There are so many great things about this blog. So so many. It brings women (and some rad men!) from all over the world together, to be a part of this community. I’m really proud of that. And I’m grateful for all of you. The past week has been a bit challenging for me mentally. I write this blog because I love it and it’s also a way I provide for my family. And I would say 99% of the comments I get on here are from a place of love. But that 1% of people who feel the need to come here and judge me or try to put me down is really hard to look past. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for constructive feedback, but hate has no place here. Isn’t it crazy how one person can say one bad thing about us and it can make us question so much about ourselves? I know I should ignore it (and I do most of the time). I know how silly it is. And I know all of you know how silly it is. But easier said than done right?
Some of you might not even know what I’m talking about. So let me just give a little recap. The other day on my blog, about tacos nonetheless, one of my followers decided to write an extremely hateful comment about me as a mother (I wish people like this would just unfollow me and not read my blog). After I read it, I was extremely hurt. I know I’m a damn good mother. My kids are fed, loved and cared for every moment of every day. I exclusively breastfeed my son, as I did with Molly for a year, which is a daily commitment and a struggle to keep my milk supply up (please don’t read into this. I realize breastfeeding isn’t for everyone! But it is something that I work very hard on – everyday). Molly is very smart. And while I believe some of that is something she was born with, I also think Kevin and I do a really good job of making sure we teach her new things every single day. Whether it’s the alphabet or a new word in Spanish or read her new book. I’m proud of that. I know that’s because we work extra hard to make sure she’s developing and growing and learning. So for someone to suggest that I’m not a good mother because I have ups and downs really bothered me. It bothered me not only for me, but for all the other moms that are judged out there who are just doing the absolute best they can.
1. WHITE SWEATER | 2. RIPPED SKINNY JEANS | 3. LEOPARD PURSE | 4. TASSEL FLATS | 5. CUP OF HAPPY MUG | 6. SIMILAR SWEATER
I share stories and small snippets about my motherhood journey because I hope it helps other moms out there not feel as alone. Because anyone who says motherhood isn’t hard, is lying!!!! Are you getting the whole picture of my life? Well no. That would be nearly impossible to share. In fact if you were getting the whole picture of my life then maybe I would be a pretty bad mother because I would be on my phone and on Instagram stories way too much and not paying attention to my children. What are you not seeing? Well you’re not seeing Molly screaming and crying because she’s two and that’s what two year olds do sometimes. You’re not seeing me at 6am trying to nurse Riley while she’s crying at my feet because she wants me to put the baby down, but if I put him down he will cry because he’s hungry and my husband isn’t home to help because he goes to work at 4am. You don’t see me nurse once and then pump 5 times a day because I am trying to get my milk supply up (I only breastfeed in the morning and pump EVERY other feed so I make sure Riley gets enough food – he drinks A TON right now – 40 ounces a day! and I can’t keep up so I pump and add frozen breast-milk for what I can’t produce in the moment. I’ll blog more about this later.) You don’t see me pump so often and frequently that my nipples rub raw and I’m in tears from the pain – but I keep going. You don’t see A LOT of my struggles. And my struggles are the same as SO MANY other mothers struggles.
And I know so many other mothers out there have it SO much harder than I do. I know this. I lucky that I was able to hire childcare to help me for a few hours ever morning (btw, The Nanny League is great if your looking for help too). And I’m not a single mom. I have a husband that truly takes on 50% of the load. I CANNOT IMAGINE what it must be like to be a single mother and I’m in awe of all of you! But that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. I do. I’m human.
One person also suggested in a comment on my blog that I should share my struggles, but not in such an extreme way on Instagram. What does that even mean?! That I should sugarcoat those things and make them seem not as hard? She said that other “celebs” find a way to share their struggles but not make it seem so extreme. And again, I know I shouldn’t get so hung up on a few people’s comments when there were so many positive ones, but I feel like if I were to sugarcoat what’s going on that would be doing a disservice to all the moms that follow me. Any mother out there knows that motherhood has extreme up-and-down’s! One second your kid is being amazing and well behaved and giving you a ton of love and you’re giving them love in return! Then in the next second they’re throwing themselves on the ground screaming at the top of their lungs, and you’re doing everything in your power to keep your cool. One minute you feel like you’ve got this and the next you wonder how you’ll get through the day.
1. WHITE SWEATER | 2. RIPPED SKINNY JEANS | 3. LEOPARD PURSE | 4. TASSEL FLATS | 5. CUP OF HAPPY MUG | 6. SIMILAR SWEATER
But here is what you also don’t see on my blog or insta. You might not have seen that Molly has memorized over two dozen books in her collection from front to back because we read them so often. You might not have seen that she gives me and Kevin what we call “double hugs and double kisses” every night where we all do a group hug and group kiss before bedtime. You might not have seen that she insists that mommy put her to bed at night and I love it because we share extra sweet moments in those few minutes right before she goes to bed. You don’t always see that Riley smiles nonstop. Even though I do post a ton about how much he smiles! I’d never be able to capture all the smiles in one day because he’s truly the happiest person I know! We are so blessed to have such an incredibly sweet baby! You might not necessarily see that my husband is the absolute best father to our kids that I could’ve ever hoped for! I don’t always write or talk about that because I feel like he’s so amazing that it’s impossible to put into words. My point to mention these things is to say that I know my life is great! But my life is also hard right now! And anyone with kids out there knows why. Kevin and I always say that this is the best AND the HARDEST time in our lives. So there are going to be huge highs and low lows.
I know I’ve spent some time talking about the negative people on my blog, but I’m done giving energy to that right now. I want to focus on the good. Hence why I’m drinking out of my “cup of happy” mug today! And I want to give shout outs to the women and moms that deserve the shout outs! Like Sarah who made me laugh by commenting on my blog saying saying people seem “hangry” and everyone should “make a taco, eat a taco and continue to do your best parenting with what works for you.” Thanks for putting a smile on my face when I was feeling pretty frustrated and down. And thank you to Shayla who follows my blog and reads it regularly! Thank you to Amy for telling me to continue to share the no-filtered version of motherhood. I will! Because of people like you! And thank you to Beth for commenting on my taco blog with an actual question about the tacos! Ha! She asked if she could substitute the black beans because she’s not a fan of them. You totally can Beth! Try roasted chickpeas!
And thank you to everyone else who has ever written something nice on my blog! All of you are why I keep doing this. Thank you all for supporting me and giving me love and encouragement. I truly hope from the bottom of my heart that I do a little bit of the same for all of you! As you guys know, I try to comment back to the majority of the comments on my blog! I want you to know that I’m here and I’m reading them and I hear you all! With the exception of the taco blog, I didn’t respond back to a lot of those because it was a bit emotional for me. But otherwise this blog is a place for us to connect! Not just a place for me to write and you guys comment. But a place for me to keep the conversation going and comment back! If I ever don’t comment, it’s only because I’m trying to juggle this and being a present mother for my children. It’s a constant juggling act but like I said at the beginning of this blog, all of us moms are just doing the best we can. I love you guys! You’re the best!
“Hurt people, hurt people”- I’m going to try to remember that next time. Because sadly, there will be many next times…
Ugh, negative people are the worst. Seriously, if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all! Sorry you had to go through that, Ali!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
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Oh I’m fine! It’s just disappointing at time.
I ALWAYS look forward to your adorable posts. Keep them coming. You have a beautiful family. You are blessed 🤗
I do too! My children are teenagers now and your life resembles those years when mine were little. You have a lovely family. It is hard and I think you also show how much you love it!! These days don’t last long even though some nights it feels like forever. 😊 I would love to hold my babies again. They let me hug them a ton still, but it’s not quite the same as those baby snuggles. Anyway, do try to avoid those nasty comments. I have been managing a critical illness for the last couple of years, and following you is a wonderful distraction for me when it gets me down. Your Molly reading is my fave! Keep up the great work- you are doing an incredible job all while looking gorgeous.
Ali, I’ve been following you since you were on the bachelorette and while I enjoy your blog, what makes me continue following you and in my opinion makes you so likeable is your vulnerability. Thank you for being honest with the world! As a first time mom with a two year old I can relate to dealing with the temper tantrums and juggling work. It’s not easy! But like you said, it’s the hardest best job ever! I only have one so I can only imagine how difficult it would be to have a new baby and a two year old! I don’t think I could do it right now! Thanks again for being honest!
I second this!
I third this!!
You rock Ali. You are honest and real. Thank you for sharing the good the bad and the ugly.
Ali I think u and Kevin and the babies are adorable I love watching ur stories little molly is super smart and funny and Riley what a little ham!!! Don’t pay attention to those haters this world needs more love and less hate. I’m a single mom of two kids and it’s very hard and supper stressful keep doin what u do girl I think ur awesome
Your doing a great job Ali !! ♥️ Being a mom is tuff ! I’m pumping as I type this ! I know the Beauchemin Family is proud of you! My Granmda always asks about you ! ♥️♥️
I always look forward to your blogs. You and Kevin Are the best parents ever. I had three children and I feel your pain at times it is not easy. You do the best you can and that’s all you can ask. You are a beautiful person and mother, you have a beautiful family. Love you
Ali, you are amazing… keep being you! I read every blog post and look forward to all your insta posts and stories – you are sweet and real and I appreciate you! Thank you for being you!
I love your posts Ali…my kids are 24 and 22 and so many things that you talk about I went through as well. I wish I had someone like you back in the day, to help me relate to the struggles. Shine on bright one:)
I love reading your posts! Keep your head up! Mommin’ ain’t easy! It is the hardest, most wonderful thing you can go through! You are doing a great job!
I seriously don’t know why people love to be so negative. Didn’t you start sharing more because someone felt that you were portraying your life as “too perfect” on social media? I mean, you can’t win! You hold back, people are upset. You share more, people are upset!
Keep being you! You are a rockstar!
From one mom to another! Xoxo
I am a working mom of two wonderful children, and although I try very hard everyday to be the best mom to both my kids, I find that some days are better than others…but that’s ok. I said that I try hard, not that I’m perfect. Thank you for sticking up for “far from perfect” moms like myself….and here’s a note for your haters: ”Dear haters, Ali has so much more for you to be mad at…just be patient!” 😊 Keep blogging and keep being you….because you’re AWESOME!
Just want to tell you that I read your blog and find myself saying “same” all the damn time! You are so real and honest, and that is so refreshing! Keep being you – a good mama, a fashionista – who makes it all look easy….it’s inspiring to the rest of us out here, who are just trying to keep it together. And to the rude ladies out there – clearly not part of our mom tribe! Xoxo
Everyone can see that you are a great mom!!
And everybody loves your blog and stories. Always be who you are !!
I am right there with you in this stage of motherhood ..a 6 week old boy and 2 1/2 year old girl …your Instagram stories helped me get through my post partum right after I had my son ..still days are hard and times are not easy ! I love that I can relate to you and you show that side of your life ..don’t listen to the hate, keep doing you!
Ali, After I posted I thought of something I saw on Kelly and Ryan’s show yesterday. They were speaking about Nebraska’s new slogan that says “Honesty, we are not for everyone!” Kelly and Ryan were laughing and Kelly said “Honestly, We are not for everyone, but the one’s we are for, we are really for!” You can think of that slogan when you get nasty comments! Like “ Honestly, I’m not for everyone, but the ladies I’m for I’m really for!” Just trying to make you laugh! Think of that when you get the nasty comments! You are wonderful, and you are for me! I love your positivity, fashion (just like I love Lawrence’s fashion, lol, cute idea’s, mothering, Family, etc…) You are a wonder distraction because since my kids were small I’ve suffered from Lupus. So I have to rest so much to stay healthy and this was the main reason we moved from MA to CA a few years ago due to the cold. I’ve followed you since the bachelor days and you are the only celeb I follow. ❤️U
Ali I SO wish we had things like this when my son was born. He is now 15! I enjoy your post & love what you share. In fact, I just watched your brushes tutorial and was like ok now I get it! 😂😂 thank you for sharing your life with us. Keep your chin up, we are all human.
Loveyou Ali 💗
There’s always going to be that one bad apple! Just keep your chin up and keep being you! I think by what I read and see on your blog and Facebook that you’re one hell of a Mom! Don’t let the few naysayers get you down and question yourself! I have learned at 55 that life is too short and I just ignore negative people!
I read this with tears streaming down my face. My son was born premature almost 3 years ago and it’s so hard not to listen to the mommy shamers—like life isn’t hard enough, I’ve had to listen to so many comments from people who I thought were my friends asking me why my some isn’t doing that yet, etc making me feel like I was a terrible mother and I wasn’t doing enough. I did exactly what you did and focused solely on positive vibes. My sweet boy is so smart, caught up developmentally on so many levels, and is happy. That’s what matters. We’re happy!
Being a mommy, wife, and everything in between is the HARDEST job ever, but keep doing you. I think we’re all doing great at it!
Forget it Ali..they have problems in their own lives and feel the need to project their negativity onto you because quite honestly, I think jealousy plays a role and reers it’s ugly head on occasion! Some people love to degrade famous people publicly.. so unfair to do it to you though.. I think you and Kevin are amazing parents and every day I look forward to both your insta stories.. more than anyone’s else’s, your kids are at ages where they drain every ounce of your energy most days.. I remember this with my kids, who are now adults.. I soooo miss those tough days now but I know I got through them the best I knew how! You just keep doing what you’re doing and cherish the good and bad days.. they grow up so darn fast! I LOVE LOVE your blog! Thanks for bringing back memories of my kids when they were babies!
ITS OK TO SAY ITS A TOUGH TIME! Screw the negative haters! ❤️❤️
I’m a new mom and I find your blogs so refreshing and encouraging especially for a celeb mom.. We need more people like you who are real when it comes to motherhood because it is the most amazing journey and yet it still comes with its set of challenges. I too feel incredibly blessed financially and also have a very supportive hands on husband, but I also come across moms who shut me down when I try to share my struggle with breastfeeding , by saying how good I have it compared to their situaiton and how dare I complain .. It hurts , because as women we just want to be herd and encouraged but instead your made to feel guilty for even sharing. Women need to support each other and not be so judgmental , because like you said we are all human at the end of the day and each of us have challenges that are unique for each mom and what’s challenging for you maybe easy for me , you can’t compare my hardships because your not in my shoes . At the end of the day we’re all just moms trying to do the best we can .
I’m sitting on my goldfish crumb covered couch, sipping a glass of red wine and smiling with happy tears in my eyes as I read this post. As usual, SO WELL PUT. Early motherhood makes for the happiest most memorable parts of our lives as well as the most challenging and exhausting. After difficulty conceiving, IVF, very complicated pregnancy and 27 week delivery of twins, I constantly remind myself how lucky I am to have the unbelievably amazing 3 years I do today. Real genuine mothers need to lean on each other and share struggles in the moment! It’s a rollercoaster ride that always end with a deep breath and a smile. But…the downs can be so so difficult. Keep being an amazing mom, a loving wife, a beautiful style inspiration and my therapy 😘
Also, I exclusively pumped for 15 months so I feel your pain (literally…my nipples are throbbing from PTSD as I’m typing this 😂)
You are amazing!!
OMG–currently exclusively pumping (4 months in) and I definitely have PTSD from the sound of any rhythmic pumping noises! Haha! Good thing these babies are cute after what we go through for them!
So exhausting, time consuming and stressful! Once I quit it was like going from having quads to twins!! : )
I have a four month old daughter and honestly cannot imagine having a toddler as well. I give you major props for providing your kids with such a loving happy home, all while working and pushing through the struggles of breast feeding! Being a mommy is not easy but it is worth every hard moment and every negative comment. Thank you for sharing your mom wins AND your struggles with us!
I love this!! Parenting is the hardest job of all! It is by far the best in every way!! Love following you and love how real you are!! Being a mommy is HARD!! You are rocking it!
I love your blog. I’m 55 so I’ve been there done that but still enjoy. Also I’m a grandmother to a 2 year old boy so it’s still relevant to me. You’re doing great 👏🏻👏🏻
I’m a new mom and I’m quickly learning that this is going to be the hardest journey of my life. It’s so reassuring to hear other mommas struggle too (not that I like to hear that it’s hard for you), it’s just comforting knowing I am not alone! The ups and downs are normal and part of the process. Keep doing what you’re doing because you’re helping all of us know we aren’t alone!
I’m a mom of an 18 year old son and a 16 year old daughter. While I’m not a new mom, I enjoy your instagram/stories and blog. It reminds me of the good old days when my kids were little. People will judge you constantly when you have kids..just ignore/delete and just be YOU! It’s what I try to teach my kids. Keep doing what you are doing..you’ve got a fan who is forty-something. Lol! ❤️❤️
I just want to say way to go on the breastfeeding and pumping! It really is a strategic thing to do. Especially since it’s supply and demand led. When I went back to work I remember later on my supply was so low I was pumping three times at work and then in the morning before work just to send enough for that day at daycare. On top of the constant nursing throughout the night. My little man is two now and I now have a 2 month old nursing. I’m hoping I can do it a second time.
Agreed, if you can’t say anything nice than don’t say it at all!!!!!! We in this world have so much negativety and we can only stop it by not giving them the time to respond to it…..positivity is the only way I rock this world…as far as I’m concerned anyone who’s negative stay away from ME!!!!!!! I don’t need it in my life and neither does Ali……Tyvm
I want to start out by saying I have been watching and following you for a long long time. I am not a mother or a wife… I am a single woman that lives alone with her dog but I look forward to seeing your insta stories every day. I look forward to them so much that I make time every day to just sit and watch and listen. I love watching Molly. She is the cutest ever and Riley is just plan adorable. I even send the videos I think our extra cute to my friends so they don’t miss out. I also want to say I love that you are raw and open and vulnerable about your life. It’s refreshing. I think we all tend to get caught up in the comparison game and compare our lives to everyone else’s and we get discouraged when we don’t think our lives are good enough or amount to what everyone else is doing. I love that you just tell it how it is. I love seeing how you and your family do life. I will forever be a watcher and listener. I think you are an awesome mom and wife. Stay awesome and keep doing you! ❤️
You may want to consider getting some support with therapy to help you during this time. It’s not easy and takes a tribe.
Remember, you never took a maternity leave and I understand that this is your bread and butter but therapy and time with family will help you so much.
Ali, you are simply amazing! Black or cognac purse and size 7 shoes 🙂 never let the negative comments get to you. You are sharing your love for fashion and your life. People who share negativity are in a bad place and just want others down to their level!
Thank you so much for this and for being so honest. I couldn’t agree more with everything you said! We have kids the same age so I’ve enjoyed keeping up you and your sweet kids. You’re such a great mother and we are all just doing the best we can! Thank you for continuing to write despite the hateful comments. I love everything you’re doing!
Since we are in the same boat I will say “You’ve got this Camee!!!!” You definitely know where I am coming from because you are going through it right now too!
I have followed you but never commented. I have a daughter 2 weeks younger than Riley so I have really enjoyed hearing about your struggles and wins as a mom. You’re absolutely right that there’s a huge difference between a difference in opinion and spewing hatred. To be honest, I haven’t agreed with all the parenting decisions you’ve made but guess what, I don’t have to. I can still respect you for putting your story out there and sharing your struggles that we are all facing. It helped so much to know I was not alone in skipping a bath some days because it allowed me to lay down 10 minutes earlier 🙂 I’m also a psychologist and the whole cliche about people that feel okay about themselves don’t feel the need to lash out at others is completely true!! That’s true for childhood bullies and adult bullies alike! Please remember their comments say so much more about them and their unhappiness than it does about you. Thanks for sharing your life and the recommendations for cute clothes 🙂
I love your comment! I especially love that you are able to tell me that you don’t agree with everything I do in a way that is respectful! Really! Thank you! I don’t need everyone to sing my praises, I just ask that people be respectful of each other 🙂 And you are right – it says much more about them. I have to remember that.
I love watching and seeing all your post on Instagram! I just had my second little girl two weeks ago and watch home and family every morning! Congratulations on all your hard work! I would love the leopard purse and tawny orange shoes size 7.5
Good morning Ali
I have followed you since you appeared on the Bachelor. I have a daughter your age that thus far as only given me a four legged furry grand child. It’s been fun following you through various stages in your life with Owen, Kevin and now your beautiful children. I found the comments of some “negative Nellies” directed at you this week disturbing and so undeserved. Good for you addressing those comments head on. I still recall when my daughter was a baby, having a horrific day when I was completely overwhelmed, and I fell apart when my husband came home from work. That was over 30 years ago and only one child! Luckily though we remember those times, they do pass.
You are a great role model, and mom to Molly, Riley, and Owen! My daughter and I both follow you, and have greatly appreciated your home tour and cooking tips! Love the avocado toast! As I would say to my daughter“ don’t let the turkeys get you down!”
Keep up the great work!
Thank you Donna! Four legged grand children are great too 😉
Did you make the strawberry avocado toast?! So yummy right!?
A big hit with my family and friends!
Yay! That makes me so happy!
Oh man! I make this all the time now- it’s so good!
You go girl! Keep the positivity flowing 🌈
Thanks love! I will!
Ali,
I have daughter that is 1 month younger then Molly and I have followed your blog since I was pregnant. I love your blog!! I have never related so much to someone I have never met. Ha! The first 16 months of my daughters life were so hard for me and I loved getting on your blog to read about someone going through the same struggles, it made me feel like I wasnt alone. Thank you so much for opening up your life to us!
Same here! I had a rough time with the first 14-16 months of Molly’s life. And now it’s even harder with a toddler and a baby.I am trying to enjoy these days, but at the same time looking forward to when Riley is 1.5! I know it will be so much easier then
Because 1.5 will be easier? Bite your tongue, girl! Having two toddlers is definitely not easier than having an infant and a toddler, as I’m learning.
You could totally be right Susie! Other friends have told me it gets easier at 1.5 with two so close in age. But every kid and every parent is different! I just know it got a ton easier with just Molly once she turned 1.5 🙂 But you are so right that it might not.
So true, every kid is different! My daughter is so much easier as a toddler than she was as a baby but I know a lot of parents experience the opposite.
I’d have to say with my two oldest who are 16 months apart, it was definitely easier when they were both toddlers. But a lot depends on the personalities, too. My oldest was more headstrong and the obvious leader and the younger was more quiet, easygoing and perfectly willing to go along. But if you had two headstrong toddlers, that would be a different story! The dynamics do change as they get older, though.
Oh yeah. I have a 3 year old and 1 and a half year old! It doesn’t get an easier just different types of challenges!!
Wellll, like the old song says-‘you can’t please everyone so you’ve got to please yourself” & you seem to have a handle on that, so don’t sweat others, worry about what You have control over & not about things you don’t. You’re doing fine. You mentioned some ‘ rad men’ fans-not sure what that is, but oh well, be happy
Mark you are definitely one of the “rad men” I was talking about!!! Thanks for always being so supportive!
You bet
Do yourself a favor: “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!”
Wow what is your deal with hating on Ali?
True. No one forced you to have two little babies back to back. Of course it’s hard, what did you expect… You’re whining about something you have control over. Mothers always want sympathy but that’s why birth control exists.
Obviously her blog isn’t for you so do everyone who can relate a favor and checkout.
With 3 grown children of my own I can relate to the struggles and rewards of parenting. However, Leila and Sheila must be the rare perfect parents with perfect children in a perfect world.
This is her blog to say as she pleases, if you don’t like it then don’t follow it! Create your own post and talk all the negativity you want!
Your a very nasty person. She isn’t complaining about having two little kids. She is sharing her story for moms or maybe future mom’s. If you dont like what she has to say then don’t read it. Your the worst kind of person!
Are you a fake Russian troll? Because surely you aren’t a parent and you lack any kind of empathy and ability to be respectful and reasonable.
Sheila,
Mothers don’t want sympathy. We want a positive community where we can connect with other moms about our challenges and joys for doing what is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world. So if you can’t be a part of this community, please just step out. Im guessing you aren’t a mom, but if you are, I hope you aren’t passing on your negative attitude to your children. That’s certainly not going to make the world a better place.
Rude rude rude!!!!!!!!
Leila,
Please do everyone else a favor and don’t comment here, simply unfollow. And don’t follow moms if you don’t like what we’re about- supporting each other and being real. I don’t think your mom would appreciate the kind of remarks you made on here. I’m sorry your life is so hard right now you feel the need to tear others down for no reason, but I sincerely hope it gets better for you.
I’m afraid Ali will stop writing so openly if trolling continues. I hope that doesn’t happen, I would miss her. 🙁
I won’t let that happen Barbara! Never! I promise!
Raising children is hard and their are millions of ways to do it just like cooking! I can’t cook at all, but as long as it is eatable that is a win in our household. Also if you’re children feel loved, fed, and cared for that is winning!
Totally agree!!!!
