Gosh. Thank you all for the warm welcome back. I worried for a time that my intentional absence would leave me with no one left when I finally returned–but here you are! & you have been so kind & understanding of the choice to walk away for awhile. & I can tell you–I am truly…
Category Archives: styleberryMOM
It’s been six long years. & at the same time, six wildly fast years. They have been quiet and rich. Loud and empty. Happy and exhausting. & I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Having my kids with me all day, for every single day of their first three-ish years, was wonderful. It was hard work…
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Amber BerkoskiSeptember 10, 2015
A few years ago (was it years? I don’t know anymore) I had the privilege of being one of the followers you kept on IG (I’m aberkoski) after your privacy was horribly invaded. Ever since I have been inspired and humbled by the example you have set with your kids to be truly present with my own. We are in different places, mine are long in full day school (10 & 8.5) but the message is the same. Where am I when they need me? I am working, most of the time. But that doesn’t mean that when they have me, that they have to share me with: my treatment plans, my case notes, my PhD dissertation planning, my advocacy work – they get JUST me. Even if that means that I have to pull an all nighter on the other side of it, they get ME.
I hope you know the profound influence you have had on many, through your business and your brand but also through your person to truly touch the lives of people that see your true heart. I don’t even know you but I know the Mama you are to your kids. You don’t need my (growingly) advanced degrees in human behavior to know this. You exude it, along with its challenges.
And I applaud you.
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Jenny busbeySeptember 11, 2015
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LindsaySeptember 11, 2015
I can relate. Today is the first day that I am home alone with my both of my girls in school full time (8 and 4). It is so WEIRD and too quiet. I longed for this many times, but now I am sad that gone are the playdate days and shopping with a buddy. My husband doesn’t understand when I tell him that a chapter of my life is over. For a brief moment, I even tried to talk my husband into another baby, lol. My husband asks what I will do all day and truthfully, I’m not sure. Of course I will do the obvious, cleaning and errands, but beyond that…? I hope to not get into a lazy rut. :(ReplyCancel
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ErinSeptember 11, 2015
please keep posting as you move forward – my youngest starts preschool next week and my oldest is at school. The idea of being alone without someone needing me is actually scary. I also wanted just a few hours to myself, for soooo long, but now I’m not sure where this leaves me. Who am I if not looking after my children? Sigh.ReplyCancel
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Julie McCuistonSeptember 12, 2015
OMGoodness! Your words could have been mine 40 years ago. I remember the day I walked our “only” to school that first day. It took all my fortitude to walk away. It is funny how I can still remember kicking the early fall leaves as I walked home by myself….without that little hand in mine that nested in mine when we ventured out into the world. I cried every step of the way home. I retreated to our apartment and sobbed most of the day. The long awaited quiet was an insult to my senses and I couldn’t wait to hear about his day at the new adventure he was starting.
WHen he went away to college I was a basket case. I cried every time I walked by his empty room. I would lay on his bed and cry myself to sleep. It took a good nine months (gestation?) to adjust to that new normal. Truthfully it has been a lifetime and I still worry about him.
At age 39 he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer and that event literally brought me to my knees. We were lucky enough to be able to fly to any US city to explore treatment plans. He was lucky to have insurance that allowed him to have treatment at any facility in the US. I remember the call from him when he said he needed me to fly with him to see about his diagnosis. I remember the oncologist giving us the dreaded news.The words numbed me into a zombie like state. My world stopped. I remember sitting on the floor of the DFW airport calling family and friends to share my anguish. I am sure that I was sobbing so hard they could hear very little besides the “C” word.
