Pajama Party

In the Spring of 2012 I began my last semester in college and my full time teaching internship. Why is that important? Because that means from January 2012 to November 2016 I was a full time elementary school teacher, getting up before the sun to get ready. I used to call waking up before 7:00am ungodly, but here I was getting up around 5:30am everyday and getting ready to be at work by 7.

For over four years of my life I HAD to wake up and become presentable before arriving at my day job. This is not so strange in itself. Many of you do this everyday. And this is where you’re thinking, “get to the point Courtney”. I am, I promise!

Well if you did that almost everyday and then all of a sudden didn’t it would be a big change for you too. You see, on January 12, 2017 my whole world changed when I pushed that precious baby girl out and they placed her in my arms. My husband and I prayed about it and decided I would not be returning to teaching after my maternity leave. So all of a sudden my very structured, scheduled days became very UNstructured and just a little bit crazy. I wasn’t getting dressed and presentable everyday. I was lucky if I ran a brush through my hair or had on a shirt not covered in spit up.

Don’t get me wrong, I L-O-V-E-D my new normal and fully believe I have the best job in the world. But I did start to look forward to Sundays when I had an excuse to get dressed and “cute” for church or if we went out at all during the week. But in reality, most of my days were spent in my mom-attire: baggy pjs or athleisure (and not the cute kind).

I am SO very thankful to not have struggled with postpartum depression (and my heart goes out to those mamas that do), but I did start to notice a lazy streak and lack of confidence. I’m not saying you have to be done up to feel good about yourself, but if you pass the mirror too many times during the day in your ratty t-shirt with your greasy hair, your confidence may take a blow too. I looked lazy so I started acting lazy. It was hard to get motivated to get stuff done during nap time when I looked like I should be sick on the couch and so that is where I usually landed.

This is not just for mamas in the room. Maybe you’re a college kid or you work from home. Maybe you’re an empty nester or you only work outside of the house a few days a week. The grunge life may work for you, but it did not work for me. My house was falling apart, my quiet times were almost nonexistent, and my self worth was going down the toilet.

Thankfully during one of my million Target runs during the week (I think Anniston thinks it’s our second home), I found my answer: pajamas. And you’re all like: whaaaat? Seriously, pajamas. But not just pajamas, CUTE pajamas.

For all of you that have skimmed this and are looking for the point, here it is: You usually feel how you look. Not always, but usually. And do not read this and think “ugh Courtney is all about appearances”.  You guys, I could care less what you look like when you’re at home. This is how I felt and thought maybe someone else might too. So let me help a sister out! Get yourself a pair of cute pajamas. They don’t have to be expensive. Most of the ones at Target are around $20 and if you check the Cartwheel app, there is almost ALWAYS a way to save.

In my current season of life I usually wake up and don’t have time to get ready before Anniston wakes up. I am usually still in my pajamas until her first nap of the day. Instead of wearing baggy sweatpants with an old faded shirt, I started wearing “cute pajamas” and my whole outlook changed. I felt better about myself when I passed the mirror. I felt motivated to get things done because I felt somewhat “put together”. I was engaged in my quiet time with the Lord instead of feeling like I should crawl under the covers and turn on Netflix. I was more upbeat around my husband and was keeping a cleaner house. Who knew cute pjs could change your life?

I’m a believer and am now slowly restocking my pj drawer when I find fun ones on sale. My husband is a big fan and a supporter of these purchases so that speaks for itself. (Happy husband + permission to shop = hellloooo win win!!) So get your little booty out of your dad’s old sweats and into something fun and let me know if it changes your life too. If you’re feeling a little crazy, put your hair in a quick top knot and throw on some mascara. You’ll feel like a whole new woman. ;)

Happy Shopping! Let me know if there are any good deals out there I need to know about!

All photos by the lovely and talented Nathaly Marques.

My Pajamas: Target               Anniston's Pajamas: KicKee Pants (our favorite brand!)