Their are a million ways to cook and raise children and everyone does it differently. As long as it is eatable that is a win. As long as parents give their kiddos love and food and a home that is winning.
I have always loved your blog and with a 2 year old daughter, I love reading your family/house posts and truly sympathize when you’re having a tiring day with Riley and dealing with the toddler tantrums I am currently navigating. I think back to those early few months and they were amazing but also draining and with a rambunctious 2 year old myself, I struggle to always keep up with her when I get home from work. Every day is great and tiring 🙂 your opinions and unfiltered blog are why you have so many supporters, keep being you and we’ll all still be here reading and supporting!
Hi Ali
I am an avid follower of your blog and I just want to say THANK YOU!!! I feel you do such a good job of sharing the ups and the downs of Parenthood. I’m pregnant with my 4th kid (and last ha) and working part time I just find you so relatable. As a parent we love our kiddos so much and they do so many great things but other times we just want to scream and we realize it’s been forever since you had a night alone with your husband!! and by night alone I mean you haven’t even had a half hour alone before bed because you’re so busy taking care of the kids lol. I see people saying you’re either too positive or two negative but just remember you can never please everybody. I have read a couple of other celebrity blogs but yours is the only one I stick with because I find you so honest. Most blogs that I have seen the bloggers don’t even comment back to people or they screen their comments and they actually have other people write their blogs at times. You are so genuine and honest please keep being you!!! And ps I am making your tacos as we speak. My 15 month old favorite food is Chipotle so I think these will be a hit 🙂
It’s a shame, Ali, that you have to defend yourself. I’m sure you’re doing a great job! It’s not easy raising children. It’s the hardest and most rewarding job you’ll probably ever do! Take it from a long time Mom, you will endure this difficult times and look back on them with gratitude. I have 2 sons, one who got married 1 year ago, and 1 who is getting married in a few weeks. They are marrying sisters! I enjoy reading your posts about your life, your photos of wardrobe recommendations, and especially everything related to Bachelor Nation. Try not to read too much into the negative comments. You’re an amazing person!
That’s so cute that they’re marrying sisters!
I’m glad you mentioned your breastfeeding experiences and please do blog more on that. I have an 11 month old and I’m still breastfeeding him and it’s been my biggest “google” subject. He’s in daycare 3 days and I’ve had so many supply ups and downs trying to get enough for him and adding in extra pump sessions to get enough. Don’t know how you find the time to pump every day!! Like you said, with no judgement to moms who haven’t, breastfeeding for this long has been one of my proudest accomplishments this year (and pretty effing hard).
Agreed on the breastfeeding!!! Could you share more on how you increase your supply- 40 oz a day dannnng boy! I have a 4 month old and my biggest anxiety is does she get enough? Do I make enough? Is returning to work going to decrease my supply? Etc. So much to worry about with these little ones but it’s the best job in the world. Thank you for being so honest and real and HUMAN!!
You are clearly an amazing mom <33
Just keep loving on your cute babies the way you already do
Wawawawawa
The only girl in the world to have 2 kids
Wawawawawa
Exactly
Go away and “wawawa” somewhere else. Not nice. Sorry for this ^ poster Ali. They clearly have a busy night of trolling to do.
How about you just unfollow? Why bother with a nasty comment? I’m sure she won’t miss you 👋🏻
Gtfo of here hater.
What an ignorant comment, Siesie. She is sharing her life of raising two babies and some days she feels like she’s in the weeds. She never said her life was harder than anyone else. In fact, my guess is that she would be the first to say she has it really good. Do you feel better about yourself when you make hurtful comments to a stranger while you hide behind your screen?
You have clearly missed the whole point of her blog! Don’t read it if you don’t like it but don’t be such a jerk and post such a negative childish comment.
Siesie,
I feel bad for you because you obviously aren’t a very happy person. If you don’t have the energy to be kind, then just don’t say anything at all.
Ali,
You are a gem. You really are. I rarely comment but I am a regular blog reader & Instagram follower. I thoroughly appreciate your honesty about the beauty & challenges of motherhood (and life) and have been so encouraged by you so many times! You are incredibly right that hurt people hurt people and I’m so sorry that you have been on the receiving end of that.
Thank you for being you! And, YES, you are absolutely a damn good mother. 🙂
I completely agree! I love reading your blogs and seeing your Instagram stories. You are honest and seem so down to earth. Keep being you!!!
Hang in there! I love reading your blog and seeing your posts, because they do seem more real than others. Parenting is HARD! My child can go from happy to crying hysterically back to happy again in no time (she’s 4), but it’s just totally a part of who she is. Kids have bad days and they need to be allowed to express that just like adults, even though them expressing it usually comes out crying and in tantrums and it is so hard. But you are doing a great job. Those kids are happy, healthy, clean and fed and that’s all that matters! You are a good Mama to those two.
You are an inspiration! Your blog always helps me and gives me the hope that I’m normal when my two toddlers are crying and screaming for … well really no apparent reason 🙉 thank you for sharing about you motherhood journey and for all the honesty!!! We as mothers need to stick together and lift one another up! We are hard enough on ourselves ! We need to support one another ! Motherhood is hard, everyday it’s hard, but also rewarding!
Ali,I love watching all your insta story’s and reading your blog! You are such a fashionable mom! I love how real and open you are! Molly and Riley are so cute and always seem so happy and in high spirits and that’s a huge testament to what a wonderful mom you are! I absolutely love the stories of Molly singing Havana, she is literally the cutest thing ever! You’re an awesome mom and definitely an inspiration 💗👍🏻😊 thanks for opening up your life and letting your fans see a glimpse into your everyday! Just know your blog sometimes makes your followers feel like you’re a friend we can relate to and get advice from!
I look forward to reading your blog every time you post. You are so inspiring as a mother, wife and woman! Motherhood is the hardest most joyful thing I have ever experienced. It’s the absolute best but doesn’t mean it’s not tough! I love how real you are with your posts! Your kids are so lucky to have you and Kevin as parents and look so loved and well cared for. We all have good days and bad! Mom shaming needs to stop! We need to encourage and lift each other up, fix each other’s crowns instead of telling the whole world it needs fixing. Thank you for sharing your life! Xoxo
I completely understand what you mean. I try but I only remember the negative comments. I admire how real you are on your blog!! You are a great mom!!!
I couldn’t love this post more! We, as women and mothers, need to stand united and support each other. It’s unreal
how much mom shaming there is. I love your blog and find myself laughing and nodding my head over things I can totally relate to! My daughter is a few months younger than Molly so we share the same moods right now! Keep being you and sharing your beautiful family!
It was quite hypocritical and immature to take a screenshot of Caitlin’s post and write “thanks for telling me what a terrible mother I am. Ps you’re a terrible person” very easily knowing that people would come to this blog post and be completely abrasive and slanderous towards a woman who was simply voicing her opinion, one that I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH. Being a mother is not easy and all mothers know that, many people having much harder lives. Ali, you are so lucky to have two healthy babies with two parents, food on the table, and a roof over their heads. The constant complaining has become quite comical, and frankly ridiculous, as you think you are the only human being to have hard days with your two babies.
Please tell me where she said she thinks she’s the only one?! Are you bffs with Caitlin or something? Lol.
Girl is allowed to vent so please let her do so!!! It does help to know that someone else is going through the same thing. Life could always be worse and of course she is lucky to have healthy children, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t allowed to have a hard day and vent for a second, Jesus.
Or maybe she shares her stories because she knows she’s NOT the only one with two kids that struggles through parenthood. Maybe, just maybe, she shares her struggles so she has other people (clearly not yourself) to relate to. People who respond and let her know that they are in the trenches too! I don’t remember ever seeing a post where Ali said she thinks she’s the only one struggling or having hard days. Sometimes it’s refreshing to know that “celebrities” who seem to have it all are actually having a hard time sometimes too. Of course Ali is blessed (as I’m sure she knows and has pointed out several times) but that doesn’t mean she isn’t allowed to have bad days either. You don’t know every aspect of her life. If you don’t like hearing the “complaining” then maybe don’t follow her and find a celebrity that only shows you how perfect their life is. I for one appreciate the transparency.
Actually she never does that. Which is what most of the posters have commented on. Why you misread her comments in that way, then continue to read her blog and post negative comments on it is a question you should ask yourself?
Ali, I love you blog and think you’re just honest about what it’s like being a mom. I can definitely relate to you and appreciate your frankness!
If you don’t like what she has to say, then I suggest you unfollow her blog and her Instagram page. 👋🏻
Ali I absolutely love you! I am not a mom yet but love reading about your experiences as a mom and you give me inspiration for when the time comes for me to be a mom. I appreciate you being real and honest in those difficult moments, it shows those of us that aren’t moms yet that motherhood is a mix of emotions and isnt always butterflies and rainbows all the time like some celebs make it seem. Your family is absolutely adorable and keep doing what your doing!
People are never happy. I remember when you first had Molly and you wrote how “easy” things were and people ripped into you. Now you share that it is indeed a struggle and people still aren’t happy. You can’t please everyone and those people need to find a different hobby of commenting nasty stuff to people they don’t know. Seriously get a life people! I currently have 2 little ones and it is THE HARDEST thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes I do get caught up in comparing other peoples situation and think well how can they complain they have help, or they have money to get the help but in the end I remember we are all moms doing the hardest job in the world. Everyone is allowed to have their own struggles.
I’m also a mom to two under two. My baby is 2 months old. I’m a stay at home mom and also feel so lucky for what I have but also struggle. Thank you for sharing your story and your truths. It helps.
With that said- moms, women, parents we all need to support each other. Sometimes we might be at our lowest of lows but it’s up to us to help each other get back up for the sake of our children. Motherhood is the hardest most rewarding job I have ever had. I am always trying to find new ways to provide for my family but also try to make sure I keep a little bit of myself in the mix. The Balance is super hard to maintain. Thank you for reminding me that I’m not alone.
Ali, as a first time mother of a 3 month old, reading about your struggles (and highs) makes me feel soooo much better on many hard days. I know that everyone goes through the tough times but in a world full of filters, it can sometimes feel like you’re the only one struggling and everyone else is just the perfect parent! And you are totally right- you have a super Mom moment and then 5 min later you wonder how you’ll get to the end of the day. But those smiles are totally worth every tough moment. Thank you for sharing honestly with your readers!
Ali,
I truly love love love how real you are. Please don’t ever change! I too am a Mama to 2 littles and I completely agree that these are the best, yet most challenging times. Motherhood is beautiful yet messy & loving yet chaotic & sweet yet challenging
..etc etc etc….it’s also filled with soooooo much love. The hard days are HARD…. and hopping onto insta and seeing that you have real life struggles each day too or hard days that exhaust you down to your core too, somehow makes me feel better at the end of rough day. A sigh of relief in knowing that we’re not alone and that EVERY Mom has rough days…. so thank you for being so raw and so real. I really appreciate it and I know tons of other readers/followers do too. It’s clear to see that you’re an AMAZING Mama and that Molly & Riley are sooooo very lucky to have you. Keep being you!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you Bre! And that’s exactly why I share my tough times. So other mamas out there don’t feel alone because I know SOOOO many of us, heck ALL of us, have ups and downs.
Ali I love your honesty and unfiltered, raw instastories and blogs. I do not have kids yet (hope to soon) but I love seeing the highs and especially the lows of parenthood! So many people just post the ‘highlight reel’ which is great but I LOVE seeing the real side of things to. Thank you!
I always love your blog posts and insta stories and everything else you share! Girl you make me feel normal and that’s such a comfort! You’re an amazing mom, wife, blogger, career women etc! Thank you for sharing your life with us and I hope those negative people just get the heck outta here! Now… I need to go make some of those tacos!!! ❤️
As a mom of two littles I just want to say I appreciate you sharing the highs and lows. I don’t know who said this, but I love the quote, “people will admire you for your strengths but connect with you for your vulnerabilities.” Sending love to you, mama! 💙
I LOOOOOVE that saying. I’ve never heard it before. Thank you so much for sharing! I am going to share it on my insta stories!
Hi! I am a newer mom ( my son turned 1 on the 17th) and a first time mom and I also agree being a mom is hard work. I can also agree that if someone comments something negative about how you parent it’s SO hard to not take it personally… just know that you ARE doing a great job and you know it , your husband knows it and your kids know it . Something I did want to ask is if you ever heard of “ paced feeding” … I’ve been breastfeeding my son for a year and I KNOW the struggle and stress of feeling like your not making enough milk ( esp bc I got my period when he was only 8 weeks so my supply drops every month before I get my period too) but I go to a weekly breastfeeding support group ( I would highly suggest if you have one where you live, I’m in Chicago) where there are lactation consultants that help and something I have learned that is a life saver when my
Son does take bottles is to “ pace feed “ him … I know you said your son is eating a lot but If you try to pace feed he might not need as much, but of course this is just a tip and it has helped me a lot and if you few comfortable trying it I hope it helps you too 🙂 but really if you can go to a breastfeeding support group it is awesome! Your doing a great job at being a mom! So sorry there are such mean people in our world.
Your portrayal of motherhood is so real and so encouraging because it’s what I live every day too!! There are SUCH extreme highs and lows and to have someone else acknowledge that helps me know I’m not alone in the parenting trenches! Keep it up Ali, you’re great!!
Hi Ali!
Im not a mom but I really enjoy your stories on instagram and all your blog posts. I think that people enjoy them (or at least I do) because you are so real and DONT sugarcoat it. You are just like everyone else and thats what I love! I hope you never feel like you need to change what you post. I never normally comment on blogs but I felt like I needed to this time. Keep doing what youre doing 🙂
Your blogs and insta stories (the good and the bad) have helped me so many times in the first year of my babe’s life! You have a forever fan all the way in Ontario! ❤️
P.s. – can I just say it makes me laugh and secretly happy when you make a comment on your insta stories about having “wine lips” because usually when I’m watching them… I have “wine lips” too!! #momof2makeswinenecessary #winealittlemore 😂
Being a parent is damn hard work…no matter what stage you are at. It’s also very rewarding..there are highs and lows. That’s parenting!!! We should be supportive and not bring people down…less judgemental people would make the world a happier place!!! Your 2 kids are gorgeous and I love that you share. Keep it up from one Mummy thick in the teenage years (with sons) and with a 6 yr old daughter as well…fun times xx
My boyfriend has a saying “Kindness is the oil that takes friction out of life.” People are so unkind these days. Anyone who follows you, can see you are a wonderful mom. Ignore all the noise and keep doing you!!💖
Thank you for this. I have kids the same age, a 2 year old and 3 month twins. I am so very overwhelmed and when someone says how “together we have it” I just smile and say thanks. But really my boobs are throbbing from trying to pump so much, I cry in the shower just to get the emotions out and stay strong for my kids, but omg those little nuggets mean the world to me. You are so right that these are the best and hardest times of our lives. Thanks for being so open, I feel better knowing other moms aren’t perfect too 🙂
I never post but wanted to say thank you for your blog and IG stories!! I have a 2.5 year old and 5 month old and relate so much to everything you post.
Ugh… it makes me sad you even had to address this. I love your blog, Ali and I’m right there in the thick of it with you! My daughter turns 3 tomorrow and my son is 4.5 months. You are so relatable and I appreciate you so much! Thanks for reminding me everyday how crazy, emotional, hard, and AMAZING the mom life is! Keep on keeping on! 😊❤️👶🏻
Thank you for being honest and sharing your real life situations. I have a 4yr old daughter and a 7 week old son. I always thought that I could be a stay at home mom but I’m not so sure now. I have a lot of ups and downs. My daughter is very jealous which is making things with a newborn very challenging. Some days I think it is easier to return to work as a teacher and teach 29 second graders then deal then stay home. Does that make me a bad mom? We are sending my day to preschool so I can get a break 3 days a week. I believe that these challenges are the reason I had such a hard time keeping up with breastfeeding. I was only able to manage it for about 5weeks. Keep sharing. Your posts really help me get through the bad days.
A few things. Never stop keeping it real. We need more real. This ish is hard.
Have you tried the Haaka? I missed the boat on this one, but my friends swear it upped their supply. Look in to it.
In all your free time (ha!) You should check out the one bad mother podcast. It cracks me up and keeps things in perspective. It’s a great listen. All about supporting each other and just doing the best we can.
Keep it up, mama. You really are doing a great job.
Don’t ever sugarcoat how hard mom-ing is!! I love seeing IG stories from you, and other celebs who share what it’s TRULY like, makes me feel normal! Helps me remember I’m not crazy, this really IS that hard, and I’m not a shitty mom! I also have an amazing husband who helps with everything, but damnit raising a baby/toddler is a lot of work and of course there’s ups and downs! There’s no manual on how to do this! So we’re allowed to cry, be mad, be upset, because in the end we’re the most in love with a human we will ever be, and it’s allllllll worth it!
Ali,
I so look forward to your blog posts and your posts on Instagram. I feel like many mother’s today have lost the village it takes for motherhood because so many are too busy being judgmental and unkind. I would do anything to have a mom friend like you and chat about these struggles over a glass of wine. Thank you for your honesty and showing your vulnerability. This mom, of a two year old son who’s husband is a pilot and travels a lot, looks forward to them daily. You’re an amazing mother and doing a great job.
Ali,
I follow you every day you post, I don’t comment a lot but I read almost all your blog posts. I’m a new mom to a little girl who also is the happiest baby!! Just so full of smiles!! I relate to you more than any other of the “celeb” moms I follow. You are so real and relatable. When I have a bad day and I see you post that your struggling or your tired it honestly does make me think “okay I’m not alone in this”. As moms I feel like you need a community of other moms that tell you on those days your crying, trying to do it all and nothing is going right that it’s normal and they are standing with you.
Negative people that follow you and comment are not only hurting but they are jealous of the platform you have and your ability to share honestly. Your so wonderful for not cursing them and the ground they walk on!! Hahaha
I love to follow your beautiful family, your kids looks so well cared for and clearly loved by you and your husband. I hope you feel the love surrounding you by all those that follow you (who arnt negative Nancy’s)
Hugs
Kelsey
The other day, after watching your insta story about a rough time you were having, I actually cried because at that moment I needed someone who could relate. I was feeling so alone. It was a breath of fresh air to have someone that I look up to so dearly completely understand my struggle as a mom. And then it made me even sadder when I heard about the hate you were receiving. Please don’t ever change who you are! You are so uplifting and inspiring and you provide such a positive light to others. I love you so much!
Ali, I never ever comment on people I don’t know posts or blogs! I’m more of a silent follower but not in a creepy way 🤪 I know of you because of the bachelor/bachelorette (because I was obsessed since high school) but I don’t really watch much tv these days anymore because I’m also a mommy to a 2year old! But not only am I a mom, I’m a wife, an RN and I just started Nurse Practioner school! I GET you! I really do and your posts/blog encourages me about raw motherhood. You should be so proud of that. I don’t know what was said on your blog that was negative and quite honestly could care less because people like that love to put others down to make themselves feel better 🙄 BUT if I could give you some of my most favorite encouragement to being an awesome mom is imagine a day in my life on a 12-hr shift in the emergency room… not everyone prides themselves on providing their children with the environment you do as do I. There are so many children I meet that I just want to take home and give them the love they deserve. NEVER EVER question yourself as a mom because from where I sit you are doing an incredible job and your children won’t realize until they are much older how fortunate they were to of been born into your family. XOXO Ali #hatersgonnahate
As an exclusively pumping momma of twin 9 month olds, it’s extremely difficult. What you are saying is on point, I’m so grateful to be able to feed my babies but sometimes it gets to you. Keep it real girl! Love the blog!
Keep being the amazing mom you are! You are truly a rockstar. I have a 14 month old and he keeps me busy. When I’m not with him I’m usually at work in my classroom of 18 third graders. Kids really are amazing but exhausting for sure. Oh and I admire you for being able to nurse for so long. I feel like women truly don’t understand the struggle until they go through it. Keeping up your supply is a job in itself! Just remember Molly and Riley adore you so that’s all that matters! Hurt people, hurt people for sure.
I love your blog. I love how honest you are. Being a Momma is a learning process. Your learning everyday. I have 3 kids. But all are older. 20 year old son in the Marines, 19 year old son in the Army and my baby girl is 16. I miss my babies being little. So I love following your blog and seeing your two beautiful children. Thank you for sharing with us. Your doing great.
Oh Ali!!!! Thank you so so much for being an honest momma!! I’m a first time mom & still nursing here at almost a year. It FREAKING HARD. Mentally and physically, and I’m so thankful for someone like you who is honest enough to say that sometimes it sucks. You are a fantastic mom and someone I have looked to for reassurance that certain tough seasons of parenting will pass. You are kind, and sweet, and honest about who you are and how life really is. And I thank you and Kevin so much for that! Keep blogging and Sharing your life and showing off those cute babes!! Xoxo
Hi Ali, awesome post!! One quote I always try to remember is “if it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes fretting over it.” I’m also a mom of two and it’s not easy but so rewarding as you know! Being a parent is hard ! You’re a great mom, keep posting and keep smiling lady!
My kids are 22 months apart as well. I remember trying to potty train my daughter while trying to breastfeed my son, in tears wondering how I was going to make it through those long hard days! Well I did make it through and and now they are 6 and 4 and I missed those days so much I’m pregnant with #3.
My point is there are good days filled with the greastest joy you’ve ever known and days where you want to cry, scream and vent to anyone who will listen. Its all normal and part of the journey. Motherhood is hard!! And wonderful! You are entitled to your feelings and I’m glad you recognize that the person/people that leave negative comments have their own pain/insecurities which they are deflecting on you – and probably a lot of other people in their life. Anyways long winded! Love your blog and insta! Keep sharing the good and bad 😘
Hi Ali,
Thank you for sharing this blog post! I’ve followed you since you were on Jake’s bachelor season.
I’m sorry you had to read some hurtful comments, but there are so many people including myself that love to see the insta stories and read your blog. Molly and Reily and so stinking adorable!!
Sending you best wishes from Toronto Canada!
Riley*
I’m a year ahead with my two littles being 3 and 1 (my first was born on July 6 til!) and reading your blog and instagram makes me really validated that all these hard moments and exhausting days are just normal life right now. Along with all the beautiful moments, it’s so cool to see them grow and us grow as a family. Best wishes!
Ali, I continue to follow your blog and insta because of your realness. I love that you post struggles because being a mother sometimes can feel so isolating and it seems like no one understands what the heck you’re talking about when you say “I haven’t slept in days” or “she really won’t eat anything except chocolate” .. I could go on for days.
So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I know when I am up at 3am with our little girl, I can always find comfort in your stories.
Hurt people do hurt people. I’ve seen myself do it in the past, so I 100% agree.
I love that you share your struggles! I just had my first and reading your blog has helped me through pregnancy and some of the harder first couple weeks. You are doing such a great job, and have a beautiful family, struggles and all!
Ali,
I’ve never left a comment on your page but I do read and follow you regularly. A lot of what you post and say I can relate to. I read the negative comment that was left, and I do think that parenting like you say has extreme highs and lows! My kids are 18 months apart and like you said, some days they are wonderful, well rested, well behaved , well mannered little kids and the next they are the opposite. My husband is in the fire service and I am home a lot by myself, I too struggle with my two year old crying wanting me to put the baby down when he’s being fed, and the baby crying when he’s needing attention but I’m with my two year old . It’s hard to do it all, we do the best we can. Luckily we have amazing, hands-on husbands that take over when they get home, which is a huge help! Some people don’t understand, nor do I expect them too. I once cried because I couldn’t get a pedicure, it wasn’t about the pedicure, it was about the fact that I was exhausted and my husband had been on a fire assignment for several weeks and all I wanted was a break but I wasn’t able to get my pedicure because of all the other things I had to do around the house before I was able to go and because it interfered with my daughters schedule that day! I mentioned this too a friend and she made a comment about how a pedicure is not a big deal and to enjoy my kids while they are little. ( these are the kind of people who I don’t expect to understand) because clearly she didn’t understand that it wasn’t about the pedicure! I’m sure if I would have been well rested, have had a break or some sort of help during that time, me missing my pedicure wouldn’t have been a big deal. The point is, that it happens, we are human, we are moms, we are doing the best that we can. Focus on your family, on you and what you love doing, negative people have no business in your life, as moms we already go through a lot, stay close to those that make a positive impact in your life <3
Cel – I am so glad you shared this story. I have had the SAME things happen to me. I can’t even remember what I would cry about but it would be silly things – like a pedicure! But like you said it wasn’t the “pedicure” it was everything else building up. I soooo get you mama!
