As of two weeks ago, we completed all 12 moms in the Monday Morning series. Although Raquel and I are sad the series has come to an end (for now, hopefully), we’re so happy to have had the opportunity to peek into the mornings of each of our featured mothers.
I want to give Allstate a huge thanks for making this series possible as well as thank each mother for participating. You must remember that we did not know a lot about the moms when we chose them— just basic stats about where they lived and their routine. No pictures of them, their children or their homes. In the end, it was lovely to see how diverse the group was and how each family had something unique that set their story apart. Most often, we did not know what that unique thing would be until Raquel was at their home or until I interviewed them afterwards.
For instance, we knew Shaneka and Adriana were both single mothers, but I never could have imagined how different their lives and outlook would be. We did not know that Kristen B was struggling through Postpartum Depression and we did not know that Anna was questioning if she would be able to work again. We didn’t know that Kristen W would go into false labor the night before the shoot or that Morgan would be offered a full-time job while Raquel was at her home.
The main thing I learned through this series is that motherhood is a constant state of change. The things that were true nine months ago when the mothers were selected were often vastly different by the time they were featured.
Kids started school, babies were born, work hours shifted, circumstances changed but in all cases, life moved forward. Morning routines seem to reflect all larger life adjustments. And parents always find a way (through childcare, daycare, help from the neighbors, cutting back on work hours, opting to stay home, upping the involvement of a spouse, involving grandparents, etc.) to make things work.
Throughout the series, I have tried to take a step back and let each mother tell their own stories without me injecting too much of my own interpretation. But truthfully, they have all taught me so much.
They taught me about being brave, about accepting help, about letting guilt go, about appreciating the mundane, about giving yourself a break, about triumph over hardship, about working as a team and about how to squeeze happiness out of moments you may normally overlook.
Almost every mother, whether I wrote about it or not, made a small negative reference to their baby weight. So, they also taught me to be less self-critical, because I think we can all agree that all the mothers and their mornings looked beautiful.
To finish the series, I asked each mom to tell me their favorite photo and a little bit about what the experience meant to them. One thing I didn’t consider was how much your comments would mean to the mothers who participated. Your overwhelmingly positive feedback was a gift.
You’ll see…
Laura:
“The experience made me reflect on the time we spend together in the mornings and realize how special it is, even though it goes by really fast each day. I enjoyed reading the comments and found them very encouraging. It seems like everyone’s routine, although very different, have at least a few things in common.”
Read more about Laura’s morning here.
Sara:
“My favorite picture is the one taken of my daughter, Ellie, in the kitchen with her pacifier in her mouth, holding the love of her life, Stinky (the monkey). In the months since the photo shoot, so much has changed and both kids seem so much older. This photo is like a snapshot in time of when she was still a baby. These kids grow up so so fast… In hindsight, I do wish that I worried less about how I was going to look in the pictures and just focused more on how loving our mornings truly are.”
Read more about Sara’s morning here.
Shaneka:
“There is one photo that is a mirror of our day. It’s the one with Sterling talking to me (you don’t see Spencer and I. But, Spencer is sitting next to me), and Shekinah is in the background on her phone. This is spot on of our life… When I first saw the post, I thought to myself, ‘that was nice, they are beautiful photos.’ But then my friends and family started calling and texting, saying ‘That was beautiful but, DID YOU READ THE COMMENTS??!?!!!’ When I read the comments, I got really emotional— borderline ugly cry. I never thought about how much I get done before walking out the door, so for others to acknowledge it, made me feel like, ‘Hey, I’m doing alright!’. Your readers have no idea how meaningful and encouraging their words were.”
Read more about Shaneka’s morning here.