Three years later he is doing well. He seems to have adjusted to the permanent colostomy he begged the surgeon to NOT put in. He doesn’t complain about the ravages of chemo and he kept his gorgeous head of hair. Still, every time he wings his way away from me I say a prayer for his continued remission. I pray he lives a long and healthy life. I pray that he outlives me and his dad. I rejoice in our life together and let him fly away with the promise of his return to us again.ReplyCancel
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StefanieNovember 26, 2015
Oh my goodness! I was a DIE HARD follower of your blog and IG (before you made it private) and I’ve missed your posts SO MUCH! Your posts inspired me so much and have been in my mind often during your “quiet time”. I just randomly came back to my once-beloved internet bookmark tonight and I am BEYOND THRILLED that you are blogging again!!!!!!! This makes my night. Or month?! I’m so glad you’re back (to some extent anyway). You’ve been missed!! Can’t wait to follow your journey sweet mama! Thank you for sharing your heart and inspiration with us!ReplyCancel
The leaves are changing. (THE LEAVES ARE CHANGING!!) I wish I could fully exude my happiness about this Autumn colorshow. I have been staring in awe all day, every day. Seasons. Oh, how I missed them. I was recently in conversation with a family member who was living back in the Midwest after a stint…
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LindsayOctober 30, 2014
Gosh, I just miss your blog! While my husband is not a medical resident, he travels for work {mainly to Texas} I am a solo mamma about 90% of the time. It’s hard. I need to make 2015 a year for me {kind of like 2014 was for you}. I’m always inspired by you and find myself cruising around your blog from time to time. I admire all your changes you have made this year and I feel I need to find my way and do the same. My babies need me {100% of me} and not the current me that is always checking my Facebook, blog, Instagram, etc. It’s a hard balance and I need to figure out how to prioritize to help me get closer to that feeling of balance since I know being 100% there will hardly ever come. Thank you for coming back to this beautiful space and updating us. Happy to see you are enjoying your new surroundings. I hear what you are saying about the seasons. I moved to Denver for about 8 years and loved every ounce of it. I grew up in Arizona and it’s pretty much the same as Texas…monotonous. Enjoy the change of the seasons! :)ReplyCancel
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Jenn B.October 31, 2014
Shawna, I’m glad to read something from you again, but I’m even more glad for your honesty! I had my third baby this year and it’s definitely been the most life changing event yet! I love this time but I am overwhelmed by it as well. It’s good to hear I’m not alone in putting everything on the back burner. Or that I’m afraid I don’t have a passion or a purpose beyond staying home with my kids. Thank you for making me feel like I’m not alone!ReplyCancel
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CindyOctober 31, 2014
I’m so glad you’re happy! I understand the changing leaves. I’m a Virginia gal, and we moved to the gulf coast of AL for 6 years (and my inlaws live in San Antonio). I didn’t quite realize how much I LOVED fall until I didn’t have the changing leaves, crisp air, etc. This is our second “real” fall after moving to NC and we’re loving it. I’m still in awe when I drive down the road and see all of the yellow & orange trees. Continued luck with your transition in St Louis.ReplyCancel
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CarrieNovember 3, 2014
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nowlin robertsNovember 7, 2014
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Working for what you want » styleberry BLOGJuly 1, 2015
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Becoming a Morning Person. For Real. » styleberry BLOGSeptember 16, 2015
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Creatively Stuck » styleberry BLOGOctober 5, 2015
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Overcoming Angry » styleberry BLOGSeptember 1, 2016
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Renovation: Week Nine | walls & stuff » styleberry BLOGJanuary 19, 2017
I have thought a lot about what I want this article to say. Mostly, I have tried to figure out my point. & I think my goal is simple: to start a conversation. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, or Pelvic Floor Disorder) is not a topic you’ll see floating around the Internet unless…
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SarahMay 14, 2014
Oh my goodness…some of this sounds so familiar. Just had my post Pierce appointment and now I’m worried my OB isn’t proactive enough. He referred me to a specialist but the DO NOT accept my insurance in network. Not sure what the heck to do now. I may just pay out of pocket and be up front with them about having to rehab at home. THANK YOU THANK YOU for bringing all this to light. I feel like I have ZERO muscle — the standing without using arms story is all me! :(
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PJMay 14, 2014
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BeccaMay 14, 2014
I have a bladder prolapse and had a lot of the symptoms you list. Went thru 8 weeks of therapy that my gyno offered but it was mainly for incontinance. Which wasn’t my main issue. So it helped with that small issue and I learned the correct way to do a kegal. But I still have a prolapse and have a pessary and feel frustrated about it.
Have you looked into Aligned and Well by Katie Bowman? What do you think if her techniques? She has written extensively on prolapse but it’s pretty overwhelming to start looking into it. I would love to hear if anyone had done her excercises and how it worked for them!ReplyCancel -
SoahMay 15, 2014
I think I’ve already started down your path. I’ve only had one baby, but I leak when I do jumping jacks, and any sort of headstand or exercises where I lean over in certain ways result in… noise. And just when you think you’re done… nope, here’s another.
