2024: The Year of Growth, Challenges, + Grace
This year was a whirlwind of new beginnings, lessons, and letting go. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been worth every moment. Here’s what I’ve learned:
🍼 Learning Newborn Life
Becoming a mom to our sweet baby boy, Decker, has been life-changing. Learning his schedule, figuring out breastfeeding, and understanding his little cues stretched me in ways I never expected. I also had to learn a lot about myself—patience, perseverance, and grace on the hard days.
💍 Navigating Marriage with a Baby
Having a baby changes everything, especially in a marriage. We’ve worked hard to keep our connection strong and avoid falling into the “roommate phase.” Balancing our roles as parents and partners hasn’t been perfect, but putting our marriage first helps us show up better for Decker.
📋 Letting Go + Delegating Responsibilities as a Business Owner
Before Decker, I was the “do it yourself because you know it’ll be done right” kind of business owner. After he arrived, I had to step back from our businesses and trust others to help. It wasn’t easy—I felt like I was letting my husband and our business down—but being there for Decker is my priority now. Learning to delegate has been an unexpected lesson in growth and letting go.
✈️ Being Present with Family
Traveling with a baby has been a mix of chaos and magic. At 4 months old, we took Decker to the Bahamas. I was still figuring out breastfeeding, felt awkward about covering up, and barely left the resort room. By 7 months, we ventured to the Smoky Mountains with extended family, and it felt a little easier. These trips taught me to be present and embrace the moment, even when it’s overwhelming.
🛒 Running Daily Errands Around D’s Schedule
Daily errands now revolve around nap schedules and breastfeeding breaks. Decker doesn’t nap in the car or on the go, which makes quick errands nearly impossible. But these moments have also given us time to bond and taught me patience like never before.
✨ Redefining Myself in a New Role
Adjusting to life as a mom meant stepping away from the old version of me—the one who was always on the go, managing business and personal tasks. It was hard to let go of that independence, but embracing motherhood has helped me rediscover who I am in this new role. I’m learning to find fulfillment in this season of life and grow in ways I never imagined.
🌟 Embracing Being a SAHM
Becoming a stay-at-home mom has taught me so much about slowing down and being present. I’m the person Decker relies on most right now, and while that’s a big responsibility, it’s also a privilege. I’m learning to savor this season because it won’t last forever.
2024 has been about embracing the challenges, celebrating the small wins, and growing in ways I never expected. Here’s to walking into the new year with love, gratitude, and hope for what’s ahead! 💕
As we step into 2024, it's vital to reflect on the personal transformations that come with new roles, particularly motherhood. Becoming a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) presents unique challenges and rewards, from adjusting to newborn routines to redefining personal and professional responsibilities. One key insight is learning to embrace the chaos while remaining present with family. Traveling with a baby can seem daunting, but it's also an opportunity to create lasting memories. Whether visiting the Bahamas or the Smoky Mountains, these experiences are enriched by the joy of being together as an evolving family. Additionally, the transition to motherhood often necessitates emotional growth in marriage; partners must work intentionally to maintain their connection amid the demands of parenting. This includes finding balance between personal needs and family responsibilities. Delegating tasks in business is another critical aspect of this journey. Understanding that equity in responsibility enhances support for loved ones can make a significant difference. Finally, redefining identity during this period of growth is fundamental. Each mother's experience is unique, and discovering fulfillment through new avenues is a natural part of the process. Embracing the unpredictability of motherhood can foster resilience and lead to unexpected joys. As we look ahead, 2024 can be viewed as a canvas for personal evolution, shaped by love, gratitude, and hope for what lies ahead. Embrace growth with grace and an open heart!
