Solo Parenting, Mom Guilt and Healthy Recipes // Day In My Life Vlog

Daily vlog in my life with my 18 month old toddler. Louis was away on a work trip so I thought I would take the opportunity while I was solo parenting to film for my channel and to chat a bit more about my personal experience in motherhood. I share all the activities I filled our day with to keep my son busy and happy as well as some healthy recipe and meal ideas - I hope you enjoy!
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Hey! I'm Raya from RayaWasHere. I make videos about motherhood, plant-based food and finding my style as a new mom. I've been sharing my journey of self love and growth for the past 8 years and am excited to share how I'm finding myself in this new chapter of motherhood ☀️
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FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some of the links above may be affiliates.

[@laura11h]

If you’re worried about being a good mom, it means you already are one. ♥️

[@tracyzehnder2902]

Girlfriend, you are the sweetest little angel. I think you are so fantastic as a mother a wife and an inspirational human. You are so pretty from the inside and out! I hope you hear these words. And know that you are adored by so many people around this world thank you so much for sharing your life with the rest of us. With lots of love from Arizona, your friend Tracy.❤❤❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Wow thank you so so much Tracy 🥹 Thank you for taking the time to write this incredible sweet comment, it means so much to read ❤️ sending lots of love back at you!

[@tracyzehnder2902]

@ Raya I know you’re a very busy lady, but I wanted to write back to you and tell you that I watch a lot of KZbin channels and you just touch my heart. I think you are so sweet and charming. You have a beautiful spirit about you. Do not change a thing! And I love watching you. I love your couples channel as well. I always look forward to seeing your new videos. I know it takes a lot out of you with parenting and trying to maintain your health and take care of your child. I just adore you guys and I wish all the best for you. And thank you for writing back to me. It means a lot to me as well! Have a beautiful day. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you ❤️❤️

[@tracyzehnder2902]

@@RayaWasHere sweetheart 💗

[@feliciadu8047]

I ditto that statement 100%

[@KatieThomas921]

The bend back to say "let's be real, we choose oatmeal every morning" and that look after "feeding" him from your plate were *chef's kiss*. I love watching you and Neo because my son is about 3-4 months older so it's always like looking back at a phase we just left. I'm sure you are killing it even if it doesn't always feel that way. Love the mom content, keep it up!

[@KateBlank-x7g]

Being a mom is hard when you conscientiously try to do it right! You are doing a beautiful job, from where I sit. You are such a loving and sweet family.

[@KellyS-of1ic]

Raya as almost 62 year old mom and gma, you my friend are doing great, relax and enjoy,,,we do our best and it always works out...sending love

[@alainajaeger9109]

Raya, you never fail to mention us single moms and no judgment here whatsoever and shouldn't be from anyone, it's HARD no matter what sometimes even hard with more people around. Thank you for sharing your life for me to watch and just feel loved and seen, your a true light ❤🥰

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@SarahNissen]

I already need a nap after watching you try to make breakfast, feed him and get him into the stroller! Bravo mama! My son is 17 years old now. You’re doing an amazing job. Mothering is a full-time job in itself.

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@totalwomanja9105]

I really love how much you are embracing being a mom. You are made for this. ❤❤❤

[@craftylittlethingsuk1995]

Someone once said to me... you are the best mum because you wonder if you're getting it right. ❤ All you need do as a parent is love them and do what you feel is best. The only person whose opinion should matter is your adult child's and they will always find things you did which were great and things they would do differently with their own kids...until they have them😂 There is no guide book we are dealing with individual personalities as individual personalities. Half of the 'advisors' never had kids, haven't raised kids to adulthood yet, haven't done it full-time, haven't juggled work and life and child raising, haven't had other challenges eg no money, being single, homeless, other children, disability etc. You are doing great, just look at him, he is happy and thriving. That's all that matters.

[@aprilwestover3793]

I'm a military wife, a stay at home mom, and a first time mom. Being a mother is SO hard, yet so rewarding. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be the perfect mom, but I don't believe that exists. Just like our children, we are also learning. And just like how we give our children grace, patience, and love, we must also give that to ourselves❤ You're a great mom because you're trying🥰

[@calliopecreations1118]

Love seeing you in your element. Super mom vlogging and solo parenting. I remember the days when, at the end of the day, you just sit there in the silence thinking, "What did I even do today?" but being utterly exhausted. I know it's hard sometimes, but it goes so quickly, and it's such a small blip in the grand scheme of things.

