Inspiring Mama #2 Elle Rowley of Solly Baby Wraps

Name: Elle Rowley 

IG name: @sollybabywrap

Where you currently live: San Diego

Your kids names/ages: Lucy (5), Solomon (3), Frances (2 months)

1. What were some of your first thoughts/feelings when finding out you were going to become a mama?Surprised! I had just been out on a week long wilderness trek and, when I got home I was STARVING. Like, I thought I was going to die I was so hungry. I had just taken a negative pregnancy test so I was 100% convinced I had parasites. A friend of mine who had also gone on the trek trek was an ER doctor so I asked him if he thought I'd picked up some kind of bug. Instead of answering he asked, "Have you taken a pregnancy test?" I said I did before the trek but it was negative. He smiled and said, "Take it again." 

2. Do you have a motto or quote that has helped you along during motherhood? Love, love, love. Like the Beatles used to sing it. Really, it's the answer to everything.  

3. What has changed the most in your life since becoming a mother? I think the more appropriate question would be, what HASN'T changed since becoming a mother. In which case my answer would be: I still can't quit shopping at Forever 21. 

4.  If you could teach your child/children one lesson in life what would it be? That hope and love can conquer all. And to be deliberate. Take hold of your life or it will take hold of you. Sorry, I guess that's two. There's a lot to learn in life! 

5. How has motherhood changed your mindset (maybe you broke a habit or once had a pet peeve that no longer bothers you)? I have stopped saying yes to everything. 

6. Any advice for new mothers or mothers-to-be? Trust your gut when it comes to your little ones. And be okay if you have an identity crisis in the beginning. You'll like the person that comes out the other side. 

Inspiring Mama #1

Name: Morgan Johnston

IG name: ruggedandfancy

Where you currently live: Birmingham, Alabama

Child/childrens names/ages: 

Tennessee Wolf Johnston, 11 weeks

1. What were some of your first thoughts/feelings when finding out you were going to become a mama?

My husband and I have been together for twelve years and had never gotten pregnant. I was scared that maybe it just wasn't going to happen for us. Then in the busiest time of our lives, my husband releasing a new record with a huge PR push and me running our company... I found out I was pregnant. We were shocked. SHOCKED. It seemed unreal for weeks, and I was so scared that something would happen that I didn't allow myself to really accept it until the second trimester. There was a lot of praying and talks with God. It was great for our relationship. 

2. Do you have a motto or quote that has helped you along during motherhood?

To love and care for your child is to worship God. It makes those insane moments have greater purpose and it calms me. 

3. What has changed the most in your life since becoming a mother?

We still get to be creatives. We still get to travel. We still do all the things we did before. The only things that have changed are I am WAY better at time management. I probably get more done before 8am than most people do all day. And more than anything, my capacity for love has increased exponentially. Love for my child, my husband, myself, for God, for total strangers. Everyone is someone's child. 

4.  If you could teach your child/children one lesson in life what would it be?

Always talk to God, know that He is there whether you can see him or not. That's some pretty powerful stuff. 

5. How has motherhood changed your mindset (maybe you broke a habit or once had a pet peeve that no longer bothers you)?

I quit hating my body. I look at pictures before I was pregnant when I used to be so hard on myself, pointing out all the flaws. I see those photos now and I think, man I looked HOT! My body is still recuperating from pregnancy and birth, but I feel strong and proud of what it did for me. 

6. Any advice for new mothers or mothers-to-be? 

Don't be hard on yourself. That's maybe the biggest thing. Feel good about what you've done and give yourself a break. 

Cold Brew coffee

I decided somethings gotta change after my hubby notified me we spent $70 (almost double our average monthly amount) last month at a variety of coffee shops. I have had this "Cold Brew Coffee" from Trader Joes in my pantry and decided to break it out for a test try. 
You guys, this stuff is amazing!!! 

Mason Jar
Straw
2-4 oz. Cold Brew Coffee
4 oz. Almond Milk
2 pumps Starbucks sugar free vanilla
Ice

BAM!!!
Goodness!!!
Your Welcome!!!
-xoxo

My Desert Safe Haven

 Palm Springs your kinda our place!

It's the place where...

Ian met my family for the first time

We went on our first date

Ian gave me half the moon

We have spent a few anniversaries 

We have watched friends get married

Took our first vacation as a family of three and now four

By now we know all the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop. You have never disappointed and for that reason we keep coming back. PS, we love ya and we would like to call you family.

Easter 2014

Easter was different this year as a family of four.

Due to the chaos that Easter morning brings, and loading the car for a trip to Palm Springs meant only one thing... we missed church! I know, I know, but life goes on and so did we straight to our desert safe haven. Once we were all in the car we started the three hour drive with a few stops along the way which included... nursing in a gas station, deli sandwiches from Stater Bros, and Dinosaurs! 

This year made one heck of a memorable first Easter for Jude(not like he will remember it)and I wouldn't have changed a thing, well maybe we could have made church. Once we arrived to our little piece of desert Heaven our Easter celebrations could being.We sent the next 3 days the with family swimming in the pool,eating,drinking,laughing, and watching our kiddos be kiddos!

My Kryptonite

Some days I feel like I cant handle anymore, the crying between two kids, diapers and messes seem never ending. I want to press the restart button, easy button, pause button, mute button any button that will make life easier and less stressful. I wonder if I will ever have a organized house again, my nails painted, clean hair, free time and then I look into their eyes... I melt. They are my kryptonite, my weakness, and I fall in love all over again. These little beings make me want more, more kisses, more snuggles, more tickles and giggles. The messes can be still and wait for another time my attention is elsewhere. I'm focused on my daughter running through the sprinklers and my sons first smiles, those memories they wont remember and I will never forget.