Another thing I’ve noticed is that during the first day of my period, it feels like I’ve been kicked between the legs. I remember some women saying they felt that during pregnancy, so I just chalked it and everything else up to postpartum life. Thank you for this post because I will definitely be more proactive addressing my symptoms now.ReplyCancel
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Susan P.May 16, 2014
Oh, Shawna, this was such an educational post~thank you! 32 years ago I had a difficult delivery with 2 hours of hard pushing, a fourth degree tear/laceration and cracked tailbone. A few months later I discovered the pelvic prolapse and have had mild symptoms through the years, but nothing significant. Now , with age, have come some additional symptoms. last year my gynocologist said “it’s not really that bad” but she did refer me to a pelvic floor therapist to which I responded wwhhhaaaattt? now that I have read more on your links, I will definitely activate the referral. my advice to younger women is to not ignore the early symptoms as aging adds to your list. Thanks again for your pro active approach to staying healthy!ReplyCancel
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JamieMay 18, 2014
Shawna, I am so thankful for your post, I have been researching for the past 4 weeks about this exact issue. I don’t know the extent of my problems, only that my uterus is indeed prolapsed. I go to my gyno for my 6 week postpartum check up in a week. I have spent the whole day trying to find a urogynecologist in my area. I’m in Louisiana and the closest I’ve found who is board certified like you suggest is New Orleans or Houston. Both are about equal distance from me.
I’m in extream pain and some days can’t even function. -
PRJune 1, 2014
Thank you so much for posting this. I am 10 weeks PP and was recently diagnosed with a prolapse. It came as a complete shock because I had also NEVER heard of this and had no idea that this could be a complication after birth. It has felt devastating and I have been trying to wrap my mind around how to not have these feelings. It is very helpful to read about how other women are coping. My OB referred me to PT, however, the wait time is 2 months so I have been doing the Hab-It DVD in the meantime. How are you feeling? Have you encountered any other of your friends/family that have dealt with this? I have also read that 50% of women will experience some degree of prolapse, but have not really spoken to many who have experienced the same symptoms as me (feeling like a tampon is falling out). I am finding the emotional part is worse than the physical. Thank you again for your post. Any encouragement is GREATLY appreciated!!ReplyCancel
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MimiJune 2, 2014
Very helpful and interesting information. Thank you! I do have a question though… You mention that even though treatment is going well for the prolapse, you’re sure that a hysterectomy is in your future. Will it be necessary strictly due to the pelvic prolapse? If so, I find this odd; if indeed half of women have this condition, and a hysterectomy is prescribed as the ultimate “cure”, I think that someone is misleading you! While pelvic prolapse is probably a “normal” effect of childbearing and age, it cannot be normal or natural for half of women to need a hysterectomy! Am I misinterpreting what you intended to convey?ReplyCancel
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-shawna-June 3, 2014
Mimi–yes, you are misinterpreting me! While many women may have a mild or moderate prolapse, many will never be symptomatic. Hysterectomy is only advised for those with a severe prolapse, often when it surpasses the hymen and is near or on the outside of the body. The recommendation by a urogynecologist will be based on the severity of the prolapse & any symptoms that interfere with quality of life or health. Last week I found out my prolapse has actually improved–yay!! I am pretty symptomatic, so if I continue to rehab & experience issues with exercise, despite regaining as much muscle control as possible through pelvic PT, that is when I will seek a hysterectomy. Even then, I will have to be really careful when I exercise, so I don’t “blow” the sling, as is what happens to women who overdo it & aren’t careful with the kind of exercise they do. Make sense?ReplyCancel
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Deb McNamaraJuly 22, 2014
Thank you for your honesty and for sharing this much needed info. I just wrote about it on my blog too after my third son was born this Winter: http://unraveledword.wordpress.com/2014/03/28/falling-forward-falling-back-what-nobody-wants-to-talk-about/
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MirandaOctober 22, 2014
Thank you for sharing! I have experienced yaginal farts since the birth of my first child (which caused massive tearing). After each subsequent delivery (I’ve had three more) I have had them. They are really bad just after birthing and then over time get better until they happen less frequently but never going away completely either. After my second child I went in to the doctor because I was concerned about it but I was told it was no big deal. I don’t have any other symptom that you listed but you have encouraged me to not ignore this problem. Thank you!ReplyCancel
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Seasons » styleberry BLOGOctober 31, 2014
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AshSeptember 23, 2015
Pelvic prolapse can happen to anyone. I’m 24 and a mother of two growing boys and yes, I’ve been suffering with my prolapse for a year now. Worst part is that once one thing falls it’s like a domino effect causing all kinds of urinary and bowel issues. It’s definitely not an “old lady” thing.ReplyCancel
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MarijanaSeptember 28, 2015
Thank you for this, I wish more women would speak up so we don’t feel so alone in our problems. Besides farts, I also have water come in when I swim:( I too had to turn to swimming instead of running which ia m not happy with but what can be done..I was wondering when you say one foot down at all times do you apply that in abs exercises as well? I read about it somewhere but find it very hard to strengthen my abs if one foot has to be down at all times..I do mostly pilates now, was concentrated on centralization, engaging the muscles in the right way in order not to bare down..it is amazing how much I didn’t know…it should be thought in school so all women know!ReplyCancel
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Wendy AllanJuly 30, 2016
I thank you for this bit of frankness about this whole. I am now 61, with four children, I had the first 2 when I was in my early 20s and was made to lie down to deliver them. Because of my youth I did not seem to notice much difference in my body. After I had my second 2 children aged 36 and 39 and I have (silently) noticed and experienced many of the problems that have been described and experienced a lot of fear and unhappiness.
