https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:14:50 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685380 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:36:59 +0000 Picnic 2685380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow! Thank you so much ladies! I haven't had a chance to read everything yet but will later tonight when my little one goes to bed. I appreciate all the input/suggestions! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685244 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:57:33 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2685244@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@junebugsmama: same here. DH works out in the garage and his solo exercise time really recharges his batteries.</p> <p>I am noticing a trend in some of the replies- making the most of the little things. I used to listen to Audiobooks and that's easy enough to pick up. Cooking is more fun when I pretend to have an audience. Today, I bought a legit set of prep bowls from Amazon to get my Top Chef on for real. LOL </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685216 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:43:26 +0000 Corduroy 2685216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm working on this myself. With the kids, I'm going out more. We are liking the group Hike it Baby a lot. I heard about it here. Without the kids: I signed up for a Friday night dance class. I'm no good but I'm getting out and talking to people. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685198 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:28:09 +0000 JerricaBenton 2685198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Online shopping :silly: </p> <p>Seriously though - lo is in preschool three mornings a week now so obviously that helps me get some private time. Before that we signed up for tons of art and music classes and hiking groups. I try to do stuff we both like at least some of the time (which gets harder as they get older and literally say no, I'm not doing that lol or have their heart set on an activity that isn't your favorite). We like to hike, we love the library. I love that she's old enough for kids only story time because I'll go pick out my own books and sit quietly by myself for 45 minutes. We love going to Starbucks for a drink and snack and people watching or out to try out a new juice bar or bakery and things like that. We also both like baking and cooking so we'll pick out a recipe together then go get the ingredients, then make it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685175 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:58:30 +0000 Greentea 2685175@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We like going to the park. It doesn't cost a thing and you never know who you are going to see!</p> <p>I share passions with LO- hiking, birding, photography, reading and learning, meeting new people, always making and being creative, healthy food, going for walks... We research new birds together and find them hiking or learn about ocean creatures. Whatever floats your boat. I like having nonfiction mags around for drawing, cutting, learning and lots of books.</p> <p>We also live kinda downtown so we go shopping by walking and see people and try new recipes. We try new things... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685159 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:42:09 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2685159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: @Cherrybee: I feel like this too. I am at the point where I can't even think of what to do when I get a free moment to myself because the few hobbies I used to have are just totally off my radar. My husband always utilizes every minute out in the garage with his junk or whatever, and all I can ever think is to clean or organize something. And often times don't even do that, just zone out on My phone or in a better case scenario, read a book. My kid started a preschool program and I will have one afternoon to myself per week! Excited but if it comes time to pick him up and all I did was tidy the house (it doesn't even look nice) I'll be sad. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685155 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:37:19 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2685155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: thanks! You're always so encouraging! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685069 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 12:56:50 +0000 newlypregnantlady 2685069@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I decided to get pregnant and have a second LO! </p> <p>And I focus on my hobbies. I'm lucky in that my hobbies fold really nicely into motherhood (knitting, crochet, cooking, sewing), and I'm not a very social person. </p> <p>I also tend to try and plan big things like birthdays and events in advance. I'm all about saving money and putting more hours into something to make it cheaper so this is a big one for me. I shop around for deals on stuff and find projects to keep me occupied. I also love to learn new skills within my hobbies so I find that really rewarding/ exciting. Things like cooking a perfect stovetop steak, or perfecting a pan sauce, or learning stranded colorwork in knitting, or learning to alter men's clothes are all things that keep me really engaged and excited to try to master. </p> <p>But again, I'm lucky that my hobbies fold well into motherhood! I know plenty of people whose hobbies are less kid friendly (skiiing, fashion, horseback riding, etc.). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2685006 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:49:42 +0000 Cherrybee 2685006@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: ❤️ I feel like this too..... But don't lose heart, as they grow it really does get so much easier. Wishing you the very best of luck with your 5k goal - you can do it!</p> <p>Ooh, I agree with the pp who said to reframe some of the time as mummy/LO date time. I took E for pizza and bowling last week and I loved every minute (I'm normally very grumpy about day to day parenting). I'm going to try to do this more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684989 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:41:43 +0000 Mama Bird 2684989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In theory, going places really helps. In practice, my toddler hates going outside (he's used to staying in all day, this is how day care works around here :bummed: ) It's easier to get him out if it's a routine trip. So maybe make one or two days out a week past of your routine... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684981 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:33:05 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2684981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The other day I filled out something about hobbies/ how I spend my free time. It was so sad. :bummed: I don't know how exciting or even doable my 2017 goal to have a life outside of mom/wife/employee will be, but I am determined to run a 5k for my milestone birthday this year.</p> <p>Finding the time in the day or weekend for self care and really enjoying those moments is hard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684972 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:14:44 +0000 looch 2684972@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That's a tough one, I mean, what's your definition of exciting? For me, it means having things to do that are a mix of outside the home and at home. I love summer, and during that time, since we have a pool, I like to invite people over to use it. This way, it doesn't become a costly event. </p> <p>Otherwise, stuff that is fun, costs money and I don't know about you, but I feel guilty if I overspend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684951 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:53:51 +0000 youboots 2684951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>T and I get out of the house every day.<br /> She's in daycare 8 hours a week- I work a little and also take time for myself. The break is good for us.<br /> Not sure if it's doable but I like to go out to eat with her once a week or so. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684916 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 10:07:10 +0000 KayKay 2684916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>- weekly date nights with DH<br /> - listening to non-parenting podcasts<br /> - forcing myself to go to MNO once a month<br /> - planning vacations (whole family or not) to have something to look forward to<br /> - getting together more with childless friends/couples that we know</p> <p>you'll see that most of mine are things without my kids! i don't know if it really makes my SAHM life more exciting, but it makes me feel like i still exist as something other than a mom.</p> <p>as far as things WITH kids, having a planned activity 1-2x a week and doing something "special" on those days when we are feeling like we're in a rut (e.g., donuts for lunch! special trip to the bookstore! pajama, popcorn, &amp; a movie day!) work well for me just to break things up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684908 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:30:02 +0000 justjules 2684908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things that really help me are:<br /> 1. Audio Books. I am always listening to one while I do the more mundane chores like dishes or folding laundry. Or when we go in long walks<br /> 2. Having a child free time. We go to our local YMCA mid morning. E is in child care and I work out.<br /> 3. Breaking up the day and planning out the week. We try to go out 2x a day (morning and afternoon). I usually have at least a loose idea of what I want to do during the week. Sometimes when I have no plan those days drag on the longest!<br /> 4. DH and I have weekly date nights on fridays or saturdays. Something to look forward at the end of the week!<br /> 5. Play dates with good friends.<br /> 6. Relaxing during nap time. For me that means after lunch and before nap time I clean up and make tea so when E goes down I can light a candle, and just relax and not getstressed about cleaning up. It's a "me" time I look forward to. </p> <p>I struggle with being a SAHM all the time, though! So I know the feelings </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684900 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 09:09:56 +0000 Baby Boy Mom 2684900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @Cole: have something to look forward to. I try to work this on two fronts- one is activities out of the house, be they baby classes or just things you want to do. For example I try to go to the city once a week and go to a museum or something I want to do. It might not be leisurely and yes it might be a full day of kid logistics for 15 minutes of the main event but I'm always glad I went. The second front is projects going on a home, or something I can look forward to during nap time other than chores, even if it's just reading a book. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684873 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 08:42:46 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2684873@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While on maternity leave, I tried to have a few groups/meetings that were free and available for drop in that I could go to if I needed but didn't have pressure to attend if I wasn't feeling up to it.</p> <p>Maybe story time at the library? Music lessons somewhere? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684869 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 08:33:44 +0000 Cole 2684869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've really struggled with this too, I stated to find my groove and then got pregnant and sick... </p> <p>What was working for me-<br /> Sitter once a week for a couple of hours so I could go to yoga and run a few errands.<br /> I joined a moms club and made a point to either going on the moms night out event or going out with friends once or twice a month.<br /> Always having something on the calendar to look forward to, sometimes this involved an activity with my daughter and sometimes not.<br /> Started reframing some days as mommy daughter days- it's amazing how much this helps!<br /> I enjoy scrapbooking so I set up a spot near where my daughter plays and I try to sit and putter when she's playing. I did have to put together her own little set of stuff though because she frequently joins me.<br /> I also started to get more involved with the community after the election, just reaching out and seeing the possibilities to help with things I care about was energizing- I'm currently a bit of a hermit but I am following along online and I'm excited to get back to this once I feel human again!<br /> Basically just remembering to make time for me through the week and month really helped. I really had to be intentional about it, no one was going to say "hey, you've had a crazy few days, go to yoga!" As much as I love my husband it would literally never occur to him! I needed to say "I'm doing X, di you want toddler duty or should I get a sitter?" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/making-mom-life-moreexciting#post-2684855 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 07:49:29 +0000 Picnic 2684855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a three year old and about 6 months ago became a stay at home mom. While there are a ton of things I love about being home, I am starting to feel really bored with life. The days feel very full (busy and rewarding), but repetitive and long. How have you moms kept your life exciting/fun after you had a little one? Thanks Ladies :) </p>