Last fall, I went to my graphic designer with an after thought of the newly re-designed site: I wanted to incorporate the tagline of Embrace Your Everyday. (You can see it — or maybe you have before in my header when you scroll or down in the footer on the homepage.) Kendi Everyday started as a place where my regular (AKA everyday) outfits were featured and has turned into more of a place where not only do I share my outfits predominantly but also where I share my life. For the past almost 8 years, this blog has been a huge part of our life. You’ve seen so many facets of our life over the years, mainly through the small snippets of script I feature below my outfits. Last fall I felt more of a pull to share more of our life than we had before, so naturally incorporating the mantra of ’embrace your everyday’ would start with me in a way to help you embrace yours. I had big plans, you guys. Content galore. Lots of great things coming your way.
… And then I got pregnant.
With best laid plans and honest intentions, I thought sharing my pregnancy journey would be an easy way to show my everyday to continue with my plans to expand the blog. But I just couldn’t. I didn’t share a ton about my pregnancy because it wasn’t … let’s say it wasn’t enjoyable to put it very kindly and politely. I was sick until about week 20 and not until I delivered did the morning sickness truly go away. It’s amazing what you can get used to! So I decided to do my best with KE and push this idea of sharing more of our life until later or maybe not at all. In fact, it didn’t cross my mind until about 3 weeks ago that I had intended to change KE last year. I realized that with this huge change in my life, there was bound to be a change in me and therefore the blog. I told B a few weeks ago that I don’t think that I can blog the same way again. There will always be beautiful images and positive vibes here because that’s how I like to live my life, but our everyday has changed. I’ve changed. Everything has changed. And subtly so; in ways I didn’t expect. For the last 8 years, we’ve been so incredibly busy. I started this blog and it turned into my job, my husband started a wedding photography business, over the course of 5 years we opened a clothing store (twice), traveled everywhere we could, and found ourselves with two full time jobs for my husband and I within this blog. Needless to say, we’ve been on the go-go-go, rarely slowing down. But with the pregnancy, I found myself slowing month by month. And this summer as my pregnancy slowed to an end, so did I. Since mid-July, it’s been slow-slow-slow. It took me a while to get used to the pace my body was asking for; guilt set in for not being driven to take daily outfit photos for a few weeks. For leaving the blog and my social space a bit quiet. But in my head and heart I knew I needed to take a breather to be rested for labor and everything that was to come after that I had no idea or preparation for. Sure, people try to prepare you by telling you their newborn experiences but it’s different for each set of new parents. The only theme of new parenting? No sleep. If sleep was a currency, I’d rob every bank I could.
In so many ways I want to feel normal again after pregnancy and child birth like right this second. But in so many ways, I know I’ll never be the same. (I don’t necessarily mean physically either, there is a huge emotional and mental change as well.) I’ve had to learn to embrace a new normal, embrace our new everyday, which right now seems to fly by each day. I look at the clock and it’s 4 pm and I think where did our day go? (If you’re a mom, you can probably recall the early weeks and are nodding along with me. I at once remember everything and nothing.) That’s where I’m at these days. Short days, long nights. Can I get a new mom amen?
I realized quickly that with all of the life changes that I would be changed and that in some ways Kendi Everyday would change. I always just expected to keep on keeping on the same way we had before, just with a baby. But I feel different now. My world feels different, better than I could have imagined. Honestly you may not even see much of a change or a difference or perhaps you will. But we’ve been friends for so long that I felt the need to tell you about our new normal on this side. It’s slower, it’s calmer, it’s different in ways that I don’t even know yet but I’m excited to figure out. I think there is a part of me that is afraid to turn you guys away by sharing my new world of motherhood and all it entails. I know you’re used to daily outfits and mainly style-centric posts. Which is the majority of what I’ll continue to do when I’m back to my 100% self — whenever that will be. But it would feel amiss for me to skip over this new side of my life and continue on with KE as if a huge life change didn’t happen. Hopefully I can find a happy mix of motherhood and style, which I intend to do in my own life, so I can share it with you through beautiful photos and my quick writings. (Although today’s was anything but quick.) I want to share more of our life and more of my thoughts on motherhood and I hope you are here for it, in addition to my style posts. I don’t want Kendi Everyday to completely change but I can’t pretend I’m the same.