Because of my family background, an ‘abuse’ situation, speaking about things associated with ‘down there’ has always been difficult. I, too, did the wrong exercises, joining an ‘abs’ class and being told how to do sit-ups and told I could just put my feet under the sofa and pull myself up …. I think this is what finally did for me. Even after I had diagnosed myself with a prolapse I found it hard to go and ask for help. I made a tentative foray to the GP and was faced with a young child of a doctor which did not help – I know they have to start somewhere but the surgery receptionist just told me that all the women GPs could help with women’s problems when I asked to see one, I don’t go to the surgery often so I don’t know which doctor is which. Eventually I saw an older woman doctor which was more helpful but I could not do much again with their help for another 18 months or so because I was so mortified to have to talk about what I saw as a personal weakness.
I am very active with 2 horses and all that that entails which is very heavy work so another challenge to my body. One person that I received help from was a body worker who works with the facia system in our bodies and who also teaches pilates She helped me to identify ways of using my body correctly, how we have natural ways of being squint in our body and most of all how to breathe properly and use my breathing to aid my movement and so so much more. I had 1:1 sessions with her, did mat classes and now do pilates on a machine in a class. I am now so much stronger in my body than I ever have been in my life because I do daily exercises which are gradually building my strength an on going process. I am lucky because I can afford to find out about this and buy this service for me and I can feel myself becoming passionate about making this available for others.
About 6 weeks ago I had a trauma to myself doing some really heavy (wet hay) lifting without thinking/being mindful about how I was using my body and everything got strained and I must have been bearing down and it got so awful that I plucked up courage and I went back to the GP who said she could help and put in a ring pessary, I was so amazed at how much this helped – in the space of 10 minutes – but I did not like the side affects, slight pain sometimes and quite a lot of discharge and it made me a bit incontinent which was not something I had experienced. My first mistake was to do far more that I should have done and popped the pessary out of place. This caused me even more trauma because it made me realise that I was still very vulnerable. So I have done a little more research because I felt that I could not have sex with this ring in and this was a bit of a problem – I find it is quite a bit thing inside of me. My other findings were that at some times of the day my symptoms were far more noticeable and I did not feel that I needed the ring in all of the time – it is more if I am tired or if I know I am going to be doing something more energetic. The other thing I had not done was to find out exactly what was wrong with me, the GP s diagnoses because every visit was too traumatic to take in any other information. I have both a cystocele and a rectocele and a, the doctor’s words, a ‘baggy vagina’ – well great that bodes well for me.
Sorry this seems to have become a bit of a therapeutic writing now, my apologies to you all but at least this is somewhere where I can voice things that are not easy to say to many if not most people.
So having done a bit more research I found a website call ‘stressnomore’ where there are a number of different pessaries which are more like tampons which I have now been using for a week. You can take them out and re-use them. They seem to be working. Unfortunately they are quite expensive and they do seem to have cornered the market. I told the GP about them and she had not heard so is interested to find out if they work. My next job I think is to see if I can get them on prescription, that will be interesting. She also told me how to put the ring in – I now have 2 because I had to go and get them on prescription. Oh the experiences that I am having are character building to say the least.
