Mama Crush: Paloma Jonas Thompson

​​Paloma Jonas Thompson/Co-creator and designer of Valentine NYC/Los Angeles/33
check out her Instagram
or website ValentineNYC.com

Name and ages of your children?
Bowie Banjo, 1
Rome, due in September

What is your definition of a crushable mama?
A women that is embracing motherhood with grace and independence. Finding her own path in the roll as mother, while still keeping that free spirit energy flowing though the veins.

What is the most rewarding thing about motherhood?
Experiencing that pure unconditional love. Nothing in life could have prepared me for the experience of motherhood and the love. Life will frankly never be the same and I'm thankful for that gift. It's the gift of silent service at times, but the rewards of loving with every piece of you is indescribable and very healing. 

What is the most challenging aspect of motherhood?
Personal time. Just simply to connect with myself, be spontaneous or responsibility-free. It's pretty ironic because having less me time was something I so looked forward to about parenting. I remember thinking I can't wait to have less time to focus on myself and all the unimportant stuff I have time for. Haha. Life! 
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Where has motherhood pushed you to grow the most?
This is something that changes monthly for me. I'm always discovering new challenges within myself though motherhood. But over all, I'd say learning to surrender. I'm always learning, but for me the big lesson of letting go of controlling things in my life and understanding that most of life's greatest gifts come from the unexpected. 

What are your top 3 best tips for a new mama?
Trust yourself
Enjoy every moment (even the really challenging ones)
Be kind to yourself and know that whatever feelings you're experiencing are perfect for you and temporary.

What are your family rituals?
We have a daily Thompson group hug. Its our little way to reconnect after a long day or the best way to start the day off. Bowie loves to hug and he gives them non-stop now.
Its also become a ritual for us to travel together and have adventures as often as possible. One of our parenting goals was to have a good synergy with our old life and new life. For us, travel has been a special way of achieving that. It started as a crazy idea to go to Japan with a 4 month old and has now has taken us all over the world. It's become a family ritual that I deeply Cherish.

What is your parenting philosophy/approach?
I parent based on my instincts and heart. I give Bowie the space to be who he is and always try not to bring my personal stuff into it. It's his journey and I'm here to guide him as best I can. With love, guidance and a little mama magic, my intention is to make everyday the best it can be.

What has been your biggest surprise about motherhood?
I love the community of women and mothers in my life and what a surprising source of inspiration and support I've found in that. It's a beautiful and unexpected gift having community to support and be supported by. 

 What is your approach to food and raising a child?
We like to have a good balance of lots of exciting flavors and styles of food while keeping it clean and as close to handmade as possible. My boy has always been a foodie, so it's been really easy for us. We just try to make eating healthy super tasty and fun. We eat together at the table everyday, so he is learning about the ritual of family time and food. 

What is your approach to disciplining your child?
Bowie is 1 so I'm still figuring all that out. We have always been quite firm with rules and routine so he understands that there is a system already. 

4 tips to finding balance in motherhood?
A good support system is key
Making it a priority to spend quality time with your partner and continuing to focus on that relationship as the roots of your family unit  
Having a passion project, creative endeavor or something that brings you joy 
 Doing the things you needed before you were parents, for us we travel. Cant stop, wont spot. 

Your top 4 lessons you wish to instill in your child?
A deep appreciation for the world and all its creatures, big and small 
A drive to conquer their dreams 
 A willingness and passion to always learn and grow 
A good healthy dose of self love and respect. 

What are you letting go of?
Expectations. Letting go of the idea of what motherhood and women-hood is supposed to look and feel like. Instead just stepping into it blind and willing to just trust that life gives me what I need and the skills to conquer it.

What are you calling in?
Patience. With another baby due in September and a 1 year old already, I'm calling in as much patience as one women can have. I'm sure I'll need an endless supply.