[@NilaRegenstein]

I love how you both are so present in Neos life! I see lots of children having so much screen time. Which is an easy babysitter. You both expose Neo to so much of this wonderful planet. Neo loves the outdoors so much. Ryan you are so beautiful inside and out. Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us. 😊 ❤ 😊

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@crystalsard]

Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us. Seeing Neo always warms my heart. My kids are all older now, and I miss this stage so much. 🥰

[@lindafisher8441]

His concentration on cutting the banana is priceless

[@RayaWasHere]

I’m obsessed with that scene I keep watching it back 😍😍

[@wiebki]

That baby is so loved, cared for and well nourished. Thats all that matters. You are doing amazing, Raya!

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you! 🥹❤️

[@FallenMuse81]

No mom feels like their good enough. When he takes a nap do something just for you. You're doing great.

[@ebb115]

Raya you are a wonderful Mum, being a parent is the biggest job ever and you are doing great ❤

[@junehall2177]

You have a beautiful son & you're a fabulous mom, try not to worry too much. Time flies by & before you know it Neo will be all grown up & then maybe one day, the worries & joy of becoming grandparents. He has your gorgeous eyes. ❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@veeemit9719]

Just because you have Louie to help you most of the time, doesn’t mean that things can’t and don’t get hard-and that is whether you are solo parenting or not.

[@gaylevaldes9086]

I loved you giving Neo the job of holding Cali’s leash.

[@jillmcgill9656]

You're doing great! My kids are now 27, 25, and 21. I did all the wrong things. and they're still good healthy people!

[@MarthaGarrett]

It was truly a fun vlog. Thank you Raya

[@SavJones-o9e]

Raya, you are so amazing and inspiring to me as a momma to a 3 year old. Hugs! Xx

[@violetmuringai6326]

Your inner and outer beauty shines through. Thank you!

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I sure wish I had had those resources for play groups when I was a new mum. Fortunately, I made great use of the local children's resale clothing shop ... selling and buying ... but it was pretty tough to connect with other parents who had babies of a similar age. I was also very lucky --- when we decided to expand our family we lived on just one salary for about a year to make sure we could do it and I was able to be a stay-at-home-mom and never went back to work ... I loved it.

[@daniellabrizzolara9676]

Thank you for this video. Really needed to see something this real today ❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you! I’m so glad it resonated ❤️

[@nicolecorsillo]

Awesome job girl! Being a parent is not easy and is more than a full time job! I love your channel and I look forward to seeing more from you! ❤️

[@helenwarner6140]

Love your vlogs, you’re doing a great job🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@M0rgM0rg1228]

So glad to see your videos again! You are doing so incredible as a mother and wife. I love your channel.

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so so much! ❤️

[@andreahughes1]

What a fun video! Please do more DITL videos for us! I personally find them so interesting and fun! ❤

[@petalbear]

My advice as a mum with a 5 year old, just enjoy the moments these babies grow oh too fast. You are doing amazing! Don’t worry about the small details. Lovely to see these videos xx

[@silvercookies]

Neo's so funny, him focusing on slicing the banana and then stuffing half it in his mouth cracked me as well as wanting to eat off your plate even though the food came from his plate. Ah babies, they are so cute.

[@Gambole]

I was in my kitchen watching this video when you mentioned the sugar in the milk. I immediately walked over to my fridge to check the vegan toddler milk and sure enough…sugar. I didn’t even think to check the milk even though I check everything else. Glad I watched this now 😄

[@brittbritt9791]

💟

[@extrovertinhiding]

I’m only a few minutes in and this is already so relatable. Thank you for making this because it feels validating. I don’t won’t you to feel pressure to film and share struggles. But if you are willing to share this content. I appreciate it! I have a 22 month old and this is what it’s often like!

[@JoshlynKaufman]

Fall Favorites would be great!

[@fundyourdreams5577]

Really insightful for someone without kids! You’re doing a great job! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@kelliepineda9822]

I love how he helps were been together 46 years n this is his 2nd Thanksgiving home. kids all grown now ages 45-30

[@gerryryan1372]

You are a great Mumma. I love your honesty ❤❤

[@Madz-2013pne]

Thanks for this. I've seen endless 3+ / single parent vids on YT and been feeling down that just having my two with a spouse has been so chaotic and draining (AND also amazing!). Its so validating to see realistic days in the lives acknowledging that there is still challenge in a smaller family too. The mom guilt, its legit. We gotta keep showing more real life, real parenthood, real marriage, real adulthood 😊

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you!! I love that you brought that up, so so true ❤️

[@marymary1976]

Raya, you are the most inspiring person for so many reasons, your personality your way of being, you as a mom a wife a woman, just amazing and mostly to share with you that because you are truly being yourself it shines so much to the world the importance of being your true self believing in yourself and always fiting to be yourself. thanks for sharing and being you, so much love for you!!