Well like the writer of this blog, who I am glad to say has opened this subject up. I am getting better at talking about this subject now. What is interesting, on my sister’s side they are farming folk and it is no problem for farmers, men, to talk about a sheep having a prolapse, it is a problem that has been around for thousands of years for women and there is so much fear surrounding it. I am finding that as I grow in this journey I want to shout out what I am doing. I am a bit like that – when I had my first ring put in, only weeks ago, I was so amazed by the relief, I went shopping immediately after and bumped into someone I had not seen for well over 5 years and I told her about the ring, luckily she was receptive to it. I now stand in supermarket cues and think – how many of you have this to deal with?
So I also have a question to ask and I think here is the place to ask it. What about vibrators – can they help? Or an active sex life? Would having an orgasm on a very regular basis be an answer to helping to tighten up some of our muscles in that area. I now believe I fully understand how the pelvic floor works from the teaching I have had. I will give you a potted and simplistic version, I also stand to be corrected – there is the diaphragm and the pelvic floor, both of them work together as big muscles, this is why it is so essential to learn how to do the correct breathing.
I would really appreciate an answer to this. Thank you for taking the time to read this if you have got this far. All the best to everyone else.ReplyCancel
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MimiMarch 1, 2017
This blog has been very helpful. I am 66 years old and have been using a pessary for about 3 years. It is a good alternative for me since without it life is very uncomfortable. I gave birth twice and lifted some heavy things a few years back. When the doctor first saw my condition, he said he could do a hysterectomy. I almost went through the ceiling and told him I wanted to keep all my parts. I still feel the same and think that with time my uterus will keep shrinking. I do my kegals every day, although I should probably do more than I am doing. To insert my pessary I lay on my back with my feet straight up in the air and almost “pop”the pessary rather than push it. I find if you exhale & use lots of lubricant it is easier. My favorite lubricant is Personal Gel by Aloe Life because it does not have a lot of chemicals. I take the pessary out standing up in the bathroom and use a little bit of lubricant and bear down. If my husband and I want to have sex, I just don’t put it in in the morning. I have the donut pessary & it has made everything “stay up” very well!ReplyCancel
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AnneJuly 7, 2017
Thank you so much for posting about your experience and adding resources from your research. I am 37 and just got diagnosed with POP after my 4th baby was born in April. I relate to every symptom you mentioned. I’m feeling pretty down about not being able to lift (I lifted fairly light but had a goal of always increasing to much heavier) at this point until I get further with my physical therapy. After reading this, I am feeling optimistic that I could eventually get back to light lifting while being smart about it.ReplyCancel
Hellooooo!!! I have missed this little corner of my life!!! Let’s catch up!! I finally logged into my wordpress for the first time since I last wrote in January. I’m getting the itch to write again (that sometimes happens after a nice little happy hiatus!) but gosh, not turning my computer on but several times…
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donyaMay 5, 2014
So fun to see your post pop into my Feedly reader! And so exciting to hear about your upcoming move! I have to admit, I’ve been eyeing your pins on Pinterest for your new place and they look great! Can’t wait to see what you do with it. I’ve been reading The Power of Habit as well, and have LOVED what I’ve read so far. What a great book!
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lindsayMay 5, 2014
what great news and exciting changes! it was so nice to see your blog update in my feedly feed this morning. :) i just put the power of habit in my wish list, looks very interesting, would love to hear your review on it when you have time {not like you have a million other things to do, right?!} ;) congrats and best wishes to you and your family on the big move :)ReplyCancel
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NicoleMay 5, 2014
Hi Shawna!
Loved reading your blog post today- so glad to hear you and your little family are doing well! I would love to purchase a stylebabyLOG for #2 due in a few weeks, but when I click on the buy now link it takes me to the small business Saturday link, which is for 2 logs. I only need 1… Is it possible just to purchase the one right now? Thank you!ReplyCancel
It’s getting real. REALLY real. 2014 was always the number. It marked the end of residency. THE goal. The moment we could breathe. The year we could look forward to. I’m going to pretend (for just a moment) that there aren’t several even harder fellowship years right around the corner, and celebrate. Somehow, we made…
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Veronica MidgleyJanuary 7, 2014
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Lisa HumphriesJanuary 7, 2014
After having lost our rental & all our belongings in a terrible housefire in late June 2013, we are finally getting ready to move into our new home. That we’re buying. And it is muuuuuch smaller than we ever imagined buying. BUT…it is a heck of a deal, esecially for California, and we can’t pass up this opportunity to own our own home. So, instead of a 3bed/2bath like we had planned on, we’re moving into a 2bed/1bath that has great potential for future add-ons. But for now, we’re going to nestle into our small home and be thankful that we have a roof over our head and new/used belongings that we so generously donated by our friends, family, and community. Less house means less cleaning, which means MORE time for play!!
