Today I’m getting a little personal and sharing a little bit about how motherhood has changed me. There’s a few facts you may not know about me. I’m the youngest of 7. I know crazy right? Way to go Mom (lol)! We came to America when I was around five years old. We didn’t speak any English and only had the clothes on our backs. My mom sacrificed everything and worked three jobs to support all of us. Although we didn’t have much, I always felt like we had everything. I have three older sisters and feel so blessed to have been raised and surrounded by such strong and independent women.
The past fourteen months has been a WILD ride! My life has literally flipped upside down. I’ve experienced emotions and exhaustion that I didn’t even know existed. Felt love that is so deep, it makes my heart skip a beat. Heartache that I had no idea could hurt so bad (Milan’s surgery and infection when she was only 6 weeks old). I am SO BLESSED to be able to call Milan my daughter. I feel so empowered and strong. She makes me tough. She’s the reason I wake up with a smile every single day. Knowing I get to see her each morning excites me. This motherhood thing is indescribable. An experience you can only feel and not put into words.
I can’t believe I’m actually saying this but Milan is walking! She skipped crawling and went straight to walking (lol). Watching her learn how to walk and being able to witness this milestone has been so much fun (and back breaking). It’s bitter sweet and a part of me wants her to stay little forever but I’m also so excited to see her grow.
All girlfriend wants to do is walk, walk walk. This photo really shows off her personality – she is sassy and knows what she wants – just like her mama. LOL I will admit, I’m not ready to let go of her hand just yet even though I know she can do it on her own. 🙂
No matter how tired or stressed I am, she makes everything worth it. I just look at her and all my worries disappear. It’s amazing how this tiny little human can make me feel so complete.
One thing I’ve realized and learned very quickly is that parenthood is not for the faint of hearts. Everything that used to matter before I had Milan, simply doesn’t anymore. She is the only thing that truly matters. It’s overwhelming to think that I’m responsible for teaching her this thing called life.
As a new mom, I started to worry about the future and all that it holds. How will I prepare her? How will I teach her everything to make sure she is ready for the real world? So many unknowns, it’s frightening.
Instead of worrying about tomorrow, I want to teach Milan to live for the moment and take one day at a time. Breathe, give thanks and be grateful for each day we are alive. Enjoy today because tomorrow is not promised. After going through what seemed to be my darkest days with my miscarriage, I look at life completely different. I appreciate everything that much more and try not to take anything for granted.
My dearest Milan, I want you to dream big, be kind to others and love yourself. Be strong, go after what you want and NEVER, EVER give up. Even though the responsibility of motherhood is terrifying, I am honored to be your mommy. When I’m with you, I feel like I can conquer the world.
Now let’s talk about these amazing sandals! As you can see, Milan loves them too. Her tiny finger kills me (lol). They are SO comfortable and I absolutely adore the ankle tie. The suede straps are buttery soft and don’t cut or dig into your feet at all. I can wear these all day without my feet hurting (and I have very picky feet). I love that it has a little chunky heel – gives me a little height but still low enough to chase a tiny toddler around and run lots of errands!
Sizing runs true to size and I took my normal size 5. It’s available in three different colors and I’m wearing “cognac”. They go with practically everything! You can wear these with shorts, jeans and dresses for spring and summer. Sole Society has so many great spring items – here are my top picks:
Sole Society Favorites
Click HERE to see the full collection.
I wish I could make time slow down but since I can’t, I will try and savor each moment with this little nugget. I’m so grateful that God blessed me this wonderful gift.
c/o Sole Society sandals (cognac) // c/o Sole Society tote (cognac) // c/o Karen London cuff (moonstone) // White jeans // Gingham peplum top // Crystal necklace (similar HERE) // Lipstick // Pink nail polish
Milans’s outfit: Gap dress // Old Navy pants // c/o Freshly Picked moccasins // c/o Turban // c/o Joovy Tricycoo
I’m so flattered and honored to partner with Sole Society to support National Women’s Month. Here’s to all the amazing, strong and inspiring women in our lives!
Thank you Sole Society for sponsoring this post.
What a beautiful tribute???? There really is no other feeling like it. And yay Milan for officially becoming a walker????????
Your story is so touching- thanks for sharing a bit of it.
Thank you Amanda! I honestly am still digesting the fact that my little baby is now walking and running. It seems like yesterday she was a teeny tiny newborn. Where does the time go? OMG!
Great post. Thanks for sharing. Milan has a great mom!