[@SSR33148]

I’m a grandma now. Raising kids is a challenging job, but I definitely think it’s harder now. So many more distractions for us and for them. It’s a difficult era to navigate. Also, you are such a positive force. Don’t let any negative comments dim your light. Love watching.

[@QueenNoTeetha151]

I used to watch some of Louis videos many years ago but somehow lost touch with it all so it’s so great to see you guys now have a little one and are doing so well. Would love to see the things you got him for Christmas.

[@Andes202]

You are such a cute mom!!

[@kelliepineda9822]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

[@michelledavies1511]

I always watch your joint videos, and really enjoyed this one, slower, more relaxed pace and very relatable for me as a mum of two (1 &3) to watch as this is how I spend my days! ❤

[@emmathomson833]

Lovely video ❤ Neo is the cutest!

[@JaneHowden-x2x]

Way toooooo much better pressure on mums with what kids eat etc. your amazing and doing an absolutely amazing job! Love you guys. X

[@carinaconte8723]

Neo has the best mama, Raya. ❤️❤️❤️ Don't be too anxious about being perfect, because you're doing it right and you are so mindful.

[@breepinchbeck]

You are the best Mum, you know what's right an whats best for your baby no body else, our babies need us and we know what they need ❤

[@Annette_Hons]

I would say be the mom YOU want to be and stop comparing yourself and your child to others, especially what you see on social media. Feed your child the way you want, raise him how you want. That is what is important. You’ll save yourself a lot of stress if you just focus on you and your child and maybe not feel you need to vlog every moment. From what we see in video's you both are doing a great job as parents. Keep doing what you are doing and don't feel like you have to do what other parents are doing. And don't beat yourself up, we all make mistakes as parents, making mistakes helps us grow. Again, it looks like you guys are doing a GREAT job! Time for #2 ❤

[@nickieellison190]

Even if you are not a full time single mom you're still a beautiful soul and I'm thankful for you sharing your experiences with us and how you handle your life with or without help. Mom life is hard no matter if we're doing alone or with a partner.

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you! Totally agree ❤️

[@FAMOFSIX]

Being a mum is hard and mum guilt is real … I like how you are so grateful even when things are hard

[@Terra.Chifilyonova]

Honestly this video made me tear up so many times. You are so cute! ❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️

[@WhirlOmar]

Awe. He’s growing up so fast.

[@rose_quartz_loveandlight]

❤ this channel/community is such a safe space

[@RayaWasHere]

I feel that too! I’m so so grateful for it ❤️

[@lanabasem1514]

Oh Raya these videos make me so excited to be a mom it also reminds me that at 24 I’m in no rush 😅 i don’t know how you manage to take kali out with a toddler but that’ll definitely be my life some day thank you for vlogging ❤️

[@pamelataylor412]

Thanks for this sweet sweet video🥰🥰🥰

[@alyttpijpker7625]

You are doing so well!!

[@rawlyroo5975]

What a beautiful vlog ❤❤❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you!

[@gaylevaldes9086]

Wow! That church.

[@elizabethstephens5552]

Thank you for sharing these videos! Every mother has difficulties and yes, each may be different but that’s where I believe we come together as mothers to help each other out/give advice. Thank you for being real and I would love to see any videos you do, including Christmas ideas! You are such a great mother to Neo!

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@suezeeq]

Would love to see some cooking vids for food inspo. Many thanks.

[@veeemit9719]

His cutting dexterity is pretty impressive.

[@Anyaro]

I also just did a week of solo-parenting. I have a 10 month old and it was exhausting! I’m amazed by anyone who does this full-time or often!!

[@user-ih1ht9kr9s]

Loving this. Yes please share the recipe next time. We’re a vegan family and have a 2 year old 4 month old and always looking for new health recipes 😘

[@user-ih1ht9kr9s]

*2 year old and a 4 month old

[@sandypfister4442]

We love you Raya! Such a amazing human and Mummy

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much ❤️❤️

[@melissapritchett2731]

I, too, am glad to see you back on your vlog. I love seeing you and Lois but these are sweet. My babies are 13, 14, and 17. It just happens so fast. He’s the cutest little feller.❤

[@paulinewatkins8327]

Love you guys xx💕👍😘🇦🇺

[@cheyanneb868]

Thank you for sharing! I relate to so much of this. Involving my child in the cooking process has helped, as she is more excited about the food she helped prepare. Getting veggies in is a challenge, but she made her own spice blend and it helps her try anything she puts the spice on. Fruit is always a fave.

