Mom Friend Monday – Ashley Ross

I am back from the dead friends! It has been quite the week. Pregnancy mental fog has made for some much needed down time. But now I’m back with a wonderful mama for Mom Friend Monday! Ashley Ross!

MB: Hey Ashley! I’m so excited to have you join us for Mom Friend Monday! As you know you were nominated by another amazing mama Jenna McFarland to be featured for Mom Friend Monday – and I’m so glad she did! It’s been so fun getting to know you! So let’s dive right in!

I know for some motherhood is something they dreamt about since they were little girls, and for others the thought was one grew on them as they got older and married. Did you always know you wanted to be a mom?

AR: Yes. I always knew I wanted to be a mom. But my husband and I still waited 5 years before we had Ever. But before Ever came I was a mommy (still am) to my fur babies (2 dogs and 2 cats).

MB: Your daughter is beautiful! We too have our little fur baby – a crazy but incredibly sweet black cat. Basically a life long toddler. Being a mom has been one of life’s greatest blessings and also biggest trials. So many times we moms can get lost in the shuffle and forget that while we are mothers, it isn’t all we are. How do you find the balance between assuming the role as “mom” while remaining true to yourself?

AR: I actually love how being a mom has changed me. I believe it’s made me a better person. She’s made me want to do better for myself and of course for her. That being said, it’s so important to have friends. Actually some of my best friends are my daughter’s friend’s mom’s. We do playdates a lot which is a win win for all of us. And it’s definitely important to get a little alone time, whether that’s going to the gym, going to dinner with friends or just taking a shower by yourself (we’ve all been there). Having that little time to “reboot” really helps me be a better mom to her.

    
MB: Yes, showers are like small ways to reset! I love how you said it made you want to be a better you, for her. Totally felt the same way after having my oldest! So then, how has motherhood changed you?

AR: I am a better version of myself after I became a mom. I am stronger. Both emotionally and physically. I workout more. I’m more patient (usually). Still working on that one. LOL! I eat healthier. Our whole family does. We spend more time together. I’ve made new friends since becoming a mom. I’ve done all these things and more because I want her to be proud of me. I want her to have a strong woman figure to look up to. I want to be the mom she needs to guide her through life. So yes, motherhood has changed me, and I wouldn’t change that for the world.

MB: Haha, yes, the greatest lesson in patience is definitely parenthood! Because we are all nosey, what’s in morning cup?

AR: Espresso with coconut milk and just a tad of coconut creamer. Usually heated up at least 3 times before I actually get to drink it all. LOL!

MB: I need to try that! Espresso is my daily go to! If you could plan your ultimate mom friend getaway where would you go and what would you do?

AR: Oh my gosh! Funny you ask because a few of my good mom friends were just talking about planning a girls trip! Anywhere that has good shopping, food and wine is a-okay in my book! But I think Napa would be an amazing girls trip or Palm Springs. And you can never go wrong with Vegas!

MB: So fun! Hope the planning goes well! All of those locations sound amazing! Lastly, if you could impart some mom wisdom on our readers, what would it be?

AR: Remember that there are always other mom’s going through the exact same things you are. You are never alone. I think it’s so beneficial to find other mommy friends that you can relate to. That are going through the exact same things you are. Just to bounce thoughts off of, ask questions, or complain about what a terror their kid has been today. It’s so important to have a good support system.

MB: So true! Bastian has definitely assumed the terror roll this morning LOL! *more coffee please!* Sometimes motherhood can feel very isolating and knowing you’re not alone and that someone else is going through the same thing is the most reassuring feeling. Thanks so much for joining us! It’s been so fun chatting motherhood with you!

AR: Being a mom is definitely not the easiest job out there, but it is by far the most rewarding one I’ve ever had and ever will have. So cheers to all you mama’s out there doing your thing!

Isn’t Ashley the sweetest? I love meeting new mamas! Knowing, as Ashley said, you’re not alone on this journey of mamahood! Sometimes it’s easy to view other people’s kids as “the perfect child”, well-behaved and respectful. But ya know – all of us have those sassy pants mornings where whining is the spoken language. Like today … So thank you Ashley for the reminder that others go through the same thing! We just need to increase out coffee intake!

Give Ashley a follow!! @ashwisdom!! And remember if there is a mama that you think would be perfect for Mom Friend Monday – NOMINATE HER! Just head over to my contact me page and send me a message! Happy Monday Mamas!!

*photo credit: Taylor Wintle Photography