Plus, I am really looking forward to welcoming our 2nd babe in our new home sometime late June :) Fresh starts are fun!ReplyCancel
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JoannaJanuary 7, 2014
Your post today really hit home with me. My husband just graduated from a 28 month Nurse Anesthesia program. In the last three years, we had a baby, moved 700 miles, lost two immediate family members, almost lost our minds, celebrated (finally), and moved 700 miles back to where we began. It was definitely the best of times and the worst of times. I have been through so much that I have been having a hard time finding the words to describe it. So I appreciate what you wrote today, as it really reasonates with me. Best wishes as you move on. As always, I look forward to reading about your journey.ReplyCancel
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JanalinJanuary 8, 2014
Your post had me saying, “amen, amen, amen.” I too have transformed from the dark and rich interior phase to the light and airy. (Although the hubby has yet to embrace the idea.) I have been paring down and purging over the past year but still feel as if there is a LONG way to go to get to my simple ‘happy place.’
Love, love, love your photos!!! What a treasure. I have found a transformation also in my style of photography… coming from a person that loved styled sets, lifestyle is now where I am at. And I have a hard time believing that I will ever leave this place. The raw truths of photojournalism are what life is all about.
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JulieJanuary 11, 2014
Loved this blog! Your feelings and life remind me so much of ours……40 years ago. I am still buying/fixing/selling houses but my newest disaster zone has made me think about finally putting roots down in this nest on the mountain overlooking the lights of the Las Vegas Strip and the glorious sunrises over the mountains to the east. Time is slowing me down and maybe I finally can relax a bit and savor the last chapter of our glorious lives. Have a great adventure kid! Julie aka Mauigirl :)ReplyCancel
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Amber at Love, Laugh, Live WellMarch 9, 2014
I love education. I love reading. I love learning. I love school. I always have. But for some reason, I have a really hard time picturing my children in school. Weird, I know. Cut the cord already! But I have always considered myself their primary educator, and I take my job very seriously. We learn…
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A. BerkoskiNovember 21, 2013
Love this. Just the right amount of information and I could tell you were careful as always, while still being true to you, not to make it sound preachy or like you were better than anyone else. That is so rare to find on the Internet! We chose to put our kids in public school and enrich them in different ways but I can totally appreciate your approach to the way you made this choice. Good luck in STL! It’s one of my favorite American cities, I lived in Columbia, MO for many years and try to visit STL whenever I can. You’ll love it!ReplyCancel
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SaraNovember 21, 2013
I have been blessed to work at the University of MN and have been even more blessed to have made it through the 20 month wait to get our daughter into the Reggio Emilia/NAEYC daycare program. People thought I was crazy to go on the waitlist at 12 wks pregnant but it was so worth it. We absolutely love it. My daughter is thriving and the providers are so wonderful with her. Cant say enough about it. One of the faculty members in my department traveled with the Director of the program to Reggio Emilia a few years ago and saw it all in action. Convinced me that its where we need to be.ReplyCancel
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adri@dreambookdesignNovember 21, 2013
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-shawna-November 21, 2013
I think it is a really personal decision. For us, it was more of a social thing than an educational thing. It took caroline six months to speak a single word to her teacher last year (she was super shy!). By the end of the year she read a book aloud to the class. & this year, she’s doing great in the classroom. Her social development was amazing–we first started a week after her third birthday. For us, with a new second baby, it was a wonderful place for her to go & experience some new adventures of her own. :)ReplyCancel
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JessicaNovember 21, 2013
I really appreciate you sharing your thought process. When we were in Texas, I spent a lot of time researching and looking at teaching methods and schools. I toured a few schools and based my decision on that “gut” feeling you were talking about. It was a great choice and Gracie had a really positive year of school. She loved attending, I felt great dropping her off every day. I haven’t quite found that yet here in California where cost is more of a consideration. Some of the schools here are five times the cost of our school in Texas (FIVE times! Isn’t that nuts?!?).