[@tashovia]

these videos warm my heart! I am also a mother 🥰

[@kimoverpeck1065]

I loved this! It brought me back to 25 years ago when I was raising toddlers… you’re doing a great job mama! I love that you soak it in…. I know it’s so cliche’ but it really does go by so fast and these few years where it’s just you and them together everyday is priceless! It feels like it will last forever… but it doesn’t. EN-JOY!!

[@RayaWasHere]

🥲 thank you!!

[@judithfarr]

This was a lovely video and parenting has always been such a challenge for me too. My kids are 13 and 10 now and it’s only now I can see how much they have taught me. How to be kinder to myself for example. I also brought up my kids in a foreign country and I think that adds another level of challenge just because it’s all less familiar than home. I wouldn’t swap any of it. All my failures taught me and all the good memories are a blessing. Anyway sorry to ramble I’m inspired by you Raya and I think you’re doing wonderfully well and being Neo’s mum. ❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you so much! And such a great point about the challenges of living abroad ❤️

[@madigoes]

Great vlog, loved it so much. So adorable!!!❤❤❤

[@juliab5413]

I’d love to see a fall favourites video ❤

[@m.l.e.8956]

The fact that you keep him entertained every waking minute amazes me I raised my son alone but I was with family for the first year and went back to school when he was two years old and he was in daycare which made a huge difference he’s 56 now so I must’ve done something right😂😂 You ROX girl 👍🏻💯 regarding your residence I think you should stay where you have people to support you when you’re by yourself it’s great that Jamal came home and you were able to have a relaxing shower👍🏻. .

[@rawlyroo5975]

The play group looks like fun! The acoustics are awesome I'm the church

[@nataliabow]

you could always do organic coconut milk without any gums! Usually in a can, but great ingredients.

[@joanschrader5098]

You are doing just fine!! Every mom everywhere thinks they aren't doing enough. It's just not possible to do everything and do it well. A few ideas came to mind. 1. I make steele cut oats in my pressure cooker. 2cups of steele cut oats to 5 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt, and cinnamon. Cook for 5 mins. And then do a slow release for 20 mins. You can add different grains (I like farro and brown rice) you can also add chia, flax etc before cooking. I store in the fridge and take out a serving at a time. Add milk. Fruit, nuts etc. 2. I'm afraid to say, but maybe Neo is transitioning into no afternoon nap and an earlier bedtime. 🤷‍♀️ My son was a great napper, but my daughter was NOT! 3. The stroller... look for a "bike stroller" It is a bike they can ride, but has a handle for you to "control". Then as he gets older you can take the handle off. He is in a tough spot, the stroller is boring for him, but he can't just go toddling off. We put alot of effort into feeding our children healthy, and then they become teenagers and everything goes out the window.🤦‍♀️

[@karenrn5607]

Loved your video!!! ❤

[@Samssara]

Loved the video, and I am so looking forward to watch more of these on your channel. Yes to the "Christmas presents" video, yes to the "favorites" one and to more of the cooking/motherhood. Anything that you upload is like fresh air. You are an amazing and inspiring person/mom/wife.

[@RayaWasHere]

Wow thank you so so much! ❤️❤️

[@aashiyanky]

Omg I loved this video so much!! I have a 18 month old and love seeing how you parent and interact with Neo ❤ I would love to see the Xmas gifts video, what you both eat in a day video, pasta recipe and also how he feeds himself so well(I am sure that was a journey 😊) Also, what did you add in Neo’s sushi burrito? I want to order one for my toddler also. Thank you Love you Raya ❤😊

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you!! I think his burrito had pepper, cucumber, avocado, sweet potato and vegan chicken ☺️ I want to try making it at home!

[@daphshares]

you‘re such a great mum 🧡

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you! ❤️

[@baphomeg]

Sending you a big hug to you love bugs! You are doing so well ❤

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you!! ❤️❤️

[@dennis.35th]

Wonderful moment on the bench by the sea, wonderful fresh air and views, some time for yourself and a nice time together with Neo ❤🌅🙏

[@RayaWasHere]

Thank you! 🌊☀️❤️

[@yourfavoritetiktokers4112]

The cutuest most adorable baby, am getting baby fevers

[@luvlivefoods]

I highly recommend getting either steel cut oats or oat groats and cooking up a batch in an Instantpot and just heating up portions throughout the week. The oats are more nutritious than rolled oats and ultimately this method is easier and more convenient.

