Maggy Loves Moms: A Conversation About Motherhood
At Maggy London, there’s nothing we love more than sharing the musings and memories of incredible women just like you – which is why we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate Mother’s Day with a few of your favorite ladies! Read along as bloggers Holly, Karen, Tara, and Louise discuss their surprises, challenges, and proudest moments in motherhood.
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Want to get in on all of the Mother’s Day fun? First, read through the ladies’ Q&As and enjoy. We think you’ll love their responses! Then, take a moment to think about your own answers to the questions. Head down to the comments section below (at the very bottom of this page) and engage in a conversation with our community of Maggy London moms. Whether you choose to share one special memory or respond to all five questions, we can’t wait to see what you say!
Holly, Author of Make Today a Hollyday
Is there anything about motherhood that surprised you? Something you never expected?
YES! How much you can love another human being! I always knew it would be the best unconditional love there is, but it seriously a love like no other!
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood?
Balancing work and home life, hands down! As a blogger, I work from home and it is hard to differentiate work time from being a mom and a caregiver.
And what has been your proudest moment?
Brayden's (my son’s) first word was MAMA! Other than marrying my husband and having Brayden, this was the BEST MOMENT in my life!
If you could offer only one piece of advice to fellow moms, what would it be?
Motherhood looks different for EVERYONE, so never compare your feelings/emotions or your child to someone else! We are ALL AMAZING MOMS!
Tell us about something you learned from your mother that you will pass on to your children.
My mother was a stay-at-home mom with four of us, and she taught me to work hard every day no matter what my task at hand may be. She taught me to take pride in my work, and if I did a job, to give it 115% or don't do it at all! Basically, don't do anything half-heartedly! I have tried to carry through with this mindset every day. My motto for my children will be: Work hard. Sometimes you will fail, but don't let those moments define you. Get back up and try again. Nothing worth having comes easy – it takes lots of HARD WORK and determination!
Tara, Author of The Fashion House Mom
Is there anything about motherhood that surprised you? Something you never expected?
I don’t think I realized how much I was capable of loving another person. Of course I love my husband and my family, but having children brought it to a completely different level. They make me so happy every single day!
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood?
Having twins was a challenge in and of itself. Double diapers, double feeding, double tears. But mostly, just trying to be the best example I can. Teaching them how to become independent, thoughtful people. When they are little, you don’t really think of the day that they will be old enough to be on their own. But they grow so quickly. Just trying to prepare them for life in general the best I can.
And what has been your proudest moment?
There are so many moments that have made me proud. One that really sticks out for me is my twins’ first day of kindergarten. It was the first time that I didn’t have to get out of the car and walk them to their classroom. I pulled up to the drop-off line, helped them out of the car, gave them hugs and kisses, then they turned to walk into the building together. Holding hands.
If you could offer only one piece of advice to fellow moms, what would it be?
To slow down and enjoy the little moments – they pass by too quickly! Read the extra bedtime story, give the extra hug, stay five more minutes at the playground. The laundry will still be there, the moments will not.
Tell us about something you learned from your mother that you will pass on to your children.
To say “I love you” everyday. You are never too old for a good night kiss.
Karen, Author of Paris and a Latte
Is there anything about motherhood that surprised you? Something you never expected?
Of course you expect to teach your kids everything – how to walk, how to make friends, how to read – but you don't expect to learn things from them. Watching them navigate the world and come into their own has taught me so much. Last week we went to Hawaii for our spring break. They were teaching the hula at the luau we attended and Alessa (my daughter) unabashedly ran up to the stage to learn in front of hundreds of people. I, on the other hand, wouldn't have been able to the my mom’s side at that age. I love that she is fearless…willing to try new things and really live life. She teaches me that it’s ok to venture out of your comfort zone and live life.
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood?
My biggest challenge for sure is work-life balance. Of course I love family time with my kids, but I am also an entrepreneur. Since I work for myself, I don't work a standard 40-hour work week. I feel like I constantly have to hustle and encourage momentum for the business.
And what has been your proudest moment?
My proudest moment happened a few weeks ago when I was lucky enough to combine all my worlds together! I hosted a segment for PIX 11 with Maggy London, and since it was a mommy and me segment, we got to include my kids! Being able to share a piece of my “work world” with my kids was such a special experience, and one that they don't typically get to see. I was proud to show my kids a different side of me, and I was proud to see my kids shine in the spotlight. They loved the whole experience!
If you could offer only one piece of advice to fellow mamas, what would it be?
Give yourself grace. "Grace is giving someone the opposite of what they deserve." I first heard this quote on a podcast by Rachel Hollis – one of my favorites! Be easy on yourself. Do you really realize how many hats you wear? You are a chauffeur, chef, scheduler, coach, housekeeper, launderer, nurse, friend, therapist, teacher, photographer, wife – you are a MOM! What a superhero. Be kind to yourself. You are doing the best you can do, and you are amazing.
Tell us about something you learned from your mother that you will pass on to your children.
Never leave the house without looking presentable. My mom is a classy lady, and will never leave the house looking less than that. How you present yourself to the world is how the world will treat you back, so face the world with your best foot forward. I'd like to instill this way of thinking in my kids as well. These kids are going to move mountains – I can feel it – and I'd like to world to see them that way, too.
Karen is wearing our Ruthie Fit & Flare in soft white
Louise Millen
Is there anything about motherhood that surprised you? Something you never expected?
Unconditional love for another human being that can’t be described.
What has been your biggest challenge in motherhood?
Balance. The fine line between making time to spend with my kids and knowing how to parent your child, which also involves learning to say “no” sometimes.
And what has been your proudest moment?
Every minute is a proud moment. I lost count of the many times they've said and done things that astonish me. I do believe it is their random acts of kindness that make me the most proud.
If you could offer only one piece of advice to fellow mamas, what would it be?
Motherhood and parenting is never easy. Try not to stress about the little things and make the most of your precious time with your children. They do grow fast.
Tell us about something you learned from your mother that you will pass on to your children.
Patience. To be patient even when you get frustrated, because experiencing those moments is inevitable. It is better to choose patience and steer your children in the right direction (rather than lose your temper and regret it later). With patience comes love and compassion.
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