This is a sponsored post on behalf of Baby Dove. 

This year will be my ninth Mother’s Day. I had only been a mom for three days before I got to celebrate for the first time. In fact, I hadn’t even left the hospital after giving birth to my first child, yet. I ate Italian food and cake in my hospital room to celebrate my new mama status.

I didn’t think things could get better from that point. While that was one of the sweetest days of my life, the time that followed has overwhelmed me with how precious it has been. My brilliant and creative daughter has brought so much color to my world since she has been a part of it, and now my sweet little son is bringing even more joy.

My number one goal in life is to be the best mother possible to these children. Taking care of them, even though it gets hard sometimes, is my priority. I never thought that watching someone eat, or cleaning up a little booty would make me so happy, but it does.

That being said, I’m tired, y’all.

Lots of times I mess up.

There’s a lot I’m still learning.

But I’m happy.

That’s the thing about motherhood. You can be both. So often, when we hear stories about what it’s like to be a mom, it’s either one or the other. You’re flourishing in parenthood, or you’re floundering. That’s not real.

What’s real is me spending the morning in bed relishing in snuggles with my baby one minute, and the next I’m changing the sheets and tossing him in the tub because he had a big blowout.

It’s laughing as I blow raspberries on his stomach as he squeals in joy, and then exhaustingly picking real raspberries out of his hair.

For the longest time I didn’t understand these feelings. I had wanted to be a mom more than anything for so long. You would think that since I have the chance, and twice no less, that I would always be ready to be on. I felt ashamed and guilty for being tired or for needing time for myself.

I know better now. Being honest and in tune with what I’m feeling is healthy. Good or bad, it’s important for me to take care of myself. I can’t do that if I’m lying about what I need.

And what do I need? Help with the children sometimes. Support in my business. Hacks that make life easier. Partners. Friends. Allies. I need healthy food to feed my family, and I need products that will nourish them.

Dove Baby products are made for delicate skin

I love Dove because they understand what real moms go through. They ask us what we need and give it to us. Baby Dove products are gentle, moisturizing, and perfect for newborns and babies. Baby Dove Rich Moisture Tip to Toe Wash is hypoallergenic, PH neutral, and is as gentle as water. The Rich Moisture Lotion soothes dry skin and keeps it moisturized for 24 hours.

My son has very dry skin. I use Baby Dove Rich Moisture Lotion to give him gentle massages and he just loves it! The delicate scent that was formulated just for babies is soothing, and the best part is that it doesn’t irritate my usually delicate skin.

I have been using Dove products for years, so it makes me happy to be able to use the same products with my son. My daughter, although she’s not a baby, has skin that is easily irritated, too. Dove Baby products have been working out for her as well.

Right now, you can get up to 10% off Dove Baby products at Target. You can shop online or in-store and use the Cartwheel app for the discount.

Keep your eyes open for tiny joyful moments

It’s okay if every moment of motherhood doesn’t feel happy to you. Sometimes I take off out of the house as soon as my husband walks in the door. Needing to decompress doesn’t mean that I don’t love my children or enjoy being their mother. I just need a break sometimes.

One of the best ways that I’ve found to give myself a boost during the days that I’m most tired is looking for the pockets of happiness. I”m not talking about birthday parties or big celebrations. What I look for are tiny joyful moments.

Watching my baby splash in the tub.

Catching my daughter reading a book to my son.

A little head laid on my chest, or a tiny hand placed on my cheek.

I live for those moments.

No matter how hard your days are, Mama, look for the joy. A little bit will go a long way.