I actually discovered your blog through your husband, as I am a dedicated listener of his radio show on my way to work, with my kids who are now 16 and 14. The struggles you’re shared are ones I remember so vividly when my kids were younger (btw, fair warning, it doesn’t get easier when they get older unfortunately, just different struggles) and I think it’s so great you’ve created this community where people can share what they’re thinking and feeling. I’ve never commented on your blog before (or any blog!) but I wanted to send you some support. And I truly enjoy your stories and posts, and I’m cheering you on!
Thank you so much for reading my blog and thank you even MORE for listening to Kevin’s radio show. I will tell him about you! It will make his day!
Ali,
Motherhood is beautifully messy. Only when in the throes can one relate. I sometimes judge my own parenting style as I’m doing it ha ha! Like, “did I just really snap like that?” But it’s so tough at times and often in the modern day world family and friends are too far away to lend a hand or allow a good vent. For better or for worse, social media has became a source of comraderie and strength for so many of us. Keep on truckin’ girl. A little fashion sprinkled amongst some real talk (and tacos) is pretty much all we need to get through it!
Please don’t sugar coat anything! The reason I love your posts is they are REAL!! Your posts don’t set unrealistic expectations for other moms to compare themselves to and make them feel bad – they make us feel that our highs and lows are NORMAL and help us know we are not alone in this crazy thing called motherhood! And even though we can’t always see it ourselves – we are super mom to our kids and that is what matters!!!! Thank you for sharing all that you do with us! Keep it coming – poop explosions and all!!
Ha! His poop today was out of control!!!!! It was his biggest blowout yet! Time for size 3 diapers!
Ali,
I have a 5 month old and breast feed for the first 5 weeks and it was making me so depressed and unhappy. Not because I didn’t want to feed my baby that way but because it was so time consuming and painful and it stressed me out so much. In my mind, being a constantly stressed out mom wasn’t making me the best mom I could be. I tend to dwell on the stresses of the day more than the joyful moments but once I started formula from that moment on my baby has been sleeping 11 hours a night ever since and I have been a more happy and relaxed mommy. Do what you have to do to take some of the weight off your shoulders. You are doing great!
Hi Ali!
I just have to say that I don’t follow many celebrities on social media or get too caught up in celeb culture because it’s always seemed so fake and unattainable. However, you have always been different. You are one of the few that I DO follow because you are down to earth, real and yet still so very uplifting.
I have a 3 year old daughter who might be THE most energetic human I’ve ever met. The day-to-day is TOUGH. My daughter also has numerous health issues which cause so much mommy anxiety. But your feed always soothes me somehow and brings down my anxiety.
Please keep doing what you’re doing, and don’t change to fit into other people’s expectations of how you should be living. There’s a reason you’re in the spotlight and a successful woman, and it’s because of who you are at the core! And here’s the other thing: Riley and Molly looks like two of the happiest kids alive. You can tell in their smiles and facial expressions. So you’re doing something right for sure 😊
Thank you for saying all this Brittany. Sending love to you and your little girl. I hope her health issues improve. xoxo
I have been a fan since your bachelor days; however, as a woman with no children, not by choice, struggling with infertility, I must say that you come across completely ungrateful for your children. Many women in my situation would love to have long days filled with crying children, and I think instead of complaining about it you should be thankful you’re able to experience it. I am not trying to bash you, I think you just need to shift your attitude.
I am sorry to hear that you are having troubles. That breaks my heart. I truly can’t imagine what that must be like. But I will also say that I respectfully disagree with you. As you can see from all these comments, many women struggle along with me. We are all grateful. So grateful. But it’s hard. And I am not ashamed to share that.
Sending you so much love. I hope you get the sweet baby you’re dreaming of. xoxo
Hi Ali
Like the woman above who just commented, my husband and I are also struggling with infertility. I see your posts completely different from her, yes I wish I had a house of two kids crying their eyes out, however one day when I do I’m sure I won’t be jumping for joy in the moment 😂😂, but remembering your posts will help me get through it. Your realness is amazing and if you negative Nancy’s don’t like her posts then stop following and go to the perfect parent blog across the street! Just because she is famous doesn’t mean she doesn’t take all these negative comments to heart. Anyways rant over lol. I will leave this on a positive note! You are BEAUTIFUL Ali inside and out and NEVER stop speaking your truth! 😘
I do agree with this comment. I also struggle with infertility but after 5 years of IVF treatment I finally had my baby 5 months ago but I’m also a special education preschool teacher so I get to spend my days with beautiful children as well which I’m so fortunate. Ali, what I really enjoy(just my opinion) is when you write a blog post about your struggles. The constant insta stories about your struggles can be hard to watch at times. I’m not judging you, just giving my opinion. Every person deals with struggles in their own way, you have every right to post anything you want on social media.
I’m up at 4:45am daily to get my baby to daycare and to get to work and spend my day with 10 kiddos with special needs all the while someone else is taking care of my child. Life is hard. It’s damn hard. Being a parent is hard. Thankfully my baby is a good sleeper but there was a 2 week period of teething when I slept for about 2 hours a night but still had to go to work and teach and be “on”. It was near impossible and my drive to work I had to keep telling myself, this could be worse. I let my self dwell on it and pity myself but once I got out of my car and walked into my school, I didn’t think about it again. someone always has it harder. I come home from work so mentally and physically exhausted and wonder how I will have the energy and patience to take care of my own child but i always do. I find the joy. I see the struggles that the kids in my class endure and the struggles that their parents endure and I come thankful. That helps me switch my mentality. My husband always asks me how I can do my job and come home so happy. I tell him that I make that choice. I can focus on the struggles or I can focus on the joys.
Sorry I’ll get to my point. The people who are posting “negative” posts may be the people who would do anything to have your struggles. In their eyes, the constant venting and complaining is something they would do anything to experience.
You just complained on here just like she does! She isn’t complaining she is sharing her struggles. To say that she is ungrateful for her children is a horrible thing to say and the negative people commenting don’t need to read it then. I struggle with infertility and I don’t take it as her complaing. So stop reading if you don’t like her blogs.
I’m glad you finally got your baby after such a long struggle.
OMG! Are you literally kidding with this comment? Like seriously…put your therapist(s) on speed dial. Tone it down hater!!! And scram while you are at it!!!
At first when I read the nasty comment, I disagreed that you should get help and that poster was wrong but after seeing all the attention you focus on ONE negative comment out of a THOUSAND positive comments, I feel that something is not right. If you were a mentally strong person you would not focus on the one negative comment. You would ignore it and move on. It’s ok to say that it bothered you but This post just shows that you need so much attention from complete strangers about one negative comment. The initial poster(don’t remember her name) seemed to very accurate regarding mental health.
I couldn’t agree more! The need for attention is really kind of disturbing and not very professional. But don’t forget all these hits and comments on her blog add up to a big payday for Ali so don’t feel too sorry for her.
Don’t let these people get to you. I also had 2 under 2. Now my daughter is 3 and my son is a year and a half. That age difference is soo hard! Making sure you give each one of them enough attention each day is a constant struggle. You are doing awesome and I love all your posts. Keep doing what you’re doing! (PS: my daughter still makes me put her down every night and I love it, that little time each night is everything).
Keep being real. You are funny, sweet and just plain awesome.
I can relate to the wackiness of how we succumb to the negativity of just ONE comment. It preys on our insecurities and we listen to that voice sometimes louder than any positive one.
Keep redirecting that nonsense. I’m not a mom, I hope one day to be, but I love your stories because I learn a lot and just appreciate you sharing your family and lessons learned with all of us.
Girl, haters gonna hate. You rock. Also, I’ve never commented before, but my maiden name is Manno so I thought it was awesome when you married a Manno! (No relation, I don’t think…). Keep doing what you do and know we all love and appreciate you!
I want to tell you a secret , when you read a hurtful negative comment and it cuts you immediately say This person is not my people . We can’t prevent mean people from hurting us but we can change our reaction 💗 you rock 👏👏👏👏
So true Sandi!!!
I’ve followed you for years and am now a first time mom to a sweet 10 week old boy. I’ve always enjoyed your blog and perspective but I am living for your parenting “content” (for lack of a better word). I’m on leave for 6 months and while I love parenting, it can feel so isolating.
You literally help me feel like I’m not going through this alone. Today your son had a blowout and you had to cut his onesie off. My son has a blowout and I spent like 10 minutes trying to roll up the poop inside the onesie to get it off his head without getting poop everywhere.
Thank you for putting yourself out there. It means something!
Hi Ali, I read your posts from little old New Zealand. You’re awesome, don’t let anyone get you down. I have two boys 13 and 11 and at times even now it is tough. You are doing what’s right for you and you’re family.
All the best
Vicki
Ps. I can’t tell cause the cuteness out ways the looking closely, but does Riley have blue eyes or brown like his sister? That’s all! 🌻
Girl!! I hope you never have to apologize or have to explain you doing you. You’re 100% right hurt people hurt people. I’m sorry someone was so nasty. That was very hurtful. But you’re a better person for rising up and standing up for yourself. So sad that in a society that’s working towards women’s equality that we are the ones tearing each other down. I’ve been following you since before you were pregnant with Molly and we both went through our pregnancies almost the same time so it’s been nice to see you grow as a mother as I have. You’re an amazing mother and you’re children are happy and thriving. At the end of the day that is all that counts so cheers to you lady! Haters gunna hate!
PLEASE don’t stop sharing your successes AND your struggles. You’re easily my favorite mom to follow because you are so raw and real. There are days when my 2 under 2 have me feeling like a complete failure as a mom because I compare myself to other moms on social media sharing only their highlight reel (I know I’m NOT a failure, but on hard days it’s easy to get caught up comparing and feeling inadequate). When I see you sharing that you’re having a tough moment or a tough day or a tough WEEK, it reminds me that I’m not alone and I’m not the only one and that truly makes me feel better. As women, we owe it to each other to be raw and real sometimes, and to know that we are ALL amazing moms who have hard days! But can also celebrate each other on those amazing days and in those amazing moments. So THANK YOU for being real and for making me feel like a regular ole mom who sometimes loses her mind. 😬 Cheers to you, momma. You’re killin it! 😘❤️
Hi Ali!
I just want to say that I’ve loved you ever since I saw you on the bachelorette. You’re such an amazing person, wife and mother. Even though I’m only 18, I love seeing your posts and Instagram stories about being a mom and wife and you inspire me to be an amazing mom and wife like you some day! Thank you for being so real. You are so lucky to have such a wonderful family!
Avery Caldwell
Thank you so much for this. That comment really upset me as well. Motherhood is hard enough. Negativity is not needed. I follow you because you are REAL and at the end of the day it makes me feel better. I have a 2 1/2 yr old daughter and currently trying for baby #2 and some days I don’t see how I get through lol! My husband leaves for work at 4AM and gets home at 4PM. 2 is a hard age(believe me, I know.) and you have a new baby and you also work! Anybody who is a mother knows how hard it is. It doesn’t make you ungrateful or insecure. It is the most REWARDING and most DIFFICULT job in the world. Please keep being you because when my 2 yr old is constantly whining or throwing a fit, I remember I am not alone and that is because you are there to remind me. We will get through this and remember, it is all temporary. They will grow up and become adults one day and maybe even have children of their own.
Being a mom is hard no matter the age. It’s a fact of life. There are days you just want scream and it doesn’t change no matter the age. Trust me I have a 17 and 13 year old and they test me. And I’m pretty sure my mom would still say the same about me at 40 :). Other woman who have the nerve to bash another mom is ridiculous, we all go through it! It’s called being a mom! Keep being the best mom you can be, that’s all we can do.
Ali your blog is the absolute best and you are my favorite person to follow on social media! I love your positivity and energy but also how you keep it real with us! Watching you become a mother has been so beautiful and you have the most amazing kids! Keep it up we love hearing from you!
Thanks for sharing your life with us, your fans, the good the bad and the ugly. We follow you because we can relate because you are so real and genuine. I am glad that you also shared the hurt because that is part of real life too. But keep doing what you do because you are AMAZING!! As a mom of 3 who are 20, 17 and 13 I can tell you that this is the HARDEST time of your life and you are doing it right by enjoying all the seasons being a mom brings. Your family is adorable and your videos make my day everyday so thanks. Love you Ali!! Keep up the goof work!!
Hi Ali, I’m not usually one to comment, but just want to let you know how much I appreciate you. I watched (and loved) your season of the bachelorette, and I started following your blog/social media 1.5 years ago when I got pregnant for the first time with my son. I find your blog and insta stories so comforting. Especially in the first weeks of my son’s life, when I felt like the fact that I was exhausted and frustrated at times meant that I was a horrible mother, you really helped reassure me and give me confidence in myself. I think that women are set up to believe that we will transform into perfect selfless goddess when we become mothers, and that everything about motherhood should come naturally and bring us joy in every moment of every day (and night!). I think it’s so important for amazing moms like you to use your platform to challenge these unrealistic expectations that set women up to fail. That negative comment you received was a great example of why your voice is so important – it sounds to me like that woman is probably overwhelmed by her own feelings of failure and was projecting them onto you.
Also, I have a masters degree in mental health counseling, and in my professional opinion that commenter who said you “need help” because your moods are all over the place was full of sh*t 😉
I’m not a mom, and do not pretend to know what Moms go through on a daily basis. What I DO know is that being a mom is the hardest job in the world. You are helping so many others by sharing. Keep doing you. You’re right, hurt people, hurt people. It’s not fair. Your blog & IG are soo positive, even when responding to the negative. Sorry you had to go through this.
I think the issue comes down to, you’re trying too hard to please people you don’t even know. One day you’re crying over how hard motherhood is and the next you’re all dolled up, acting as if you’re back and ready for the spotlight and as if the struggles the day before aren’t a bother anymore. You spend SO MUCH energy trying to explain yourself and who you really are and defending how smart molly is and how good a sleeper Riley is… when really, doesn’t that just make you sad? That you feel the need to have to live up to the “celeb” standard? And defend yourself to thousands of people you’ll never know? Just be you. Figure out what you’re good out and stick with it. It seems you’re trying to be too many things at once – then need to exert unnecessary energy to try to defend who that person really is. Take a step back from the spot light. People will still like you. Just do you. Be a good mom and be okay with it.
AMEN! My thoughts exactly. I couldn’t have said it better myself, yet it’s what I’ve been thinking all along. Spend less time bedazzling your instagram, less time worrying about making it more average, and more time just focusing on your life. Ignore your need to please your followers and gain popularity.
Yes!!! Totally. Too focused on her image. Let it go. Get your kids out of the limelight and just focus on your family and what really matters.
Love reading your blog and seeing that I’m not the only mom out there with very similar experiences and challenges! Keep doing what your doing. Haters gonna hate! But like you said… majority of the comments are positive so just be you! Your real-ness resignates with so many!!
Mommy shamers are really something else. I may not experience it on the same scale, but I too know what it’s like to feel the deep cut of hearing and seeing comments related to your parenting choices. For me, it comes from my mother in law, who we rely on for child care. Today, she told me my daughter would probably get cancer because I’ve been putting baby powder on a rash she has. Among many other things, she has also shamed me for not making my own baby food. I am a working mother with a full time career, who like you has a very hands on husband, but he also works 50-60 hour a week… sorry, but we don’t have time to make homemade baby food! I’d rather spend my very limited time with her each night reading her a book, or getting on the floor with her and watching her play, or simply cuddling in front of the TV (I’ve also been told I’m ruining her eyes for that, too). It’s ok though, because since I’ve become a mom, I’ve grown so much. I know I am a GREAT mom. My daughter is loved, even if I didn’t get to breastfeed her because she was born 2 months premature, or if I feed her jarred organic baby food over making it myself, or if I choose to go get a manicure on a Saturday afternoon instead of staying home. I choose to ignore her comments because I am confident in my choices. I’m doing GREAT. And YOU ARE TOO!
Ali, Congratulations on your beautiful family, unfortunately there will
Always be haters out there, those negative people. I feel sorry for them as they are the ones seeking attention, not living their best lives and enjoy making others feel bad about themselves. You are kind hearted, a fantastic Mom and wife. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I am a mother of 2 young adults 22 and 25. I look how great they have both turned out and both my husband and I say we did our job well. We have brought them both up to be loving, considerate, honest, hard working and that’s exactly how they are. Both well rounded starting off in good careers and happy. Our job of parenting them is done, now we are their best friends and we enjoy watching them grow as adults making their decisions. Being a parent is a big responsibility and all us parents try and our best to do the best for our children. All your parenting will pay off in the end. Keep smiling and doing what your doing, it’s gets easier and believe me when they turn into adults you will feel so very proud.
Ali, your stories are real! I’m a mother of a 5 year old and a 2 1/2 year old, work 3 hours a day and my husband is gone working anywhere from 8-18 hours a day. Life gets hard and there is days I feel like I need a break, but moms don’t get breaks or naps very offen 😢.
I just keep going and drink my wine at night and coffee in the morning 😂! Don’t let others bring you down, not worth it! Keep being you and the nasty people can leave! By the way were those tacos yummy 😋? Lol ❤️ Amber
Oh, you are such a sweetheart! You have this amazing ability to make your readers feel like your close friends. This post was a comfort to me, as I have been treated in a similar way as of late. It was a lovely reminder to remember who we are and rob or let negativity pierce our souls. We can hold our heads high and smile. Keep doing what you’re doing because you are helping more people than you even know. ❤️
I doubt you will get alll the way down to read this comment (given how MANY comments you already have), but I just want to reiterate your struggles with the ages of your kids. I have a 2 and 4 yr old and I found 1 and 3 to be the absolute worst combo. Soo soo hard!! I honestly was so afraid to do anything with my kids during that rough time bc everything was just so challenging. That said, being home was also challenging 😳 Anyway, you’re not alone- I think 2 and 4 is waaaayyyyy better! Love reading your blog and posts. Side note- I just listened to an awesome podcast about not letting haters get to you- check out Skimmed from the Couch ep 30 with Taraji Hensen- I loved it!! She was so fearless. Keep kickin ass and talking about our hardest job- being mothers- I love reading!
I feel for you Ali! You have every right to have highs AND lows! Just like our kids do! It doesn’t mean you are ungrateful for them, it just makes you human! I was struggling with my 18 month old and read No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury and it really helped me with perspective. Might be worth checking out, she has a great podcast series, Unruffled, as well. Wishing you all the best!
I know you are probably getting a million comments on this post, but I just can’t help myself and have to chime in! You’re a fantastic role model and mother! I love following you and hearing your honesty about motherhood. (And your fashion posts – I’ve purchased many items you’ve featured in your posts!) But anyway, back to motherhood. I have two kids almost the exact same ages as Molly and Riley, and I have struggled a lot as a mother!! So many highs and lows, and that’s just how it is! It makes me feel “normal” to hear people like you share your struggles and joys. Keep it up, mama! You’re doing great!
Ali you are awesome! Seriously some people are just rude! I love your blog and I’ve said this before but seeing Molly on your IG daily makes me and my kids laugh and genuinely smile everyday. Riley is such a happy, happy baby and that smile and those cheeks. Precious!!
Being a mom is hard work! I’ve done it as a single mom raising two kids, working two jobs and going to school. Now I’m raising two kids with my “Mr. Wonderful” husband. Yup that’s what I call him 😊. Guess what?? It is still hard. Good days, hard days, exhausting days, super great days. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I love your blog! I love your heart! I love your transparency and your genuine honesty. I saw that mean comment and I was floored.
You’ve adressed this perfectly.
I am sorry that you have doubted yourself as a parent and that you have felt bad since then.
Thank you for your blog.
Sending virtual hugs your way. I’m sure it must be incredibly hard to put your life on display. What’s that saying about you can’t please all of the people? Keep doing you 🙂 Just wanted to say your kids are so cute. I love that you read to Molly. I used to do that with my son, he used to love the Dr Seuss books.
It’s the people in life who wear their emotions on their sleeves that are the most intuitive, most sensitive in the best ways in life. You seem like one and that’s such a good quality. You are empathetic and in this case should not have to explain yourself to people. It sounds like you are juggling a lot right now. It will get better, I promise. As a retired teacher I’m so impressed with Molly. She’s incredibly smart! Pat yourselves on your back and keep up the great work!
You are one of the few people I actually stop to watch on my stories and actually take time to check your blog. As a mom to a Little one you are so relatable and honest and it really gets me through the day knowing everyone has parenting ups and downs. I hope no comments ever stop you from posting the realatable wonderful content that you post because, like you said, 99% of us love what you’re doing and the other 1% of people need to learn how to be kind. Thank you for your inspiration and being so amazing to share your journey with us!! 💗
Ali, I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and I appreciate how you keep things real. I am not a mom, but the reason I keep following your insta stories and blog is because you are relatable and honest. Yes, I love all the pretty pictures and great tips and recipes, – But let’s be real- life is HARD – no matter who you are. Why pretend otherwise? Thanks for being who you are. Please don’t stop. It’s why we all read.
Ali! I’ve been following you and your story since your days on the Bachelorette. I love your blog and always enjoy getting a glimpse into your life. I’ve never once thought of you as negative and think you’re an incredibly devoted mother and wife. I appreciate your honesty. Don’t sugar coat anything. We all need to be more real and not always portray the perfect image social media demands. It’s so hard to not let negative comments and feedback stick with us. I’m so guilty of only focusing on the negative and letting them erase the positive. How quickly we are to believe the one bad comment over the 99 positive ones.
You have so many people who care about you and you’ve got a beautiful family. Stay strong and positive! Xoxoxox Cristina
Hi Ali! I love following you on Instagram and reading your blogs. You show the glorious and not so glorious sides of motherhood and I truly appreciate that!
I have an almost 1 year old daughter who I exclusively pump for. She was in the NICU when she was born and I couldn’t breastfed so I decided to pump. I understand how hard it is to keep up with the eating needs of your little one. Keep up the good work mama! Try using coconut oil around your nipples to help them flow easier into the flange, that could help with the cracking and pain. Hope that helps!
Mean people suck. There have been many times where your stories or posts have helped me remind myself that I’m not the only one going through something or feeling a certain way. You’ve given me confidence and comfort and great fashion advice and I appreciate all of it!! Keep it up Ali. We all love ya and got your back 💕
I’m so sorry you’ve gotten some negative remarks. As mom’s (or women in general) we should be building each other up and encouraging one another because it is hard and I feel like that’s what your blog does!! It’s my moment away from the craziness of my life as a mom to read your blogs and watch your Instagram stories. Your blog makes me feel sane in knowing I’m not the only one. I so appreciate the realness of it all because we ALL struggle in one way or another and sometimes knowing that it’s not just you feeling the way you feel you do can make a huge difference… in an odd way it’s re-energizing!
So thank you for doing what you do and sharing a glimpse of your world with us because it is indescribably supportive and encouraging to me as a mom.
Sorry you have to deal with that negativity! I absolutely love following your blog! Keep doing what you are doing! 😘
It all comes down to being respectful! People may not like what you say/do/write but what happened to being respectful humans?! It’s easier to keep scrolling than to write a mean comment.
Xo,
Momma of 2 toddlers too;)
(And one of Kevin’s/104.3 listeners!)
And please keep sharing! I’m one of many who appreciate it! ❤️
Reading that kind of stuff would be hard for anyone. It takes a strong person to put herself out there like you do, knowing the risks.
Truthfully, I probably would have unfollowed you if it was all happy all the time. I can’t relate to everything about you – My kids sleep much differently than yours and my house is a lot smaller. Regardless, I love your messy hair, wine-stained lips, real-life posts. And I love the little peak into such a different life than mine.
I know it’s cliche, but it’s also great advice: you do you.
I so appreciate your honesty and vulnerability as a working mother. It’s extremely relatable and so encouraging to know every mother struggles with (and celebrates) similar things. I love your blog and reading about your sweet family. Keep going!!! You’re doing a great job.
Ali, I have read many of your blogs and never commented. I comment this time only so that you know that your following goes further than you realize both in number and geography, Ontario, Canada here. There are probably lots of us that have never commented but love you and your honesty about motherhood. Damn, it’s the hardest thing in the entire world and I often find myself wishing that I never had kids. There’s my truth. I hate not being the best mom I can be but when your overwhelmed by the endless list of things to do and all the invisible mom chores that go unrecognized, you just wish that it would all just go away. I work a full time job out of the house, workout 5 times a week and have a husband and three children 5, 9 and 12. Sometimes I cannot imagine life without my kids and sometimes I am so overwhelmed, I don’t know what to do with myself. I think the most important thing for us mom’s is to know that we are not alone and we all feel this way…but in the moment it’s tough to remind ourselves.
