🎉 From Overwhelmed to Overjoyed: My Son Turns 3!

 

Three years ago, I couldn’t even imagine this moment.

In 2022, when I first became a mother, the idea of celebrating a 3rd birthday seemed so far away. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and honestly unsure of how I’d survive the day-to-day reality of parenting—let alone plan birthday parties and sing songs with a toddler one day.

Everything felt so new and intense. My mind was spinning with questions:
What will I do? How will I do it? How do I go back to work and raise a child at the same time?
The unknowns were loud and heavy. I already knew I’d be raising my child as a single parent, and while I’m so grateful I had my mum around to support me, the pressure still felt enormous.

But fast forward to now—April 15th, 2025—and here we are.
My son is officially 3 years old, and I honestly couldn't be prouder of him… and of myself.

This year, he fully understood what a birthday meant. 🎂
He was SO excited!
He knew it meant getting a gift, having cake, dressing up, singing “Happy Birthday,” and being celebrated. Watching his little face light up filled my heart with so much joy. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

 

💛 What Three Looks Like

Three years in, I finally feel like I’m settling into motherhood in a way I never thought I would. It’s still messy. It’s still hard. But it’s also so full of unexpected beauty.

Some days are really hard—like when he’s throwing a full-on tantrum in the middle of the playground, or grabbing another child’s toy, or saying “no” on repeat.
But I remind myself: he’s still learning.
He has big emotions, just like adults do, but doesn’t yet have the words to express them. He doesn’t always know how to regulate those feelings, and that’s okay.

So I try—really try—to respond with gentleness. I kneel down to his level. I talk calmly. I give space. I remind myself that it’s okay to parent differently than how I was raised. That’s where the real growth is happening—for both of us.

And then there are those magical days...
The giggles, the dancing, the spontaneous hugs, the way he lights up when he learns something new. Those are the days that make every hard moment worth it.

 

🌱 Becoming a Mom Who Helps Other Moms

One unexpected gift from this journey is that I now get to help other moms—especially those just starting out with babies younger than my son.

Sometimes they ask for advice. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.
And I feel so honoured to be in that position.
I may not have all the answers, but I've lived through enough sleepless nights, emotional rollercoasters, and teething tears to share a word of encouragement.

Who knew I’d feel like a “seasoned” mom already?
Certainly not me back in 2022, crying in the bathroom and Googling “how to settle a newborn.”

 

🎂 To My Sweet Son on Your 3rd Birthday

You are such a light, my love.
You make me laugh, make me grow, and remind me what resilience looks like every day.

I pray you always know how deeply you are loved—not because of your family structure, but because you were meant to be here, full of joy, energy, and purpose.
You are a gift, a miracle, and my daily reason to keep showing up.

Here’s to three years of motherhood,
three years of YOU,
and a lifetime of love still to come. 💫