Hey y’all! My name is Kathryn, and I’m the proud mom of my sweet girl, Carter Chapa. When you’re pregnant, everyone tells you about the joys of motherhood — the snuggles, the first smiles, the overwhelming love you’ll feel. And while all of that is so true, what people don’t always talk about are the hard parts: the fear, the anxiety, and the unexpected challenges that can come with being a new mom.
When Carter was born, she spent her first week in the NICU. Those days were some of the scariest of my life. Nothing truly prepares you for the sound of monitors, the endless questions, or the feeling of not being able to hold your baby whenever you want. It’s overwhelming. What I wish someone had told me ahead of time is that it’s okay to feel scared, and it’s okay to not know what’s going on at first. The most important thing I learned was to trust the nurses and doctors — they are truly incredible. But at the same time, if something doesn’t sit right with you, don’t be afraid to speak up. As a mom, you are your baby’s biggest advocate. If you don’t use your voice for them, no one else will.
Another lesson that carried me through that time was something simple but powerful: trust your own mom (or the trusted women in your life). My mom was such a rock for me, reminding me that my instincts mattered and that even when I felt unsure, I was still doing a good job. Moms really do have wisdom tucked away that you don’t fully appreciate until you become one yourself.
As Carter grew, I started learning a whole new set of lessons. One of the biggest ones? Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s so easy to get caught up in the tiny details — the messy house, the daily routines, or whether every little thing is “perfect.” But my mom reminded me that when you stress over the little things, you end up missing the big things. And she was right.
I’ll be honest: it’s been bittersweet watching Carter grow. Part of me aches for the newborn days, when she was tiny in my arms. Sometimes I’d get so wrapped up in wishing for the past that I forgot to fully appreciate the new milestones she was reaching. Now, I’m learning to let myself feel both things — it’s okay to miss the old days while also celebrating the amazing little person she’s becoming.
Motherhood is messy, beautiful, overwhelming, and full of lessons I never expected to learn. If you’re a new mom reading this, just know: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Trust your support system, advocate for your baby, and give yourself grace. The days are long, but the years really are short — and every stage has something worth celebrating.