I hope the school in St. Louis is a terrific fit! One of my best friends grew up in STL and explained to me that everyone who can attends private school there.ReplyCancel
Yes, I fully realize that as I sit here & share this, I still have not finished everett’s first birthday images. Poor, sweet second child. I’ll share soon enough, but my first baby just turned FOUR! (sad!!) & we wanted to do a little something different for her this year. :) My husband and I…
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JennAugust 29, 2013
You are so right in this. I’ve asked for years that people not bring gifts to our children’s parties and instead make a small donation to the children’s hospital where my son was treated, and they STILL bring gifts! I realize it’s very sweetly intended, but it’s not the message we want to send. Glad to know we aren’t alone here :)ReplyCancel
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lindsayAugust 29, 2013
what a lovely idea! i’m trying so hard to be intentional these days and i love looking to your blog for inspiration to what family should be about. i love the direction you are going these days, but i do have to admit i miss see your dreamy IG feed and frequent blog posts ;) however, i understand why. can’t wait to see e’s birthday post. would love to see how you party for all things boy :)ReplyCancel
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KirstenAugust 29, 2013
Shawna, I totally agree with you! And I wanted to share with you some other fun giving back ideas that I’ve recently encountered. A couple families I know set up a donation to help orphans in Africa instead of presents. And another family has set up a link to donate money to a little girl who is currently going through treatment for kidney cancer. I love seeing these different ways to teach our kids that life isn’t about stuff or ourselves. It’s about giving back and loving on others.ReplyCancel
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EmileeAugust 30, 2013
I love the book swap idea. I haven’t had a birthday party with friends for my daughter yet because so far she doesn’t like a lot of attention focused on her. But if she ever wants one, I’m going with the book swap idea. So much better than worrying about her getting presents that I don’t want her to have. And making a birthday more about fun and giving than just getting stuff.ReplyCancel
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AnnSeptember 9, 2013
I love everything about your blog. LOVE it. I’m not a mother right now but have been reading your blog for over a year., You offer such great ideas, advice and honesty that I can’t help coming back and reading more from your archive. Thank you for all that you do! You are an amazing woman. :)ReplyCancel
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Courtney ReevesSeptember 17, 2013
Hi Shawna! I absolutely love your blog and all of the beautiful pictures you post! I was just wondering if you could share some of your favorite book titles. I feel like my son, Jameson and I are in a book-rut. He will be 18 months in two days, so he and E are very close in age. Any recommendations would be great!
I also love the birthday book swap, such a great idea!ReplyCancel
Hi! Hello! I am Shawna, the founder of Styleberry Blog. This creative corner of the internet has become a learning haven for moms and creatives, offering a warm and encouraging nudge to those who wish to be better and do better, but often don't know where to start. From Decorating to DIY to Diapers and Paleo-ish Dishes, I strive to make the complicated simple and empower women to take action beyond their personal comfort zone. I subscribe to the Shine Theory & so strongly believe that we shine when the women around us shine and mutual support—lifting up instead of tearing down--will always be the culture here. Are you in? I hope so! Beyond the computer, I run Styleberry Creativewhere I work with clients to create low fuss, high function spaces that are pretty and practical in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. I LOVE making a house a home. My own studs out renovation is almost complete and I am now back to working with clients. Please don't hesitate to drop me a line if you'd like to work together! I hope you’ll join me on this fun new adventure! Xo.
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Yay! So happy to have you back. Everything you’ve done sounds like what I’ve been trying so hard to get to. Waking early…rest…food/health (whole30?)…and books! Rising strong is amazing! I love anything brene brown! Anywho, but you are actually accomplishing these things and kicking butt! Yay! So proud of you! I have been struggling and am sure that, as always, I will be be inspired by you :)
I smiled when I saw your post show up on my blog feed today. I’m looking forward to reading more about your life changes!
So glad you are back, and just when I needed this bit of inspiration! I have been struggling lately. Finding time for me, time to keep my home on track, for work, and somehow cramming all of that time into the night while my babies sleep and barely getting the sleep I so desperately need. I am ripped from sleep every morning and not happy about it at all. Every day I say tomorrow will be better, but it rarely ever is. I’ve been a night owl all my life, even as a child. I’m completely intrigued that you made the switch to mornings and hope to try this myself. I know the few times I’ve been able to rise before my kids that time has been precious. I even feel like I am able to concentrate better and feel more accomplished those days. Thank you for taking the time to post about this, it has made me reconsider the way I do things and want to push for something better.
YAYYYYYYY!!!!! It makes me oh so happy you are back! I so thoroughly enjoy your blog and still refer friends and myself to it on occasion or look back through old posts I remember you put up about questions I had. Seriously I love you and your blog and I loved this post too! I absolutely am going to start trying to do this!
