Pause Pages: Refilling My Cup, Teething, & Elastic Shoestrings
a monthly care package of thoughts, faves, and little joys — plus some prompts for a little mom self-care woven into your day.
Welcome to the monthly roundup! Think of this as a little care package of all the things I’ve been loving, thinking about, and obsessing over lately — books, baby stuff, articles, and random life joys that deserve a shoutout. It’s also a time to pause, reflect, and nurture yourself — a little mom self-care woven into your day.
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November Intention: Release guilt and refill my cup.
This month, I’m done putting myself on the back burner. Motherhood has brought up more guilt than I’ve ever felt in my life — Mom Guilt with a capital G. It’s draining. And guilt is such a wasted emotion. (I’ll share more on this soon, but wow, it’s been sitting heavy.)
So this month, I’m focusing on refilling my cup. I’m leaning more on my husband — he wants me to. I’ve noticed how often I apologize lately: “Sorry for taking so long,” “Sorry for needing a minute,” “Sorry for…” everything.
Instead, I’m taking small steps to let that go. More bubble baths before night duty. Fewer check-in texts when I sneak away to a cafe five minutes down the road (if no one’s texting me, everyone’s fine). And if Keira’s up at 5 a.m. after a long night of teething, and I need an extra 30 minutes of sleep — Andrew can take the morning shift. No apologies. Just permission!
💭 Prompts to Ponder:
When was the last time I gave myself permission to rest without guilt?
What’s one small way I can refill my cup this week — something that’s just for me?
Where in my life am I saying “sorry” when I really mean “thank you for understanding”?
Reflection: 15 months into motherhood
Teething continues to be the bane of my existence. It feels like it’s happening every month, and we just can’t catch a break. And I feel so bad for her, because it seems very painful for her! 😩 It’s also painful for me! But hey, she finally cut one molar. Second one is on the way. I CAN’T WAIT FOR ALL HER TEETH TO BE HERE.
Daylight Savings also hits different as a mom, especially with a low-sleep-needs toddler. A 4:30 a.m. wake-up? Not exactly the extra hour I was hoping for.
But when she’s not teething, it’s pureeeee joy. She’s so much fun right now — saying “mama, up up up up up,” cheers-ing our drinks together, and declaring “ahhh donee” when she’s finished eating. She makes a heart with her arms over her head when we say “saranghae” (I love you in Korean), and every morning, she requests music so she can dance. I’m obsessed.
We’re already looking into a little dance class once she hits 18 months!!! There’s a mommy and me class nearby. I’m so excited.
I’ve given myself more grace, and starting allowing snacks in the car… if it makes life easier right now, then so be it. It’s the only way I can get out of the house and go from point A to point B… so after feeling isolated and stuck at home, I’m making peace with it.
Below are more of the tiny permissions I’ve been giving myself:Issue #41: A Slow-Grown List of 27 Tiny Permissions to Make Life Lighter
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Sometimes I catch myself waiting for someone to tell me it’s okay to pause, to do it the easier way, to not care about the thing I’m supposed to care about. And sometimes, that “someone” has to be me!
🧠 Mom Brain Moment: I had just put Keira to sleep. It was dark in our bedroom, and I spent a solid five minutes searching for my phone… while using it as a flashlight to look for… said phone. 💀
Life Lately: things worth sharing
Elastic shoestrings — trust me on this one. If you’re in your “hands full, baby on hip” era, these are the unsung heroes of getting out the door faster. I put them on my Rockfish Weatherwear shoes I got in Korea, and I still feel cute (and efficient)!
Baby proofing, for reals now — Keira is aaalmost tall enough to reach the door handles. I found this snap-on door lock that doesn’t damage your door paint, doesn’t lock you out, isn’t annoying to install/remove. Kind of pricy, but we bought 4, and we’re ready to go when the time comes.
I love this bag charm from Etsy — a sweet little touch to personalize your tote, purse, or diaper bag. Any excuse to put your beautiful baby’s name on things, right?
Nap mat — Keira doesn’t nap anywhere without me yet, but this one was gifted to us and it’s so adorable. I’m saving it for the day she’ll want to nap at Halmoni’s. Comes with a pillow sewn in!
Swiffer hack — I have to share, if you have a Swiffer, remove the middle pole and it becomes toddler-sized. Instant mini cleaner unlocked. This is one of Keira’s favorite activities.
✨ Got any topic requests or questions? Let me know in the comments!
See you next month, mamas!
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Pause Pages: She Hates the Carseat Again, Postpartum Burnout, and Planning Keira’s First Birthday
Welcome to the monthly roundup! Think of this as a little care package of all the things I’ve been loving, thinking about, and obsessing over lately — books, baby stuff, articles, and random life joys that deserve a shoutout. It’s also a time to pause, reflect, and nurture yourself — a little mom self-care woven into your day.
🫶🏼 read more slow & thoughtful reflections here
☁️ browse my favorite cozy tools & resources here
💌 come say hi in our mom group chat
Truly, the teething is forever. I felt that!!! And so exciting about the upcoming dance class. My almost three-year-old has been in ballet this past year, and it's the absolute best seeing how much she loves twirlin' around in a tutu.
Yes to all of this! I have a 7 month old and I keep thinking- a few more months until I can slowly start to refill my cup. Living vicariously through you 🙌