Everyday has changed and I’m so glad it has.
58 Responses
I’m excited to see what comes next!
Hi Kendi! I’ve followed your blog for so long now. It inspired me to have a go at my own (not so good I lack follow through) and helped me see my wardrobe as something to play in and not just throw clothes at myself so thank you! The past eight years for me has seen massive change, with work, buying our first home, getting married and in a strange coincidence we’re expecting our first child in a few weeks. Which means the changes to your blog couldn’t have been more timely. At least for me. While I don’t anticipate you’ll turn full ‘mummy blogger’, I’ve been enjoying your balance of inbetween. Yes you have this tremendous little person. But a recent post said you felt more like you for doing your hair and make up one day. I adored that. Keep doing what you’re doing. Change is normal. We’ll still be here.
Congratulations on your sweet new baby, Kendi, and thank you for sharing your journey. I wanted to take an opportunity to remind you that your readers are experiencing changes in their lives too – many (myself included) have also embarked the path to pregnancy and motherhood and are grateful to have people like you to share it with <3
I’ve followed your blog from the beginning and I too just gave birth to my first (July 13th) so I’m excited to sort of be on this motherhood journey with you! And I’m excited to see whatever direction the blog takes 🙂
~Jessica
I’m so happy for you Kendi! I’m a long time reader (since the Kerrville days) and you have seemed so happy and peaceful these last few months. I had a baby in April and totally understand your feelings. I can’t wait to see more motherhood posts, I love them! Xoxo
I love this! I’m excited for your new season of life and have always appreciated your honesty and being where you are. Motherhood is life-changing in all the ways. Congrats! And great job on listening to what you need. 🙂
I love it and I’m excited for your new adventures – and that I get to read about it!
I’m due in three weeks and have enjoyed your content so much, following along with your pregnancy journey. It’s hard to relate right now to the few blogs I do still read. Maybe because those cute new booties will no longer be my main focus in life, and all I can think about is rearranging my wardrobe into something more classic and functional? I don’t know. But I’m excited to see where you take the blog! Congrats on your new, precious addition!
I love how your blog is evolving. I’m such a fan of yours as a blogger & woman. Thank you so much for sharing your very personal thoughts. That’s what makes you so interesting to get to know beyond your stellar fashion & gorgeous photos. I’m not a mother, so I have no firsthand experience with the changes you’re facing, but I have faith that taking the steps to embrace everyday will provide a beautiful life for you & your family, as well as your loyal blog family.
Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! All the best xoxo
To be honest, I think being able to share and follow along with all the life changes and adventures that happen is one of my favourite parts of blogging…and then to be able to look back and see the journey as a whole in one place is really beautiful. I have been enjoying visiting your blog over the years (ever since 30 for 30), and I’m looking forward just as much to seeing what it will become from now on too.
I love the new direction you’re taking! I’ve been following your blog for years (and we even collaborated with one of my handbags). I just gave birth in June and my life had changed completely with our daughter, who takes up all of my days and nights, so I totally understand where you’re coming from. I thought I’d be able to just hop back on the bag making train after 8 weeks of maternity leave. Boy was I wrong.
With a newborn, the days are incredibly physically demanding, and combine that with healing from labor, sleep deprivation, and the responsibility of just keeping a new human being alive (along with yourself, husband and dog) and you realize that you just have to slow down and live one moment at a time. For me, it was taking things 1 hour at a time when my baby demanded food and somehow finding time to sleep in between feeds. Impossible. I’m surprised I’m still alive.
<3!
Hi,
I just wanted to share that I completely understand where you’re coming from! My son is 15 months old and I remember thinking (before he was born) that after the initial craziness of newborn life, I would resume my regular “life.” Instead, I’ve found the cliche that “being a parent changes you” is SO true. I’m a teacher and went back to work part time after my son was born before deciding to stay home with him full-time this year. Having a baby totally changes you, in ways you can’t predict! I find it really cool that so many bloggers I followed for fashion now have babies and it’s fun to learn more about their lives as moms! Hope you start to get in a groove with baby and I’m looking forward to hearing about motherhood:)
As a first time mom of a 6-day old baby boy, I love this post! (Maybe it made me cry too, and yes, nod my sleep deprived head.) I’ve followed you for a few years and was so excited to have someone who’s style I love be pregnant at the same time, so thank you! Looking forward to reading more of your new mom posts (also may have sobbed today trying to get ready for a baby Doctor appt, realized I had nothing to wear and wondered, how is Kendi styling her post partum body? Heeeelp. Ha). Congrats and thank you!
