As I sit down to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next, my mind is a whirlwind of emotions, memories, and hope. This year has been nothing short of transformative for me as a mom of two boys—my wild and wonderful 7-year-old and my sweet, ever-growing 8-month-old. Life has been busy, messy, and filled with so much love, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause and take stock of where we are, where we’ve been, and where we hope to go. For me, it’s not just about resolutions—it’s about being intentional in my role as a mother, wife, and woman of faith.
Reflecting on the Past Year
2023 was a year of big changes for our family. My youngest son was born in the spring, filling our home with tiny baby giggles, sleepless nights, and an entirely new dynamic. Watching my 7-year-old embrace his role as a big brother has been one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. He’s protective and loving but also learning the delicate balance of sharing mom and dad’s attention.
On the flip side, it’s been a year of learning to juggle the needs of two boys in completely different stages of life. My oldest is full of energy, questions, and opinions about everything, from transformers to bedtime negotiations. Meanwhile, my baby is discovering the world one gummy smile and clumsy crawl at a time. Balancing their needs has been a challenge, but it’s taught me to appreciate the unique bond we share as a family.
I’ve also had to relearn the art of slowing down. When I had just one child, I could pour my energy into him in a way that felt complete. Now, with two, I’ve realized that “enough” looks different, and that’s okay.
Lessons Learned as a Boy Mom
If there’s one thing motherhood has taught me, it’s that life rarely goes as planned. This year, I’ve learned to embrace the chaos more than ever. Whether it’s my baby crying for an hour or my oldest crafting an elaborate Lego city on the living room floor, I’ve learned to find joy in the little things.
I’ve also realized how important it is to let go of perfection. As moms, we often put so much pressure on ourselves to do it all, but I’m learning that being present is what truly matters. My boys won’t remember if the laundry was folded on time, but they’ll remember the nights we stayed up late watching movies, the silly songs we sang during diaper changes, and the way I hugged them tight when they needed me.
Lastly, I’ve leaned heavily on my faith this year. Being a mom can be overwhelming, and I’ve found so much peace in trusting that God has a plan for me and my family.
Goals for the New Year
As we step into 2024, I’m setting some goals—not just for myself, but for my family as well. These aren’t rigid resolutions but rather intentions to guide us through the year.
1. Be Fully Present: This year, I want to focus on being more present with my boys. Whether it’s setting aside distractions during playtime or being fully engaged during family meals, I want my children to know they have my undivided attention.
2. Foster a Love for Learning: My 7-year-old is at such a curious age, and I want to nurture his love for learning. From exploring new books together to diving into hands-on activities, I want to feed his imagination and creativity. For my baby, this means embracing every milestone and celebrating his discoveries, big and small.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: As moms, we often put ourselves last on the list, but I’ve learned that taking care of myself is essential to being the best mom I can be. Whether it’s carving out time for exercise, quiet moments with reading my bible, or even just enjoying a cup of coffee while it’s still hot, I want to make self-care a priority.
4. Create More Family Traditions: I want my boys to grow up with a treasure trove of special memories. Whether it’s movie nights or holiday traditions, I want to create moments they’ll cherish forever.
5. Keep the Home a Place of Peace: With two boys, our house is naturally loud and energetic, but I want to ensure it’s also a place of peace and comfort. This means staying on top of organization (as much as possible with kids!) and maintaining routines that keep things running smoothly.
Embracing the Little Moments
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that time moves far too quickly. It feels like just yesterday I was cradling my firstborn in my arms, and now he’s curious about everything from how clouds make rain and how deep the ocean is. My youngest is already starting to crawl, and I know it won’t be long before he’s chasing after his big brother.
This year, I want to soak in the little moments—the way my baby lights up when he sees me, the proud smile on my 7-year-old’s face when he masters something new, and the quiet evenings spent snuggling on the couch. These are the moments that make motherhood so beautiful.
Encouragement for Fellow Moms
If there’s one thing I could share with other moms as we head into this new year, it’s this: give yourself grace. Motherhood is hard, and we’re all doing our best. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. It’s okay if the toys are left out or if dinner is cereal some nights. What matters most is the love and effort you pour into your family.
Take time to reflect on your own journey and celebrate the wins—big and small. Whether it’s surviving a tough week, watching your child reach a milestone, or simply making it through another day, those moments deserve to be acknowledged.
Looking Ahead
As I look ahead to 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for the blessings in my life—my husband, my boys, our home, and the memories we’ve yet to make. I know the year will bring its challenges, but I’m ready to face them with faith, resilience, and a heart full of love.
To all the moms out there, I wish you a year of joy, growth, and beautiful moments with your little ones. Let’s embrace this season of life with open arms and make this year one to remember.
Here’s to a wonderful 2024!
What are your goals or hopes for the new year as a mom? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Boy Mom💙