Oh, Ali! I so hear your heart, and you seriously cannot even know the extent of your impact on people, especially other moms!! I don’t ever follow celebrities long term because I get sick of the canned insta feeds and the sugar coating that goes into so many posts. That’s why I absolutely love how real you are with your posts. It’s rare and beautiful to see such authenticity in a society where we all want to look perfect. It’s definitely the hardest and best years right now with so many emotions, so much exhaustion and so many rewarding moments mixed into the crazy and the mundane! I have two amazing kiddos also, a 2 (almost 3) year old boy and a 3 month old baby girl and a wonderful husband so I can totally identify. But. It’s. Still. Hard. Nothing can prepare you for going to mom of one to mom of two. It’s beautiful that your heart grows with love for another child… but the rest of you doesn’t. You don’t magically have more energy, more patience, more hands. And our toddlers need us just as much (if not more emotionally) than they ever have!
You’re doing fantastic. Your kids are beautiful and sweet and smart and you ARE a damn good mom. Keep being yourself and daring to let us in on the adventure because most of us feel nothing but privileged to be along for the ride.
Sending so much love to you!
Just wanted to chime in with words of encouragement and support. I have a daughter a little older than Molly and man has this been the hardest 2 years and a few months of my life! Of course there has been so much joy throughout but I don’t feel bad saying that I look forward to when she naps or goes to bed at night so my life feels a little like how it used to pre-baby. And then of course when she is asleep or I’m away from her I miss her because that’s just how it goes. This whole parenting thing is up and down over and over and from my understanding it never stops, though it constantly changes. Anyway my point is that I, like so many others here appreciate your honest voice and relability. Keep it up, you are doing a wonderful job! (We all need to keep hearing that 😊)
I wanna say that you rock! I always read all of your blog post and love how relatable they are! I just became a mom four months ago and trust me it’s the hardest but best thing we have ever done! I love how real you are in all your post! Keep doing what you do best!
Your posts give me hope! I’m still a mum of only one, adorable but exhausting, one yr old but you being real about the struggles truly helps me get through my hardest days. So many people make it seem effortless, which makes me feel like i’m failing, but your keeping it real shows that we’re all the same and we will survive after all. And i enjoy your bachelor/clothes blogs too 😉
Thanks for being you!
Ali- you do you. My girls are all grown up but I remember how hard it was. You seem like you are doing a fantastic job. You have two beautiful children who are clearly loved to the moon and back. Focus on all of us who admire you and love to follow your adventures. I wish I’d had someone like you to follow 25 years ago.
Keep up the great job. Your rewards will be tremendous as your kiddos grow up.
I love your blog and read it because you’re real! I want to hear about the good times and the struggles because I’m living them too. My baby just turned two last weekend and she’s an incredible little person who has a hilarious sense of humour, has become very cuddly lately and I just love heroes than words can ever express. But at the same time, she’s a two year old and is starting to push back and see what she can get away with, and with that comes screaming and tantrums and flailing around when I’m trying to change her (I got a nice little kick to the jaw just yesterday :0 ), and while the amazing times are just that, amazing, the tough times are exhausting and frustrating and it takes a lot of energy to keep a cool head. So I appreciate when I can relate to others and hear how they’re navigating similar situations so it makes me not feel so alone, and maybe I can learn something from you that I haven’t thought of. Don’t let negative comments get you down, just try to focus on the positives because there’s so much to conquer every day in our own lives without having someone on the outside trying to bring you down.
Ali, my son (baby#3) was born exactly one month before Riley. Thank you for being honest and open about the highs and lows you have experienced on this journey of motherhood and since having Riley because I can completely relate to so much of what you are going through. It hasn’t been easy finding a new normal for myself at times even though my kids are great and healthy and I have a great husband too. I just want you to know you are not alone in this. And thank you for helping me not to feel alone in this either. It’s very apparent that you are a kind and loving person and the world needs more of people like you.
Hi Ali,
Thank you so much for being so honest and genuine, it is seriously a breath of fresh air to see your instagram stories about life and motherhood and your beautiful children! I have 2 kids as well, right around the same age as yours, both boys – Mason is 2.5 and Parker is almost 4 months. I loved watching your stories on Instagram through your pregnancy with Riley since we were essentially in the same stages of pregnancy at the same time. Man is it harder the 2nd time around, right?! I just wanted to say thank you for being genuine, down to earth, and for being able to keep a smile on your face through the good and hard times. These are definitely the hardest but best years of our lives! Keep doing what you’re doing, I know I appreciate it!
I am a huge fan from way back when.
I’m a mumma of 2 as well but mine are bigger, not that much as they’ll always be babies. But I have a 11 year old girl Emerson and a 7.5 year old boy Oscar.
I kid you not but yours and Kevin’s posts and instastories take me back to my life a few years ago and I love every single minute. From the poo nappies today to the red wine lips and your angelic girl it’s so relatable and I wish I had you back then when my babies were babies. It would of helped me feel normal and that I can do this.
Don’t change or stop being you!!!!
And if you want to take a sneak peak of life in Sydney Australia with older kids head to my insta page @aloganhalaj
Last two words for you and Kevin: “thank you” ♥️♥️♥️
It’s so hard to not react when you are hurt! So sorry. Sometimes we are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. If you posted all the time about how happy Riley is or how smart Molly is, you’d be bragging, rubbing it in other’s faces. If you don’t post enough, you must not be content with you life! Just keep on doing you. It’s awesome! I love that Molly is learning Spanish at such a young age! And man, I will hand it to you with the pumping. I loved nursing, did it until my daughter was 13 months and I was already pregnant with baby #2, then 5 months later had my son and nurses him for 18 months. It was exhausting at times but worth it. The worst part was going back to work 3 months postpartum and having to pump. I despised it. So to have to pump during the day and only get to nurse once a day is a HUGE COMMITMENT! Wtg!
Hi Ali,
You are one of the few I follow on Instagram that I don’t know in my every day life, simply because you are so relatable! You are a wonderful mom and maybe you don’t post pictures of hours and hours of pumping, but what mom wants to capture that on camera?! I have a almost 3yr old and when she was 6 months old we traveled to Alaska for a wedding without her. It was insanely hard! I remember pumping like crazy from the day she was born to have enough milk, then pumping while we were gone to maintain my milk. I pumped in so many disgusting airport bathrooms… but looking back it was completely worth it. We now have a 6 month old baby boy and the nursing isn’t quite as stressful.
Every day is filled with great, sweet, wonderful moments and then there are those where I want to scream.
Being a mom is definitely the greatest blessing and the hardest job I can imagine. You are an amazing mom and anyone that puts down another mom must not understand what being a mom actually is— being loving, kind, and caring to all.
Double hugs to you Ali! I can totally see what great parents you and Kevin are. Molly and Riley always seem so healthy and happy 😀 My baby girl and Riley were actually due on the same day but she came almost two months early. I know how hard it is and I actually admire you so much for juggling it all. 😘 thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing your life with us!
PS – I hope you got the ramen suggestion I messaged you on IG ❤️
Our friend owns an all natural company for new mothers called Motherlove. I’d be so happy to send you some of their products if you’d like some! Or I’m sure she’d send you some for promotion on your blog. It’s great and might help your pumping problem!
As for everything else. It never ends, someone is always going to judge your parenting. Tell them to keep their nose on their own face. 😉 you’re a great mama.
The Motherlove nipple cream is magic!
Hi Ali!💞Thank you for sharing. I’m a mommy to a 3 yr.old and 13 yr.old. and my gosh it’s one of the most difficult and yet fulfilling experiences life could give us! So many things we learn to juggle in our everyday lives. Not one day is the same.😩😭😁 the worse in my opinion is hearing someone tell us what learning stage our children should be at, how to discipline our children or what to feed them and… to top it off they don’t have children.🤦🏻♀️ or to hear someone tell me,I have all the time in the world now that I’m a stay at home mom!😭😠😩💆🏻♀️ thank you Ali for everything, love reading your blogs. You are an awesome mommy!😘💞💞💞
As a momma to a 4 month old – I appreciate every single one of your posts about motherhood. Motherhood is the hardest thing I have ever done! I am inspired that you are brave enough to voice the good and the bad. Hugs to you and your family!
I love seeing your Instagram stories and posts because you are so honest and real! Motherhood is the most challenging and most rewarding job and I’m grateful that you share the highs and the lows! It’s a good reminder to other mamas that we all have struggles and we aren’t alone. Don’t let a miserable hater get you down, you are killin’ it mama 💜
Ali! My kids are grown now, but I’m a busy working mom too and I love reading your blog. You’re smart, funny and you wear cute outfits!!! Keep being you and we will all be out here supporting you and your business and supporting the other mamas you support!!!
The struggle is real, I totally get it. I have a 3 year old and an 8 month old, and while motherhood is definitely 100% the BEST, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t incredibly hard some days as well. We are all just doing our very best for our children and it’s sad how quick a person is to judge you and then feel the need to SAY it. You are awesome and I appreciate you sharing your motherhood journey (& life) with us. I think you’re kicking ass at Mom hood and you make so many other women not feel alone in these feelings of up and down (which is totally normal)!
Mean people suck! Thank you for keeping it real! My little girl is 14 weeks and this mom thing is HARD! We were doing the 1 nursing session and the rest pumping because she wasn’t getting enough by just nursing and not gaining enough. I went back to work a few weeks ago and now she just doesn’t want to nurse at all (I think she’s mad at me but it completely breaks my heart and I cry more often than I like to admit) so it’s exclusively pumping for the last almost 2 weeks. Hoping things will change but all we can do as moms is do the best for our babies- what WE know to be best and not what someone else tells us is, despite what others think.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for bloggers like you! When my little girl was a newborn I would read posts like this late at night while nursing and that was what kept me going! Now she’s 1 and I have a 3 year old step daughter, and it is HARD at times!! Like, you really do lose your cool! But knowing that there are other mamas out there going through the same thing is so incredibly relieving! So THANK YOU for putting it out there. Even though every mom doesn’t parent the same way, it doesn’t matter, we need to all support each other! 🙂 keep doing what you’re doing and I don’t understand why those people follow you either if they feel that way! So rude! Haha
Ali,
Haters are going to hate. Rise above it. Negativity is toxic.
I know first hand the struggles and joy of being a working mother.
I am a grandmother of 2 beautiful girls, aged 3 1/2 and 1. I see how hard my daughter and son-in-law work to raise healthy, happy children while juggling full time careers. They are both amazing parents but it isn’t easy. These kids have 2 grandmas, 2 grandpas and 2 great grandmas who are willing to drop everything and pitch in when needed. That could be watching the girls, laundry, cooking, etc. It doesn’t matter. It takes a village and we couldn’t be happier because those girls are loving, smart, happy little humans.
You and Kevin are doing a great job as parents. Your children have grandparents who love them but don’t live in the same state. Keep doing what you do, Ali. Your kids are loved and nurtured. And I admire you both for raising them right.
Hi Ali, I am going to do 2 comments on this page because I did comment on your taco blog about the tacos..lol but perhaps under the circumstances you didnt see it. I am going to make those tacos tomorrow night for dinner but instead of Sweet Potato I am using butternut squash because it is lower in calories and carbs. Also I add cheese to everything, I do love dairy so will add some cheese and do not like flour tortillas so will use corn. Cant wait to try them and I will let you know how they turn out. Secondly, I nursed both of my boys until they were over 2 years old and I decided that I wanted to do it exclusively so I never gave them a bottle. When I did try to give them one they wouldnt take it, only once in a while if my mom or someone babysat but they didnt take very much. (spoiled by the boobies..lol) So I just wonder if maybe nursing him more throughout the day will help your milk supply plus your poor nipples wont be as sore from all that pumping you have to do (poor thing, I can imagine how painful it is). Maybe only give a bottle when he is with the nanny or if Kevin has to feed him etc? Just curious as to why you have to pump so much but as you said that will be a whole other blog that I cant wait to read. We are both Virgos and I know how much love we have to give and how we are the type to sacrifice so much for our kids. I get you Ali and I had a husband that worked 12 to 14 hour days so I kind of raised my kids by myself, so I know how difficult it can be. You are doing great and before you know it they will be beyond this stage and on to another each with different challenges for the rest of our lives. Hang in there! and dont stop being who you are! :):)
Ali, yout taco’s looked amazing! I love your blogs and instagram because my kids are grown and your little family is so adorable! You are an awesome mom and any one that can’t see that is blind. To post that on your delicious taco blog is offensive not only to you but to all your loving fans! I’m making those taco’s soon and she can take that taco and shove it! 😉 People think that just because you cannot see them they can write hateful stuff. You are probably not the only one who she follows and does that too. You are the best! Hugs ❤️
I realize I only know you from what I see on Instagram but I love watching your and Kevin’s stories because you both are so sweet. LOVE seeing Molly and Riley. They are so precious! There are so many miserable people in this world that want to pull everyone else into their misery. Sorry you have to deal with that. Thanks for sharing the good and bad and your sweet family. I’m a single Mom of a 10 year old boy. Being a single Mom is all I’ve ever known and would do it all over again because my gift from God is worth any struggle in this world. Being a Mom is such a blessing. Keep up the good work!
I’m a single mom who got pregnant at 18. I tried so hard to pretend to be a happy, perfect mom because I was afraid of being judged, which I was regardless. I made a plan to commit suicide when my son was 6 months old. I believed the haters. I thought my son deserved better and I’d never be good enough. 6 years later, and my son and I couldn’t be happier. He’s the smartest (scores better than 98% of all 1st graders in the U.S in academics. Had to brag a bit because I’m still shocked and proud) and kindest boy I’ve ever met. And I did that. I raised him that way. He taught me to love myself though and showed me that trying my best has been enough. I’ve been following you for a couple years because I LOVE Kevin on MYFM. He’s so real and funny, just like you. And I appreciate that because as a teen mom, all I saw was perfection on TV and social media and I knew I could never live up. PLEASE continue to vent because I know what could happen to your sanity if you keep it all in… I LOVE your blog and insta stories because it shows me that I don’t have to keep it all together every minute of the day. Everyone has ups and downs no matter what their circumstances are. Keep doing you.
One thing I do that drives all my thoughts and actions in difficult situations is think, “What would I want my son to do if he were in my shoes right now? What advice would I give him? How would I want him to feel?” And then I take my own advice. We are so much kinder to our children than we are to ourselves. Hugs and love to you Ali! Keep being a strong role model. And being strong means embracing our vulnerabilities, not hiding them.
Jess….I’m so glad that you were able to change your suicide plan 5 1/2 years ago. yes, being a young mama is difficult…but you are doing amazing! and yes, brag…your son’s scores are a reflection of what you have been helping him learn. Keep up the great job! and I love that you think “what would my son do……”, great advice. I’m just another mama out here cheering for all of us to always do the very best we can, but today…I’m cheering for YOU!!! xoxo
Tammie,
You are so sweet. Thank you so much! It’s moms like you and Ali who uplift others that got me through those tough times. I’m so grateful for beautiful souls like yours. Hugs and love to you Tammie! <3<3<3
I am not a mother so I feel as though this comment will not be validated, but I am a fan of your honesty as being a parent. However, I am someone who suffers with depression & I hope you can clarify the part of the comment that was left regarding seeking professional help for the struggles you are sharing as it is something that I did not see in the above blog post. I do not think that seeking professional help should ever be something that is taken as a negative & may inspire others (as so many mothers look up to you) to seek professional help if they can not overcome the struggles on their own. I completely understand & agree that the majority of the comment left was very rude and completely unnecessary, but please do not make mental illness something to be ashamed of.
I 100% agree!! Thank you for saying this… I’ve been scrolling through all the comments trying to find one where someone acknowledged the actual tone of a big piece of the comment, which was to consider getting professional help through therapy. This is the only comment I’ve seen where someone actually addressed it but I think it’s so important to recognize while she’s talking about dealing with the rest of the negativity. Yes I’m sad that Ali has to deal with negativity which I’m sure she does all the time from people who don’t know her, and that really sucks. And people criticizing her parenting is awful and uncalled-for too. So I definitely understand her being hurt and mad about that. But a suggestion that someone may benefit from seeing a therapist – that shouldn’t be something to get offended or angry over. Some people in my life told me I may need one and guess what – I evaluated things and realized they were right and started seeing one! I’m not a mother either, but I know that motherhood is hard and has its ups and downs…some people have a harder time with the “downs” and some may deal with it easier than others, but I think there is NO shame in suggesting or admitting at any point that someone may need to see a therapist in order to be more happy with themselves or their lives, work through struggles they’re having, or just to be able to be more balanced. I hope Ali doesn’t forget this part of the comment and isn’t afraid to see a therapist and get that kind of help if it is something she truly needs! I don’t pretend to know her or anyone else here, but I hope we can all recognize that mental health is so important to care for, and if you’re having struggles know that getting help is not something to be ashamed over and can truly help so many people who are struggling in any way!
Thanks for being real, Ali! You are a true inspiration to us mamas out there! Our daughters are the same age and I learn so much from you. I found a quote that said we can’t control what people say to us. We can only control how we respond and the way we take their feedback. Let’s keep our heads up and rise above the negativity. Xoxo
Ali
I love your blog! I don’t even have children and was upset by the negative comments that was made on your blog. Don’t let that get you down girl! When I watch your blog and laugh at some of your posts my husband will say ‘who are you watching – Molly’s mom’. He knows you as Molly’s mom and he thinks your kiddos are super cute. Live your life the way you want to! Thanks for letting us into your home and for sharing your stories with the rest of us.
Hi Ali, just wanted to put this out there. I don’t have small children. However, I still watch your stories and follow you and read your blog. I follow to see the love you and your husband had with Owen, then with Molly and now with Riley. You have a radiant smile and a contagious laugh. I find myself happier after seeing/reading/watching your posts. I’d say you must be doing a lot of things right to have two kids that are so happy. Plus fans that follow even who are not in the same place in life yet still watch and listen just because! Happy People Make People Happy 😘 XO
Ali, You and your family are the sweetest! I recently felt very down over something somebody said to me. I thought I could shake it off, but it really got to me. Unfortunately there is a lot of negative people in this world that just want to bring people down. Keep doing what your doing! What your sharing with us is real and relatable. You have a wonderful family, and your an awesome Mom! Sending you a big hug from one Mom to another.
As a second time exclusive pumper who is part of an exclusive pumping group on Facebook I can tell you that you shouldn’t have that much pain from pumping; something needs to switch up. Your flanges may be too small causing too much rubbing and friction or they may be too small causing too much movement inside the flange. I recommend either up or downsizing and that may help with comfort and supply level. Also, try using coconut oil as a lubricant as you pump, you want the unrefined pure virgin coconut oil, and try rubbing some or your milk on them and letting them air dry before covering up. That’s another great thing our milk can be used for, healing our sore nips. Also, to build supply remember to drink lots and lots and lots and lots of water. I also find coconut milk and water help and I add malted ovaltine for an extra boost. Dark beer or malted beverages are also good for a boost. Also, stop fenugreek if you are taking it as some see a drop in supply with it. You may also try power pumping once a day for several days to build supply. You pump for 20, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10. I know how it is to struggle with supply. Oh and remember your valves, membranes, diaphragm, and tubing need regular replacing in order to maintain good suction and output. I worked from undersupplier to oversupplier with my 1st and am currently an oversupplier with my 2nd using these tips. Hope you find this advice helpful and don’t see it as unsolicited or unwelcome help! Good luck mama, you’re doing great!
Unfortunately, there are people out there that are mad if their ice cream is cold. Some people just look for something to criticize. We can’t change that. Just try not to give them the attention they are seeking. As we know with parenting, bad behavior should not result in a child getting their way. You are doing great! You’ve got this. And thank you for sharing – without the sugar coating. Parenting is the best and hardest thing we’ll ever do.
Ali,
As A momma of 5 who struggled with breastfeeding all of them, it is the hardest thing with all of the pain and pumping and waking etc. every feed every pumping session is so sacrificial and is truly commendable. As you remember with Molly It does get easier! I just weaned my last baby and It was such A relief to make it as long as I wanted.
I do enjoy reading your blog and seekng your instagram stories. So much fun to keep up with how your family is doing. I love all the shares and the fashion pieces. Thank you!
Being my baby’s mummy is the most amazing thing in the world, it brings me so much happiness and joy and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
However being a ‘mummy’ is the most judged and vulnerable I have ever felt by the wider world. What I struggle to understand is why we are expected to ‘parent’ in the exact same way as each other when each parent and child is so different and as adults we are not expected to respond to any other situations in exactly the same way.
It blows my mind the opinions and the negativity that people feel they have the right to express just coz you’re a parent!
Continue being you Ali, embracing the good times and the bad. You are clearly a wonderful and caring mummy!
I am a mama of two little boys and just went back to work full time. Your Instagram stories have saved me on my days where I don’t know how I’ll make it through the day. Ignore stupid people! If you shared no struggles they would find something wrong with that too. Keep doing you!!
Are you able to moderate comments? Delete those negative comments! 👋🏻 There’s no place for negativity here! I appreciate your blog and love reading it! Please don’t devote any more time and energy to the trolls.
Why is this even a post? Move on!! I feel like this post was just set up to bash someone who states their opinion. Let her have her opinion. Yes it wasn’t very tasteful but I also saw some truth in it. Many moms suffer postpartum depression and it seemed as though Ali could get checked out for that. I don’t think that poster worded her comment the right way but can’t always expect people to post “yay Ali!” posts. Some times people’s posts can actually help you. If you notice, the day after the comment from that poster, all Ali’s stories seemed to focused on the “good” and fun moments she has with her family so it definitely made her change her attitude. That’s a good thing.
Ugh. People seriously suck! I’m sorry you even had to write a blog like this. Keep doing what you are doing and know that you are amazing!! 💕💕
Don’t worry or feel sad for a moment, Ali. You cannot make everyone happy. Enjoy life and be happy 🙂
Your unfiltered approach to sharing your motherhood journey IS the reason I follow you and read your blog regularly! In fact, I’ve started to unfollow some of the other lifestyle bloggers I used to enjoy because I find their approach to be too sugarcoated and un relateable.
With a three year old and 4.5 month old myself, the more moms I can connect with (online or otherwise!) who ‘keep it real’, the better I can handle the daily highs and lows of this equally amazing and trying parenthood journey!
Thanks for sharing it all!!
Ali – I don’t typically respond to posts on social media but you could use a hug! Being a mom has extreme moments but it absolutely is THE most rewarding job in the world. Your posts are real and raw – and no doubt there are many who do feel a kinship with you because of it, which equates to support! Women supporting women – how refreshing! Anyone looking in from the outside cannot judge as they are not walking in your shoes so they are not entitled to have an opinion actually! So stayed focussed inward – on your beautiful little family – and stay true to the family values and commitment that you and Kevin have made for your little family – the rest doesn’t matter! Btw you are doing great and we so enjoy the smiles of both Molly and Riley – such pure joy!
Ali – I don’t typically respond to posts on social media but you could use a hug! Being a mom has extreme moments but it absolutely is THE most rewarding job in the world. Your posts are real and raw – and no doubt there are many who do feel a kinship with you because of it, which equates to support! Women supporting women – how refreshing! Anyone looking in from the outside cannot judge as they are not walking in your shoes so they are not entitled to have an opinion actually! So stayed focussed inward – on your beautiful little family – and stay true to the family values and commitment that you and Kevin have made for your little family – the rest doesn’t matter! Btw you are doing great and we so enjoy the smiles of both Molly and Riley – such pure joy!
Please don’t stop sharing your motherhood journey with us! I started following you when pregnant with my son. We both went through complications and a preterm labor scare within a day of each other! Both our sons are now here healthy and happy. Motherhood has been beautiful and messy and days where you feel like superwoman and days you feel defeated not because you are worried about yourself and your needs but because you want the very best for your kids. Your stories and blogs have helped me tremendously. I so appreciate you and your transparency with us!
I think you are an amazing mom!💗💙 My kids are grown and I now have grandkids and I still love reading your blog! You are such a positive person and I love how you share your downs as well as your ups! Your kids are absolutely adorable! Stay as positive as you always have been! Love your motto of hurt people hurt people. So so true! Hopefully somehow your positive energy will help them heal and make them live a happier life!❤️
Hey Ali, I am a single Momma so thanks for the shout out to us…wanted to share that while I was raising my daughter, I often found strangers, often probably well-meaning people, even friends/family sometimes, would disagree with something, (anything) I might be doing, and I found that people love to say “you can’t do that” but really what they are saying is “I can’t do that” and so whatever you’re doing or saying, or accomplishing, is making them very uncomfortable. So they have to somehow put it down or make you question it because they don’t have the balls to do it, say it, think it! Seriously, keep this in mind and watch and observe in the future-you’ll catch people doing it! Really this person-commenter likely wants to be more like you and be braver and take a stand, etc but she needs courage. But not everybody can be that way. Instead of rising up to that, she had to tear you down. So know that your choices and how you communicate them might be more inspiring even to the naysayers than you think! Keep doing what your doing. I was watching you taco 🌮 live when it was 2PM your time at the end of a crazy workday…how’d they turn out!? (PS If you can suggest the best first 5 meals to get, I’m going to order. Thx Ali!) xo
Boom…Mic drop….