Anna:
“My favorite picture is the one where I’m sitting on the stairway, holding Rose and talking to Noah about something. I think the reason I like this photo best is because it really illustrates how I make a big effort to be there for BOTH of my kids. I thought it was really funny how so many of the comments were about my matching pajamas! I have to give my Mom credit for that one, as she always buys me PJs each year for my birthday, so it’s entirely her doing that I didn’t show up for the shoot wearing a pair of my husband’s boxer briefs and a ratty old tank top. I was so happy that for the most part your readers found my morning relatable. Being a stay-at-home mom can be so isolating, and I often lose perspective on how much I juggle on a daily basis.”
Read more about Anna’s morning here.
Ashley:
“One of the comments mentioned Nick’s ‘guns’ and that ‘it must be from all the bed making’— I died laughing and it totally made my day. Yeah, my husband is pretty hot… It was hard to pick a favorite picture (I am in love with so many of them!), but after going back through them, I picked this picture of us heading out the door. I don’t remember noticing how calmly Kaelan is waiting on us while Nick set the alarm, with his hand resting on Evie’s carrier. I really love it. It’s candid, has all four of us, and I feel like it captures Kaelan’s love for his sister.”
Read more of Ashley’s morning here.
Kristen W:
“My favorite picture is the picture of Brayden smiling when he was playing in bed. Seeing his smile helps affirm that I am doing something right. My son is still joyful. My biggest fear was that he’d lose his joy with the loss of his dad.”
Read more of Kristen W’s morning here.
Kristen B:
“It was very encouraging to read all the PPD support from your other readers. Sharing the story with my extended family and friends was a casual way to make them aware that I had PPD. It was hard; I got help and got better. It’s just this thing, you know? No need to be ashamed. I am grateful to the whole Mommy Shorts team for capturing such a brief, but sweet, moment in our lives.”
Read more about Kristen B’s morning here.
Morgan:
“The photo of Scott kissing Delilah goodbye would have to be my favorite of the shoot— although it’s hard to choose!!! I’m really grateful the opportunity to capture our morning came at such a pivotal time [right before she started a full time job]. The routine in the pictures has vanished into the past and has been replaced by what feels like a whole new life. It’s amazing to have had someone capture the beauty and peace we had together during those years when neither Delilah or I had anywhere urgent to be.”
Read more about Morgan’s morning here.
Roxie:
“My favorite photo is the one of Armand playing trains with AJ. Armand is very aware of showing warmth and love to both of our boys and it definitely shows in these pictures. He does not want our sons to think men do not show emotion, so he makes an extra effort to hug, kiss, and play with them. Watching Armand with AJ and Jackson makes me fall in love with him again and again.”
Read more about Roxie’s morning here.
Diane:
“Sometimes parenting can be very isolating, but reading the comments and hearing people’s reactions to our situation made me realize we aren’t alone in our experiences— even though everyone’s family might be unique, we are all trying to raise the best children we can. A lot of my colleagues in the opera world told me they were glad I wrote about the challenges of what we do. I meet very few stage managers with children, so I’m glad I was able to show that it is possible. My favorite photo is the one of Lulu laying on the ground looking up at the camera. Every so often I look at that picture and think, ‘Dang, I have a really cute baby!'”
Read more about Diane’s morning here.
Orisia:
“My favorite photos are the ones that capture the little bit of play time I have with both my girls before leaving for work— when everything is ready to go and I take those last few minutes before I leave for work to give my girls some undivided attention… I would like to extend a huge thank you to your readers for their incredibly kind comments. After reading them, I realized I was being overly critical. Geoff is an amazing husband and an even more amazing daddy, and I am so happy that everyone was able to see that through the exhaustion. We are a loving family that is doing everything we can to make it work in a way that is best for our children.”
Read more about Orisia’s morning here.
Adriana:
“My favorite part of the series was the support I felt reading the responses from other moms who share similarities to my story. Or from moms who just had something supportive to say. The blog comments were all very positive. I feel like your followers are such a wonderful community of kind mothers, all trying to do their best with raising their kids day by day.”
Read more of Adriana’s story here.
I want to thank all my readers for participating in the Monday Morning series too.