So excited to have you back in Blogland!! You have no idea how much I needed to read this post today. As I sit here reading…late…like midnight late, I think of all the changes that need to happen to make our house a HAPPY home. And they all start with me and my reactions to the stresses of motherhood and life in general. So, tomorrow I too will try to become a morning person…and read more…and smile more. Thank you for all of your inspiration and opening yourself and your family up to the rest of us mamas in the trenches.
So glad you’re back! Completely understand the hiatus. They are much needed sometimes. Can’t wait to see what you cook up.
And thanks for the book recs, you always have great ones!
Reading this at 6am, I can SO relate. I use my mornings a little different, catching up on the internet, doing some photography work, so I can put it to the side the moment my kids wake up. But I’ve also noticed that I’m much more adept at handling the morning chaos if I’ve woken myself up first, which is why I continually choose to do this stuff in the early morning rather than the late evening. And I love that cup of coffee. Though I’m interested to hear about you removal of caffeine!
So glad to see you blogging again! But completely understand the hiatus. You have been missed!
I was so excited to see your blog post pop up in my feed. I love reading and I am happy you are back. I am still struggling with the adjustment of 2 kids and finding my own time. My youngest is 1 year old and I just can’t make it all work. We live in a small rental and I find myself constantly last on the list. I am so encouraged by your post and ready to take back my mornings! Thank you so much for sharing!
I so appreciate your thoughtful and deliberate approach to life and the joy that comes with it! While our lives are different, I love to learn from you and your perspective. Thanks for the inspiration and welcome back!!
I found your blog while you were taking your break and I couldn’t stop reading it. I found it as I was looking for any information I could find on photography, and then I loved your style of writing and approach to life and openness about motherhood, etc. Anyways, I kept your site in my RSS feed so I could someday go back and read more of your blog and now you’re writing again! I’m so happy to have such an inspiring person in my feed. Thank you and I look forward to following your journey.
Welcome back! Thank you for sharing! Because no matter what your posts say, I always think of you as so put together in home, parenting, personal life….even as I know being put together perfectly is a myth. So in your sharing you give me inspiration that I, too, can make changes and can try again to become a morning person!
I am so glad to see that you are back and blogging! I discovered your blog through your fertility struggle stories when I was researching my own arcuate uterus and fertility challenges. I loved your stories, your writing and your inspiration. I couldn’t get enough of it. Despite your not blogging at the time, I subscribed, hoping some day you would.
Your blog is such a valuable resource and I’m excited to see what you have been up to. :-)
I have read your posts for years and used your site as a resource for cloth diapering & baby things when we welcomed our first. So, happy to see posts again that I can relate to once again, now on the toddler side and stay at home mama side of things. Thank you!
And another post?! I can’t believe my eyes! This is great – lots of great tips and the gentle reminders that changes takes TIME and intention. Sounds like things are going so well :)
I just found your blog and am so happy that I did. I loved reading this article and the changes you’ve made in your routine. Very inspiring. I feel like I had to go “dark” for a little while too. Cut out my internet use and phone use etc. I ran a successful Etsy shop for two years and it exhausted me. I took some time out to restructure how I spend my time so that I’m a better mom (i hope I’m a better one anyway!:) I feel happier and as though I enjoy my kids and my days more. Just started a blog and am loving it!
Thanks again!
Like so many others, I was excited to see two posts pop up in such short order! You’re back, yay! I found you when I was pregnant with my first and I learned so much from your blog (my first was a Fuzzibunz baby thanks to you!) cloth diapering, homemade baby food, etc. Now, number two is on the way and I can’t wait to dive back into your blog with you and see where it takes us both! I understand well the struggle for “what else.” Baby #2 has taken it’s sweet time joining us, derailing my plans to get back in to the workforce. I’d love to hear where your journey takes you and share my experiences as well. Welcome back!
Thank you for this post, you have encouraged me to wake earlier too. I did it like you mentioned….5:45, then 5:30, then 5:15…after 2 weeks, I’m beginning to get a hang of it.
Very glad you are back, you and your post are so inspiring to this mama from SoCal.
[…] change, as I talked about before, was my sleep overhaul. I gave up my beloved nightowl habits and started getting up early. It started with a six am wakeup and every week, I pushed that up fifteen minutes. It took some […]
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