Well said Ali! Instagram is FULL of fake so it’s so refreshing to see someone who is not afraid to be real. You and Kevin are wonderful parents and your kids are beautiful.
Screw the haters….they’re jealous!
x
You are amazing!! I follow you and read your blog regularly because you are real and transparent. Please keep it up. Us moms have to stick together and we are all rallying behind you as you can see from the gagillion comments. Thank you for being willing to open the door to your life. You are one brave mama and person.
I love your blog Ali! Keep keeping things real! I feel it would be more of a disserve to your followers to show your life only through an Instagram filter. Do your best to minimize the impact of negative, hateful comments and focus on the positive. You are doing an amazing job balancing family and career, especially with very young children. I was fortunate enough to have one year of mat leave so didn’t even need to worry about my career for one year after the birth each of my children – (because Canada). Raising kids is the most rewarding and most challenging thing I have ever done! Just keep doing your best- that is all you can do. It won’t be perfect and you will make mistakes and that’s ok-you are human! People learn and grow from their mistakes to become even better. Just take it day by day.
Ali, I just wanted to send some love and support! Love your blog!!!
Hi Ali!
I was having a frustrating morning at work (it’s cliche, but ugh Monday’s…) and took a coffee break to read your blog. I am really inspired by your positivity through this ordeal and wanted to let you know it made my morning a bit brighter. Keep doing you, because you’re awesome!!
Pretty sure that motherhood or parenthood in general is a constant back and forth between high highs and low lows…for someone to say you need “help” because you were expressing that..is so insulting to all mothers!!!
You’re awesome! Love from Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Ps! I love that you re-wear your clothes! Boots and scarves from last season!
It shows how real you are.
You’re an awesome mom! We have so much in common but our lives are very different. I am a teacher and my husband is a state trooper. He is gone a lot because of his job so I too know the struggles of being on your own sometimes. We have 3 kids (14, 3, 1). My son was born in July 2015 and my daughter was born in May 2017. So I’ve been in your shoes with 2 under 2. Also, my husband delivered our baby girl in the truck when I didn’t make it to the hospital in time(that’s another story…haha). This caused some depression and trauma issues. I just wanted to reach out to you because you need to hear you’re doing great! I have my super mom days and my “I can’t do this” days! It’s part of life. It doesn’t mean we love our babies any less and aren’t so grateful for our healthy kids! Sorry this is so long! I’ve just seen lots of negativity thrown your way and it’s not fair. We moms and women should build each other up always! May God bless your precious family!
Ali, I hate that you had some negative comments on your last post, but MAN….the hate-filled comments from those trying to support you were just as bad! Talk about spewing hatred! Lots of cyber bullying going on all over those comments. Yes, the original negative comments were rude and hurtful, but I think your supporters need to check themselves too. Telling someone they are a horrible, worthless human just because they say something negative is completely equal (and worse) than the original negative comments you received. Lots of mean women in the world.
I’m so sorry that someone felt the need to spew negativity here! Your blog is such a positive space, and I have always appreciated the honesty and upbeat outlook you give your readers in every single post! Don’t let the words of one stranger bring you down—whatever the comment was says more about that person than it does about you.
I just don’t understand why people follow others if all they are going to do is be negative! Onwards and upwards! I have two littles and it is hard – I appreciate your raw honesty!
Sending love and prayers.
Check out Clint Smith’s TED talk on The Danger Of Silence. He shares four core principles that may speak to you.
From one mama to another, we’re in this together!
Ali,
I never leave comments on these, but honestly, you are so amazing. You are REAL, you are honest, and beautiful. You have a such a wonderful family, and we ALL struggle. I bet if you wrote about all the great things some people would say “geeze, bragg much??”
You can’t win! People look for anything to be negative because of how they feel about their own lives. Keep doing you, and share it all!
P.S. Obsessed with your style!
xoxo
Andrea
I am so sorry you have been hurt Ali. One of the biggest reasons I follow you is because you are so real. To me as a mom of two I also know how hard Motherhood can be at all ages and stages and it’s nice to know that when I come on to your blog or see your stories on Instagram that I am reminded this is normal!! You should not have to fake it for people. Be you! Be true! Many people who do have blogs or social media pages are sometimes not as real and it bothers me because life can be messy at times. Days can be hard and long. There is no book that tells us truly how to be a wife, a mother, a friend without loosing our shit! Your awesome and beautiful just the way you are! ❤️
Ali,
I go through extremes all the time (I’m not saying you do), but it happens because I love my kids so much and I’m always stressing about them eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, having new experiences etc… if that makes me a crazy person so be it!!! But my kids are NOT suffering from any of this! They are healthy, happy, thriving, (a bit spoiled 😂), but they have everything they need! Being a parent is so hard. I complain so much to my husband and it’s not because I’m unhappy, but it’s because I want to give my kids nothing but the best and that gets stressful. I’m not ashamed of anything…. I don’t think you are extreme or anything at all. I just see a mom who works hard to provide for her kids and make sure they are very well taken care of. Some people are super laid back, others aren’t (like myself), but it doesn’t mean I’m crazy and need help and my kids are suffering. That comment was uncalled for. Keep doing what you are doing.
Ali! You are so loved by so many people! You are doing a fantastic job girl! People have no business commenting on something if they are gonna be hateful but that’s life unfortunately. You just keep doing you because you’re pretty amazing! You have tons of people who support you 100%. 🙂 Love reading your blog and watching Instagram stories. You rock! And you have the most precious children!! Happy Monday!!
Btw I just figured out how to comment on your blog bahahaha!! Yea I’m slow…. never scrolled to the end before today…🤦♀️😂
I’m not a mom, Ali, but I hope to be one day, God willing. I love your blog, your IG posts about Molly and Riley and seeing how real you are about the daily struggles that life hands all of us. Having a “good” day, followed by a “bad” day or having a “good” hour followed by a few “bad” ones doesn’t make you a bad mom/person or in need of therapy. It makes you human. I love that you said hurt people, hurt people. It’s SO TRUE. Keep being your authentic self and those who truly matter will support you 150%! Don’t ever apologize to your followers if you need a break from the hamster wheel that social media can become. We love you, girl! 💕
Ali,
I haven’t been a mom of young children for over twenty years but I read and enjoy your posts and your sharing your family with us on social media. It is fun for me to see how young families do it these days. You don’t know how many times I show an insta story to my husband and we get such joy from seeing Molly “read” and how much she loves books. It reminds us of our lives in the 90’s. I don’t understand the negativity in any way. Obviously anyone who has said such mean things has not been paying attention! It is obvious how much you love your family, your home, your life! No one’s life is always easy-foolish of anyone to think otherwise. It helps so many people when you share a concern, a joy, a decision, a struggle. You always share something and also how you handle it. That information helps others to not feel alone and to look into resources available. You don’t need this old lady to tell you this (but I’m going to)….you are doing great! Keep being you! And please keep brightening my day by sharing yours.
Ali, you are truly such an amazing person and mom! I have followed you since you were on The Bachelor—I actually started watching because of you. I thought you were the most real and genuine person I’d ever seen on a “reality” show and I loved the way you handled yourself throughout the whole process. I really appreciate how much you share of your life and how personal you get on your blog and on social media. What one person may say is “extreme” is what most of your fans love about you, that you don’t sugarcoat anything and you let us see into the moments of your life that are less than perfect because you know we can relate to those moments, and we can all learn from each other and find support when we talk about the downs, not just the ups, in our lives. You’re a beautiful person inside and out, and I know it’s easier said than done, but just remember that for every one negative person, there are thousands of fans who find inspiration from you daily! You’ve created a platform that is so positive and relatable, and we love you for it! Be proud and keep being you ❤️
Honestly, your “real mom” Instagram stories make me feel so much more confident in my parenting. It’s ok to be upset and overwhelmed and exhausted and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. I know that, but it’s so reassuring to hear another mom say it! It’s so hard to balance two! You’re doing a great job and I love keeping up with your mommy-related blogs. Our kids are near the same age and it’s a crazy time, reading your blog is often the only time I get to myself during the day (even if it is while nursing at 3 am 🙂
Keep it up!
Go girl!! I absolutely love your post especially having two kids and I had me second in July and I can’t relate in that way. You help me so much!!!
I’m a mother of two under two and I love your blog more so than other bloggers because you keep it real and you’re totally relatable! I refer your blog to my mommy friends on the reg because it’s helped me so much. Keep on keeping on! And give that girl love too ♥️♥️ Social Media doesn’t show it all, it’s a mere fraction of our lives. Those that know you, know that! You’re not privileged, you’ve worked very hard to be where you are and you’re still a present mother, which is awesome!!
I have so loved your blog and hearing about all your adventures as a momma. I can totally relate to so many I am a mom of 9 month old twin boys. I have had my share of comments and I try to just shake it off though I agree it’s not always easy. Just keep being you and don’t let anyone dull your shine💕
I appreciate you showing us both the ups and downs of parenting. As someone that does not have kids yet, it is eyeopening and inspiring. I have enjoyed being able to follow your life through your blog. Keep doing you girl!
Ali,
I am not a mom yet myself, but I see what motherhood looks like for you, and can understand how different it will likely be for me, just as it is for the next person…I don’t ever take your posts so personally and create false expectations for myself, because that is YOUR life and you are sharing YOUR story. Thank you for your honesty! Never apologize for being you (as hard as it can be because social media is a blessing and a curse!) Although I am definitely finding your Nordstrom/home goods posts for relatable in my current phase of life 🙂 , I absolutely appreciate your honesty all around. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable, and you’re doing a great job!!! But you don’t need me to tell you that. Stay positive, mama! Sending you all the love & light!
Keep doing you, Ali! I’ve loved you since your bachelor days but dont think ive ever commented. I really appreciate your raw and honest posts. I have a 15 month old son and a baby girl on the way and am nervous to juggle 2 but its refreshing to see real people keeping it real! I feel like as moms, we all have high highs and low lows. Parenting is hard and im only a year into it! Us moms gotta stick together not bring anyome down. Thank you for your posts, I look forward to reading many more. xx
I just got caught up on your posts (I have a two year old and I’m pregnant and honestly getting anything done is challenging right now!). It made me cry so hard- I’m not sure if it’s the hormones from my pregnancy or what, but it made me so sad that people think it’s okay to say such negative things. You are an amazing mom and I’m so glad you share the good and the bad. I doubt that person has kids, because if they did they would understand the highs and lows of motherhood. One day can be so perfect and the next the worst day ever!
So, my husband coaches college football and they had a terrible game last weekend. That night, he got a 2 minute voicemail on his work phone cursing and saying the most awful and insulting things about him and the team. When he played it for me, I was so angry! What gave that person the right to do that? But he thought it was the funniest thing ever that some crazy person took the time to look up his number and leave him such a crazy voicemail. They didn’t know him, they were just a crazy fan who was angry their team lost. I guarantee that man would have never in a million years said those things to my husbands face. It’s so easy to hide behind a computer or a phone and say awful things. It’s easy for people to judge when they don’t see the whole picture and when they’re just mean spirited people.
You are doing a great job as a mom and your kids are very lucky to have you 😄. Hang in there!! ❤️
You rock Ali!!! Parenting is HARD!!! we adopted our neice, she is now 4 and we have our own 2 year old!! Times are fun but times are also soo hard!! Keep your chin up and dont let negative people influence your decisions!!!!
You’re an amazing mom & wife! I’m a first time mom and we have a lot of things in common with our 2 little ones who were born only a few weeks apart! I love your blog! Thank you for giving everyone a glimpse into your life & for always being real! The world needs more happy & less negative! ❤️
Love ya Ali! As a mom of a 12 and 15 (almost 16) year old, I am here to tell you… HANG IN THERE! They grow up oh so fast. Soon you will wonder where the time went. You and Kevin are doing an amazing job. I love seeing all the Riley smiles and watching as Molly reads her books and cheers on her “Cubbies”. Keep doing what you are doing.
Anyone who thinks you should share the struggles of motherhood in a “less extreme” way, is obviously not a mother. It’s extreme every minute of every day! It’s so hard to not focus on the negative, but usually the ones with the most to say have the least experience or qualifications to chime in. Keep doing you, mama!
Today I’m drinking a “cup of happy”! I was one who commented on your taco post with support for you. My comment led to a reply stating that I should go back to school – an insult sent to me in regards to voice to text incapabilities 😬. That simple, purposeless reply, coupled with the cyber-bullying/harassment regarding my soon to be released children’s book, reminded me haters gonna hate. Did you know there are numerous organized online groups that serve the purpose of attacking people like you and I? There are 😭. The only solution seems to be “a cup of happy” as you said. Today, as I drink that cup, I am continuously replaying the words “Shine! You got this!” Truth is Ali, like a quote says “you will never be criticized by someone doing more than you”. My advice for us: keep running with all we have, don’t let some nasty comments stop us; do all that puts a smile on our faces; remember we are loved by so many; and believe in ourselves. Then, in the end, we win! I’m proud of you for stepping over the negativity! You got this!
Ugh people can be the worst! Ali you and your hubby are seriously the best. I so appreciate your authenticity and the privilege you’ve given all of us to get to know your family. Realizing I put my shirt on backwards today without ones to take care of, while there are people like you who put every ounce of themselves into other people inspires me to do better. Keep it up! And don’t let the negative people get to you at all. They’re obviously here because they’re obsessed with you like the rest of us, which makes their negativity and judgment are nothing short of pathetic. 🙂
This is nuts! I love that you are REAL! Motherhood is so hard and joyful all at the same time and you show that 🙂
Ali, I have followed you since you were on the Bachelor and I love how real you are! You really put it in perspective and show that no matter how much you have whether you are living paycheck to paycheck or are more fortunate, we ALL struggle. Being a mom is HARD no matter how much you have and that makes you so real! I love following you and watching your kids. My kids are around the same age and it is so nice to know that we all struggle and all kids throw tantrums and we all have super high highs and super low lows and that makes us all NORMAL. My kids are the greatest joy in my life but the greatest challenge as well. Yesterday, my 2 year old threw a tantrum at a trunk or treat event and poked a little boy in the eye. While having a bit of a meltdown last night, I watched your stories and thought “thank God I’m not the only one feeling this way.” Being a mom is HARD and equally as rewarding so thank you for sharing your life with us, struggles and triumphs. ❤️
You’ve got this mama! Keep being you! I’ve got 3 boys – ages 6, 3, and 2 months and you go through so many different emotions throughout a day as a parent – and that’s ok! I love your realness, please don’t ever stop that. Enjoy every moment of this stage of your life!
Awwww… you are loved Ali!!! I adore your lil family and look forward every day, including listening to your hilarious hubby, on insta!!
I know it’s not related to your blog directly (but since it’s all about happiness and being nice, I thought I’d ask). My “little” guy is 6 months old and weighs 23 pounds and is 28 inches long and it’s a struggle to find cute clothes that will fit him! Where do you find all thode adorable clothes for Mr. Riley?
You go girl! You’re a great mother who’s doing the best for her babes! A lot of the time haters are just jealous so take that as a compliment. 😉
Your blog is one of the only ones I read regularly. I love the mix of types of posts you have and your honesty. My first baby is 15 months and I’m expecting my second so they will be 20 months apart. I wish someone had told me the real highs and lows that come with motherhood before my first and I’m enjoying your posts about being a mom of two. I feel like it’s helping me prep for a few months from now and not feel alone! I believe post partum depression and anxiety is a real thing but I also feel that there are highs and lows that come with being a mom that are totally normal. Hearing that others experience those feelings is helpful. I feel a struggle between my different roles (mom, employee, friend, wife, sister, daughter, etc) and feeling like I can keep up my side of the bargain in all of those roles. I have a hard time not wanting to do everything 100% so that is something I struggle with every day. Thank you thank you thank you for your posts on being a mom and as silly as it sounds I really enjoy the clothing posts as well because after spending months covered is breast milk and spit up and body changes, it feels good to find something that makes me feel like a human again. Please don’t stop sharing even though i can imagine sometimes it’s hard to want to do that when people can be mean and hurtful. There are always opposing views but people who just spew hatred are just ugly. It’s truly a reflection on them and not you. I find I definitely react though (working on that) when I feel that someone is judging my mom abilities and I know it’s because I worry every day that I am doing the right thing. None of us need an outsider adding to our own pressures!!!
Ps- tacos are life!!!!!!
I love your stories and your truth! Not every moment is rainbows and sunshine and if I see someone posting it is I DONT BELIEVE THEM and I also dont relate. I have 4 kids and seeing someone whom I can relate to is so important to me. Your so real and I love it! You keep being you and know so many people love you for it!!
Ali this is my first comment on your blog….but when i saw your blog i had to write something to you
You are one amazing woman and mom and wife. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Im also put down by people near to me telling me im not good enough. It is hard sometimes to just let it pass but when i look at my 2 sons(one 5years old and the other one 1.5 years old.) It makes it much better to know there is someone that will always love me no matter how rough it gets.
The quote that i live by is the following
I love my mom because she gave me everything: she gave me love, she gave me her soul, and she gave me her time.
Xxx
Chantelle
Hi Ali,
I love your blog but hardly ever comment on anything. Just wanted to share that I exclusively pumped for 16 months and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! You may know this already, but get yourself some motherlove nipple ointment and use it after every pump, and lube your pump parts with coconut or olive oil, those two things saved me!
Oy, Negative people. They will always be present- sadly. But you have to right attitude, don’t waste your energy on them. Save all that energy for those beautiful kiddos and your husband. Those are the people that matter.
That’s what I try to remember – at the end of the day those are the people who are waiting for us. Those are the ones who will do anything for us and us for them.
We are all amazing mommas just trying to chug along though the day. You have this- we all do. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it but those moments where all seems right with the world…. those are the best.
Keep your chin up! ❤️❤️❤️
Ali,
Please keep your head held high. Keep being real and honest – it’s the ONLY way you should be – anyone should be! Don’t let the negativity get you down, as you can see, 99.9% of us LOVE you and anyone who would try to spread negativity isn’t worth your time.
You are amazing for putting yourself out there – honestly telling how life is. Your true fans/followers love you for that! It’s pertinent that women/moms/parents know that the things they are feeling are the same things other parents are going through…it’s healthy and normal.
Thank you for being YOU!
Ravae
Love reading your blogs Ali! You bring honesty to your posts and allow strangers to get a glimpse of your life. Sad that certain people feel the need to bash you, or even judge you, which they have no right. I believe social media has given us the ability to share and learn about each other. It has also brought out the “keyboard warriors”, who for whatever reason, feel the need to bring negativity and/or hate from behind their keyboards. Keep blogging Ali and sharing precious moments of you and your beautiful family! XO
Joanie (a fellow MA fan)
Even the strongest mothers lose their patience. Even the strongest mothers need a break. Motherhood overwhelm is a real thing! We have to give ourselves permission to not be perfect. Our kid’s happiness trumps perfection. Love ourselves enough to give ourselves a break! We can continue to give so much more when we do some selfcare! I hear ya sister! Having a second rocked my world too and my husband is also a 50% hands on partner in this! Lots of love to you. Haters gonna hate but know that we love your posts and appreciate your authenticity. Ps I have a Molly too! Xo
I love this blog! I’ve never understood why people feel a need to respond to people in a negative manner. If you don’t like someone or what they are doing, then bite your tongue and unfollow. There is nothing productive in negativity. I am also a mother of two. My daughter is 6 weeks older than Molly and my son is 3 months younger than Riley. I love that you are so honest and express the ups and downs, because it makes you relatable. Most days when I watch your instastories (many times while I’m nursing because the little guy is snoozing), I am feeling the same thing when it comes to parenting and I say to myself “I’m glad I’m not the only one”. Yesterday my day was going great…but then my evening turned into a nightmare lol. It’s just the way the days can go when you have a toddler and an infant. Anyways, thank you for starting the conversation and thanks for being the strong, loving and awesome mom that you are. Thank you for being real!
I’m so sorry you’re going through this! I don’t comment much on your blog but I do read your posts, often. I am a stay at home Mom with a 7 month old girl and an almost 3 year old boy. I worked after my son was born but I was able to stay home after my daughter was born. I know the struggles of the working Mom and the stay at home Mom and for those who think either is easy, has clearly never done it before. It’s really sad that people feel the need to judge others. None of us are perfect! Every parent’s situation is different so know one ever knows the whole scenario enough to judge. We need to start lifting people up more and I feel like that’s what you do! You lift people up by sharing the same struggles and the same feelings we all have as parents. Thank you for that community!
Ali, you ROCK so is Kevin!
Ur children and Owen are adooorable!
You are SO loved by many many ppl! Stay the way you are.
L♥️ve y’all!
I’m not even a mom and I love all of your posts. I think you show a good balance with everything. You’re family is adorable and makes me excited to my own family one day. Your true fans will continue to support you no matter what! Thanks for keeping it real, and continue to be your true self!!
Ali,
You had me in tears reading this.. bc motherhood/parenthood is exactly as you described.. the best role in the world, yet the hardest at times too. & your part about Molly wanting Mommy at bedtime.. this is my 3 year old and I right now–and I feel exactly the same as you.. it’s MY time with him where we can cuddle and pray and read and give kisses at bedtime when most of the other hours of the day, he’s busy being a 3 year old, wild man!! <3 It's precious time I never want to end!!
I'm so sorry people can be so nasty. You are such an inspiration for positivity. Your blog is filled with so much openness, love, emotion and "friendship" btw you and your readers. Screw the haters.. they are just miserable people with nothing better to do than try to drag others down with them. I ADORE you and THANK YOU for caring so much to be so open and raw!! We true fans are your friends from a distance.. and always have your back! <3 Keep on being you, girl.
I have been a fan of yours since you were on the bachelorette! I’ve always loved how sweet and completely real you are. And although I am not a mom yet, I still love seeing your vulnerability and honesty. I have 8 nieces and nephews. I watched my sister in law struggle with severe post partum depression for years. I watch one of my sisters doing her best raising 3 children ages 4, 3 and 1, but I know it’s not easy for her. She talks all the time about how she wishes her kids got the best of her every day, but she knows they don’t because having just 1 child is tough, much less 2 or 3 that are so young. I watched my other sister cry for hours a day feeding her baby daughter with syringes in order to encourage breastfeeding and her milk supply to come in for weeks! So, I guess all of that is to say, I know how incredibly tough it is; I’ve seen it. I’ve lived with and cried with and talked with my sisters. I think we all benefit from people who have a voice and platform sharing their real, raw emotional parenting moments – all the highs and the lows. We see that emotions are normal and okay to express. We see practical ways of dealing with certain issues. We see how joyful you are even in the midst of a difficult time, and that is inspiring. So thank you. Thank you for being you, always and unapologetically.
I also wanted to say that I love how much you love Kevin! I feel like when a lot of people start having kids, you stop hearing about their husbands. (Talking about celebrities and non celebrities. Even my closest friends do this.) I love seeing you post about him and talking him up. It’s so encouraging! I got married a month ago to the best man I know (also names Kevin!!), and I feel so inspired by your relationship even in the midst of some of your toughest days. So again, thank you!! Thank you for all you allow us into in your life. Thanks for always being honest and addressing real topics. Much love!
Hi Ali 🙂 I’ve like you since you were on the bachelorette. When you posted the screen shot of the negative comment, I was irate for you 😤
People are definitely more comfortable hiding behind their computer or social media platform to say hateful things. Hold your head high! You’re a great mom!!
On the subject of posting more “real” moments as someone mentioned, I feel you are real as much as possible.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Ali, you are a great Mom & a wonderful person. Ignore the negativity, some people don’t have anymore better to do. Keep doing what you’re doing, you have a beautiful family to be proud of. 😘👍
Oh Sweet Jesus! Why, oh why must people (and especially women) be so rude and hurtful to each other? Don’t we have enough on our plates, whether we’re married, single, in a relationship, just stepping out of one, mothers to tiny humans or mothers to large humans with tiny Baby Grands! What is wrong with people?
You, Ali “Luv” are doing such a great job. I’ve followed you and been a fan since your Bachelorette days and I’ve been in awe watching you circumnavigate the world of haters and posers and just straight up meanies! You need to share the hard as well as the not so hard b/c I was thinking for a while you weren’t real! You were so nice and so up-beat. It’s nice to know that you falter and fall and struggle just like the rest of us!
Momma life is hard (and Dada life to – coming from someone who was raised by a single father in an era when it wasn’t done)…It’s hard and you telling us otherwise is, as you said, a disservice. We all struggle regardless of whether we’re rich, not rich, celebs or wannabe’s! I wish there was a way that you could ping the haters w/ an electric shock as soon as you read their comments…like pushing this button that would like fry their keyboard or something…but that’s just me being “real.”