Aw thank you so much! XO
Great post! I am only 2-3 weeks away from Baby #2 and was wondering if you had any advice for some great outfit ideas for New Baby pictures?? I don’t want to be too fancy, preferably something casual… any suggestions? I have been looking for a great pair of white maternity jeans all pregnancy and STILL have not found them.
Aw congrats on baby #2! How exciting! Have you tried J.Crew? They were the only brand that I liked for maternity jeans and I have the toothpick ones in white. For outfit ideas for new baby pics – how about a pretty lace top and some jeans?
Hi Annie-
I dont often comment because im also a mom to a 9 mo old and I am busy with my little angel. I found your blog because one day i was googling sleep training and your post came up. I messaged you about some tips and you were more than kind to answer all and every questions i have about sleep and eczema. Since then i followed your blog because I liketo see how Milan is doing (shes a doll by the way) and because you have impeccable taste and you got me addicted to scallop and pink things now…. you are just the kindest and most down to earth blogger I have ever come across. This post made me teary eyed. Milan is lucky to have you as her mom ????
Hi Anna! I just responded to your other comment. Just making sure you saw it 🙂 XOXO
Being a mommy is the best thing ever!!! Even as a write this, my little one had to come in for just one more kiss and hug!!! Enjoy every moment… Mine will be 5 in July and I wish with everything I have that she can say little forever!!! But excited for her to start the next chapter in her life and be a kindergartner!!!
Aw so cute Alisa! It’s so hard to soak up each moment when the days go by so fast! Sometimes I feel like I don’t give or do enough for Milan because there is so much to do and not enough hours in the day! Congrats on your LO turning 5 soon! How exciting!!! XOXO
What a lovely little doll! I am sure she will be proud of her mom when she gets older!
aw thanks Nancy! 🙂
I absolutely love, love, love this post!! Milan is too precious for words (also loved her 1st bday post!). You are an amazing mama…truly, you inspire me to be a better mama (my kids are much older, but I will always see them as my babies). Please continue to share your wonderful journey of motherhood! XO
p.s. I’m totally coveting your gingham top 😉
Hi Jeannie! Aw your comment just made my day! Thank you SO much for your kind words! Means more than you know! There truly isn’t anything that compares to motherhood huh? It’s a beautiful thing! How old are your kids? :)You need the gingham top lol – runs super small!
Milan is adorable, thanks for sharing. I’m commenting for the first time but have been a long time “lurker” on this site.
My daughter was a early walker as well. One thing her pediatrician told us was to actually “put her back on the tummy so she can crawl more”. I don’t remember all of the specifics of the crucial step, so maybe you can ask Milan’s doctor at the next visit. One small thing I do remember, which at the time didn’t seem too important, was that it affects counting rhythm. Later on, when my daughter started piano, we had noted that even though she learns everything very fast, she had to put in extra effort in counting the beat.
Hi Tiffany! Aw thanks for commenting! Thanks for the advice and definitely will do next time we go. Based on our research, a lot of babies skip crawling and go straight to walking and there’s nothing wrong with it. I think it’s because they are more advanced. LOL
Hi Annie-
I dont comment much on here because im a busy mom to a darling 10 mo old baby girl too. I found your blog while googling sleep training one day. I posted some questions for you and you were so kind to answer any and all my questions. You are the most down to earth blogger i have come across. I have followed you since to see Milan (shes a doll by the way) and because you have such an impeccable taste. You got me addicted to pink and scallop. This post made me teary eyed. I am going through some medical problems with my daughter too and this post remind me to be strong as a mother. Milan is lucky to have you as her mom. Thank you for everything you post. Truly inspirational.
Hi Anna! Aw congrats on your baby girl! I’m so glad you found me and the sleep post! Sleep training Milan literally changed my life. I really appreciate your kind words and am so glad I was able to answer your questions. I try to respond to everyone but sometimes that’s not possible being a busy new mommy. lol I’m so sorry to hear you are going through some medical problems with your daughter. If you ever need to chat privately, please email me! It’s NEVER easy going through any health issues with your little one. I pray everything will be okay for her! Let me know if I can be of any help 🙂 XOXO
Hi Annie-
Thank you for your kind reply. I wrote the first post couple days ago and wasnt sure why it wasnt posted ha???????? so i re -wrote it lol… Thank you. I could use all the prayers and best wishes i could get. Glad to see you’re out of the woods and Milan is healthy as can be.
Where is your family from? I also came to the US as a child without any English. I’m from Poland 🙂
Hi Anna! We are from Vietnam 🙂
I love this! Did you use your Rebel T3i for this post? I saw you linked it in your FAQ and I’m super interested in buying it tonight. Did you use a special lens for it or does it come with the camera?
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