In just a few short weeks, my little boy will turn one. Somehow, an entire year has passed since the day our lives changed forever. It feels impossible that the tiny newborn I once held in my arms is now a curious, determined little boy with the biggest personality, the sweetest smile, and a laugh that can brighten even the hardest days. But as I prepare to celebrate his first birthday, I’ve realized this milestone isn’t just about him. It’s about us. It’s about the family we’ve become, the lessons we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve worked through, and the joy that’s found us in ways we never could have imagined. This past year has stretched me, humbled me, changed my perspective, and ultimately made me into someone I’m incredibly proud to be. So before we celebrate one year of Adriano, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate one year of motherhood and everything this first chapter has taught me.
I’ve spent so much of my life looking ahead to the next milestone but motherhood taught me how to simply be where my feet are. My priorities have become so much clearer. Things that once felt urgent or important simply don’t carry the same weight anymore. I’ve stopped feeling guilty for protecting my peace, setting boundaries, and choosing the people and moments that truly add joy to our lives. My days are slower than they used to be, but somehow they’re fuller. Walks around the neighbourhood, bedtime stories I’ve memorized, messy mealtimes, endless games of peekaboo, and quiet moments that probably seem ordinary to everyone else but mean everything to me. Motherhood has taught me that happiness isn’t always found in the big milestones. More often than not, it’s tucked into the smallest moment like the sound of his laugh, the excitement on his face when he learns something new, the little hand reaching for mine, or the way he snuggles into me when he’s sad. Those are the moments I’ll remember long after this first year is over.
If there’s one thing this past year has taught me, it’s that becoming parents changes your marriage in ways no one can truly prepare you for. Before Adriano, I used to think a strong relationship meant everything was shared equally—that marriage was supposed to feel 50-50. But pregnancy wasn’t 50-50. Recovering postpartum wasn’t 50-50. Caring for a newborn wasn’t 50-50. There were seasons where one of us simply had to carry more because the other couldn’t. What mattered wasn’t keeping score; it was trusting that we were both doing the best we could with what we had to give. Communication has probably been our biggest challenge. After spending an entire day being needed by a tiny human, it’s amazing how little energy is left at the end of the day. There were evenings when I found myself feeling short-tempered or overwhelmed, not because of anything my husband had done, but because I had already poured every ounce of myself into motherhood. We’ve had to learn that behind frustration is often exhaustion, and behind silence is usually someone who simply needs a little grace. We haven’t gotten it right every time, but we’ve continued to choose each other. We’ve continued to have the hard conversations, show up for one another, and remember the promises we made on our wedding day. Marriage isn’t built by never facing challenges; it’s built by deciding, over and over again, that your relationship is worth fighting for. And after this first year, I can honestly say ours is.
Of course, I can’t write about our first year without mentioning the question everyone seems to ask: “When are you having another?” The truth is, before I became a mom, I always imagined having two children. It was never something I questioned. In my mind, that’s just what our family would look like. Now, the answer isn’t so simple. This first year has stretched me in ways I never could have prepared for. As much as motherhood has brought me immeasurable joy, it has also demanded every part of me—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I know how hard postpartum was for me, and while time has softened those memories, I haven’t forgotten them. I haven’t forgotten what it felt like to slowly find my footing again or how much work it took to become the mother I wanted to be. Today, my greatest priority is showing up for Adriano with love, patience, presence, and the best version of myself that I can give him. Sometimes I wonder if adding another baby to our family would stretch me beyond what I’m capable of right now. Not because another child wouldn’t be deeply loved, but because I know how much of myself motherhood already asks for, and I never want to lose the ability to be fully present for the little boy who made me a mom. Maybe one day our family will grow. Maybe it won’t. For the first time, I’m allowing myself to let go of the picture I once had in my mind and instead embrace the family we’re building one day at a time. Whatever the future holds, I know one thing for certain: every decision we make will come from a place of love, and from wanting to give Adriano the very best of us.
As we get ready to celebrate Adriano’s first birthday, I know the cake will be eaten, the decorations will come down, and the gifts will eventually be tucked away. But what this milestone represents will stay with me forever. It’s a celebration of his first year of life, but it’s also a celebration of the family we’ve built together over the past twelve months. This year has been filled with so many firsts—his first smile, first laugh, first steps toward independence, and countless little moments that I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. Watching the world through his eyes has reminded me to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in places I never thought to look before.
As excited as I am to celebrate everything we’ve experienced this past year, I’m even more excited for everything that’s still to come. More family adventures. More holidays and birthdays. More trips together—starting with our upcoming vacation to Florida. More bedtime stories, new traditions, belly laughs, and milestones I can’t even imagine yet. Every new season will bring its own challenges, but if this first year has taught me anything, it’s that the most meaningful memories are often the ones you never planned for.
So I want to say thank you to my son for giving me the greatest title I’ve ever had: your Mama. I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow, learn, and discover the world around you. No matter how big you get, you’ll always be the little boy who changed my life in the most beautiful way. Here’s to Year Two—and to making even more memories together as a family.
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