Keep being you, sharing what you are comfortable sharing and keeping parts that you want to share with only your family and friends to yourself. ONLY you pick and choose…We’re just honored to be a small part of your fascinating world.
With love and much respect!
I can’t stand the bloggers who DON’T tell about the rough times of parenthood. Who make it look like raising kids is a walk in the park. That makes other mothers feel like they are failing because they can’t be “perfect” like them. The fact that you are real and honest makes me feel so much more connected to you. And it makes other mothers not feel so alone. Thank you for your openness and honesty on life. Without the downs of motherhood, we would never fully appreciate the ups!!!
Ali,
I’ve never commented on your blog before but I have followed you for a while. I’ve always admired you and have been impressed with your outlook on life and your overall poise. You seem like a genuine and fantastic person. I don’t even know you and somehow you bring smiles into my day!
I watch your Instastories daily to catch Riley’s big grins or to hopefully get a peak at Molly singing Havana 😂 Kevin won the entertainer award the other day for his photobombing your video from behind the couch repeatedly. I was dying! 😂
I truly enjoy the things you share both as a mother and those things in regards to fashion and food. My children may be older (ages 9 and 11), so the struggles and journey you are going through currently do not always apply to my stage in life, but I’ve been there! Everything you discuss and share: The struggles with breast-feeding and sleep and balancing toddlers and work and body image. I’ve been there.
Thank you for opening your life and home, in hopes of helping other women and mothers. Motherhood is the hardest job with the biggest rewards. You are doing fabulously ❤️
Much Love,
Tarah
Keep your head up, Ali! There are just too many negative people in the world. I love reading your blog daily! Keep up the great work in writing and parenting!!
Wow, just wow. Who doesn’t have major ups and downs, and feel very alone in those? It always makes me feel better knowing that others face some of the same things and that I am not alone. I have gone to bed many nights feeling like the worst mother (and wife) in the world after a bad day. It takes a lot of strength to manage a career and motherhood. We all do the best we can.
I love following you on IG and reading your blog!!! It’s real. (I mean cutting off the onesie after the 💩 explosion. I laughed out loud because it’s happened here or if I can get him out of it, it just goes straight to the trash!) Mommying is hard, yet amazing. Highs and lows all day—anyone who says otherwise isn’t being honest. Keep being you!
Hi,
I just wanted to say hang in there! I have two boys with autism 4 and 2 years old. Let me tell you do I get some doozy of comments all the time! Everyone loves loves loves to give their crap two cents all the time. At first, it used to make me so mad but then I had to learn to let it roll off my back. Otherwise, I’d be pissed all the time. Ha! Good luck and just remember that comment says more about her than it does about you. For sure. You rock and are doing the best you can for your adorable family.
Hi,
I just wanted to say hang in there! I have two boys with autism 4 and 2 years old. Let me tell you do I get some doozy of comments all the time! Everyone loves loves loves to give their crap two cents all the time. At first, it used to make me so mad but then I had to learn to let it roll off my back. Otherwise, I’d be pissed all the time. Ha! Good luck and just remember that comment says more about her than it does about you. For sure. You rock and are doing the best you can for your adorable family.
I can’t imagine having to read such negative stuff about myself or my family. Maybe you could have someone filter out and delete the awful comments for you before you read through it. I know you like hearing from everyone, but it may save you a lot of stress and worry.
Ali I love your honesty, keep it up! Parenting is the hardest, most wonderful thing ever and you are doing a great job! We all have our ups and downs but it is evident how much you love your kids! You are a wonderful mother! 💕
Aren’t we all struggling in some way as mothers? I wish we had more women encouraging and helping each other rather than tear us down. The best thing we can be for our children is present while showing them love in the best way we know how!
I think you’re doing and amazing job! Sorry that someone else had to tear you down instead of building you up!
Keep doing you Ali! Thanks for keeping it real!
I don’t normally write comments on blogs, but I have to share that I’m with you 100%. Like many other moms, we might not have the judgy pants writing a post for everyone to read, but like this weekend when my two year old lost his mind in Trader Joe’s, I received the looks verbalized by negative nancy on your taco post. Parenting is super hard, but like so many others have said, you have provided a great forum for the good/bad of parenting, fashion finds and delish recipes. 🙂 “You do you, mama!”
i love following you, Ali! I love your blog, your IG stories and everything else! You are real – and i love that. Im not a momma yet, but I will be one day, and I keep mental notes on all the things you suggest and talk about. And i love your fashion and home design 🙂 You are a super cool and KIND person – always remember that!! xoxo
I appreciate your honesty. Motherhood truly is the hardest job. Somedays I can feel completely defeated, and although I definitely feel bad when you post about a rough day, it makes me realize it’s not just me. If you’re goal is to encourage other mom’s then that’s exactly what you’re doing. It’s hard and if we are honest about how hard it is, we can all help and encourage each other. I don’t know why, but some people are just awful people. There is so much talk about the anti bullying movement in schools, but I really think it’s the adults that are so much worse.
All I have to say is you go girl! As a mom of two myself, motherhood is HARD! Some days I’m crying my eyes out and feel so overwhelmed, it’s the most rewarding but hardest job. I love that you post about the hard things because it makes moms like me not feel alone!! You are an amazing mom and I dont know how anyone could see otherwise, your children are well taken care of and your love for them shows! ❤
You are an amazing mother. You should never have to justify anything to anyone.. There will always be haters in this world and all we can do is pray for them..
Keep rocking at being a wonder person, mother & wife…
As a new mother of two I totally get everything you write about, being a mom is the BEST but it is also so so difficult especially when you transition to having two. So many things change and I have also felt that sometimes things are just too hard. In the world of “perfect” social media it is impossible to keep up. I feel guilty more often than I should about how I am doing as a mom but honestly at the end of the day I have the two best boys and I know I give them all my love. I follow your stories and posts and you are amazing. You make my tough days better because I know I am not the only one struggling. Keep doing what you are doing, you are loved. You are an amazing mom!
Hey,
Totally unsolicited advice- but have you tried fenugreek for the breast feeding? I struggled like crazy with my first and gave up after 4 months. With my second I took fenugreek for a few weeks when my supply started to drop and we are now at 18 months of feeding 🙂 worth a shot xxx
You are doing a wonderful job and we appreciate you!!! As we’ve discussed before I’ve only been in my bf’s daughter life for 3 out of her 5 years. So sometimes people judge me or are mean to me. I am in no way her mom or replacing her, but with 50:50 custody and her crying for me cause she had a bad dream or wants me to give her a bath, etc. obviously I am going too. So I don’t always feel like a mother figure, even though I’m doing the hard work too. This blog makes me feel inclusive and a part of a community! It’s not just for moms and it’s not just for those who aren’t parents, it is for everyone! And I appreciate that 😊💗 Thank you for the honesty, cause everyone’s life is hard. Your positive attitude to keep pushing forward is all you can do and we are here to do it with you!
💋Dear Ali! One of the things I love about you the most is that you are real! How gross would it be everyday if you portrayed a perfect, beautiful life? I love that you don’t always wear makeup, or struggle with problems and issues throughout your day just like me! It makes me feel better about my day when I see you not always having the best day ever! People are always going to hate, whether they are jealous or what not. Just be the gracious, gorgeous lady you are inside and out and keep on keeping on! 👍🏻👌🏻👊🏻💋
I’m a working Mom also with a 2 yr old and 3 month old. It was fun to follow you through “our” pregnancies. I’d like to imagine us as friends sharing a glass of wine, talking OVER each other as we share the crazy, terrible, NEW, sweet, amazing things our toddlers do everyday. Weird as a stranger to say but true!
Anyway, I just want to say that I’ve found so many of your posts to be inspirational and relatable! Especially your sleep training post made me so aware of diff things to try! Keep sharing all these tips! I’m curious how potty training is going for Molly? Sorry if you’ve already shared, busy mom here 🤦🏻♀️
You’re navigating new waters. Obviously you’re not the first woman to have 2 kids under 2, but it’s the first time for you! Keep that spirit and vivacious personality of yours true to yourself. Cheers!🥂
Unfortunately, I think when you put your life out into social media- you open yourself up
to everyone and anyone. The average person is able to parent how they like to because it is done in the privacy of their own home and discussed with friends and family. Putting it out into the public is going to absolutely illicit responses from people who disagree. I agree they should not be hateful or mean. But the fact is they are and they will continue to be so. You really have to make a choice if the perks of your social media presence is worth it. You have a wonderul job on tv. Your husband has a great job I am sure. I imagine this blog and the perks are not paying your mortgage and putting food on the table. You get lots of fun extras, but at what expense?? I enjoy seeing your kiddos growing and learning, but I honestly think your family would be better off getting off of social media so much. Most celebritys are not filming their life for instastories- there is a reason for that. They value their family’s privacy. I know you are not a househild name celebrity- but you do have a following because of tv. There is a lot to think about and consider. Is social media worth the price of your sanity?
Omg! Ali don’t worry about what people think about you sweetie… when you get to be my age 40’s you learn to brush nagative comments that people make about you. Don’t give that person any kind of satisfaction by talking about their negativity towards you I think that person is looking for attention and she got it! Let’s just all be classy ladies killer with kindness like my beautiful grandmother use to say lol! Anyway your awesome!!! Keep your head up and keep blogging…. have a blessed and wonderful day beautiful!! 😘💖
Hi, just want to say keep up the good work! I have an almost 5 month old daughter and I am exclusively pumping – so I completely get how hard it is. Motherhood is wonderful but also exhausting! I am always thankful when you post about your difficulties as it makes me feel like I’m not alone. I am a physician and went back to work 1.5 months ago – it’s hard to juggle so much sometimes. Don’t let people bother you. If there’s anything I’ve learned from being a new mother it’s to never judge anyone.
I love your blog! I am also a mom 2 kiddos (almost 3 years and 5 months). Everyday of parenting is full of ups and downs. Seeing your posts let me know that we are all in the same boat and being a mom is hard work. Keep posting! You are an inspiration to so many of us 🙂
Ali,
I have been following you since the bachelorette, my kids are almost grown now and I am well past any stage that your blog would technically benefit me, but I LOVE IT!
I love how kind and genuine you come across, I love how OBVIOUS it is that not only are your kids taken care of but WELL TAKEN CARE OF!!!!
It’s amazing to me people who will come online and spew hatred, and after many years it’s become apparent that those who do so are simply so damn miserable they feel they must share it, and nobody told them to keep it to themselves.
I’m sorry some fruit loop decided to drag you into their abyss, but like I assumed once I read the blog title you handled it with a level of grace to be emulated!!
Being a parent is the HARDEST, most REWARDING title I have ever held, and it is beyond refreshing to see someone REAL!!
So please remember that for every 1 unkind post there is HUNDREDS us who adore you, and are cheering you on daily!!
YOU GOT THIS MAMA, AND WE GOT YOU!!!!!!❤️❤️
I just want to say I think you are doing an amazing job! I have 2 kids around the same age as yours ( 2 and 10 months) and every day is an adventure and we have our good days and our not so good days. I love seeing your posts, it’s an affirmation that no matter who we are, we are all moms and we all go through the same struggles and joys! I have learned too that we all do things differently raising our kids and there is no right way, just the way that works best for you and your kids. Keep it up, you are a fantastic mom and have some pretty awesome kiddos!
Preach!🙌🏼
… Well I can’t believe what I just read up there 👆🏼 about some little sad black bean feeling the need to spoil the whole taco.. 🌮 ..
Hello Ali!
You know the sad thing really is that there will always be these people that feel the need to put someone else down so that they can feel better – they will come and go all through our lives BUT you know what… Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% hoe you react to it…
Keep on doing what your doing… There ain’t no body like you – that’s why we all LOVE you so much!!! What fun will it be if we didn’t make mistakes and get some good giggles and new hope from each other!
You are the bomb and one kick ass mamma!!
Ali, just wanted to send you love all the way from South Africa. Im a big fan of yours and I don’t always comment but I read every blog post and follow your stories and posts in Instagram. Keep up the great work! This too shall pass xxx
I’ve never commented before, but I’m a mom of 13 year old, 10 year old and 7 year old and YES parenting is freakin HARD and YES it is also the most rewarding time ever and yes there are ups and downs and it’s okay if our kids see us make mistakes and then learn from them. It’s okay what you post because it’s real and of course it’s not the whole story and that’s OKAY.
I had a person recently tell me something about my parenting and actually lied about it so it threw me for a loop not knowing it was a lie. I cried for a few days and felt bad because I’m so darn sensitive. Then I realized the truth. It was that persons problem not mine. And I actually realized my sensitivity is a trait I never want to let go of. Took me a while to realize the person who lied has their own issues. Their issues are not mine.
Don’t let go of your empathy and realness there’s too much hate to let the ones who care change…make sense? You got this.
Just one of many people we will deal with in the future, we got this. And I believe God’s bigger than it all.
Ali,
Have you discussed with your pediatrician about Riley taking 40oz of milk a day? I’m not trying to be negative but that seems like a lot and I don’t think any mom could keep up with that! Babies at his age should be taking 24-32oz. Look up pace feeding because that could be the problem. Make sure your nanny is educated on that. Also nurse as much as possible! It’s way better than the pump! Obviously pump when you need to but nursing more is the best thing for your supply!
Ali, I want to start by saying, that I’ve been a huge fan of yours from your first season on the Bachelor. I’ve always followed you, I just have never really commented. I did however, send you a DM on insta a few weeks back that I hope you’ll go read 🙂
However, on this topic, I get absolutely disgusted how women treat each other in this day and age. It’s disgusting. I am a mother of two (15 almost 16 year old boy and a 9 year old girl). Parenting is TOUGH work. I wish I could say it gets easier, it may get “easier” so to speak, but it will always be a struggle. Each age comes with a different struggle, worry, etc. Every mother (parent) does what is best for them and their family. We all struggle and if one says they don’t, they are huge liars. I don’t know why women have to be so judge-y. There is only one Judge in the end, and it’s definitely not us women. I don’t care if you are a young mother or an older mother, a bottle or breast feeding mother, a mother to one or to multiple kiddos, a full time working out of the home mother or a stay at home mother.
LADIES (and gents), WE ALL HAVE OUR STRUGGLES! EVERY child is different just like we are all different. As long as our children have a roof over their heads, are being fed, are HAPPY, and aren’t being abused in any way, we should all be here for each other.
Sorry Ali & ladies (gents), this is one of my biggest pet peeves. We are all adults (or so I assume), lets all act like adults. Stop being internet bullies just because you think your way is the only right way.
I didn’t address men much because you don’t really see men acting this way. But they too have their struggles. We are all in this together.
Ali, on that note, I hope you will read this and read the DM I sent you via Instagram. You’re a great mother, a great wife, and a great inspiration. You’re doing a great job! You keep doing you and your family and that is all that matters <3
Unfortunately with such a public life comes the negativity and nasty people. But that shouldn't give anyone any reason to judge and be so hostile/nasty to others. They need to hear "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all" more apparently.
I hope this episode of nasty, doesn't prevent you from sharing your life, the highs and the lows. I look forward to your posts on social media (I even follow Kevin in case he gets other shots/videos that you don't) and your blog posts. I love that you are so raw and so real. Continue being your awesome self!
With Love,
Lindsey S.
P.S. I promise my DM on Insta isn't this long. Sorry for the length.
Oh, Ali! My kids are close in ages too. All I can say is until my youngest was 18 months, life was a blur. You are doing amazing at keeping your sanity while doing all you do!
You are an amazing Mom! I just become a Mom for the first time 13 weeks ago and it’s been the hardest, yet most rewarding time of our life. I have loved following you and reading your blogs and watching all your insta stories because that is real life! Thank you so much for sharing your struggles and the “real-life” you. Also, yesterday’s insta story of cutting off the onesie was great! My husband and I both had a good laugh at that one! 🙂 You bring laughter and happiness to people who follow you!
I don’t usually comment on social media because I feel that there are a lot of ignorant people trolling social media and I don’t have the time or energy to get into arguments with these people. But I felt the need to leave a comment on this post. There are so many women with low self-esteem out there that feel the need to judge other women/mother’s and it just baffles me! Some women still have the mindset of just being a housewife and nothing else, which there nothing wrong with. The problem is that for some reason someone of these women like to judge women like you who need and want to work. And seriously how delusional is this person to tell you that you shouldn’t show your authentic life? It makes me laugh out loud. Just know the content you put out there helps a lot of woman in similar situations feel better.
What is the lipstick you are wearing in this picture, it is perfection!
Love the blog and the honesty!
I so needed this read today! I often post a response to topics discussed on a talk show I often watch (The Social) & got some hate today. The topic was about bad hair cuts & I posted about the time my ex hair dresser gave me bangs without permission – not a hot look for someone prone to cowlicks. A man responded to my post & said “your hair dresser was right to do that. You look like you have a giant forehead with your current hair cut. He was trying to help you”. I already have a crappy self esteem most days so I instantly started gawking at my forehead in the mirror thinking ugh he’s right. And then I read your post & realized what am I doing?! I need to rise above this. He has no role in my life so his opinion is not one to be valued.
You’re a kick ass mom who works hard and keeps it real, you have a beautiful family and a fan base that truly supports you as a woman, a wife, a mom. Truthfully, you inspire me to become a mother one day – something I always questioned if I’d be good at. You’re a positive role model and I know I can always rely on videos of you & your kiddies to help brighten even the crappiest of days. Thank you for being you!
One of my favorite things about you is that you are so transparent and open, especially about your struggles! Most celebs, and normal people for that matter, just post the positive and highlights of their lives. Scrolling through it is easy to get caught up in how everyone else seems to just have it so together. I love your posts because you remind us no one has it all together. So please keep being open and real! Most of us appreciate and even need it!
I think putting yourself out there opens doors for others to voice their opinions about you. I do think the comment could have been said better – but I don’t think it deserved all the attention you’re bringing to it. There were valid points to the comment, though I do think it could have been phrased better. “Getting help” is not a bad thing. I don’t think the commenter is a terrible person like you have said.
People are so nasty at times its really to bad! But being a mom is HARD, even on the easy days. You are doing great I can’t imagine what people would say about me if I posted my motherhood journey. We are all just trying to survive here, not in a bad way ofcourse we are SO SUPER lucky to be mom’s but its also ok to feel overwhelmed and cry most days haha.
I also just try to remember you never know what someone else is going through, just to bad some people deal with things in such a negative way:( but I truly believe it had nothing to do with you but something she is personally struggling with. Your kids are so so cute! Love your blog:) so thank you for dealing with mean people so the rest of us can enjoy!
My husband and I have been married for 32 years and have one grown child. His name is Garret and he is 22. I’m not sure you will have a chance to get to this comment. I want you to know how deeply the cruel comment affected me. It also affected me greatly to see you in pain over this. When my son was young I suffered a severe episodic depression. I was sleep deprived and I went on antidepressants. The antidepressants plus the drinking I was doing to self medicate left me in a horrible place. I wish I could go back in time and have your blog
You are doing very important work by addressing the real life of being a young mom and I can only imagine all of the people that you are helping. I am writing this comment to represent all those discouraged mom’s slipping into a depression who are too timid to reach out and let you know that you are helping them.
You’re amazing Ali! I think you’re a terrific mom. Do you do things differently than we do in my family? Of course, but that’s normal and in reality YOU are the best mother for your children, not someone else. God gave them to YOU. So thank you for being real with us and sharing your journey of motherhood.
Xoxo Rachel
Ignore the negative people! You’re awesome and your blog/insta rocks!
Anyone who thinks motherhood ISN’T hard either a) must not be a mother or b) must be Mother Mary, who I’m sure still had difficulties when raising Jesus.
I wanted to tell you that I appreciate every story/post you share where you talk about your struggles. It’s relatable and honestly, it’s refreshing, to know that I’m not the only imperfect mother. I seriously love my son to death. Would do any and everything for him. But it’s HARD being a mother to him. Especially now that he’s mobile and into everything and I can’t just leave him in his crib without worrying he will launch himself over the side, so he’s literally with me everywhere I am at home. And that’s stressful! It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with us when we complain a little. Yes we know “what we are getting into” when we have kids, but every child is different. I can’t even imagine what it will be like when I have two children!
Keep on with what you’re doing! I appreciate it 🙂
You are one of the most real mommies out there! I follow you and read your posts all the time because i can relate. I laugh when you laugh, and cry when you cry. Motherhood is a really hard job, but the best there is!
Keep up the good work. Love from Missouri!
I needed to read this today! I’ve been going thru the same issue. I am a part of a Facebook group about sleep and babies and someone took screenshots of my comments helping a mama who was in process of sleep training her babe, those screenshots went viral by this ‘internet troll’ and I was getting nasty messages on Facebook, people were leaving bad reviews on my professional page telling me I am a bad mother for telling another mom to let her baby cry. It’s been a rough few days! Thanks for sharing your story!
I think you’re amazing and I follow you because you make parenting so relateable. It’s hard to be a mom and there’s a lot of negative people judging and you make me feel like I am doing a great job and I love all your posts. Don’t let the haters get you down!
I will never understand why some people feel entitled to tear someone else down. If you don’t like something or someone, stop following them…it’s that simple. Hiding behind a screen does not give someone the right to make others feel badly.
My kids are now grown and when I was raising them early on, there really weren’t many support systems like this online. I would have loved to read your blog as a new Mom and be encouraged by the good and bad times you share. Keep doing what your doing and don’t even give those people a second thought. They aren’t worth your time…and bottom line, they are very wrong.
xoxo
Thank you for always being as honest as you are! I don’t know you personally but through your blog I feel like you’re one of my girlfriends and we are connecting by the many moments and ways motherhood, working women and are wives go through life. I have 3 month old and your blogs are a constant source of inspiration for me, please keep writing! Don’t let those haters, hate. Hugs!!!
Ali, you are doing great. I’m pregnant with my first and sent a picture of my bump last week to a group of friends. Majority of them said positive things but one person comments that my belly was SO big. I cried, it hurt and I don’t know why I focused on that one mean comment when there were so many other positive ones but that just seems what we do. I’m sorry there are hateful people out there that leave mean comments that hurt – who is that helping??? Focus on the positive and keep on being real with all of us who are supportive.
Haters gonna hate! I absolutely love reading your blogs and watching your videos ❤️ Being a parent is hard work, especially having 2 kids! I have two year old twins, and trust me, some days I want to scream and rip my hair out but the good days always outweigh the bad ones. Screw the people that hate on your blog and videos and keep lovin’ on those beautiful babies of yours!
Your such an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. I love reading and seeing REAL moms, not those who pretend that their kids dont have temper tantrums or are prefect. You show the struggles of having kids, and real life, no photoshop, just everyday life. Your kids are so lucky to have you as a mom. You show them love and what a hard working mom looks like. Ur blogs are amazing and i luv reading them! As does everyone else here.
You know the taylor swift song haters gonna hate, hate hate hate. 😉
Hi Ali! You do you with class and style! 😍❤️👌🏻love your blog and Insta posts 🙂 Love how you let things roll!! Don’t let the negative comments steal your shine! Your children are so lucky to have you!! 😍😍😍😍😍
I love your post! All us moms are just trying to do the best we can throughout the day. I am a new mom with a 3 month old. I also breastfeed in the morning only and then pump 5-6 times a day to give my baby bottles and make sure she is getting enough to eat. It is so hard and every day I say I want to give up but don’t. I would love for you to do a blog post about your experience with pumping soon!
Hi Ali,
I don’t know if you’ll have time to read this. I’m a mom of two amazing girls. I had a very bad post partum depression right after my first child was born and it was only diagnosed after she turned 2. I struggled for so long and got so much critic for wanting a second child. My parents or my inlaws aren’t around that much and lost most my friends during my post partum depression. All I got since I’m a mom is being put down, mostly by my own mother. So i had to fight very hard and still struggle sometimes to find my confidence and rely on myself and my own judgement to mother my beautiful babies. Don’t listen to the haters, i know it’s easy to say and that one hater will stay in your head, even if you get 100 compliments.
I love reading your blog and you help me feel less alone and you do help me through tough times. I’m guessing i’m not the only one feeling that way about your blog. Let me tell you, I live in Belgium, so you are loved all over the world for your honesty, your kindness and your realness. So keep it up! You really do help mom’s all over the world 😉
Hi Ali! I love how you let things roll and just do you!! ❤️don’t let the negative comments steal your shine 🙂 Your children are SO lucky to have you 😍😍😍😍😍Love your blog and Insta!! 💥💥💥💥💥 Have a great week!! Xx
Ali, I love your blog! This post almost brought me to tears because I can relate to you so much right now, literally right now because I’m reading this while I’m pumping at work and worrying about my milk supply. Looking forward to your future post about your nursing and pumping experience! Do you find that your supply is better when you primarily pump rather than nurse? I’m asking because everything I’ve read says that no pump is as effective as a nursing baby so I assumed that nursing as much as possible would be best for maintaining my supply.
