NOTE: This post was originally published on Instagram. I am reposting and backdating it here as part of a historical series in order to preserve these meaningful memories and early motherhood thoughts and experiences in a way that is not tied to any social media platform.
This is something I’ve been wanting to do for some time. As we formally shelter in place in NYC, this project brings me happiness and a welcome break from the news.
I don’t think productivity works for everyone or needs to be our current goal, but for me what works are bursts of productivity in stolen moments, balanced with quiet time, attempts at meditation, family snuggles, play time, trying to keep this now 2-year-old child stimulated and learning, binging on our grown-up shows once he’s asleep, snacking, building community and creating content for Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce, family meals, some form of exercise even if just a walk around the block, and looking to see if there are ways, no matter how small, in which we can help improve the situation. Every day for us is a different mix of this. 🖤
Sun is shining, the weather is sweet.
☀️
This was Javi’s first ever trip to the beach!
Earth Day April 22, 2018, Crystal Cove, California. 🤟🏽
Also, got a lot of comments and DMs about my last post. Just wanted to clarify that I love being an “older” mom – at least by medical standards. I was sharing one of the things I’m working on getting better at, but there are countless advantages to being older when you have kids. (And of course advantages to being younger too but those I just can’t personally speak to.)
For me, I couldn’t have had my babe any younger. I mean, I definitely couldn’t have met my husband any sooner (seriously guys… #cougar 🐆🐾🐾🐾).
I was also able to get to amazing and fulfilling places in my career which I love. Able to create my own business and run it on my own terms for the last eight years. Able to live my life with countless adventures here in NY and all over the world. I went to the parties, the industry events, the hidden venues, the after hours. I did the brunches. The shopping trips. The girls nights. The sweater parties. And not to say I’ll never do it again, but I don’t value it the same. I don’t really care if I miss any of it now because I don’t feel it’s a miss anymore when the alternative is my own little fam. (#thelettuces 👰🏻🤵🏻👶🏻❤️)
I will say I miss time to volunteer. And nap.
But when you are older, you are often more relaxed, more balanced, more patient with yourself and others, more self-aware. You have more perspective. You are ready and better equipped not only to handle the challenges but also to deeply take in all the beauty and joy of motherhood.
To all my older mamas, you may have logged more years before your little one joined you, but you also logged more life experience and wisdom. It will serve you well!!! #babylettuce #💙
Originally posted on April 27, 2018
NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos and content are property of Lauren Cosenza Beauty LLC.
Lauren Cosenza consults for top brands, websites, and magazines and serves as a trusted beauty/fashion/mom expert, a brand ambassador, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a creative director, a published editorial contributor and writer, the creator and owner of DIVAlicious®, the creator and owner of BEAUTYfull®, a product junkie and an insatiable beauty and style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan, Shape and Bustle/BDG brands. She currently runs Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce with her husband and baby boy as the Co-Founder + Head of Brand.