CO Featured Mom: Meet Kristen

Motherhood is a journey as unique as you are, so it can often feel like you're doing it alone. Here at Colored Organics, we love to unite you together, even if it's only virtually, to share some wisdom and camaraderie on the rollercoaster journey of parenting. We are so excited to share some motherhood insights from Iowa-based mama, Kristen!

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WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A PARENT?

The easiest and probably most common answer to this question is experiencing unconditional love and a deep emotional bond with your child. While that is absolutely true, I think that the most rewarding part of being a parent that's personal to me has been feeling a new and profound sense of appreciation within my own life. Both of my children are still very young, but there have already been so many times that I have rediscovered the world through their eyes. I've found a renewed sense of joy in simple experiences that I had begun to take for granted, and so many seemingly normal things have become sources of wonder once again. We grow up and somewhere along the way, we start seeing dandelions as weeds instead of magical objects blown into the wind to make wishes. We begin to rush through life and stop asking why the sky is blue or why we have eyebrows and instead get caught up in habits of rushing and going through the motions.

Watching a butterfly, hearing a train whistle, seeing the moon in the daytime sky... Having children has allowed me to become more present and mindful in my own life and remember to find the marvel in everyday things.

Flora is wearing the Clemmie Corduroy Jumper Dress in Sepia, Gaby Ribbed Ruffle Long Sleeve Top in Mini Polka/Navy, and Lennon Ribbed Leggings in Ivory. Finn is wearing the Lev Flannel Long Sleeve Collared Button Down Shirt in Navy Plaid, Laurie Sweater Knit Crew Pullover in Heather Oat, and Kent Corduroy Pants in Sepia.

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT PARENTHOOD?

For me, it's been the huge shift in my perception of time. It's paradoxical; days can feel endless, but months seem to fly by at the speed of light. A trip to the grocery store that may have taken 30 minutes pre-kids can sometimes take 2 hours by the time I pack the diaper bag, load up, stop for a snack break, do a diaper change, and navigate a tantrum. With a crying baby in the middle of the night, time drags on for what feels like an eternity, but precious fleeting moments like peaceful snuggles or milestone achievements slip by in an instant.

WHAT DOES SELF-CARE LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

Setting healthy boundaries, small daily pleasures, and staying organized. It's learning to say no to overwhelming commitments, scheduling hangouts with friends, and leaving work on time. It's enjoying a morning coffee before everyone else is awake or watching an episode of a favorite show. It's keeping my living space tidy and staying on top of our family schedule. When I'm depleted, I'm irritable, impatient, or emotionally unavailable. Prioritizing self-care gives me the ability to be present and supportive as a parent and in my other relationships and better equipped to handle life's challenges.

Finn is wearing the Lev Flannel Long Sleeve Collared Button Down Shirt in Navy Plaid, Laurie Sweater Knit Crew Pullover in Heather Oat, and Kent Corduroy Pants in Sepia.

WHAT CHORE WOULD YOU FOREVER OUTSOURCE?

LAUNDRY. It is literally a never-ending cycle... pun intended. Unlike other chores that can stay done for a while, laundry is perpetual. The moment you finish folding that last item, new dirty clothes are already accumulating. Not to mention the dreaded folding mountain of doom! The longer it sits, the more daunting it becomes. Ugh!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF COLORED ORGANICS?

My favorite part of Colored Organics is that I know I am making an ethical choice both in how my kids' clothing is sourced and also in my purchases supporting inspirational charities and nonprofits. And, of course, the beautiful prints and quality!

Flora is wearing the Clemmie Corduroy Jumper Dress in Sepia, Gaby Ribbed Ruffle Long Sleeve Top in Mini Polka/Navy, and Lennon Ribbed Leggings in Ivory. Finn is wearing the Lev Flannel Long Sleeve Collared Button Down Shirt in Navy Plaid, Laurie Sweater Knit Crew Pullover in Heather Oat, and Kent Corduroy Pants in Sepia.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN EXPECTING MAMA?

To see more of Kristen's motherhood journey, follow her on Instagram!