With Mother's Day just around the corner the lovely team at L'Occitane asked me to share my feelings on a mother's bond. Are you ready for a bit of an emotional ramble? I hope so ;)

One word springs to mind. Powerful.

From my own relationship with my mum, to the bond I have with my boys.

For everyone it's different, with me it was instant. The minute both of my over nine pound (!) boys were plonked on my chest, their swollen, puffy, perfect faces rooting for milk I was overcome with the most intense feeling of love and belonging.

I say belonging because I've always felt a little bit lost in life. Not in a sad, dramatic way, just in a I'm not sure what my purpose in life is sorta way. Before the boys I'd not found a career I loved, and it sometimes worried me that without finding my direction I would just drift through life not ever feeling truly fulfilled.

Then I became a mum, and ironically through the chaos and craziness I found an inner peace with myself. The bond I have with my boys has grounded me and given me a greater sense of myself. A fact I used to get embarrassed about, as though I felt I needed to apologise for how much being a mum defined me. I no longer feel like that, nor should any mother who doesn't feel like motherhood defines them. The pressure to have it all is our generation's curse.

It's okay to say, I love my job. It's okay to say, I love being a stay at home mum. It's okay to say, the juggle is hard, all day everyday at home with my children is hard. I'm still learning that motherhood is a personal journey with our children and is not to be compared. Easier said than done at times.


With Caleb turning five and Archie, three, this year I'm starting to feel a huge shift happen. They're becoming so independent and their confidence shines now when they're away from me. A bittersweet moment but something I'm so proud of.

The bond we had in those early baby years was very much a physical one. My presence, my touch, the sound of my voice cemented that. Now I feel like our bond is this invisible force, something which gives them the confidence to go out in the world, and even when I'm physically not there they know that they are loved and supported.


With their growing independence and them both starting school and nursery this August, for the first time in a long time I'll be able to shift a little bit of the focus back on me. A somewhat scary notion, but one I'm going to embrace.

If the bond I have with my boys can send them out to be confident in the world I'm going to take a leaf out of their book and do the same. I want them to be proud of me too.

So, I plan to dedicate some proper time to this blog. Most of my blogging happens late at night or when a daytime nap will allow. I'm so excited about having time to really work on and expand this space. I also want to take better care of myself too. I feel the most unfit I've ever felt in my life and I think exercise will not only help with that but also help with my constantly feeling tired.

Talking of tired, oh my poor skin. It's true what they say, one day you wake up and the glow of youth is gone. gone. gone. As a lovely Mother's Day treat, L'Occitane sent me the most beautiful gift set from their Immortelle range. The creams have a beautiful rich feel but are so light on the skin, which is ideal for my skin as it clogs easily but lacks the moisture I need. A perfect pick me up for a tired mama who neglects herself for the little people in her life.

Men, if you're reading this there's lots of lovely Mother's day gift sets for the ladies in your life which you can find here. Ladies, if you're reading, drop the hint, hell treat yourself, and of course your own dear mum too.


To all the mama's out there I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day doing whatever it is you wish to do. Staying in bed all day being waited on hand and foot is surely allowed, isn't it?! I think I'll drop that hint to the little gentlemen and the big gentleman in my life ;)

Now I will leave you with two of my favourite pictures ever. Why? Because Caleb asked for them to be taken and chose what pose he wanted us to do. I've created a monster!!! A very, very cute monster ;) Check out our matching poses just below!


* this is post was kindly sponsored by L'Occitane, as always my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for continuing to support the select brands we work with that help make our blog possible.

12 comments

  1. Ahh this is lovely, that last photo is heart melting. I can't believe how big the boys are getting.
    I feel like I found myself in motherhood too, as though it's what I've always been waiting to happen if that makes sense.

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    1. I know I can't believe how big they're getting too!!
      Ironically for me I didn't picture myself being a mum, which is a crazy idea to me now, because with them life just makes sense.
      Thanks so much for reading, lovely! xx

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  2. Great read!
    If your expanding your blog would love know know some of your outfits deets, you always look good! A style section would be fun!

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    1. Thank you so much. Ker!!
      That's so lovely to hear that you'd be interested in a style section, as I plan to expand on that this year xx

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  3. Well this made me a lot emotional!! Such a beautiful post Claire. Love your words here about your precious boys - and excuse me, how gorgeous are you!! You look absolutely stunning! And these products sound and look very luxurious - think I'm going to have to treat myself xx

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    1. Ahh Jules, you lovely gorgeous woman you! Thank you, and I hope you did treat yourself ;) xx

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  4. Gaaaahhhh!!! Tears rolling down my cheeks here!! Those last two pictures sent me off!

    You're an amazing mum Claire, I hope you know that. I think staying at home is a brave and dedicated choice, and what an incredible job you've done!! Gorgeous, happy and confident little men!

    Beautiful! Happy early Mother's Day!

    Love you xxx

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    1. Lauren, these words mean so much to me. For years I felt I had to explain my choice to stay at home, it just so happens to be the best thing i've done, no explanations necessary. I hope you had a wonderful Mother's day with your boys xx

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  5. This is gorgeous Claire, I know exactly how you feel as I stayed home with my children, never knew which direction I was headed and didn't feel grounded til they came along.
    It's an exciting time for you, when you have those free hours and can focus on self again the balance shifts and if anything you'll appreciate time with them even more!
    Plus l'Occitane make the Best. Handcream. Ever.

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    1. Thank you, Julia! It's going to feel like a whole new chapter when they start school and nursery, but one I know that will be so good for us all too xx Oh and yes on the handcream. The. Best.

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  6. What a beautiful and heartfelt post! I totally get where you're coming from with giving you a purpose in this world. You're such an amazing mum and those boys absolutely adore you!
    Also I've just sent this to Ayman as those products look amazing!!
    Happy Mother's Day my love... who knows if I'll be in labour or not 🙈😘 xxx Sally xxx

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    1. Ahh and to think Remy is here now!!!!! Best gift ever!!! Love you lots, lady xx

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