[@jenniferlambert7505]

My 21 month old always finds food way better when it comes from mine or her older sister's plate, even when it is exactly the same ! Sometimes after a tough day, I just pretend the food is for me so that she will eat.

[@melaniecallahan3652]

You are doing great!!!!

[@gaylevaldes9086]

Please mama Raya please stop reading all that stuff. Please remember that mamas have been raising babies FOREVER. Neo will be just fine. 💕

[@bethe.2489]

Once you have more children they will entertain each other. It actually does get easier❤❤❤

[@RayaWasHere]

I’ve seen this to be true and definitely remember my sister and I playing together for hours so I’m looking forward to that!

[@bethe.2489]

@ I’m looking forward to watching your family grow……My sister has 6 children. With each child I used to wonder how she was going to do but I watched the dynamic of the children growing up and the oldest one would help with the younger one and so on! You are a wonderful mother Raya. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@NoitsBecky.]

Ideas for toddler gifts please!

[@gaylevaldes9086]

OMG! I just saw where Neo grabbed the banana with his left hand to hold it while cutting the banana. Bravo MAMA

[@Mel.H_]

Omg so cute when he said "no" 😂 Child free female here so 🤷‍♀️😂❤🎉

[@NoitsBecky.]

Hi! Can you link the Stool please if possible? Thanks

[@kelliepineda9822]

that's wonderful he helps my hubby worked 2 jobs n when he was home did nothing . might take out trash. that's great he helps you we had 8 kids n I did everything for n with k8ds all cooking cleaning appts everything by myself yes he worked n sometimes 2 jobs especially when we lived in Cali n only had the 7 kids I would work at night for 3 -4hrs cleaning a local restaurant if kids were sleeping I could take n leave at my mom's only if they were asleep n I had to get home ASAP or my hubby got done before I got back he'd walk over n help me clean but only did that for bout 6months n we only had 2 kids them

[@hollypietrobono1676]

Wish I could go back to toddlerhood with my children. They grow way too fast. ❤❤

[@fragilefleur]

You should get a container and mix up your oatmeal mix ins so it’s one quick grab like a jar with the flax/hemp/chia and maybe some dried fruit so it’s a quick grab for busy mommy mornings. You are doing well just to do some plant based eating. Kids if you just give them some kitchen tools that are safe or a pan of water and some scooping tools they will distract but his she you will need a lot of mini distractions to go thru due to short attn span. I used to do nannying and helped care for friends kids and many toddlers. Keep a ton of small toys in a bin and pull them out one by one. Play group is smart and library story time is good and just some fresh air and sunshine when you can helps. For dressing struggle maybe keep the many layers simple like one piece with zipper and maybe put on some screen time to zen him out while changing his clothes or add in some music and play to the dressing time. Diapers is just brutal at his age and you just have to keep some pads on the floor and plop him down to do the deed if he’s being a wild man. Maybe a soft tumble mat someplace so you can wipe it also. Ikea has a cute foldable tumble mat. Also comfy when you are sitting on the floor with him. Get yourself a floor pillow for comfy and keep some emergency distractions that he’s not seen yet to pull them out. Parenting is just a hard job no matter what so don’t fret. It’s temporary but when in it the fatigue can be very heavy. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and get in a walk for yourself just to center yourself and a nap when he naps if you can or just some down time. I know that’s kinda impossible bc you are planning for caring for him after he wakes up and doing basics like dishes and laundry lol. Try have moments where you get some perspective and enjoy your little wild child and teaching him things and playing with him in ways that you enjoy also. Good on ya for teaching colors and cutting a banana and fine motor skills. It’s nice that you can take him for a beach walk and to see the diggers and trucks. Lol Check out the book “cars and trucks and things that go” by Richard Scarry. A big hit. Also “stinky the garbage truck” book and there’s a video about stinky the garbage truck on KZbin. Mostly he’s just gotta be wild to develop his body and skills. Get him a pad lock to play with. I’ve seen people take a piece of wood and screw on some locks and various hand eye manipulatives. I will see if I can find a link. It’s like a busy board.

[@melissapritchett2731]

It’s funny how every kiddo is different. I had one that would eat nothing but greek yogurt and blueberries but primarily nursed for 2 years. I have one that demanded solids by 3 months and would be angry if you didn’t shovel every bite in as fast as possible.

[@ESIsland]

Never apologize for who you are. Parenting is not simple, especially with so much conflicting information out there. My mom had 10 kids and she probably got through it all because she didn't have time to think, haha. Neo would love corn starch and water at play time...goop. It's an excellent sensory tool.