Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, growth, and countless lessons. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Aniki, a mother of two adorable little girls, ages three and nine months. Through laughter, reflection, and honesty, Aniki opened up about her motherhood experiences—revealing the unfiltered truth about raising strong, happy daughters while staying true to herself.
Here’s a glimpse into her journey.
Motherhood: A New Chapter Begins
I asked Aniki, “Did you always know you wanted to be a mother? Can you then share your initial reaction when you found out you were going to become a mother?”
“No— I started having the desire to have a family when I was in my 30’s.”
She shared a moment of truth when she had to prepare herself to take a pregnancy test. “I went to Target and picked up two items: a pregnancy test and a pack of pads. I took a photo of both of them and texted it into my friend group chat. I said, “One of these I’m going to use and the other I’m not.” When I got home, I took the pregnancy test. Once the results showed, I immediately went to my husband Edwin and told him that I was pregnant. He smiled at me and said, ‘We’re pregnant?!’ Hearing those words suddenly sent a wave of emotions.”
That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with surprises, challenges, and immeasurable love.
Motherhood Changes Everything
I asked Aniki how motherhood has transformed her life and she talked about how everything changes and she candidly stated, “The fact that I would never sleep again.”
“In all honesty, being a mom is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. But at the same time, it’s a lot of work. You will always do everything for them first. The girls are usually fully dressed in the morning and I’m not dressed until the afternoon.”
Finding Balance in Motherhood
Aniki was candid about the struggles of finding balance, especially when it comes to juggling motherhood and self-care.
I asked Aniki, “How do you balance your personal goals with the demands of motherhood?”
“It’s okay to ask for help. I don’t think it’s natural for mothers to raise kids on their own. Even if it’s just to take an hour to be by yourself to relax and rest. Whether it’s getting a nanny, a babysitter, someone to help me cook, or help me with the daily chores of the house; that’s the greatest help I could think of.”
Aniki’s words are a gentle reminder that no mother is an island. Seeking help is not a weakness but a strength.
Guilt During Motherhood
A common feeling most moms feel and may or may not often share is mom guilt.
Aniki shares her “mom guilt” and the lingering thoughts it often brings about.
“Sometimes I feel guilty not being home more since I work at night. I don’t often get to put Olivia to bed, especially with our living situation. I know that it’s not always going to be this way and I’m doing the best that I can to make sure they have a life that is going to help them grow up to be decent people. It’s always in the back of my mind if I’m doing it the right way. I’m just doing my best.”
Raising Strong Daughters in Today’s World
One of the most poignant parts of our conversation was when Aniki spoke about her hopes and fears for her daughters.
“I want to raise my girls to be honest people. I also don’t ever want them to be afraid to come and speak to us about anything. I want to instill in them Christian values such as: being good to others, don’t lie and don’t steal.”
She shared that she wants her girls to grow up to be confident and kind. “I try to lead by example, by showing them what confidence and kindness is. The other day Olivia asked, ‘Daddy loves mommy?’ And I said yes he does. There are just so many little things she’ll randomly say and do and it makes me know that we’re doing something right.
Aniki also mentioned the importance of creating space and having patience for her daughters to express their emotions. “Kids will be kids. Just understand that it’s just a kid moment they are having. Have patience and give them their space to express their wants and needs.”
The Unexpected Joys of Motherhood
Despite the challenges, Aniki shared how motherhood has brought her countless unexpected joys.
“Being a mom has made me feel like I’m more at peace and more complete. I now have my own family where we can start our traditions. These are things that I’ve never thought about or considered before becoming a mom.”
Her children make her heart so full especially when they are just being themselves.
“Hearing, ‘I love you mommy from Olivia. Sometimes she randomly out of nowhere just says, “I love you Mommy.”
She shared a moment in which she observed her daughters at play. “As I walked into the living room, I paused to take in the sight of Olivia and Emma playing independently beside each other. In that moment, I thought, this is my little family.”
Advice for Other Moms on their Motherhood Journey
As we wrapped up, I asked Aniki what advice she would give to other mothers.
Aniki circled back to asking for help when in need and then shared the importance of finding a community.
“When I was a new mom looking for answers I took to Facebook pages like CT Moms. I was on there all hours of the night. There would often be other moms awake with me checking on each other. It was a great sense of not feeling alone with a crying baby. You can find moms on there who are full of advice. When there was a formula shortage, that’s how I was able to get formula because moms were sharing which formula they had and offered trades. We would meet up in parking lots and swap formulas. That is a time I will never forget.”
Final Thoughts
Aniki’s story is a testament to the resilience and love that defines motherhood. It’s a journey filled with sleepless nights, endless questions, and an abundance of love. Through her experiences, she’s learned to embrace the imperfections, savor the little moments, and cherish the bond she shares with her daughters.
See more of the gallery from their session here.
For any mom out there navigating your own unique journey, remember this: you’re not alone. Whether it’s the laughter, the tears, or the in-between, every moment matters.
If you are a Connecticut Mom and would like to connect to the Facebook group Aniki mentioned, you can find it here.
What’s your favorite memory of motherhood? Share your story in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