Allstate has been very generous letting the mothers take the forefront of each post and existing in the background as support. I cannot be more thankful that they made this happen. It signifies to me that Allstate truly appreciates the value of what I was trying to do and that my goals align with theirs— acknowledging mothers for helping their families lead the good life everyday and putting the ones we love in good capable hands.
If you would like “Monday Mornings” to continue, please leave comments below about what the series has meant for you.
Your support has not only meant the world to the featured moms, it pretty much determines whether we get to do this again next year.
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This post was sponsored by Allstate, but all thoughts and opinion are my own.
There are so many mornings where I am losing my mind and for a brief moment, I think of every other mother out there doing exactly what I am doing and I take a deep breathe, wish them all well and carry on. I would not have done this without this series. Made me truly feel we are all in this together.
I agree with Jen B. This series was a microcosm of your blog; this is a place where moms can get together and support each other, and see that we have a lot of the same struggles, joys, and pains. Plus, look what it did for those 12 featured mothers, to remind them that their mornings are beautiful in their own way, just like the mothers themselves.
I loved seeing these Monday Morning check ins. They reminded me that every second we spend with our kids is important – even the ones we feel are rushed and that no one will remember. They taught me that though my mornings may feel rushed and hectic, they are a beautiful time with my family and show how much I truly care about them.
This series has helped me in so many ways. Most importantly that that there is beauty in my chaotic weekday mornings. I love that the group of women were so diverse in so many ways. It was kind of uniting. I really hope there will be more.
I often think (as most people do I guess) that my mornings are very ordinary, quick and boring. But I do love the fact that mornings are exclusively mine, since I’m the one who takes my daughter to school and my husband has to leave before us for work. It has been my very own daily private mother-daughter time for almost two years, with several changes in the routine but still, my time to see her peacefully asleep and then see her fully awake. Reading about these incredible parents also lets you appreciate your own situation and get perspective. We are all trying to do the best we know and can, we all have struggles to overcome, we all sometimes wish we had it better or easier. And still we all can find joy and beauty, even if it is through the eyes of others.
This series has been one of my favorite parts of your blog. I loved the glimpses into other families’ lives and routines and really appreciate the diversity of families shown. No one’s life (or morning!) is perfect, but everyone’s doing the best they can. There were elements of each featured morning to which I could relate, even though my routine and family may be quite different. This series really did highlight the beauty and love present in a usually hectic time of day, and I truly hope it continues!
I loved reading about other family’s stories from around the country. And, as others have said, it was both enlightening and reaffirming to see that despite many differences, we also have so many things in common. I felt like the biggest commonality was every mother’s tendency to have unrealistic expectations for themselves, and generally to be unable to see the multitude of amazing things that were happening in the context of ordinary moments. (I feel like I just changed tenses a few times, but I think you will get my meaning!) I do hope to see more!
I loved this series! The photos are gorgeous and has helped me to realize my mornings might not look as catastrophic as they feel.
I love this series. I work from home with two girls under two, a military husband, and PPD. It was lovely seeing the truth of these women’s lives instead of Facebook/instagram/Pinterest perfection I can’t manage. It encouraged me at the end of my pregnancy (when keeping my toddler alive was all I could manage) and after my daughter’s birth (when the hormones went cuckoo). This series was a highlight of my week and I’m so grateful Allstate made it possible.
Monday Mornings has allowed me to see that all kinds of mornings are ok and everyone feels hectic, but in reality there are many small moments to take advantage of. this is amazing. please continue
I would love to see this series continue – every family deserves a lovely chorus of commenters reminding them how special they are, and it’s such a joy to watch these intimate moments.
Please continue this series! I looked forward to it every Monday, and I actually missed it the Mondays it was on hiatus! It so great seeing families in their natural states, so many blogs and photographers focus on the picture perfect images of motherhood/family life. The realism and emotion in these pictures/stories is amazing to witness. I love seeing the everyday.
