Four Year Blog Anniversary!

I can’t believe that it’s been four years already. Every year when it comes time to celebrate our oldest’s birthday I am reminded that my first pregnancy and his birth are what sparked this little project. I am always so shocked by how much he’s grown each year, but four feels huge to me. He’s really not a baby anymore and even though when I look at him I still see a little baby boy I know he’s a boy, not a baby, starting back at me (cue the tissues my screen just got a bit blurry as my eyes welled up with tears). Mom’s of adults and teens… do you still see a baby when you look at your kidos?

I think this probably sounds a bit confusing because the blog birthday and our son’s birthday are overlapping in this post, but that’s life I guess… it all kind of blends together.

Well this journey has a been quite a fun ride, mommying, writing and working… the years are all a bit of a blur, but the blog and these reflections on motherhood have honestly taught me so much, given me a journal of memories to look back on as our little ones grow and the opportunity to connect with an amazing community of like minded creatives!

Over the past four years I’ve learned a bit about blogging and I want to share some what happens behind the scenes with all of you.

How do I Do IT?

I often get asked, “how do you do it?” … “how do you juggle being home with three little ones, writing a blog and working (on and off between maternity leaves)?” To be honest, it’s all a bit crazy, but I think we all live crazy-busy-lives and mine isn’t any busier than the next persons. But I think that focusing on trying to slow down when we can (enjoying Sunday brunch, Monday afternoon baking or a trip to the market on the weekends as a family) really helps keep me grounded.

Do What You Love ….Honestly!

The other major part of it is that the blog rarely feels like work. Yes, there are business elements that I might not necessarily enjoy, but the writing, the pictures and the creative parts I truly love doing, so that makes it possible and has kept it sustainable.

Carve out Time to Work

Making time for creative work is just like scheduling an important meeting. You might not feel inspired every time you schedule a writing day, but honestly, the more you write the easier it gets. Also, in terms of the writing portion; you don’t have to be sitting at the computer to be developing an idea. Once you have a topic it can be developing throughout your daily life. I often find my work happens while I’m cleaning or in the shower. Writing is just the action of getting those ideas down on paper.

Embrace Your Community and Say Yes to Help

We weren’t meant to do any of this alone, human beings are naturally social and asking for help does not make us weak! It took me a long time to realize this, we are on our third baby now and I think it’s finally making sense now. It’s ok to ask for help and it really does take a village to raise a family.

I am so grateful for the community who helped me get here and the amazing people I’ve had the chance to meet along the way. So I’m going to say thank you to a few important people who’ve helped me along the way.

A Huge Thank You To…

My Husband:

Let’s just say that if there was some behind the scenes who deserved a lot of credit, like a lot, it would be him. When we first got married and I began writing he would literally pick me up if I had wandered away from my computer and got distracted from my writing, lower me back into my chair and bring coffee. Silent encouragement at it’s best! Well not much has changed, from the countless chats about the blog to the hundreds of pictures he’s taken, yup he’s by far the best Instagram husband out there (yes, I am being bias) but it’s true … he fixes the lighting, my hair or anything that’s out of place when we take pics … he’s amazing! Support from your spouse when you’re working on a passion project like this is so needed and I can’t thank him enough for this.

Our Kids:

My never ending source of joy and inspiration. You guys are the reason I write and my hope is that you too will find something you are passionate about and go for it too! Love Mommy xo

My Mom:

Aka my editor and cheerleader. My mom has been editing my work since I was a kid and I still get messages minutes after I post something to tell me if there’s a typo. And she’s been cheering me on since day one.

My Dad:

When we talk about having someone cheer you on, I am so lucky to have two parents who have done that for me in their own ways. My dad has always been supportive of my writing, for as long as I can remember he’s been asking me about my writing projects and encouraging me to keep at it. Also, since he’s retired, it’s been so nice to have him hangout with us and help me out when I needed encouragement, support or help with the kids.

My Sister:

Another person who’s been cheering me on since day one, motivating me to keep going and helping me out whenever she can. Can’t wait for what’s next Alexa! Read more to find out J

My In-Laws

Support comes in so many different ways and one of those has been babysitting our little ones whenI needed to attend events or just work on projects for the blog. My In Laws have been super supportive over the years and I am so thankful for this.

All of You!

Yup, that’s a huge thank you to all of you! Those who’ve been reading my blog, been following along on Instagram as we share our daily lives and supporting us along the way. I am so happy that we’ve connected!

Lots of New Things Coming up!

Ok, so there is kind of a lot happening behind the scenes right now and I hope to share some of it with all of you soon. But, I can finally share this news and I am so excited about it! My sister will be joining me on the blog as a guest blogger for a new series! She just got engaged (congrats you two love birds) and as her MOH I am so excited to take part wedding planning experience. Guys I love this stuff, you can just ask her how many wedding dress ideas I’ve sent her over the years lol. So, stay tuned for this new series. Can’t wait to share it with you!