Kendi, I can’t tell you what this blog has meant to me over the last several years. You’re a breath of fresh air and I feel like I know you. Enjoy motherhood and the little moments along the way to the fullest– no guilt or shame! 🙂
Hello Kendi,
I’ve followed you for the last five to six years, and have always enjoyed your authenticity and humour. A belated congratulations from me on your new precious bundle of joy! Thanks for continuing to share so honestly. Babies do change everything, for the better.
Much love you to you guys,
Ronnie xo
p.s. And I get the sleep thing. I recently found an online “sleep deprivation calculator” and, just for a bit of a fun, I entered in the ages of all our boys. Apparently I’ve lost 22 months of sleep in the last nine years. Still trying to find the right emoji for that. 🙂
i think you’re spot on! you can’t remain the same- your blog is part of you, and you’ve changed. how couldn’t your blog change with it?
i’ve been following since nearly the beginning (i still remember your posts about the funny looks you’d get from your coworkers re: your outfit choices!) and i think we’ve seen you grown and change- motherhood is part of that.
excited for your family. and for you. what a special time.
Such a very beautiful post! 🙂
🌸🍃LA BIJOUX BELLA 🌸🍃| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
I’m all about new mom Kendi! I’ve been reading your blog for about 6+ years now? I remember when you were just a frustrated office worker before you even opened up your shop. And I always knew that I would be excited when you had a baby! It is definitely life-changing in a good way. You will miss aspects of your old life, but this whole new world is worth it. I am a mom of two boys and I’m excited to not have this in common with you! (Motherhood) congrats again!!
This is so great! I’ve been following you for a few years and admire and enjoy both your style and your voice as a blogger. Thank you for following your heart! My first child was born last November, and I can’t wait to see your observations on being a mom and hoping to keep some sense if your pre-kid style. Congrats on Gemma and becoming a mom! Hang in there… the newborn phase goes quickly and you will sleep again!
I loved reading this. So many bloggers seem to keep going the same except add a baby. And that wasn’t my experience with having kids. So this really was great to read!
I’m a new mom due in December and have flowed you for years. You’ve been so helpful to me lately- You’ve helped me dress my bump and find so many darling finds for my little girl on the way. Looking forward to all future posts about your new and improved life! Thanks Kendie!!
Such a great post to read, Kendi. Life is SO different now and it’s okay to not have your footing yet. You are a great writer and storyteller and I’m sure you’ll find a way to share what you want to share, and keep private what you want to keep private!
Having a baby changes everything! I’m so glad you realize and embrace that. Can’t wait to see where the blog goes from here. Congratulations!!!
I’m psyched for new mom posts, and any other life events you want to share. I’ve been reading forever, and I’m so happy for you!
Oh Kendi…Ive so loved reading your blog and following along on your journey since back in the day…(when I swear you only owned those Payless wedges- but you rocked them, girl!). All that said, I’ve enjoyed what you have offered up to the masses. You’re funny, and relatable, and if I lived in Texas I’m sure we would be friends by now. Take your time and do your thing, not that you need my permission, but also, thanks. Thanks for sharing so much of your little world with me and I hope you find as much success as you have had with this blog with your new role as mom. Cheers!
This was a quite pleasant and welcome surprise in my feed list today. Sooo glad to hear from you– what a well written, thoughtful post. I thought you nicely reminded me of why I began reading your blog and am still reading your blog. Please feel no rush/worry, at least from this reader, to keep the same pace and style you had before baby. Enjoy this special time, and I look forward to whatever you’re planning for your next everydays!
Kendi, I’ve always enjoyed your style, your photos and witty sense of humor and how you write. You have always been true to yourself and it is so refreshing. Becoming a mother , from the moment you are pregnant, changes you in so many ways. Those first few months are so joyful but yet so challenging. I can remember with my first I used to dread night time cuz I knew I wouldn’t be getting much sleep. Those stages are so overwhelming at the time, but then you look back later and realize how quickly you baby and you have grown and changed. Little by little many things get easier. I’m excited to see where you take your blog. Congratulations again!
