Melissa and I met about 9 years ago when we were both living in Sydney, Australia. I ended up in a hair salon, in her chair after a disastrous color job from someone else. We found out we shared the same birthday and instantly hit it off. She is definitely one of my soul sisters! She recently welcomed her first baby, a little girl Rya, who has proudly made her a wholesome mama.
Without further adieu, let’s welcome new mama, Melissa to the blog.
Introduce yourself to The Wholesome Seed audience
I am a freedom seeker and rebel. I definitely go against the grain. I was born and raised in a small coastal town called the Sunshine Coast in Canada, where you had to boat or fly in and out of. My childhood was the most amazing. I spent all of my time in nature at the beach or in the forest. Not much has changed. I have two sides to me, one where I need no make-up and love to be wild in nature and the other where I love the city. I spent over 20 years hairstyling around the world. Some of my favourite career highlights are New York Fashion Week and travelling to Milan. I have always dreamed about being a wife and mother. So, after many years of living independently and frolicking around the globe, I knew it was time to make this a reality.
I met my fiancé, Logan, and 6 months later we got a puppy, moved in together and were engaged. Within that year, we were expecting a baby. As the saying goes, ‘When you know you know!” We live on Vancouver Island, BC and we welcomed our daughter, Rya. She was born on May 12, 2022. I feel so blessed by the life I live today. I love being a Mother.
You just welcomed your first baby officially making you a wholesome mama; how has it been going?
I don’t even know where to start. There is so much to unpack here, lol. It’s wild! There is nothing that can prepare you for having your first baby. Logan and I had, what we thought, were realistic expectations, but we were so off. It’s beautiful but also so challenging. After the 4th trimester, I felt more grounded and at peace. Like I can actually take deep breaths again. I was not prepared for the ups and downs. You just have to experience it. Nothing can prepare you for it. I’m so thankful for the women/mothers in my life that supports me. It’s amazing the power of being a mother and how it can bring you so close to other mothers.
What does a normal day look like for you?
We have gotten into a great routine now that she is a bit older and more predictable. I am focusing on following an Eat/Play/Sleep routine and because Rya is still so young, there isn’t much time in-between naps, so I’m still working this out for myself. After her first nap in her crib, we go for a long forest walk with our dog, Koah. She is an Australian Shepard and is 1.5 years old, so she needs a lot of exercise. We are sleep training so we are home for Ryas 3rd nap in her crib and after that, we go to the lake or stay home if it’s too hot. I am present with Rya, I don’t turn the TV on, and spend little time on my phone when she is up, I sing all the time to Rya, talk to her, play with her, do tummy time, and read to her. I look forward to when she wakes up and I can do these things with her. She is a dream come true. I feel I want to be present as much as possible and cherish the moments.
You have welcomed Rya during extraordinary times (a crazy world!), what are three things you have done that have helped you stay positive during this difficult time?
- I stopped searching for information. I was obsessed with learning about everything that was going on and I choose to stop it all. It was becoming unhealthy for me and it didn’t make me feel good.
- Do things that make me feel good, exercise, connect with friends, be creative, and pray.
- Have faith!
Motherhood is _____
An opportunity to surrender, self-reflect, ask for help, be loved and love unconditionally. Being ok with the fact that you will have many breakdowns but know that they are a gift so you can have the most amazing breakthroughs. Hard to put into words, but it’s an incredible experience and an enormous responsibility. Surreal!
What is the best advice you have received on being a new mama?
Don’t overthink it! Lol
What has surprised you most about being a mother?
How Rya looks at me and you can tell she is in awe of me. When someone is holding her and she starts to cry and as soon as I hold her, she stops crying. She loves me and doesn’t even know what that means yet, but it’s there.
How has welcoming your baby girl changed your relationship?
Our relationship has grown so much, and our love has gotten stronger. It hasn’t been easy, but we understand each other more because of the harder times. Witnessing each other as Mother and Father is so special to us, we are more connected because of it.
What excites you most about raising a wholesome baby?
When Rya and I can start cooking together. I am so excited about that!
Any advice for new wholesome mamas?
Be as present as you can be, it’s new and there is so much going on, but you got this! The beginning is challenging, but it gets easier and you’ll look back and wish you could do it all over again. Mom guilt is a real thing, but be easy on yourself. You have just done the most miraculous thing a human can do. You’re a warrior!
