Last year right before Thanksgiving we met up with two sisters who were both having their first children within the next few months. Due a month apart, Jamie and Kristin came shopping with us to discuss dressing for work and home. They also walked us through their family holiday plans and staying stylish through the winter season. Well, they are back for summer!

We got the chance to meet up with the ladies and their babies to talk about life as new moms, new aunts and styling new post-baby bodies. [Let’s just say that BounceBack was a big hit!] Only a year and a half apart themselves, they have become even closer after having their babies together. We felt there was no better way to celebrate National Best Friends Day than with these two sisters and their besties in the making!

Motherhood: The last time we saw you ladies the holidays were approaching. You both had winter babies. How was it navigating through new motherhood in those first months?

Jamie: Having a newborn is scary! The first few weeks are all about figuring out what baby likes, dislikes, and what is bothering him. Now that the weather is warm and he is getting bigger, it’s getting easier and a lot more fun!

Kristin: It was hard! The flu was so bad this year and you want to show off the new babies but keep them safe as well. I asked that everyone follow my three rules: please do not come if you aren’t feeling well, please wash your hands, and please do not kiss the baby!!!

Motherhood: What maternity clothes did you keep in your wardrobe for nursing/pumping/getting back to pre-pregnancy size?

Jamie: My mother-in-law stayed with us and got all of my maternity clothes together and put them in storage for me. I am wearing the BounceBack jeans, but I purchased them after the baby was born. I do miss wearing my cute maternity dresses, and I sort of miss the bump!

Kristin: The go-to of course is leggings… also my shirts with the ruching on the sides. They help hide my mommy pouch!

Motherhood: Any funny stories about yourselves or each other that has happened since having the babies?

Jamie: One day I watched both the babies. What a workout! Gemma and Carter were sitting together and he started to eat her hand, thinking it was his. I got it on video and we all laugh about it.

Kristin: I tend to do weird things to my husband from lack of sleep. The other day I was patting his chest in my sleep and he asked me what I was doing and I told him I was putting the baby to sleep. When I realized what I was doing, we both laughed.

Motherhood: Kristin – have you been back to work yet? If so, what styles have you been wearing? And, Jamie, when you do go back in September, are there any maternity clothing you’re hanging on to?

Kristin: I am back already, and I love the black work pants that I got from the BounceBack line! They are a must-have in my weekly wardrobe. They feel like they have built in Spanx!

Jamie: I do enjoy a nice nursing bra, so I might keep this in my wardrobe, but I am really determined to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and wear my regular clothes. It’s so hard, you have a whole new body after baby!

Motherhood: You both walked out of the store either wearing and/or purchasing BounceBack jeans/pants. What about them made them that necessary purchase?

Jamie: After having a baby, you are so overjoyed, but you don’t feel like yourself. I loved my maternity pants and felt a little silly to continue to wear them, but I needed some extra support without squeezing myself into Spanx. This just adds a medium amount of support to help new moms be more confident.

Kristin: They made me look like I didn’t just have a baby 3 months prior. It is hard because you don’t look like yourself still with the extra weight from the baby; it was nice to at least feel like myself, and they did just that!

Motherhood: Let’s get real: how are the first few weeks and months after giving birth? Women are often afraid to ask and talk about it. Get candid with us, please!

Jamie: I am very open and honest with friends and family members who are pregnant or thinking about having their first child. I had a lot of complications late in my pregnancy, and it was frightening. After having Carter, I still had some complications for a few weeks. I needed to rely on my mom, husband, and other family members to help me while I was recovering. Women are expected to give birth and then just magically jump into this “mom” role. While we willingly and selflessly do it, we need to take care of ourselves. I am so lucky to be home with Carter for 5-6 months, and I do not take any day with him for granted. Being a mom is the hardest job in the world, but it is so worth it.

Kristin: It is really challenging. There is no instruction manual. You need to listen to your child and your instincts, but with this new little human and no sleep, that gets difficult. You definitely scream/curse once a week. I’m convinced if you don’t do that you are not normal!

Motherhood: And tell us a little about those bundles of joy…

Jamie: Carter James Lobban was born on 2/21/18 at 7lb 7 oz and 19 inches long. He is an extremely happy baby who takes a lot of naps (which helps mama get things done around the house.) He is finding his voice, his hands, and his feet, so it’s amazing to watch him start to interact with us and entertain himself. He has dimples from his father, and so far his eyes are extremely blue, getting these from his mom!

Kristin: My little girl is a typical girl = drama queen! She has the cutest fake cry when she wants attention and a personality bigger than herself. She wakes up with a big smile every morning and loves playing with her feet. She has made being a mommy very easy for me. (Aside from when she loses her $#!+ once a day!) I wish I could freeze her in this stage right now. My husband and I are really enjoying her. One of my favorite parts of the day is watching him and her interact; he has the cutest smile watching her smile!

Motherhood: If there is one thing you would tell your sister about how she is doing as a mom, what would it be?

Jamie: She’s the best mom. When I had Carter I was sort of lost. She helped me and taught me so much! She’s the younger sister, but she has this mom thing down!

Kristin: She is doing great… almost too great! She keeps everything together and stresses herself out to do so. Sometimes you just have to say screw it and take a nap! She is an amazing mommy and wife. Don’t be so hard on yourself J – that little guy has the best mommy in the world who will always love and protect him!