Your like me takes me days to get over it and I cry why do I let them get to me is beyound me .. last week I had a hateful comment that hurt and shocked me , you see my son had a double lung transplant and this person told me I’m a bad mom and only prolonged his future what a thing to say I researched lung transplant before I did this and without he would be dead and she replied better off dead i was so upset cried for days .. people are cruel and social media can be so cruel after that I stayed off a few days to regroup so just know your a great mom we all do the best we can and those mean people must have sad life’s .. I have to learn to laugh the mean stuff and enjoy the positive stuff .. keep on being you your awesome
First of all I think you are doing an amazing job at being a mom to Molly and Riley. I look forward to your stories daily to learn and take advice from. I am a mom of a 14 month old and currently pregnant with another baby. I think taking care of one child is hard and I can’t imagine what two kids will be like. You are an inspiration.
Ali- i think you and Kevin and those involved with your kids are doing an amazing job! I’m not a mom, but i do recognize how hard it is. i’m glad you share your struggles, because you are a human being!
ALI 2020! The woman for every woman!
Ali, I understand you wear your heart on your sleeve and it takes awhile for you to shed the hurt but don’t waste one minute on the troll that is just trying to make themselves look good by hurting you. They are not worth it. You and other mothers are doing the best they can and that is all anyone can do. As a grandmother I think you are doing just fine and show those babies lots of love and have a wonderful home to share with them. When someone only has hate to spew they are just miserable themselves and just wants to put it somewhere else and you just got it placed in your basket. Pay them no mind You and Kevin have created a wonderful family home and all is well. Take care and know us out here know who you are and what you are about. God Bless this little family.
I honestly read your blog because you ARE honest and genuine and that is really the best way to make authentic connections with people. A lot of what we see in magazines, media or even facebook / instagram is not real but a rather the image people want to be perceived as – which can be very hard to live up to and comparing our lives to theirs can just be depressing at times – really ! So keep being real and authentic because we NEED it 😍
Yes- the BEST and HARDEST time! I 100% identify with you in this phase of life.
You’re a wonderful Mother and your babies are lucky to have you.
I love reading your blog because of how real it is. I can relate to so much of what you go through and sometimes your highs pull me through the lows of my life. Keep your head up, even with the haters! No one shares 100% of their life with any one person, online or offline… So who is to judge the emotions, feelings and experiences you do share. They are real to you!!
Just wanted to share because you do inspire me!
Ali,
First time commenting, long time reading your blog.
I just want you to know that even though there aren’t comments, there are so many mothers like myself that look up to you. I have a daughter born 1 day after Molly and am having my 2nd via csection tomorrow. Your blog keeps me motivated and inspired to be the best mom I can be and I just LOVE seeing your kids. You can tell how happy and loved your children are and I just want you to know that I truly look up to you not only as a mother, but as a working woman and entrepreneur.
Please don’t let the hate get to you. There is no perfect way to parent and every child, situation, and day is different. If only those people filled with critisism would use that energy in a positive way…keep your head up. You’re doing amazing and just know there are so many of us fellow mommies who look up to you. Xoxo 😘
Ali, I just wanted to say I love your posts, I love your blog, the fashion tips, the parenting stories, the decorating ideas, all of the beautiful pictures of your kids, etc…but most importantly I love how you keep it real! It’s a pleasure to see all the ups and downs…it makes you so relatable. And as a mom of two older kids and a preschool teacher of 2 and 3 year olds. I just enjoy everything you share. So continue to be you, because YOU’RE Awesome and Amazing! Don’t stress over the negativity…I know it’s hard not to. Again, that makes you human and relatable because we all do it. ❤️
Hi Ali. I just want you to know that I think you are an amazing, kind-hearted person. Negative people feel negative about themselves and try to bring others down to their level. Keep doing what you’re doing. You have my support.
P. S. I love your beautiful family. Xoxo
Ali, you’re doing a great job! I’m a mother of a two and a half year old girl and a 6 week old baby boy and can relate to you in so many ways. I look forward to all your blogs about motherhood as they truly help me feel like I’m not alone and even give me a giggle from time to time. Your children are absolutely adorable and they are happy which is all that counts. There’s always going to be haters and I honestly feel like those people are just jealous, so shrug them off girl! I listen to all your Instagram stories and read all your blogs so keep them coming!
Lots of love! Xo
I guess I need mental help too! I have many highs and lows throughout the day…I’m overwhelmed in the mornings getting my daughter ready, myself ready, and taking care of our dog and I miss her SO much as soon as I drop her off at daycare! I miss her all day long and whenever I go pick her up it’s a long commute home and she starts to get fussy and I start wondering how I can do everything..then we make it back home and my husband and I watch her play and act silly and cannot IMAGINE my life without her! So I guess I need mental help too. 😂😂
Do not listen to the negativity Ali! You and your family are the sweetest and I LOVE hearing about everything on your stories and blogs! You are definitely a super mom! Keep it up!
Hi Ali! I don’t usually comment, but I just wanted to say I think you are doing an awesome job! I don’t think you “complain” at all. If you talk about being sleep-deprived, well that’s just real life and completely relatable. I have a 3 month old so I totally understand! And maybe some people can handle it better than others, but for me, being sleep deprived for too many days in a row makes me feel completely miserable. Criticism of any kind is hurtful, but when it’s about your kids or how you’re parenting them, that cuts even deeper. So I really admire you for being able to shake off the negativity. At the end of the day you are being the best mother you can be and your kids are happy and healthy and that’s all that matters! You’re doing a great job!
I would love a blog on your nursing & pumping journey. I exclusively pumped with my first and now I’m doing it again with my 6 week old. I don’t know ANYONE who has had to pump!
Ps you’re awesome! Don’t stop being you!
There will always be haters or Mom shamers out there unfortunately. But thank you for being real and showing that you struggle too. As a new Mom it feels good to know that others have off days too and we don’t always have all the answers. keep it up!
Negative people are a drain… They waste your time and it’s always about them and not about you. Haters don’t hate you, they hate themselves. This is because you’re a reflection of what they wish to be… Keep doing you and ignore the garbage. 🙂 I love your blog and always look forward to new posts!
Ali,
Kevin and you ROCK!! Your children and Owen are adooorable!!
You are SO loved by many!
Thank you for being true…please always stay that way.
L♥️VE y’all!
Ali, you are my fave blogger, by far!! I always look forward to your insta stories. You always make me feel better about myself/my life. There are some people I had to unfollow on Instagram when I got pregnant because their life/body looked so perfect and it made me feel crappy about mine. Did I say hurtful things to them??? Not at all!! I realized that what I was feeling was internal, it came from my own insecurities, and it was something I needed to work on. I can understand your struggle with breastfeeding. It’s not easy. I found drinking a ton of water, eating whole oatmeal with ground flax and chia seeds every morning has kept my supply strong. I eat, eat, eat to keep the liquid gold flowing, haha!! IGNORE all the rude, hateful people from now on. They just want a moment in your spotlight.
I read your blogs all the time because I love the messages you send and all of your style advice and love seeing your family!! I dont have kids but I read bc maybe I can Offer advice to a friend and send them your blog post about nursing or sleep training. All relevant life adventures that almost anyone could benefit from. Keep it up girl, and keep your head high!!!
Ali, you’re human and you don’t have to explain yourself to people. I love your blog, fb and insta. As I know many others do, too. People are mean and have too much time on their hands. Idk what about making someone else feel bad makes some feel good, but that’s their cross to bear, not yours. I know one negative comment can negate the positive but try not to let it get you down. You’re doing great and you have the happiest babies!!! Must be doing something right! ❤️
So many positive and uplifting comments that I hope make you feel special Ali! You work hard and deserve them all. I love your genuinity and I will continue to follow you. Much love!
Keep it real. Instagram is full of people pretending to be something they are not. If there would be more people like you on Instagram, people that are not afraid to show all sides of their life (or their faces without a filter), the pressure on women wouldn’t be as high to be perfect all the time. So from one human with flaws, insecurities and faults: thank you for making me feel normal!
PS: Could you maybe include Owen more often in your posts. He is sooo cute and I just love him <3 😀
Ali.
Haters are gonna hate….instead they should unfollow. 😊 Keep posting & sharing however you see fit! I ALWAYS look forward to your blog, posts & ig stories. You are a fabulous mama. Being a mom is the most rewarding thing ever, but also the hardest. My kids are 11 & 13 and its still a juggle. Us moms need to lift each other up. It takes a village 😘❤
Seriously! Who cares what negative people think. I look forward to your posts everyday and I love that you are true and don’t try to make motherhood look like it’s a piece of cake. Because it’s NOT! So please don’t stop posting and keep doing what your doing. Before I had my first baby I had no idea what I was getting into and I wished I followed a person like you back then. I would of felt so much better about everything. Because honestly no one tells you the hard things about motherhood.
I can’t for the life of me understand why any woman would post such negative comments about another woman. Have been following you for a long time and thoroughly enjoy your blogs and insta stories! I have two adult boys and I’m Grandma to my precious 17 month old grandson. Love to hear about both the good and bad days.
Girl, you just keep, keeping it real! One of the many things I love about you!! Shine on~
Ali,
I see that you have a TON of comments but as a long time reader of your blog, I feel compelled to drop you a note for the first time.
Thank YOU for being honest about motherhood! Your words are 100% spot on. It’s the best and most challenging job you’ll ever have. I’m learning to navigate having a 4 year old and 3 month old, while I ugly cry as I head back to work this week.
Continue to remember how lucky you are to provide for your family in this unique way (I so envy you). Continue to be real and being brave enough to tell the truth about being a mom. There are women like me here in the trenches with you.
And good luck with the pumping! I exclusively pumped 17 months for my preemie. It’s not just the pumping… it’s the dishes! I’m cherishing breastfeeding this time around.
Hugs and best wishes,
Cassandra
Needed to read this today! On the mom struggle bus this afternoon. Thanks for making me feel not so alone and that this is “normal” lol
Ali,
I really Love following your posts and instagram. I think you are so much like many women, and really down to earth and able to “bare it all”. Nobody has it all together and in a day and age where social media is so prevalent, posting about it is common. There should be no shame in being vulnerable. People judge and write hateful things because of themselves, not you. Don’t stop being who you are.
First time poster…but I just needed to comment on this, as it is so unfair to you. First I’m sorry for anyone who is negative towards you. Anyone with kids would know the struggles you share and that they are just the tip of the iceberg. Wait until they are teenagers! Second, continue doing you. You are a great mom! Your kids are adorable. Who cares what others think.(I know this is harder than it sounds). But for every 1 negative comment, you have 100 ppl backing you up. I don’t know what the comment was, I missed all that. Buy you are amazing. I love your blog. Love the stories of your kids. The good and the struggles. It reminds us that we are all the same. No matter where you live or what you are doing each of us as parents face the same struggles!
Always stay true to who you are! You are beautiful inside and out!
You were/are my favorite bachelorette and have followed you since your first stint on the show.
You ALWAYS keep it real, and we appreciate that!
Just keep doing what your doing!! You are a great mom! And try not to let the “mean girls” get ya down!! 😘
I’ve loved you since The Bachelor and As the mother of two little kids, including a 4 month old, I love how you share the ups and downs. With that said, I think when you choose to share, you open yourself up to people’s opinions, positive and negative.
I almost unfollowed after your sleep training blog because to me, allowing a 4 month old to cry themselves to sleep is absolutely mind blowing. Babies cannot speak to communicate their needs and the only outlet they have is crying, so for you to openly admit that you ignore that and let your child self soothe made me extremely angry. I understand that you’re sharing what you think is best but when you post about such polarizing topics, I think you should expect negative comments. Even your fans aren’t going to always agree with you.
Are you familiar with Brene Brown’s Daring Greatly? When I think of her words and wisdom you are the first person that comes to mind! You’ve got an arena full of supporters behind you. Keep being your courageous self!
Just a thought ………… mean people are sad people. That doesn’t mean we excuse their meanness, no way. It means those people are hurting. One time when I was teaching, a student of mine was “mean”. Another student saw that I was a little flustered with this student. In her 7 year old voice she said to me, “I think he was mean because he’s really sad about something at home. His mommy left and he doesn’t know when she’ll be home.” Wow, that changed my thinking. I went over and gave him a hug, we talked things out, made a plan together and …………. just thought I’d share this story. Ali, I think you’re amazing. Take care!!
For the love of Moses! Any mom who can have all white decor in their house with two small children needs a “Mother of the Year” award! You keep doing what you do, Ali! You’re rocking this motherhood journey keeping it real! I just spent the last two hours playing referee to two holy terror boys while trying to cook a decent dinner… which neither one of them would eat! After I recovered from the defeat I, in an elevated voice, said “iPad time”! Now my toddler has his rubber boots on, on my dark brown couch because no way can I have ANYTHING white or nice for that matter, his jelly stained sweat pants and no shirt… all the while I sit here and lick my wounds from the evening, Thanking God for you and your honesty about this crazy, amazing, wonderful and sometimes complete disaster of motherhood! Furthermore, I’ve followed you for years and years… it’s like I know you… to me your posts never seem negative. Maybe the joy sucker is new and doesn’t feel connected to you… the rest of us have been your supporters since your early days of… well, let’s leave weird, weird ex’s names out of this, but we’ve been here since the beginning and we celebrate your life/mom wins and hurt when you hurt! We are behind you! Haters gonna hate, momma!
Ali-
You are one of the most real and honest “celebrities” on Instagram. I am not a mother yet – I hope to be soon – but I find myself laughing out loud at some of your stories and posts. Not a laughing-at-you kind of way, but because you find humor in the crazy, stressful day-to-day. And I feel I can slightly relate because I work with very young children in their homes with their parents so I get an inside glimpse into life with little ones. I find you to be real and genuine, unlike many other celebrities who come off as fake and insincere. I’m sorry that that person’s negative words hurt you. I am also sensitive to hateful and cruel comments. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to think about that person’s, or other people’s, negative comments; focus on all the positive words said/written to you, because there are many! 🙂 By the way, your children are adorable and you’re doing a great job raising them! Take care 🙂
Ali, I found Your blog right after I had My son (both about a month before Molly) and I havent stopped reading it since. I am now pregnant with my second and i could not appreciate your honesty more! I come back to read your blog and watch your insta stories because you are so honest, relatable, loving, and warm. I find comfort in knowing I am not alone when you share struggles that I myself have also felt. I am So grateful for you putting yourself out there and sharing it all with us. You are so appreciated and such a huge support and source of relief, smiles, great info, and laughs along the way. Thank you for all that you do every day. Keep on going girl—your light will never dim. Keep shining so bright. We are right there with you!
You cannot please everyone. If you could that would mean we all had identical personalities and lives and how boring would that be!
I am not sure why people feel the need to be negative and down right abusive and rude to people on social media and that is definitely it’s major pitfall. But, it is also a great source of comfort, compassion, love, happiness, educational and more.
I have a daughter the same age as Molly and I am constantly in awe of how wonderfully smart, caring and wow she is a FANTASTIC eater I cannot believe the things she loves. You and your husband are obviously great parents.
You are your children and husbands wonderwoman and that is the most important thing.
Hi Ali!
I have followed you since your Bachelorette days, and I just want to say THANK YOU! I am not a mother yet, but I am so over Instagram Highlight Reels. Thank you for being authentic and genuine (as much as you can be on social media). We need more people like you. Shake off the haters girl. They are trolls who have nothing better to do. You are rocking it! And don’t ever doubt anything less. Much love 😘
My son is grown with children of his own but I still enjoy reading your blog. I have been a fan of yours since you were the Bachelorette and so happy the love and joy you have in your life. I am sorry for the hurtful things that were said. People who tear other people down are just trying to boost themselves and are not worth your time. I appreciate your comment about constructive criticism, we can all use some every once in a while. The operative word being constructive, not hateful. If your blog is not someone’s cup of tea that can simply unfollow you. The saddest thing is attacking you as a mom, you can see in your posts how much your children are loved and how they are thriving. Know that you are loved and respected and just let go of the rest.
Hi Ali! I loveeee your blog and instagram posts. My little one is Riley’s age and you are one of my go-to moms when things get tough. Never stop showing us your true self!
Ali I just wanted to let you know I admire you so much. You seem so friendly and not to mention your GREAT style! Don’t let the mean people upset you, most of the time they like the attention they get from being so nasty. It’s sad. I love how you guys keep it real, I’m also from Chicago (but a Sox fan, sorry Kevin!) and you guys just radiate that midwestern vibe, just really down to earth. You are fantastic parents and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t search your Instagram pages sometimes so I can see your kids cuteness (and because Kevin has a true gift at making the BEST Instagram stories involving your kids, how does he always capture the funniest/best moments?!). Keep up the great work! You guys are doing it right.
I so appreciate you sharing all that you do! Some days I think I’m alone in this (even though I know it’s not true). It helps to see other mother struggles .. NOT because I want them to struggle, but because then I feel somewhat “normal”. Today for example my daughter had an epic meltdown which had me and her both in tears. Those are the moments I feel so alone. It is important to see others stories and struggles because it’s REAL. Thanks for sharing ALL sides of parenting and life!
im slightly confused…what negative comments were said on a blog about “tacos” ?!? 🤷🏻♀️😂
Rise up! Keep at it! Everyday is a new day to be awesome! Parenting is hard but you don’t have to prove anything to anyone else. Your life is your life alone and everyone’s journey through this so called life is different. All won’t see it the same way and that’s okay. You’re great!
Thank you for posting this! I’m in a similar season of life as you (a 2 year old and 6 year old) and motherhood is dang hard! What you said really resonates with me “this is some of the best and hardest times of our lives” is really exactly what i needed to hear because I have been focusing too much on the negative! Please keep sharing and being your authentic self ❤️
Thank you for your honesty. I loved you on the Bachelorette because of this personality trait. And I’m reading your blog more often now as you discuss parenthood. Even though every family is different, I can relate to most everything you say and I appreciate not feeling alone. I love all of your tips and tricks too. Thank you and keep up the great blogging!
I totally relate to everything and love your blog!!! I have a 2 year old and 4 year old and the ups and downs in evach day can be very mentally exhausting. This is so normal and something we should be able to talk about!
I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a blog before but I just wanted to say thank you. I’m a mom of 4 little boys (my baby was born May 3, so not long before Riley!) and I absolutely love reading your blog and following you on Instagram. Not only do you have great style, but you are so real. I appreciate so much how you put it all out there. Knowing full well that someone always has something to say about everything you do, you continue to allow people a REAL glimpse into your life- for better or worse. I know all too well how high the highs and how low the lows are in this stage of life. Other people I follow that don’t seem to have those ups and downs feel distant and difficult to relate to. I value your story and your willingness to share. The beauty of it is that I can get a lot of out what you have to say without feeling the need to do it the exact way you do, or feeling the need to convince you to do it my way. We are the moms of our own kids for a reason. We can learn from each other AND respect our differences. Anyway, thanks for keeping it real ❤️
You are awesome, and I am grateful for all you share with us. You have a beautiful family and you are a hardworking Mom and Wife.
I am very sorry that you have to deal with the negativity and garbage that comes with being a public figure. Unfortunately with anonymity and the internet people just aren’t quite as civil as they should be.
Needed to read this today. I love that quote – hurt people, hurt people. Today at work, a coworker said something to me that wasn’t so hurtful, mean, and completely unfair. At first I was mad and hurt. Then I realized… she must be miserable inside. Only a truly unhappy person says things to hurt another person. We gotta keep encouraging each other and lifting one another up!
Hi Ali,
I’ve never commented before but I read your blog regularly this really hit home for me. I am a first time mom and my son was born 6/8 so just a couple weeks after your little guy and your blog has really helped me. I have struggled a lot recently with people making judgements comments because we aren’t doing things the same way they did them and making other comments that make me feel bad. So I sadly related to this post and just want to say you are doing a great job. You have two beautiful, happy healthy babies 🙂
Keep doing what your doing. Your honesty and non filtered view of motherhood is a breath of fresh air. Your life sounds so similar to mine. I have a 3 Y old son and 15 M old daughter, the chaos is overwhelming sometimes but I love them more than anything in this world as it’s obvious you love your babies the same.
When I found out I was pregnant a year ago, I immediately came here and started reading about when you were pregnant with Molly. You’re killing it!
If you get a chance, I’d love to know what you’re doing to keep up your milk supply for Riley. My little guy likes to eat and I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up
Hi Ali! As a mom to 2 under 2, I love reading your blog. I’ve never commented before, but wanted to after reading your most recent blog post.
I really appreciate how you keep motherhood real and normalize it. It’s really hard but so rewarding, and I love how you show both sides of it! I feel like as a mom, I know at least for myself, I am hard enough on myself without other people judging my parenting as well! We’re all doing our best here so it’s so nice to have somewhere to go and feel even a small connection with other moms and know I’m not alone!
My little girl will be 2 in December and my little boy was born a few days after Riley (Still struggling with the baby sleeping at night but hearing about your sleep training has inspired me to start sooner than later!). This is definitely the best but the hardest time in life- my husband and I always say that too.
You’re a great mom and have such a cute family. Thank you for sharing your motherhood journey!
Ali! I 100% love everything you blog. I’m not a Mom, yet, but we are trying (three years to be exact) and even though you don’t share the same struggles as me… it’s so wonderful to see you be real, raw, and post all of the good, the bad, and ugly. I look forward to using your blog to look back on when my time comes to be a Mom. You have so much great advice and resources here. Keep your chin up! You’re amazing.
I never have commented before but thank you so much for putting yourself out there and making me (as a first time mama) feel so much better in that I’m not alone with the ups and downs. The struggle is real but so is your attitude and your appreciation for life and love. I have a lot of respect for how honest you are- and thank you for giving me something fun to read everyday. The love you have for your family and kids is obvious.
I absolutely love how real you are!! I watched you on the Bachelor and told my hubby that if we ever had a girl we were naming her Ali. We had two boys and then a little girl who is almost 4 and we named her Ali! Being a mom is hard. There are days that I feel so overwhelmed that I wonder how I’m going to make it through the day. There is other days that I don’t want to get out of bed. And then there are days that go by way to fast because we have been having so much fun as a family. I don’t understand the need for people to say hateful things about others. Haters are going to hate and always be mean. You do you and enjoy your beautiful family and ignore all the hurtful comments(easier said than done, I know). Thanks for being real and sharing your life with us.
I have adored you since your days on the Bachelor. I love reading your blog even though my “baby”is 13 and my oldest is 19. I WISH there were blogs 19 years ago. 🙂 Thank you for giving us a peek into your life here and on Instagram. Your kids are adorable and it’s obvious that you are doing great job! Enjoy these moments, time really does fly! What I would give for 10 minutes to rock my baby to sleep.
Do not listen to that lady! You are amazing and a wonderful mom. We love that you share your thoughts everyday so we know we are not alone. Everyone has good days and bad. I’m so sorry you had to read such a horrible message. I’m so tired of the woman on woman hate. We need to start boosting each other up not tearing each other down. You rock mama! I look up to you and hope to be as amazing at being a mom one day. Please keep doing what you’re doing ❤️❤️
By the way your kids are the cutest!
A lot of people would kill to have your life. You have every right to share your struggles but people have every right to have an opinion on them. Half the time, I skip through your rants about how rough you have it. At times, you have that vibe of – I’m the only one who has ever done this before. You aren’t the first person to be a mother, nor will you be the last. Try a different outlook other than victim.
Ali,
I haven’t commented on here before, but I read your blog religiously as an avid bachelor fan to get your thoughts on an episode recap, but mostly to read your mom advice and thoughts. I have a daughter a month apart from Molly so when you were pregnant, I started to read what you were experiencing and took great comfort in it as I could relate to it. Then all your blogs about what Molly was doing was so helpful because again, I could relate to it with my daughter and her milestones. Most importantly, I felt a connection to your blog because you are a celebrity, but you’re very real and you talk about how being a mom and working is hard… thank you. It is refreshing to read it and it’s what most people never talk about, but you do and I feel stronger after reading your blog. You’ve given me travel advice with a baby, product advice and just comfort to know I’m not alone when I am crying because I’m just tired or I feel like I don’t have time for myself or my daughter is having a meltdown and it’s common. Thank you for not being afraid to be real and for helping us all out there that wonder why no one talks about this stuff and for being brave enough to do so. For the negative ones out there… you know you have had days like this even though we love our children more than we love ourselves. Please go somewhere else before you spread negativity on a blog that has helped so many find comfort and hope.
