I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my motherhood journey over the years. I was 25 years old and clueless when I gave birth to Elisha, and I soon found out being a mom can be stressful, overwhelming, and emotionally messy. Not “every once in a while” but more often than we would prefer.

It took me a while to understand that it all balances out. The universal Law of Polarity tells us there is opposition in all things, and though it doesn’t just happen, motherhood can be a source of peace, joy, and healing to our lives… if we allow it. Motherhood is an opportunity to slow down, simplify, and gain awareness.

Through research and because of the line of work I do as a mentor and coach to moms, I’ve found that many first time moms regret most is rushing about trying to get it all done or get it all together, or trying to please everyone (husband, relatives, medical staff, etc.) so they approve of her motherhood choices and style.

I will confess that I’ve cried over this a lot, not because I made that mistake but because of the reason I didn’t make it. The raw pain of feeling like I had never been nurtured was too high and I was focused on just one goal: bonding with my baby so she would feel my love. Oh the paradox of life! Turns out not having the mom I always yearned for taught me more about being a mom than I imagined. And you’d think I’d feel proud of that, but not exactly, because you have no idea how many times I’ve prayed on my knees, cried ugly cries, and thrown emotional fits because I didn’t see the good in my mommy issues. And if you’re reading this going “but you do, now, Elayna!,” all I have to say is “not really, I am not quite there yet.“

But what I can tell you is that I am glad I obsessed in the right things, even if partially for the wrong reasons. And boy, it’s made being a mom so rewarding, and you can experience these feelings of joy and wonder, all while your baby, your toddler, your child feels loved, welcome, and accepted.

Bath time is one of those necessary tasks that can turn into a beautiful experience, because your baby, your toddler, is a wonder – from head to toe! You can make bath time special, beneficial, and fun for both of you.

Bath time can be much more than getting your baby or toddler clean; it can be a routine to bond, give and receive the love you both need. And I dare assume that because you’re human, and humans need love. It’s proven by science and it’s preached in all faiths.

Bath time can be a powerful ritual dedicated to let your daughter know she is bright and brilliant. It can be an experience full of discovery, exploration, bonding, engaging, and teaching your baby or toddler language skills, critical thinking. Bath time can help her social-emotional development and build her self-esteem.

I have been using JOHNSON’S® baby products since baby number one. And even though I didn’t always want to be a mom, when I decided it was time, I knew I’d be using JOHNSON’S® for their skin care.

I received these amazing products and we were all excited because JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ Extra Moisturizing line is good for babies with sensitive skin – and that has been true of all my babies!

JOHNSON’S® new HEAD-TO-TOE ™ Extra Moisturizing Baby Wash hydrates and enriches baby’s skin in the tub with 10 times more moisturizers than HEAD-TO-TOE™ Wash. It smells nice and feels yummy… and the other way around, too.

JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ Baby Wash and Lotion were specifically designed to work together in harmony with mom’s touch to nurture baby’s happy, healthy skin and overall development.

Research shows that your touch promotes healthy social-emotional development and enhances your baby’s motor skills.

As you gently apply the dermatologist and pediatrician tested JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ lotion, point out and talk about your baby’s different body parts and tell her what a wonder they are. Help her discover and love her body. Affirm, praise, and pray for each and every little part. What a blessing she is! There is so much you can tell her and so much she needs to hear! You will both benefit from having this time together.

Embrace the mess – but have a Plan B!

I’m sure you’re not arguing with me when I say the messiness is real, and there’s much to juggle as a mom to give baby or toddler a bath EVERY single time they get dirty, messy, or get vegan chocolate mouse all over them (that’s probably just my child!), so I (poorly) sang Hallelujah when I learned about the new JOHNSON’S® HEAD-TO-TOE™ Extra baby Cleansing Cloths which provide gentle cleansing of a JOHNSON’S® bath without the tub and water – whether at home or on the go! I think it’s fabulous to have baby products that work throughout the year, preventing your baby’s skin from drying out no matter the weather.

This is a life-saver with my Little Pigeon. Seriously. I sometimes wonder if people think I don’t ever bathe her, wash her hands, or comb her hair. She’s just full of joy, energy, and adventure… and you get dirty when you’re enjoying life to the fullest. I secretly want to be like her – well, now it’s not a secret. LOL  I know what Jesus meant when he said to be like a child: relax, play… repeat!

I’m learning. I am growing in embracing that all the pain have led me to live a more intentional life and I get to pay it forward in such an amazing way. I pray that you feel more equipped to handle bath time and to make it an opportunity to enjoy the wonder that is motherhood – even amidst the struggles.

How do you make bath time magical? Had you heard of JOHNSON’S® new HEAD-TO-TOE™ bath time washes, creams and cleansing cloths before? I want to learn how you keep your baby’s skin nourished and clean, whether at home or on the go, in the tub or out.

[ela]