A Celebration with Our Village and Reflections on Motherhood
The Twins First Halloween
Last Halloween, I dressed as Dr. Seuss with “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” as a playful hint of what was to come. I was 16 weeks pregnant with my twins, imagining how different the next Halloween would be. Fast forward to this year, and there they were—my little “Thing 1” and “Thing 2,” ready for their first Halloween. It was a simple, joyful day filled with love from family, friends, and coworkers who have been part of our journey into parenthood. Here’s a look back at our day and a few reflections I picked up along the way.
1. Work-Life Balance Begins with a Supportive Workplace
Our Halloween started at my office, where the twins made their debut among coworkers who’ve been there for me since my pregnancy. I feel so grateful to work for a company that truly values family, allowing me to bring the twins in for some festive fun. They even sat in on a meeting, delighting everyone and reminding me how meaningful it is to work somewhere that sees me as both a mom and a professional. This kind of environment has made the transition to motherhood so much smoother.
Motherhood Tip #1: Embrace opportunities to blend work and family life when possible. A supportive workplace can make a world of difference, especially in the early stages of parenthood. When you feel encouraged to bring your whole self to work, balancing both roles feels more natural.
2. Celebrate the Small Wins
The office festivities included a chili cookoff, and to top it off, we won the costume contest! This small, joyful moment shared with my coworkers reminded me of the importance of celebrating life’s little wins. As moms, we can get so focused on caring for everyone else that it’s easy to overlook these tiny moments of joy, but they’re worth savoring.
Motherhood Tip #2: Pause to enjoy small victories. Recognizing the little wins in both work and family life helps us stay present and positive. These moments of joy keep us grounded, especially during busy days.
3. Connect with Family Traditions and Roots
After work, we took the twins to see Grandma, Great-Grandma, and Great Aunt, who were thrilled to celebrate their first Halloween. Watching my grandma—a mother of nine—hold her great-grandchildren was a moment I’ll always treasure. Seeing my babies embraced by their family made me appreciate the importance of sharing these “firsts” with loved ones, creating connections that go beyond words.
Motherhood Tip #3: Share family traditions with your children, even from a young age. Even though they may not remember these visits, children start to feel the warmth of family bonds early on. These gatherings build a sense of belonging for both kids and parents.
4. Embrace the Joy of Letting Go
In the evening, we joined my in-laws for their big Halloween bash, filled with food, laughter, and family. I didn’t have to plan or manage a single detail, which allowed me to relax and simply enjoy being there with the twins. As moms, we often feel the need to orchestrate everything, but letting go for a bit and just soaking in the moment was refreshing and freeing.
Motherhood Tip #4: Let go of expectations and allow yourself to be present. Sometimes, the best memories are made when we step back from planning and let the moment unfold naturally. Kids feel that joy too, and it creates a relaxed, happy atmosphere for everyone.
5. Build and Nurture Your Village
We wrapped up Halloween weekend with a Friday night gathering of close friends—the honorary aunties who’ve been by our side from the start. These friends have been an unwavering support, so having them celebrate the twins’ first Halloween felt just right. Building a strong support network, whether through family, friends, or coworkers, is invaluable as you navigate motherhood.
Motherhood Tip #5: Find your village and nurture it. Motherhood is best experienced with the support of others. Your village—whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues—will be there to cheer you on, share in the big and small moments, and provide support through both the joys and challenges.
Reflecting on this Halloween, it was simple but meaningful. Each part of the day—whether at work, with family, or among friends—reminded me of the community that surrounds us and the impact of shared experiences. Motherhood has shown me that these little moments, woven together with love and connection, are what make life feel full. Here’s to every mom finding her own village, embracing the small joys, and relishing the journey with those who make it all worthwhile.