I absolutely adore this series! As parents working opposite shifts it has been so nice to see how others make mornings work. We recently moved and both started new jobs with different hours. It has been really difficult on me and seeing all of the mothers’ morning routines gave me some perspective on the fact that we aren’t the only ones with a bit of a funky schedule and it will all work out in the end. Thank you to everyone involved!
I looked forward to reading each entry in this series. I liked that it featured all different “kinds” of moms – SAHMs, full-time working moms, single moms, etc. The thing that resonated with me the most was the fact that at times we all feel alone, but really, we can all relate.
I just began reading Mommy Shorts this year upon the birth of my daughter – it was a life saver. I anxiously awaited each Monday post because I knew I would feel better – have a good cry, laugh, bond. As I get ready to head back to work, these posts have given me the encouragement I need. I’m sure I won’t do it perfectly, but that isn’t what matters. Thanks, ladies!
Please continue this series. Nearly every story made me cry and certainly every mother got a mental “high-five” from me, whether I commented or not. It’s amazing and fun to see these women share their lives and families. I’m a single mother raising my daughter and it’s incredible to look at these photos and connect with every. single. family. Because what we all have in common is the love and dedication to our families. There’s nothing more beautiful than that.
And a big shout out to Mommyshorts – this is a refreshingly positive place and I hope that never changes!
I loved the monday morning series, I wished I’d put my own family family in! I find myself slowing down some mornings and trying to see our morning through someone else’s eyes!
YES! Keep it up. Seeing other’s mornings has helped me to see the joy in my mornings. And, come to Tucson next time, ok? It’s nice here in the winter. 😉
love this series and hope it continues. really appreciate the commonality that runs through motherhood even when the moms featured are so diverse. taking a look at each woman’s story and photos helps me to believe that there would even be beauty seen if there was an opportunity to have my mornings (that often feel cramped and crazed) captured. hope you are given a chance to have this continue.
I love seeing the things that I have in common with the other families. Even if it’s just that we use the same sippy cups! I’m very jealous that everyone else’s homes are tidy on Monday morning… after a weekend of play, mine looks like a tornado by Monday morning! Really, this series is a beautiful reminder that we are all doing the very best we can for our families. Thank you Allstate for the reminder.
It was amazing to see how diverse each family is and yet how we are all striving for the same things. Thank you for allowing us to see the perspective and the honesty these women gave through the photo series.
More, More, More! I agree with the other moms that parenting can feel isolating. Seeing ALL of these moms from different backgrounds, in different settings, with different obligations struggling with the same problems/insecurities/worries that I am makes me feel more at peace. The pinterest-perfect moms we all strive to be pale in comparison to these very REAL moms who illustrate what we really ARE deep down 🙂 Thank you for this series!
I truly hope this series continues. As a mother who had an unplanned pregnancy as a teenager, I’ve used this series to help me develop a morning routine. I’m still struggling with the routine, but I’m getting there. I love seeing the married and single mothers different ways of getting one or multiple kids ready, while still managing to keep the peace in the house.
This was a great series – I need to go back and reread the ones I just skimmed. They all were so wonderful.
I think it would be awesome to continue the series and I think it would be really interesting if you could focus on maybe an international family or two. Americans that have moved abroad or families in NYC that have recently moved to our country? Something that might show how all moms are the same? Just a thought… keep it up no matter what!
Since this series began, whenever I’m having a hard time with my family in the morning, I stop for a second and try to see the beauty in our morning. I remember reading in one of the early Monday Mornings one mom saying that she never realized how beautiful her mornings are, and I’ve been coming back to that comment ever since. It brings me a sense of peace and reminds me how fleeting each moment really is. I’m so glad this series continued beyond the original posts, and I hope that it can expand even further.
This series has truly been a blessing for me. We had our son fairly young and didn’t have all the pieces together the way I had always envisioned. It’s been so great to see 12 different moms, 12 different families, all making things work in their own ways.
The talent in these photos is something else, and I wish I lived a little closer so I could have my own family photo shoot! I’m in Canada. If you need a Canadian ambassador for the next round, I’m your lady.
What I loved most about this series was reading about how every other mom out there has the same insecurities I do, and then reading all of the readers’ amazing comments!!! A lot of the stuff I read online has so many negative comments and is just a bunch of people trying to tear each other down. Your series (and whole blog) do exactly the oppositeand that helps reaffirm my faith in humanity and also my faith that maybe (just maybe) I might make it through this whole mommy thing alive and partially sane (questionable). I would love to see this series continue and maybe even expand to include some moms who became moms through adoption or marriage (you know, just to remind me that moms like me are the same as moms who carried and pushed their own offspring out too). I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each of these posts – and even more loved seeing the photos. Those little moments in time that we all take for granted you guys did a fantastic job of capturing so that the other mommies would be able to see the great beauty in their mornings! Thank you for that Ilana and thank you also to Allstate!
Oh… And my offer of being the Southern contingent still stands… Fresh Brussels sprouts from the gardening you take me up on my offer!
I love this series too, and also hope it continues. I have a tendency to isolate myself because I’m very shy in person (no matter how many blog comments I leave! 🙂 and I’m also isolated from friends and family, since I am from Texas but live in NJ. This series offered an authentic connection with other moms, and helped me to not feel as alone. I also agree that the nature of the posts – showing the hard parts of motherhood as well as the beauty – help to counter the pressure to always leave some happy comment on FB when I’m not feeling happy, etc. I am in awe of the bravery of these moms to be so vulnerable in these posts and let us in like that, and truly grateful. So yes, Allstate, help Mommy Shorts continue this series!
I love, love, love the Monday Mornings series. I am a working mother with three children and number 4 on the way, I always feel as though my mornings are chaotic as I bark orders at everyone I order to get us all out the door on time. But this series has helped me appreciate those small moments when my son wakes up and wants to sit on my lap, or braiding my daughters hair or when my middle daughter sits on the bathroom floor while I put on makeup and do my hair and we chat for a few minutes just the two of us. This series has helped me see that I am creating happy moments that I hope my children will remember fondly. My favorite was an early one from a mom in Queens and she worried about her cramped small apartment. Those pictures captured how big her love was for her family regardless of the square footage she was living in (I’m a former resident of Queens so I totally get where she was coming from). I would love to keep going with this series. And hey, if Raquel ever wanted to head to Western NY, I’m your gal.
I really appreciated seeing the imperfections in everyone else’s homes and lives. It made me realize that my messy house is maybe not so out of the ordinary or shameful after all, and that my life is still beautiful because of, not just in spite of, my flaws.
I love these posts. They show the beauty in normality and how families are so different and so alike at the same time. Some of these amazing women have brought tears to my eyes. I hope these continue for a long time!!
These are so important for all moms, even those whose mornings aren’t portrayed. We can all recognize something of ourselves in them, and for me, it’s helped me to enjoy the little, precious moments. Thank you!
Thank you, Ilana for including us in this series and for all your work putting it together. You and Raquel are amazing. I look at these photos all the time and they remind me how lucky I am to have an awesome, supportive husband and a funny, adorable daughter.
Please do continue the series! Definitely get the dad’s side of things. And I would love to see families with older kids – previews of challenges ahead! And if you run out of mornings, our evenings and bedtimes are chaotic and beautiful too!
Oh yeah, Diane, great idea – that would be wonderful – a naptime or bedtime or mealtime series. It’s so inspiring to see different perspectives and steal ideas as well as see the beauty in the mundane routine.
I loved every one of these stories and hearing about all the different ways moms are in the morning. It made me appreciate my own mornings too. I think this series is such a wonderful glimpse of motherhood right now…sort of like a anthropology study. It would be really interesting to read them 50 years from now and look back at how some things will change and some things will be the same. You could almost make a book out of it really!
