Welcome to be.loved!

be.loved is a full-spectrum support service for new & growing families. Many resources can be found on the site, so please take a look around. Head over to the be.connected page to contact me with questions, concerns, or requests for more information about services for your family. I can't wait to meet you!

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Oh, hello, Spring! Thanks for stopping by this week! Getting out of the house (especially after a long winter of being stuck inside) is a HUGE benefit of outdoor play. But did you know that outdoor play also fosters social competence, problem solving, creative thinking, safety skills, imaginative play, taking initiative, sensory play, an appreciation of the environment, enjoyment of physical activity, & supports development of your child’s muscles & digestive system. There is even evidence that outdoor play increases learning ability & clear thought! And that’s just to name a FEW! So, in case you were on the fence about going out today, get out there! ****************************************************** @massaudubon @zoonewengland ******************************************************#belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #outdoorplay #bostonnaturecenter #franklinparkzoo #hellospring #getoutside #getmoving #exploreboston #outdooreducation
He’s two today. Motherhood is so many things I expected & so many things I didn’t. I was ready to feel my heart fill up, but had no idea just how full it could get. I was ready to feel pride & awe, but not ready for the intensity or frequency with which I would feel them. But, mostly, I was not ready for the duality of it all. For every time I feel overwhelmed with love, I feel equal parts heartache. Every day I have moments of intense joy, but I also have moments that I’m certain my heart must be tearing apart. For every moment that he amazes me, I am acutely aware that he is growing & time is passing. Last night as I rocked him to sleep, I let tears silently flow as I processed the fact it was the last time I’d put my one-year-old to sleep. I cried for the baby that is lost to me forever. But I also cried tears of happiness for the cute, sweet, thoughtful, funny, determined, perfect little toddler that was in my lap. Motherhood will always be both. Two. So, today, more for me than for him, we’re instituting a new traditions: birthday rules. He wantsto have some extra sugar? Ok. He wants to watch a little bit of movie? Got it. He wants to stay in your jammies day? Cool. Because he’s growing, so for this one day I’m going to slow it down, have a yes day, & just indulge in two. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Photo by @loveandperry •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #myheart #twoyearsold #yesday #dualityofmotherhood #birthdayboy #birthdayrules #timeistheworst
Oh man, is teething just the worst or what? Leo has been working on these canines for what seems like forever. The memory of sleep dances around my mind like a shimmering mirage. As of now, I’m powered by pure willpower. Here’s hoping they pop through soon! All you other mamas muddling through teething: I’m with you! Just remember, it’s worse for your babe - they don’t have coffee 😋 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Thanks to @mommycusses for this perfect description •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #teethingistheworst #morecoffeeplease #sleepwhatsthat #allthesnuggles #chewingeverything #nursingfordays #whydoweneedteethanyway #chewingmonster
Very happy to share my first post for @paper__pinecone tackling the history of our expectations around infant sleep. The truth is, our expectations about infant sleep patterns are a social construct, created by a shifting society with expanding role expectations for parents. They do not come from an understanding of infant development. If you’ve ever been asked “so, is your baby sleeping through the night yet?” (a.k.a. the worst question ever), you’ll want to give this a read! Don’t get anxious about what your babe is or isn’t doing; get informed! Link in bio! Stay tuned for the rest of the series 😊 •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @beyond_sleep_training_project •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #infantsleep #infantdevelopment #sleeptraining #getinformed #informedchoiceparenting #challengewhatyouknow #sleepdevelopment #normalizeinfantsleep #beyondsleeptrainingproject
You know what the most beautiful thing about being a parent is? You’re never alone. Well, okay, sometimes when you are literally never alone it can be...frustrating, to say the least (hello, bathroom buddy!). But what I mean is that you’re never going through it alone. And, yes, there are other parents who are in your shoes. And, yes, those parents make great supports. But you know who is also going through it with you? Your little love. If you’re having a hard day, it’s because *they’re* having a hard day. When you’re going through it, *they’re* going through it. Being a parent is hard, but being a baby or toddler is even harder. So, remember on those days when your nerves are fraying: look beside you. Your babe is walking right along side you. He’s not giving you a hard time, he’s *having* a hard time. You’re learning together. Take a breath, mama, you’re both doing okay. ❤️ •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #chooselove #gentleparenting #youreneveralone #parentingishard #superheromama #handinhand #tinyhumans #youareenough #mindfulmamas
Took some time this weekend to reconnect with a date night!! Dinner, drinks, & a night with the absolutely brilliant cast of Schitt’s Creek. If you’re not watching this show, you should be. Not only does it make my belly hurt from laughter, but it depicts the world as it should be: full of love in all its forms. That is the world I want my son to see. For someone who cannot look at the news lately without sparking a panic attack, this show is a wonderful reminder of the good in people & that choosing love isn’t futile or silly. So much so that I honestly consider watching it part of my self-care. Who says TV can’t help heal hearts? •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• @instadanlevy @schittscreek @emilyhampshire @annefrances @olreid •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #chooselove #schittscreek #schittscreekupcloseandpersonal #orpheumtheaterboston #schittstour #ifyourenotwatchingyoushouldbe #datenight
Happy Valentine’s Day from this little guy & his first love! This doll has made this little boy so happy. He’s been running around the house hugging her, saying “Leo happy Poppy love”. My heart! Anyway, here’s the thing, I think gender rules are crap. So when my little bambino fell in love with this neon pink, glittery character I was only too happy to buy him one of his own. He gets to choose what he likes. If he wants glitter & pink & to comb her hair then his mama will make sure that’s what he gets to do. It doesn’t matter if your valentine is a literal troll, as long as you’re happy ❤️ To you & *whoever* makes you this happy: I hope you feel so full of love today you could burst! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #genderrulesaredumb #boyslikepink #happyvalentinesday #firstlove #poppy #trolls #boyslikedollstoo
Laughed out loud when we read Leo this book last night. A+ parenting. Imagine living in a time where it was preferable for your friends to think your children had a highly contagious, potentially deadly disease than let anyone know that children sometimes got ::gasp:: dirty! Oh, 1902, you must have been a wild time to be a mama. I suppose our world now has its issues for parents to confront, but at least we know now that children are not little adults. Sometimes there’s no time for a bath, sometimes there are bodily fluids, sometimes you put them in two different shoes. It’s alllllll ok, mamas. Love, warmth, & responsiveness is where it’s at - so put your effort there. And be thankful that now (at least in the circles I roll in) the pressure to throw fancy tea parties complete with children in dresswear is like, negligible. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #beatrixpotter #tomkitten #letthembelittle #spankingisneverok #knowbetterdobetter #iamaffronted
Happy Monday, mamas! This morning I decided to have a nice grapefruit. Fresh, bright, refreshing, healthy - yum. Then, suddenly, grapefruit is my toddler’s favorite food! So I was left with less than half. Womp womp. It’s completely demolished & he’s STILL trying to steal it. Currently working on plan B for breakfast. Mamas sacrifice a *lot* for their babes. And we do it happily to see those smiling faces & to soak up those glorious hugs & wet, sloppy kisses. Here’s to you, mamas, for sacrificing your grapefruits day in & day out. I see you. You know what, just let yourself have a doughnut. Or a dozen. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• #belovedboston #bostonmamas #mamas #toddlermama #toddlers #boymama #instamama #igmama #motherhood #bloggermama #adventuresofleojack #littlelionpaws #lifewithleo #leomio #dearleo #motherhood #workingmama #sahm #workfromhomemama #bostonbusinesswomen #sacrifices #wheresmybreakfast #momlife #microwavingmycoffeeforthetenthtime #stickyfingers #lifewithatoddler