around the yard clogs that can get muddy, wet, all good. Alas, I have so many Birks I think I’m banned.
Don Draper landed in 2025 as a criminal and we are here for it (we meaning hubs and I - and I’ve always loved Amanda Peet, who is in it, too). It’s on Apple+.
Boosting fiber and iron - yes. Yes. Yes. I love this product to add to my smoothies, Lola’s yogurt, baking etc. I did marketing coaching calls for the founders and fell in love with the product! ERIN15 saves you 15%.
That’s it for this week. If you like this content, don’t forget to show up for me with a like or comment. Hoping to see ya’ll in the comments! Thanks for the comments on my last post (they were sooo thoughtful!) Klaudia, Karee, Katie and Alysha.
xx, Erin
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May have been shorter, but yes yes and YES to the real talk about motherhood. I can so relate as a full time working Mom with one daughter, plus most of the mental load of family admin. Whew. I'm always reminded of the quote "mothers are expected to work like you don't have children and parent like you don't work" (I paraphrase). Sometimes it all feels too much, but we're awesome, we show up and get it all done, and thank goodness is right for having a village. Thank you for always being so transparent and honest with your thoughts. ❤️
Motherhood is the absolute best and absolutely overwhelming sometimes