*waves from North Carolina*
I’m a long-time reader, and guess what? I’m pregnant! I’d love to see more stories about babies and motherhood and life after children. It might be a smaller portion of your audience, but there is no shortage of mom readers who are looking for thoughtful guidance.
You could blog about woodworking for all I care, I’d still read if you wrote in the same honest, funny way.
Absolutely love it!
Mireia from TGL
https://thegoldlipstick.com/
The picture is beautiful.
I can only speak for myself, but I am excited for this change, to be along for the ride.
I’ve enjoyed following you over the years and I am excited for you as you begin this new chapter in your life, as a mum. I can’t wait to see how your blog evolves. I know it will be wonderful.
I read because I enjoy your voice, and I’m looking forward to seeing that in more parts of your life. In fact, I’ve been hoping to see that for a while! So I’m embracing this change and am so excited to see where it take you.
Kendall
http://www.weekendall.com
Love this! I can’t wait to read more 🙂
Hi!
Love you blog!! I also LOVE your chandelier in your nursery. It shows up in the beautiful black and white photo where you are holding the baby. Would you mind telling me where that chandelier is from, it’s exactly what I have been looking for!
Can’t wait for your next blog!
Well I’ll still be here following along. I’m probably not your typical reader. I’m a 52 year old mother of four. Two in college and two in high school. And I will follow along on your new journey adding in motherhood. Also, that is one of the most amazing things about a newborn.. they force you to slow down. Enjoy it!
That’s the really scary thing about putting yourself out there in the way that you do – if you keep things the same people will get bored, if you change things people may not like it. I’ve been following along your blog for years and we’re roughly the same age, so for me watching your journey parallel mine somewhat has been really fun. I’m excited to see where this new phase of life takes you and the blog.
Kendi, as a Mom of two I’m going to tell you to ENJOY this slowness and let the blog transform how you feel it should. There’s no rush- your readers are here and we love every bit of what you do share. <3
I personally love how your blog is changing. I think your readers are all growing and evolving with you- so it just makes sense for your blog to evolve as well! I’m excited to see where you take it!
We (your readers) are growing right along with you mama (baby #2 arriving any day)! Thank you for sharing your personal journey, style and lifestyle so honestly with us. Keep the style and commentary coming and enjoy this slow sweet time with your babe 💗
Couldn’t be more excited for you to share more about motherhood!
While I’ve followed you for a really long time, I’ve only left one other comment, so it is sort of weird to say this, since you don’t know me (I don’t blog or use social media), but it feels like we are friends. One of the things that I love about Kendi Everyday is that it’s you. Even when you post an outfit, pieces of your daily life are there, and it is real. It is not just an outfit post, it’s a Kendi post. I look forward to the Kendi + 1 posts, and watching your little one grow. I’m sure you will be as amazed and in love with her every day as I am with mine. The way you have opened up about struggles and challenges you have faced make you so real, and so much more than a style blogger. I am still disappointed that I never made it into your shops (I live in California), but if I ever had the chance to meet you I’d love it! On the sleep side, my son was a horrible sleeper. I got the books, tried it all. Couldn’t make him sleep better. The time came around 9 months that I needed him to sleep more for my own sanity. I hired a sleep consultant, and it was amazing. They knew how to adapt the sleep training techniques to my son’s personality (an my desire to not cry it out). When Gemma is older, and you feel the need don’t be afraid to get help! Sleep is important!!
Congratulations donesnt sum it up enough! I’m so happy for you both and as a fellow first time soon to be mom (I’m 19weeks) I’m so excited to hear your new perspective on life. ❤️
I think this is just a natural progression for your blog. And if people ever say ‘ugh mommy blog’, just ignore them. You’re allowed to grow and change.
Also, from one hyperemesis mama to another, you made it! Still psyching myself up for No 2 because of how hard my pregnancy was. Yay for max dose S of Zofran for 38w! 😬
First – Amen! My little is now 2.5, but I remember those first few weeks. My son woke up last night and I am a wreck today. As I sit here I’m thinking – how did I survive those first few weeks/months of motherhood – up every couple hours and then up 2-3 times a night. Oy!
