After a week plus of celebrations for my little big boy’s three year old status, we’re cruising into the weekend smiling from head-to-toe. Birthdays are my absolute favorite. I love how they force you to reminisce and celebrate all the big and little moments you’ve shared together.  In honor of my Henry’s recent birthday, I wanted to share some of my most favorite lessons from my little dude …

1.     Always stay humble.

 Being a Mama keeps me humble. It’s so funny how one minute I feel so glamourous in the perfect outfit, make-up on, and feeling like I’ve got everything under control in the Mama/life department. Fast forward to 5 mins later, I’m covered in throw up. This literally just happened – a couple weekends ago we rented this gorgeous sailboat for the afternoon with a bunch of friends. I was wearing a brand new white dress feeling so “together.” Henry was with us and loving that boater life. After about 45 minutes onboard, he got super seasick. All of a sudden, my poor guy came over to sit on my lap and then proceeded to throw up all over himself and me. As mamas, we’ve all been there. I was so consumed with my son’s needs, I couldn’t have cared less about anything else. Well, nothing keeps you humble like getting covered in barf. These unexpected moments of mommyhood have also taught me how to remain calm in chaos. After 3 years of motherhood, it takes a lot to rattle me. Ha!

2.     Make life fun + laughter fixes everything.

This one’s my favorite! Laughter is the best medicine for diverting attention with little ones. As a multi-tasking mama, life tends to get messy, toddlers tend to test your patience, but I’ve found the best way to make it through the difficult days/moments is mastering the art of distraction. Divert their attention with laughter or something fun, and you can potentially avoid a major meltdown or two. Even on this shoot for example – it was over 85 degrees outside. We were both hot and Henry wasn’t feeling it. However, we were already committed. In order to make our photoshoot fun, I asked my buddy if he wanted to play red light, green light. Thankfully, my little cutie thinks that game is hilarious. He loves the stop and go, along with my animated facial expressions. After a few minutes of abrupt stop and go – we were both cracking up, and I totally forgot about how sweaty I was.. mission accomplished!

3.     Consistency is key.

I love this age – because I swear all my hard work as a parent is FINALLY starting to show (I’m knocking on wood right now). Truly, I feel like I’ve been repeating myself nonstop since Henry turned one. Repeating things like: the importance of holding hands while crossing the street, no throwing food, saying please and thank you, letting us know if he needs to use the potty, etc. All of a sudden, now that we’re newly three that constant repetition has clicked. I try to hide my shocked face in those new and rare moments. ha

I love this little reminder bc it’s applicable to literally every aspect of life. Just because you’re not seeing immediate results doesn’t mean what you’re doing isn’t working. If you have a plan in place and you’re consistent, it will click. It’s the same with fitness, relationships, careers goals, parenting, etc. - All the things that matter most in life take time, effort, and true consistency. In my experience, that combination is always what gets you the positive outcome your desire most. We live in a world centered around immediacy or the quest for instant gratification – but truly what matters most are the“likes” and lessons that last forever. Invest your time and energy on the big picture – consistency is the answer. I’m re-reading this one to myself on a daily basis.

4.     Being busy isn’t a measure of success. 

Before becoming a Mom, I used to validate my success by how busy I was, how many jobs I booked or how scheduled my days were. Now that I’ve lived that overly-scheduled life, I crave the slow days when all that’s on the agenda is playtime with my busy cutie. Honestly, I love both kinds of days - the hustle and the heartfelt ones - but what’s amazing about motherhood, at least for me is that the days that I’m hustling are for such a more fulfilling purpose - to create a life full of opportunity for my son and to have managed my time well so that on my off-days I can linger in my pjs, read one more story guilt free. Soak in those sweet moments with your littles because it’s true, it goes so fast. For me, Mommyhood is the best reminder of what’s most important in life. It has taught me to slow down, enjoy the journey, how to say no or “oh well” when I don’t get to cross everything off my to-do list, and to always aim to be present over perfect.

As Mamas we’re often told how we’re our children’s first and most valuable teachers. I truly believe this wholeheartedly, but ironically when I take a step back sometimes I feel like my son has taught me far more powerful life lessons. Thank you for all your positive and powerful reminders, my sweet boy.

If fashion is your thing, here are my outfit details…