I agree with so many of the commenters that what makes this series great is seeing people with totally different life circumstances sharing the desire to do the absolute best for their kids, whatever that looks like for their family. And being able to affirm each other “yeah, you’re doing it differently but you’re doing great” is a real blessing and one we all need more of. I totally loved being nosy into how other people make it work and the series has on occasion made me take mental pictures if a moment of joy happens to stumble into our crazy morning routine. If you ever need an international series we are totally in! Come on over the Atlantic any time!
I really looked forward to reading the Monday morning stories. As a mother of a two year old, it was comforting to see other moms in action going through some of the same struggles we do. I would love for this series to continue.
Please, please, please try to conyinue this series. It’s so seldom we get to see behind closed doors of others’ lives (except in very staged ways). When you visit a friend, they often put on a show and you’re left feeling inadequate comparing your worst with their best. Although I’m sure most Monday morning homes were tidier than they often are for the shoots, it’s impossible to “fake” your morning routine and was lovely to witness the rush and wait of everyone else’s mornings much like my own. Such a lovely uplifting series and a beautiful gift to those involved as a snapshot of their lives at that time.
I didn’t comment at the time, but my favorite post was the one with the police officer working night shift. My husband is also a police officer that works a rotating shift (nights and days). His schedule often makes things difficult and I feel like because of it, so much of parenting and household chores are put on me. I loved this series because sometimes I think we all make the mistake of thinking our lives and routines should be like in the movies. Like our schedules should fit into a neat little box. This series did a fantastic job of showing how there is no neat little box and that every family has daily struggles. I often make the mistake of thinking that other people’s lives are so much more “normal” than ours. But this has shown me that there is no “normal”.
I LOVE the Monday Mornings series! My favorite one was Kristen B! I know you already went to the Los Angeles area and might not be able to come to Bakersfield, CA, even though it’s only a 2-hour drive away from Los Angeles, but I would love to continue reading Monday Morning posts! They have been the nightlight of my week and have always brought a smile to my face! I would like to give a huge thank you to Ilana, Raquel, all of the families who participated, and, of course, Allstate, who all made this series happen!
*Highlight, not nightlight, LOL!
This series always brings a tear to my eye. It has reminded me that it’s the tiny moments that matter most in life. Will my coworkers remember the day I put makeup on one eye only? Likely not. Will my son remember the day I took an extra minute to have a quick, impromptu dance party? I’m pretty sure he will. At least he will take one of those precious moments and carry it around in his tiny pocket with him. That’s what matters.
This series has been a favorite of mine, it has made me reflect on my own mornings with my children in a different way. I try to savor the time more and imagine what my mornings would look like if someone where to photograph them. Thank you to all the moms in this series who opened up their home, themselves, and their children to all of us readers.
Great article Ilana and great series. You’ve made all us moms appreciate the dreaded Monday mornings. Thank you for reframing yet another aspect of this crazy thing called parenting.
I loved this series and I wish it were still going. I’ve been waiting to see a routine that includes a wild toddler that’s up at 5am, bursting out the back door the second the sun rises, but maybe that’s just our house! In all honesty I was surprised that everyone’s morning seems so snuggly/slow/calm. Maybe that’s how my household would look from the outside too. Nah, probably not, haha!
Loved this series so much! Please do it again! There was so much love in the photos and something for every mom to relate to no matter what her circumstances. Each post was a breath of fresh air at the start of each week!
This series has been deeply touching. I am a photographer and this just reaches out and squeezes my passion for mothers and their real lives with their children. You think it’s so ordinary and that of course you will remember it, but you don’t. You don’t see the whole picture from where you sit and having another perspective is priceless. I LOVE experiencing different lives with these women. It reminds me that we are all trying so hard. It reminds me how loving and dedicated people are.