I love that you’re changing KE to embrace your new life – motherhood does change everything. Priorities shift in a way you never thought possible; life takes on a whole new meaning. I think its natural for your blog to shift too and I’m excited to see what you share. For now, don’t feel pressure to be here – these days will fly and those newborn snuggles are some of the most amazing moments you should be soaking up.
Kendi, I’ve been following your blog since before my first baby was born almost three years ago, and it’s been a joy to watch your transition into motherhood. I look forward to the changes in your blog, and seeing your new “mom style.” Many congratulations. There is nothing like it. Enjoy.
This.
You put into words exactly what I, as a new mama, have also been feeling. Thank you.
(and, for those sleepless first months, here’s what another, more seasoned parent told me: Everything has its season. This may not be your season, mama, and that’s okay. This too passes, so soak up what is good about it and a new season (of sleep) is coming.”)
Welcome to the new ‘normal’. Enjoy these early days, because, as a mother of 4, I can assure you, they will fly past.
Thank you for sharing your family’s journey with us
xoxo
Can’t wait to see what the next chapter looks like! Congrats!
Kendi, you have inspired me since I was about 19 years old. As a reader and follower I feel as if I have grown with you and have always appreciated you newest endeavors. This endeavor happens to be my favorite as we so awesomely got pregnant within two months of each other. I will follow your blog in any direction it may go! Best of luck on the new parenting, I am not-so-patiently waiting my turn, but until then I will appreciate any words you offer towards it.
Hi Kendi!
I just wanted to say thank you for the breath of fresh air – and for putting into words some thoughts and ideas that I’ve been attempting to wrestle with myself. As a fellow blogger (and first-time mama currently at 22 weeks) i’m grateful for your example and honesty! As someone said so well in the comments before mine, “Change is normal. We’ll STILL BE HERE” <3
Oh Kendi! I’m SO unbelievably excited to join you on this new part of your journey. I’ve been reading this blog for 7 years and I’ve loved every step of the way so far…so no matter what your new everyday looks like, I’m here for it. And if you need to take some time, take it. You deserve it. Your readers will be here when you’re ready. Sending love all the way from London x
I started following your blog because I liked your style posts, but after several years, more than that, I like YOU. So excited to follow along with your journey of motherhood. I became a mom last October, and I was instantly changed in ways I never expected. It’s like your heart grows infinitely bigger and your world grows infinitely smaller at the same time. Congratulations, Kendie. Enjoy everyday with that sweet baby! Take your time, and know we’re all here to cheer you on!
No mommy shame. No blogger shame. I totally get it. Allow yourself to enjoy mommyhood. We will all fall in line for whatever avenue you take.
Hugs and kisses to your hubby and baby:)
Please share your new journey! Motherhood made me feel connected to something so much bigger than myself and it’s almost impossible to NOT share that with the world. You may never feel 100% again and that’s okay (so go easy on yourself!). I’m three years into this thing and it was around the two-year mark that I finally started to feel like a 100% version of myself — the NEW me at least (and then I got pregnant again, ha!). I don’t know who that other lady is or what happened to her! I like the new me better (most days, at least!).
I’m way behind the times (my feedly is scolding me, ha!), but still wanted to respond to this (that you clearly put so much time and thought into).
I so appreciate the honesty and openness-it is one of the things I have always enjoyed about your blog. I’m sure I will continue to do so, as well-while my life circumstances may be very different, it hasn’t stopped me from enjoy many a blog post about babes! 🙂
Congratulations, and wishing you joy (and more sleep!) as you continue on your motherhood journey.
Kendi,
I’ve been following your blog since the beginning and literally this is my second comment – the first on your registry-must haves, professing my shared love of the dock-a-tot. As a fellow new mom (my son was born in February 2017), I am loving watching my favorite bloggers go through motherhood. Your life completely flips when you have a baby and until you have one, you just don’t get it. Personally, I love the balance of personal narrative with fashion because that is REAL LIFE. I come to your blog for fashion inspiration, but I also love reading about you, your family and now this new journey in motherhood, with which I identify. Just wanted to give you some encouragement and say that I look forward to the changes in your blog. XOXO —
Ashley