Welcome to our best blog series, Mom-hood! I am so excited to share the advice, encouragement, and stories of some amazing moms with you. Every guest blogger is not only a mother, but a business-savvy individual who is raising their tribe the best way they know how. I hope this series is not only relatable and inspiring, but offers comfort in knowing that every mother doesn’t have it all figured out, and we’re all just doing the best we can with what we’re given. Thank you so much, Jen for sharing with us your thoughts and feelings. I know I can definitely relate to a lot of this on my journey through parenting and I know our readers will, too. Xx Adrianne
In a few short sentences, tell us about your sweet family and what made you want to share your motherhood journey with the world.
My husband Adam and I have always loved to travel, and that’s how we met six years ago. We got married in 2015 and we now have our two beautiful babies, Oliver who is 16 months old and Penelope who is two months old. I love being a wife and mother more than anything, which is how I came about really getting into the whole Instagram community and connecting with other mothers on there! I have always loved photography and writing so I later started a blog and have loved the creative expression both Instagram and blogging has given me.
What is the best thing about being a mom?
What’s your biggest motherhood challenge?
I’d say my biggest motherhood challenge is having enough patience some days. I’m generally a pretty patient person but lately I feel like it’s being tested all the time! In these moments I’m always working on being more present with my kids.
If you could give one bit of advice to other moms what would it be?
To trust your gut! You really do know what’s best for your kids so try to follow that and not be too concerned with the opinions of others – because there will be a lot of them! Be present with your kiddo/s as much as possible.
What is something you do for “me time”?
Lately I feel like I’ve been needing a little more “me-time”, and I love going to the gym. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes before everyone is awake, it makes such a difference in my day. I also love writing so I try to do a little bit of that every day, and if I get the chance I love to go get my nails done!
What characteristic do you admire most in other mothers?
I admire mothers who can be honest with their kids. Even with really little ones, I think honesty is such a good thing and opens up communication for years to come.
What’s something you’d like to achieve for yourself as your kids get older?
I have always wanted to own my own business that involves things I love like travel, fashion, and philanthropy. I have a lot of ideas all of the time! I know something great will come together one day but for now, I love being a stay-at-home mama to my babes. I really enjoy working on my blog and Instagram on the side – they are such a creative outlet for me and I love connecting with other moms out there. If you’d like to check out my Instagram I’m @theholtsathome on there – come say hello!
Name a woman (or women), past or present, whom you admire.
I admire my mom, my grandma and my sister so much. They are the strongest women I know and I am so lucky to have them to look up to and share life with. I also really admire Ali Hynek and the amazing business she has built – Nena & Co!
Knowing what you know now, what would you tell your first-time mom self?
Don’t waste your time worrying about what other people think. Do your thing and own it (still working on this one). Also, be present with your kids. The time really does fly by!
What quotation or or saying sums up your life as a parent?
Oh gosh! That’s a hard one. Lately I’ve been so obsessed with the quote, “You mustn’t be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling.” I know it isn’t directly related to motherhood (and yes that it’s from an action movie!), but I still love it. I always want to encourage my children to follow their dreams, no matter how big they are, and to show them that I am following mine.
What does being a mom mean to you?
Being a mom means everything to me. For a lot of my life I was searching for meaning, and I have found so much of it it in being a mother. I used to travel a lot and I never wanted to settle down, and little did I know that settling down could be the best adventure of my life! Being a mother has also pushed me to pursue the things I’ve always wanted to do. I think showing my kids a happy mom and a happy home are the best things I can do for them. And for them, I would do it all.
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