When I was a preteen, I vividly remember my mom saying that she prayed my sister and I wouldn’t be in the popular crowd. When I interpreted those words at my young age, the statement sounded a little bit harsh. “Thanks, Mom,” I thought, “It would be so much easier to fit in with everyone.” I rolled my eyes, thinking it wouldn’t be a big deal if I was or I wasn’t, I’d still be me. As a nerdy and outspoken middle schooler, I dealt with my fare share of teasing, but I also had wonderful friends. However, when given the choice between popularity and lack thereof, the grass seemed a bit greener on the other side.

Daily Life, RelationshipsGriffin HillJuly 1, 2020parenthood, popularity, new parent, mom blog, boy mom, faithComment

A Letter to My Baby, When the World Feels Hard

Dear baby,

You woke up today chatting with yourself again. I think it’s my favorite sound in the world, you just peacefully greeting the day and waiting for me to snatch you up with kisses. What I would give for that kind of peace right now.

Daily LifeGriffin HillApril 2, 2020motherhood, baby, coronavirus, pandemic, parenthood, new momComment

An Honest Look at My Postpartum Experience

Throughout my pregnancy, almost everyone “warned” me about postpartum, or the fourth trimester, if you will. Most of these warnings were well meaning, and some of them (mostly random followers on Instagram who could have just not spoken up) were fear mongering and drenched in a trauma perspective. I get it - there are some horrific birth and postpartum experiences out there, and many women have valid reasons to carry baggage from their season as a new mom. While I firmly believe that it is important to be prepared for a change in plans or the potential of a rough start to motherhood, I also believe that we need to be careful about the way we speak to new moms about something they haven’t experienced yet, and something that may or may not be full of negative experiences.

Daily LifeGriffin HillFebruary 13, 2020pregnancy, postpartum, postpartum journey, fourth trimester, new mom, new babyComment

Sullivan Wilder's Birth Story

I’ve always loved reading birth stories because each woman has such a different and beautiful experience. It’s been just over a week since our son, Sullivan Wilder Hill, was born, and it’s important to me to capture his story while it’s fresh in my mind. I’ll start by saying that so many things took me by surprise during my labor and birth, and I hope that sharing an honest look at a natural birth is helpful to those who want to experience a similar miracle.

My Favorite (and Least Favorite) Parts of the Second Trimester

The first few months of pregnancy dragged by, but the second trimester honestly flew. When I reflect, I guess a lot has happened in the past 14 weeks, but creeping up on the end of this pregnancy definitely seems a bit surreal. I think it’s so important to read posts like this while remembering that everyone’s body and pregnancy journey is so different, but it’s interesting to see how our bodies respond and change, nonetheless.

Daily Life, HealthGriffin HillOctober 16, 2019pregnancy, second trimester, pregnant, healthy pregnancy, sleeping while pregnant, boy mom, gender revealComment

The Good, the Bad, and the Carbs of My First Trimester

Long before I even wanted to be pregnant, I’ve always enjoyed reading about other people’s pregnancy experiences and how their lives and habits changed because of them. I will say upfront that I do not write this point from the standpoint of being a medical professional, an expert on pregnancy (LOL), or anything of the like. I just wanted to share my first trimester with the world and answer your all’s most asked questions from my Instagram! So, here goes: