CO Mom Feature: Meet Karen Now reading:

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Motherhood is a journey as unique as you are, so it can often feel like you're doing it alone. Here at Colored Organics, we love to unite you together, even if it's only virtually, to share some wisdom and camaraderie on the rollercoaster journey of parenting. We are so excited to share some motherhood insights from New Jersey-based momma, Karen!

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

Hello! My name is Karen Koch and I’m a motherhood and lifestyle content creator based in NJ . I’m a mama to three beautiful boys: Lucas (5), Aaron (2), and our third baby, our rainbow, Raphael (4 months old). I am also an LPN by profession and I’m hoping to go back to school soon to become an RN. My love for photography turned into a hobby which led me to Instagram, as an outlet for capturing our everyday moments and capturing the people and things I love. I have loved connecting with other moms on that platform as well as working with some really amazing brands, some of which have been a dream to work with!

WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING A PARENT?

The most rewarding thing of being a parent has been watching these little humans I made grow and blossom into these amazing beings. The world is just so different through their eyes and watching them learn, explore, experience life is just simply amazing and humbling. Although some days are a lot harder than others, I can’t remember what life was before them, and I’m so grateful they exist. They make life beautiful!

Image courtesy of Karen Koch. Her three boys wearing Colored Organics Waffle Collection Sets and and Emerson Sleeper

WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT PARENTHOOD?

The most surprising thing about parenthood is how it can be terrifying and intimidating and beautiful and humbling all at once, it can be such a roller coaster of emotions. As a new or seasoned parent, you’re always trying to do the right thing by your babies and parenthood doesn’t come with a handbook or footnotes. It’s trial and error, seeing what works and what doesn’t and even when you think you’ve figured it out, it goes and changes and you just have to roll with it and adjust and that can be pretty scary and intimidating. But its also beautiful and humbling because you get a front row seat to the most amazing experience of all. You get to see these little humans grow and blossom into these wonderful little people, experience the world through their little eyes, learn from their kindness and innocence, and the most beautiful thing of all, you get to experience their unconditional love. No matter what you do, through the good and the bad, these babies love you for who you are and that is priceless. All the hard stuff you go through is so worth it, they make it worth it. Such a roller coaster ha!

WHAT DOES SELF CARE LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

Self care to me looks like getting my skin care routine done in the morning, getting dressed for the day, putting a little makeup, and maybe, JUST maybe, have a hot cup of coffee afterward! It’s not always easy but getting those four little things and even just the first three things makes a world of difference to my day. Getting dressed for the day makes me feel like I can conquer it all. If I don’t have a hot cup of coffee then I’ll just add ice to it later haha!

WHAT CHORE WOULD YOU FOREVER OUTSOURCE?

If I could forever outsource one thing, it would be doing laundry and then putting it away. To me, it is the most tedious thing to do! With five people at home, laundry can pile up so quickly! Putting it off makes it worse so I try to tackle it quickly but it seems never ending. Luckily, most of the laundry is my kiddos and it’s cute, so I’m reminding myself it won’t always be this crazy and to appreciate the process. But seriously, it is my least favorite thing to do.

@itskarenjkoch on Instagram

Raphael is wearing the Emerson Sleeper in Natural!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF COLORED ORGANICS?

My favorite part of Colored Organics is that the clothing is ethically made and of organic cotton. In an industry where everything is massed produced at an incredible speed, having clothing that is good for the workers, good for the environment, and most importantly, good for my baby, is pretty special. Not to mention how soft the clothing is, plus the prints and colors are adorable! I definitely look forward to every new collection!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO AN EXPECTING MAMA?

My advice would be to give yourself grace. Motherhood is so beautiful but it can also be hard, messy, and at times, lonely too. Not everything is perfect and sometimes things don’t go the way you expected them and that’s okay! It’s a learning process, where both you and your baby are learning and growing together. Giving yourself grace, and reminding yourself that it is okay to not have it together all the time is very important. At the end of the day, if your baby is fed and clothed and clean and loved, then that’s all that matters, the chores, the cleaning, the rest can wait. And one more thing, if you can, always take the help! As new moms, we’re trying to do things ourselves as if to prove we’re good enough but it won’t make you less of a good mom if you take the help, especially during those first weeks! If it’s offered, don’t be afraid, and just take it!

To see more of Karen's motherhood journey, follow her onInstagram!