Hi Ali! I don’t even have kids or style (haha) and I still LOVE following you! You’re beautiful, kind, smart, and a great mother. Just keep being you!
Hi Ali,
I have to say I never write on people”s posts or blogs but felt compelled to reply to this post as it couldn’t be more true. I too am experiencing these moments as I have a 2 month old and an almost 3 year old. Balancing it all 24-7 is exhausting and I always like to say it is the most exhausting yet rewarding job in the world. There are moments that are beautiful and some that are just crazy draining and in those moments reading things like this and relating to someone gets me through, thank you for being unfiltered and authentic ! That’s what makes this blog different than others! Stay strong mama!!
Love how real you are with the things moms don’t talk about. Moms can be so judgmental at times and we should be supporting each other. The negative comment Mom should be ashamed of herself bc we are all trying the best we can to juggle it all – some days are better than others 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts, ideas and everything in between.
– Tina from Boston
No clue if you’ll see this Ali, but hang in there! Motherhood is absolutely the hardest job on the planet and having a second baby makes it about 20 times harder. From what I see on your blog you’re doing a wonderful job with your babies and you really seem like a beautiful person inside and out. Keep your chin up! From one mama to another…sending you hugs and coffee 🙂
I dont usually comment much on anything but this struck close to home too much. I also have two kids under 2. My son just turned 2 this week and my daughter is 6 months old. I can relate in ever aspect that this is the best time of our lives but also the hardest.
Im a stay at home mom and most of our friends dont have kids yet so i dont have many moms to relate to or make me feel as tho im not alone and the craziness is normal!
I dont usually read blogs but look forward to seeing your posts everyday on Instagram or your blog. Not only are they real life stories but they help me realize im not the only one in this craziness of parenthood and makes me feel not alone! Some of the scenarios or stories you tell or expressing your feelings almost seems like your reading my mind! So i want to say thank you for doing your blog and being real. I struggle with anxiety and always worrying about whether im doing everything right as a parent and reading your blog has made me realize so many other women are going through the same things!
Keep doing you!
I have never heard that comment Hurt people, hurt people…but makes so much sense. ***Also remember….”Misery loves company” and nothing could be further from the truth. Ali, I ABSOLUTELY admire you. Been a fan from when you were just a contestant on the Bachelor. You stood out to me immediately then and the reason for that is b/c you have an aura of just being a wonderful, GENUINE, person. NEVER stop being you! I talk about you to my husband like you are my friend…and we catch up on FB lolol! But, that is how you make people feel. Like you truly care about us and you share so much of you and your family as if you knew each one of us. Keeping it real and not sugar coating keeps you genuine! I love who you are and please continue to keep us a part of your life…..I so look forward to it.
You seem so sweet and kind and I hate that anyone would say anything mean to you. I am also a mom of two and I 100% know what you are talking about when you say it’s the best but the hardest times. It can be extremely difficult at times. I have never commented on a blog before but you made me laugh so hard when you thanked the lady for actually asking about the taco recipe. You can totally switch out the black beans and use chickpeas. LOL! You r hilarious! 🙂 your kids are adorable and so is your family! Xo!
Hi Ali
I just want to say that you inspire me so much! I have a little boy who is four months and I love following you and your experiences with Riley!
Negative people aren’t worth our time or energy. Keep smiling and move past it and know that for every one person who tries to bring you down, there is a crowd that will always be there to help you rise up. Like Luke Bryan says “I believe most people are good” and they are!
You’re amazing! Always remember that!
Hey Ali, I know you’re getting so many messages of support. But I just need to say thank you for your honestly. I too try and be honest about my struggles with motherhood. I have 2 year old twins and there are times when I think “what am I not getting” this is so hard and doesn’t seem as hard for others. The hardships of motherhood aren’t talked about enough. And this by now means we are not good mothers. I heard a quote- “if motherhood is too hard, you’re doing it right”. So I just keep reminding myself of that. Thank you for being you it means the world to all mothers s ❤️
It makes my heart full to watch you and your sweet family on Instagram every day… in fact, I get excited when I see you have new stories in my cue! As a new mom of a sweet 6 month old boy I also completely relate when you’re having an off day, and I hurt right along with you. Solidarity, sister! I appreciate you sharing such intimate highs, lows, and in-between experiences in your life because it’s REAL! The rewards and challenges of parenting are beyond anything I could ever have imagined and one thing I have realized is that passing judgement on any parent- whose child is fed, happy and loved- is just ridiculous! Please, keep momming and sharing with us along the way, because you are an AMAZING wife, mother and role model, and your stories bring so many people joy and help us not feel quite so alone. 🙂
Hi Ali,
Thank you for sharing all that you do. I don’t feel so alone knowing that there is other moms going through the same thing as me. I have a 3yr old daughter and 3 month old son and being a mommy to them is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Sometimes I cry along with them from being so overwhelmed. And as an exclusively nursing mother, sometime I feel like I never get a break. Even if my husband gives him a bottle I’m still pumping at the same time.
I was wondering, do you pump in the middle of the night? My son just started sleeping some longer stretches at night and as much as I love the sleep, I feel like my boobs are going to explode. Any tips for getting some sleep and not feeling like your about to pop?
Thanks for being so real.
Thank you for sharing your honest experience as a mother! My daughter was born around the same time as Riley and watching your stories definitely helps me get through the long days & nights when my husband is working.
I follow you on instagram. I read your blog on occasion, but this is a topic near and dear to my heart… Authentic living… in person and on social media.
I believe that our “sugar coated” and “filtered lives” on the web have a devastating effect on the lives of those who struggle with inner critics, depression and comparison. I follow you on Instagram primarily to have someone who is a shining example of combatting this commonality among SM today! Our lives are our lives – no filter is necessary. If you did not post stories or blog about the struggles, those who follow you would miss out on the incredible resource that you are for overcoming those struggles, or the encouragement when you hang in there. Also, if you did not share, those negative people would just complain about something else – because that is what negative people do! (I can hear it now – they would complain about how overly happy you are that Riley slept 11-12 hours — but that sheer joy comes from a mom who has been through a struggle of not getting sleep, yet over came it. Something that is worth being OVER THE TOP HAPPY!)
Big or small, struggles are struggles and I am very thankful that you use your platform to be authentic, helpful, and encouraging with your followers! Keep it up! You don’t need to justify your dedication to motherhood – you babies and their smiles, laughter and actions speak for you.
*And as a side note – there may be days they don’t, as they get older — but your dedication and effort as a mother will not be the reason, it is just part of them developing and becoming their own person and testing their independence.
I can’t imagine what it’s like being in the public eye, but you seem to do it with grace and humility. Yeah, you are privileged but so am I and so are many of us in our own ways. You frequently mention that you are very lucky for the things you have but don’t ever feel like you need to apologize for it. You work hard for your career and family so you can have whatever you want. I think it’s all too easy for people to get jealous or petty when they see things that are missing from their own lives. When I see how happy you are, it makes me happy for you. If that’s not a natural reaction, then I feel sorry that they are too down or angry to share in the joy of others. Keep sharing with us whether that’s only the good times or the not-so-good times. I have a 4-month old so I appreciate hearing about your struggles. It makes me feel like I’m not the only one going through this. And kudos to you for looking so good while doing it as well as keeping the house nice (at least for pictures-the one with your messy office was funny). I usually don’t read lifestyle blogs for the mess and dirt–we all know what that looks like! Keep doing what you’re doing and we’re here rooting for you!
PS-Can you do a post about your pumping experience or your story about nursing both kids? I’ve been exclusively pumping since my LO was 2 months bc the breastfeeding never stopped hurting and I had to return to work anyways. But I would like to not have to pump so much with future kids. How was breastfeeding with Molly? It seemed like it went better… I’ve read that some women have diminishing milk supplies with each kid. It would be great to hear your thoughts!
This makes me sad for you, and for those negative people. I love your posts, Instastories and honestly (although it might seem weird), I feel like you’re my friend! I honestly wish I knew you in real life because I just think we would be besties! So keep being you- posting the hard times and the really happy times. And wait until they’re older and crazier- ha! There’ll be a lot more post about struggling- hahaha. Thanks for being you!
In my own personal life there have been those who delight in bringing me (and others I love) down for their own “benefit”. I say “benefit” in quotations because, honestly, what do they even gain? Nothing.
I am not a mom (yet). I am not a wife (yet). I am a 23 year old who is just figuring out life, one day at a time. I go to work, do my best, and try to inspire others to be their best self and shine their own light. In this world, sometimes, it is hard to see that light in others when they would rather dim someone else’s glimmer of hope.
I am writing this to say thank you. Thank you for being on my glimmers of hope that I look to. I have been following you for years now, and I can truly say that you inspire me on a daily basis. You make this world a brighter place with the way to carry yourself. Carry your marriage. Carry your family. And carry your beliefs. It is because of people like you that I can continue to be inspired to inspire others.
So, here’s to you Ali. And here’s to all the times we will never let anyone succeed in dimming our light. Keep being you and keep being an inspiration to those that look up to being half the woman you are one day.
You are a rock star, and I cannot wait to try the tacos (haha)!
Hey Ali,
I love your instagram stories.:) You’re blog is awesome too btw! They always make me smile and feel uplifted! I love that you share how you feel and what is going on. People can tear you down and it’s so hurtful and just mean. You keep at it because you are amazing and great mom. The Haters are just jealous of you and your success,beautiful kids, and family unit. “Haters gonna Hate.” Keep being the Ali everyone loves. 💕💕
I have no idea what post you were referring to and I can’t imagine why anyone would want to post anything negative in a post about tacos. I just wanted to say, Ali, you DO NOT have to justify your parenting style to ANYONE. I’m honestly not a regular follower but you and your children pop up in my IG feed from time to time. And what I always see are two beautiful, happy, healthy, thriving children and two wonderful loving parents doing an amazing job. Please be kind to yourself. 🙏
Your reality makes me feel sane in this crazy life with kids! Mine are 9 & 6 and I still question if I know what i am doing every single day. it is hard, no matter what!! Keep on telling what you tell, I appreciate it more than I can say and love seeing other people’s realty.
Kristen
Hi Ali!
I am a new mom of a two week old little sweetpea and I love your insta stories 🙂 Sometimes they even keep me entertained in the middle of the night when I’m up with my daughter! Please keep sharing the exciting AND challenging times with your kids… it makes the rest of us feel like we’re not alone when we are experiencing tough moments as well. You’re a fantastic mom!
Thank you for keeping it real! Both of my kids are within a week of both of your kids and it makes me feel so good knowing that there are other moms out there that are going through the same stuff as me! I always say that my life is a circus but I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks again for your transparency 100% of the time!
I read this post today and cried. I am going through a true low right now as a mother. We are trying to sleep train my 8 month old and it is exhausting and so emotional. We also have a 3 year old who is a terrible sleeper and gives up such fits at bedtime. Reading your post just brought to light that there truly are highs and lows and we can get through them regardless of the negativity. Thank you for sharing your unfiltered life.
Ali,
I’ve never commented before and actually just started following your blog and instagram after I had my second child in July. I learned my kids are almost the same age as yours- next month my son will be 2.5 years and my daughter will be 4 months. I am staying at home until my daughter is 6 months and my son continues to go to his daycare. Finding a way to balance the work load and emotion of having two kids close in age is a struggle some days and a joy on others! Your blog and insta have helped comfort and inspire me through my own ups and downs. Seeing someone at the same stage as me going through the same things has made me feel less alone. Most of my friends have older kids or just one new baby so aren’t currently “in it” like we are (so they don’t know yet or don’t remember the challenges the same way!) I’m so happy you do this and have built a community where we can support each other as working moms balancing so many new things and feelings. Your fashion posts have also been such a help to me – I’ve identified and ordered a few things you’ve recommended to help me regain my confidence while hiding my tummy that isn’t the same yet after baby. I gained 50 lbs with each baby and with this one, still have 20 to lose. I know I’m doing great working on it but wanted to thank you for helping me through the weight loss transition with new ideas from your blog! I think I’m rambling a bit now… but ultimately wanted to say keep doing what you’re doing! You are a great mom and sharing the highs and lows helps others like me in the same stage of life! You are a huge help to others and I appreciate how real and in touch you are even though you may be a celebrity or more well off than many. All these reasons are why I enjoy your posts and appreciate what you do, so thank you!
My second baby is only a few weeks younger than Riley, so I can completely relate to everything you’re going through! I’m so curious about your breastfeeding/pumping schedule because I’m in that exact same situation! I have a baby who drinks a ton (around 30 ounces a day) and I nurse in the morning and pump the rest of the day too (6x) just to keep up.
Thank you for this. I am a new mom of 2 (17 month old + 3 week old) and I have more highs and lows than anyone just trying to make it through the day. Knowing there is another mom with raw nipples, constantly sitting on the pump, and struggling with a crying toddler while trying to feed your baby makes me not feel alone—because it is truly the most exhausting and rewarding job, so why wouldn’t there be highs and lows? Thanks for being open about your journey as a mom, it’s helping moms like me get through.
I don’t know you personally but I have followed you since you were on the bachelor! You seem like such a nice person and you seem very real and down to earth!! I am a mother to 4 kids ages 1, 3, 5 & 8. Being a mom is hard!! I hope you don’t let the rude people stop you from sharing your experiences with others! You really do help so many and your kids are the cutest!!
Your mother must be so proud of you! I am and I’m not even your mother.
Parenting is hard! I can recall 27 years ago when my son was 2, I called my mom crying and said , ” he is so challenging! I’m not even sure I like him.” My mom was very supportive. She never judged. And as I soon learned this stage passes and all will be well again! My son is now turning 30. And he is amazing! We have a great relationship. I’m a mother of 3 and each one is as different and perfect as the other. You are an wonderful mother. Shame on that person. Don’t let anyone judge your worth. Parenting is hard. I encourage both my daughters to read your blog. You are so real! Thanks for being a great mom, wife, person and no doubt fantastic daughter! Unhappy people are just mean. I hope you take joy in knowing that you do truly enrich other people’s lives. Even this old mom!
Hi Ali,
I was a total “failure” (my boobs were useless) at breastfeeding. I never could never get enough of a supply to even satisfy a newborn; so I commend you on your success!! (Yes you are succeeding). I went back to school later in life to become a nurse, and during nursing school several of my classmates who had breastfed swore by eating steel cut oatmeal as a way to increase their milk supply (don’t ask me how or why). Maybe you already do this, but I wanted to share that just in case it could help you or any other mom. I follow you on Facebook (I don’t have any other form of social media). I’ve followed you since the Bachelor and Bachelorette and have been so happy for your many blessings!! Keep up the great work!!
Hi Ali! My friend posted this book and I thought it was too good not to share with the mamas I know who have babies in diapers.
It’s called Cheers to the Diaper Years. I was going to post a picture but I didn’t see that option. So I am leaving the link to it on amazon. 😁
https://www.amazon.com/Cheers-Diaper-Years-Thriving-Surviving-ebook/dp/B07GV67S29
Even though you are in the trenches of motherhood, these really are the sweetest times. Enjoy your family and do not worry about the opinions of strangers. You are a fabulous mother!
Holy cow, you weren’t kidding about Molly’s memorizing/reading. It’s really incredible. I almost think she IS reading. Either way – it’s absolutely brilliant. What a little two year old genius!! 🤓
Love following you Ali! This blog post made my day! Forget the haters!!
I’m sure you may already know this, but do you use any nipple cream when you pump? I didn’t know that secret with my first baby and learned it with my second! Serious game changer! Best of luck to you on your continued breast feeding journey…it goes by in a blink, hang in there during the chaos of it! My kids are now 13, 10, and 4:)
I think you are a great and loving mummy with a kind heart. Spreading love and positivity to mummies and to the others too.
I think you’re great and always real! I love your insta stories, blog, and posts, and think your sweet babies are just the cutest. Don’t let the world dull your sparkle, because you are definitely one of the sparkliest! Also I recently read you were from MA (I don’t know how I didn’t know this!), and from a fellow New Englander, I appreciate you representing 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Hi Ali!
I have followed you right from the beginning and I think that you are such an amazing person! I am not a mother but it seems like you are a fantastic one and I can always tell how much you love and care for your children. You have such a beautiful, smart family and I always wish you guys the best!!! Unfortunately there will always be negative and hurtful people but we just have to find a way to push through. You are amazing and don’t ever forget that 😊
I know it’s a little early, but I saw these and totally thought of you! I know you did matching pj pictures last year and including the puppy in on the fun just seems perfect! This site always has a great sale going on so even though they look pricey it all comes out in the end! These Yeti’s were my favorite, just too cute to pass up so I’m getting a pair for myself, my husband and our German Shepherd, Everest.
https://www.hannaandersson.com/family-matching-pjs-are-u-yeti/
Hi Ali – you are awesome. I love keeping up with your blog because I’m at a similar stage in my life right now. Kids about the same age and trying to keep it all together with Home / work. I’d love to hear more about how you are working to keep milk supply up (since returning to work I’ve noticed a decline that has me stressed) and also where you are in losing the baby weight (I’m having a hard time fitting in work outs so am trying to eat better but may just have to accept that my body needs extra 10 lbs for breastfeeding).
Hi Ali! You are Amazing, Beautiful and a Wonderful mother to your sweet kids. They are lucky to have you and Kevin as parents. You are truly an inspiration to me when it comes to all things in life. I love that you share unfiltred pictures, stunning filtred pictures and honest stories of you everyday life. You and Kevin are a match made in Heaven. I’m so happy that you found your Soulmate and the person who makes every day Special. I love love love your Wedding video that’s on You Tube. Carpe Diem /Anna from Sweden
Ali ~
Thank you for your “real-ness” 🙌🏼 I think I just made up a word lol but anywho , first time momma here , and I just wanted to say I appreciate you! Please don’t stop doing what your doing , your blog and posts are helping so many women including myself get by one day at a time! I have a daughter as well and I love seeing it all and your beautiful family ! Keep on smiling ❤️
Smiles, Natalie
I have always enjoyed you as a person. I watched you on The Bachelor and have kept up with you ever since because I thought you had an awesome, genuine personality and also because I felt I could really relate to you. I was pregnant with my daughter at the same time you were with Riley. My daughter, Adelyn, was born in June. I loved reading your blogs about pregnancy and motherhood. I have two older sons, and it was nice seeing the activities you do with Molly and how you make time to juggle everything you have going on. I love all of your clothing posts, and buy WAY too much of what you post, according to my husband! Haha! Keep doing you, and being you. I think that you are doing a great job and have always loved how much and how often you share with us. It’s always so much easier to focus on the negative, because that is what stands out, but think about all of the positives that just ‘blend in’ because you are so used to seeing/reading/hearing those great things from your fans out there. But, hard as it may be, try to hone in on those upbeat, positive, praising comments from those of us out there who truly can identify with you & what you represent. We love yah, girl! Keep that chin up! 🙂
You are such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I obviously don’t know you but I feel like I do because I follow you and your family daily to see what hilarious thing Molly is going to say next or your next adventure with your job or with the kids. I have followed you since The Bachelorette and loved everything about you ever since. Keep doing what you’re doing because you are super inspiring to many people, mothers and non mothers! I am not a mother (yet!) but just hearing you talk about life how it truly is and not sugarcoating it is amazing. Don’t ever change! 🙂
Don’t ever second guess what you share with us because of a couple negative people! You & your family are awesome. I find when I am having a bad day, reading your blogs help to turn that around. You have actually helped bring me out of some of my darkest times. I don’t often post but felt it was important to let you know that you are a wonderful, kind hearted, inspirational woman 😀
Saw this today from a Proverbs 31 and thought of you!
Mama, are you worn out? Do you feel alone or isolated in your season of motherhood? Does it all just feel too much?
You are not alone. Hold onto this promise today:
You were handpicked by God to be your child’s mama. You were created with the exact gifts and capabilities to care for your child the way God designed.
So today when the mess feels like too much, the tantrums seem never ending, and you’re pretty sure you won’t survive another day, remember this truth: you were handpicked by God for this assignment. Invite Him into your everyday mundane moments, and He will be with you every step of the way.
Hi Ali,
I don’t know if you’ll see this but I want to say please please please don’t stop being you! We all love you just the way you are.
Like Taylor Swift says, “Haters are gonna hate.” Wait…I think that was Taylor Swift right? LOL. They are the ones with the problems not you. Thank you for being so honest and real with us!
I’m not sure why but your blogs aren’t showing up on my Facebook feed. I don’t understand so now I’ve got a lot to catch up on. lol. I’m following you why aren’t they showing up. 🙁
Anyway…don’t stop being the amazing woman that we all know you are! 🙂
The irony of that troll’s comment is that you have been sharing the “real” moments of your life because you felt like a lot of people’s instagrams were to “perfect” (and I love that you show your real-life struggles too! Thank you).
But what bothers me the most about her comment, even days later, is that SHE is a big reason that more moms don’t speak out about their struggles with serious issues like postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression (I’m not suggesting that you have PPA or PPD, I’m speaking in general. Although, if you were diagnosed with either of those it’s okay!! Women with PPA and PPD are not alone). People like her expect moms to only show their rosey, perfect sides and keep their struggles hidden and to themselves, and that only exacerbates the problem our society has in regards to helping moms who are struggling.
Thankfully, moms like you (and many other wonderful people) are starting to fight back against the idea of having to be perfect. As a society, I think our culture and attitude towards mental illness is changing for the better, but we still have a long way to go. Thanks for being real, and being you. 🙂
I think you’re doing GREAT Ali! My husband and I are trying for our first baby and I definitely look up to you and hope to be an awesome mom like you are to your precious babes. Much love!
Shoe size 8/1/2 please and pink shoes. And the pure black purse.
I love the navy satchel and the pink loafers (size 9)! ❤️❤️❤️
I would love the Hadlee (pink loafers) in size 9 and black purse!
Thanks,
Sanch
Hurt people hurt people! You are right! And I only follow you out of all bachelorettes because of how real you are. I absolutely freaking ADORE you! Everyone does!
Fall taupe loafers and a black purse 😍 sooo cute!
Tawny Orange 8.5 & leopard purse. As an assistant principal and mom on the go, I am always on the lookout for great shoes.
Leopard purse and taupe in the loafers size 6.5! I’m a middle school teacher who is also currently getting a masters in school counseling, I’m always looking for great versital staple pieces ❤️
Hi Ali, you’re amazing. Sending you lots of love from Alabama! Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re a great mom and great human being!
You are doing an amazing job! You are right people do not see all the other things that go on in motherhood. It’s so hard at time I get it! You should not have to explain yourself, its your blog and if someone does not like it- don’t visit it! Your a strong person, don’t give people the control that they are looking for. I love your blog and your stories along the way. Keep rockin motherhood! Us mommies need to stick together and support each other!! <3<3<3
Ali- you have no idea how much you helped me during the first year of my babies life. I had Arya about 6 weeks after you had Molly. And I looked to your posts for motherhood advice, sharing in your struggles and happiness in having a first child, and of course fashion! In fact it was your blog and sleep schedule that got Arya sleep trained!!! And I can’t thank you enough! You’re an amazing mother. Don’t let the negativity of 1 individual affect your disposition. And the rest of us appreciate how real you are. Bc being a mom is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. But it is by far the hardest. So thank you for the transparency! Bc we can all relate!
Ali my heart is out for you right now! Even though this post is a few weeks old (sorry I am just now catching up!) but I can’t imagine the hurt behind that comment you are referring to. I went back and read the comments and I have to say, you have an amazing crew of people behind you that have your back. That one comment went viral and everyone that stepped up to defend you were amazing. Keep your head up- from my eyes you are doing an AMAZING job as a mother, wife, daughter, friend, etc. Keep up the good work and when those comments come through remind yourself how many people love you and love getting to follow your life and all of the happiness and joy that comes out of it. We love you!
As a new mother, and I don’t have babies, I am appreciative of your insight. You are very real and down to earth. The negative feedback is just that… you can’t make everyone happy, so be you. That is what we all adore.
This gives me all the feels. Motherhood is so hard, it’s the most rewarding thing but it’s so hard some days. I have a 17 month and I am due in June with our 2nd, and being a full time working mom and breastfeeding, even with a 100% supportive husband is completely overwhelming. Thank you for sharing, every mom is a “supermom” women need to raise each other up and not tear each other down. We need to support each other. We all have our struggles on a daily basis we don’t share with the public.
Thank you for your blog! I absolutely love it and I totally relate!
-Noel
Your kids are adorable and I love your decorating style! And I love how down to earth you are with your budget friendly shopping ideas.
I also know that all moms can relate to mom struggles. I totally struggled bringing my last baby home because he was in the NICU and I had to pump to keep up my milk supply…also my C- section pain was so bad that I didn’t want to get up to pump… and this was my fifth baby! So we can ALL relate!!