This series is one of my favorites that you have done. Almost all the moms stated that they felt their mornings were hectic or stressed, but the pictures showed how absolutely beautiful and loving all these moms are. It made me realize that when I feel like I am not being a very good mom or not doing everything I think I should that my kids and husband still think I’m doing a good job because I am mom and can’t be replaced. I love this series and I love seeing moms all over the country.
Love this series. I have become increasingly aware of how I behave and interact with my children & husband in the morning as a result of these stories. I want our mornings to be filled with good memories, time spent nurturing, being together, and loving one another. As proven by these stories, they can be. My favorite series by far. Would love to see it continue.
The monday morning series helped me to remember that i am not alone in this every mommy out there is doing almost the same thing every day and that when i go back to school that i will still be able to be a part of my son’s day. it has taught me that while mornings are going to be busy and short that doesnt mean that i cant make them meaningful!!
I love this series. It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush of our lives and this made me take a minute to appreciate the moments I have with my 2 in the mornings. Also to appreciate how much my husband does!
I loved this series – such beauty and love in each family. We are all different but the same.
This series was amazing! The love that each parent was showing to their children while in the midst of the morning rush routine was so great to see. I really hope the series can continue. I miss it already.
I really enjoyed the series – seeing the pictures, looking into lives that are so different from my own, reading the before and after thoughts from each mom. But what I loved most about it was that it made me think about my own morning – it helped me remind myself that it probably isn’t as crazy, rushed and chaotic as it seems to me. The series inspired me to look for and appreciate the small moments each morning!
I loved every bit of the Monday Morning series. It made me slow down and really think about time with my kids. They are only little for so long and my mornings with them needing me are numbered! I try and remember that when I want to pull my hair out because someone spilled their cereal all over the floor…again. Every story was so relatable and beautiful. Motherhood, although not easy, is truly beautiful.
I have loved this series and even spent a lot of time going back to the previous year when I stumbled upon it this year. I’m a new Mom to a now 15 month old and everyday when I get to work I take a deep breath and I think ‘ok, we did it. Everyone is where they need to be and relatively on time’. Everyday I’m alittle amazed and everything that gets done before I even get to the office. For a long time I thought there was a secret formula to the morning routine that I hadn’t figured out get. Does everyone feel this chaotic in the morning? And now I know the answer is yes! But there are sweet moments to cherish in the chaos and everyone is doing the best they can with what they have. Please continue this! It would make a great book, too…or even a documentary of some kind.
I absolutely loved this series. It makes me feel “not alone” in this busy, hectic time of motherhood. It showed me we all have challenges, that I’m not the only one, and it’s made me appreciate the little moments in the morning. The quiet good mornings, the loving hugs…it’s made me linger just a little bit longer, even if only for a few seconds, while waking my children. It’s made me go from “hurry up!” with an urgent tone to “come on, sweets, I know…” with a not-so-rushed feel. I will make it to work, maybe a few minutes late, but my words won’t negatively affect my child’s day so early in the morning.
I loved Orisia’s story! My husband is an air traffic controller rotating day/afternoon/night shifts and has different days of the week off. I’m a stay at home mom so it looks a little different for us but it’s nice to see other people dealing with changing routines. Not every morning looks the same around here so it’s nice to see that represented. I love reading these stories and the comments supporting all these moms. Seriously, that can be so hard to find and I love that this is a place of support!
I am a first time mom and when our baby was 7 weeks old my husband had to go out of town with work for a month. My world got rocked. Halfway through his work trip I went back to work full time too and I thought I was going to die. I sought out these Monday Morning stories every week hoping to be encouraged that families are resilient. I found the encouragement I desperately needed through this series, and just like so many of these families, my family survived a rough season and we are better for it. Thanks ladies (and guys) for opening up your homes to give us all a bit of hope in the parenting journey.
This series made me laugh, made me cry, made me happy and even made me realize how what I have is so special. I could see other moms who go through the same things I do, and moms who go through so much more. Please Allstate bring back this series next year! I love Ilana and Mommy Shorts!!