A first Mother’s Day reflection

This essay appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 4/13/26. Subscribe here! 

Three Steps to a Happier Monday

Before we dive into a new week, let’s pause and ask ourselves some simple questions to reflect on where we’ve been, get excited about something today and set an intention for the week ahead.

GRATITUDE: What are three things I appreciated from the weekend? 

TODAY: What’s one thing I can be excited about today?

INTENTION: What is my intention for this week? 

For me, I’m thankful for time away with Matt, my parents and being reunited with Ben yesterday! Today, I’m most excited to get back into routines. And my intention for the week is to get in bed early each night. 

Okay, your turn! And if you want to share, I am all ears. 🙂

Monday Musings: A Mother’s Day reflection

With Mother’s Day yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the ways motherhood (seven months in!) has changed me – and what’s stayed the same.

It made me think of a quote I came across recently that stopped me in my tracks (and admittedly made my eyes well up):

“Being a mom has made me silly and sweet.”

One of the most unexpected things about motherhood is how much sillier it’s made me. 

I spend my days singing songs, making ridiculous noises and performing exaggerated reactions just to make Ben laugh. I feel emotional over the smallest things and celebrate little victories throughout the day (like finishing a bottle or an impressive roll-over move). Honestly, I’ll do just about anything for a laugh like this, no matter how silly I have to look to get it.

Yes, motherhood has made life fuller in every sense. There’s more responsibility, more complexity, more opportunities for chaos. But there’s also more playfulness, more sweetness and more softness. 

And I don’t think this is unique to just me. Ben has softened so many people around him, too. I see it in the way Matt interacts with him, and in his grandparents, my brothers, our friends. 

There’s just something about a baby that changes the posture of a room. People lean closer, voices soften and even strangers become gentler for a moment. It adds so much sweetness to otherwise ordinary days and mundane moments.

There is so much I could reflect on when it comes to motherhood, but this is what I found myself thinking about most this Mother’s Day.

Thank you, Ben for making me a mom – your mom! – and for all the ways you’re making so many people a little softer and sweeter, too. I love you!