2 years.

Hard to believe that my little bestie, Willamina, is already two years old! A year ago, on her first birthday, I was in the early parenting unit with her, trying to kick my persistent postpartum depression. I remember not really understanding how life was supposed to carry on in a sustainable way, but I loved her so much that I knew we would figure it out together.

A lot has changed in a year and life no longer feels conventional or what I imagined, but it all feels so wonderful and peaceful.

This year on her birthday, I had a cup of tea in the sun in my living room. I made her pancakes and I watched Avatar: The Last Airbender with her. I listened to music, I wrote in my journal while she napped, cleaned my kitchen. I baked her a cake for her party and met her father and grandparents at a restaurant for dinner (noodles, at Willamina’s request).

It’s not always easy navigating how to be a mother and an individual and an artist and a co-parent, and a, and a, and a. It feels like I’m constantly discovering a new part of my identity that I’m to welcome with open arms, to add to the list, to accept without question and carry on, all while staying patient and present.

Sometimes it feels like a lot, but I do so happily knowing that I get to spend my life with such a cool little person. I’m so thankful to be raising such a joyful, cheeky, confident, wonderful little girl.