They say the nights are long, but the years are short. I used to nod politely at that phrase, not fully understanding it. Now, after this past year, I understand it with my whole heart. From the last time I wrote here to today, life has changed in the most beautiful way—please meet our light and joy, Kinsley.
It feels surreal even typing that. The last time I posted, she was still in my belly, and now she’s one. One! Somewhere between sleepless nights, endless feedings, and countless diaper changes, a whole year passed. It’s been forever since I shared anything here, and honestly, I’ve missed it. The online world has shifted so much—everything is faster, shorter, designed to be consumed in quick swipes. But there’s something special about long-form writing, about taking a pause in the noise, and I hope this little corner of the internet continues to offer stillness and connection.
So thank you—for being here, for reading, for continuing on this journey with me.
A Year in Motherhood
This first year has been a whirlwind of contradictions: challenging yet rewarding, exhausting yet joy-filled. My pregnancy, by most standards, was smooth. Delivery, however, was a nightmare, recovery was grueling, and those first six to eight months were marked by sleep deprivation I didn’t know was humanly possible. But in the middle of all that difficulty, there was Kinsley—watching her grow has been my greatest joy.
She’s deeply observant, already curious about the world around her. She has an intense interest in people, a clear dislike for diaper changes, and—if we had to guess—her love language might just be words of affirmation. It amazes me how much personality shines through even in the earliest years.
Motherhood has humbled me in ways I never expected. It’s stretched me thin and filled me to the brim all at once. There are days I feel completely drained, and others where I feel like the luckiest person alive—most days are both. And through it all, I’ve learned to hold onto gratitude: for the small milestones, for the laughter that breaks through tiredness, and for the sheer privilege of being her mom.
Returning to Fashion (with New Eyes)
Now that we’re finding our rhythm again, I’m slowly returning to the things that have always sparked joy for me—fashion being one of them. Based on your feedback over on Instagram, I’ll be weaving in more reviews, sizing notes, and details here too. So let’s start fresh—with a pairing that feels timeless and elegant: the white blazer and slip dress.
The blazer I’m wearing (around $150) is a true classic. It has a beautiful weight to it, structured but not stiff, the kind of piece that instantly elevates anything you pair it with. The slip dress (about $60) is its perfect complement—silky soft, with just the right amount of movement, making it a dream to wear. Together, they create a look that’s chic yet effortless, refined yet approachable.
For reference, I’m 5 feet tall and 110 pounds, and like most petite frames, tailoring is often my reality. For this outfit, the blazer needed its sleeves and hem shortened, while the slip dress required strap and length adjustments. Normally, I try to avoid tailoring when I can, but every once in a while a piece is worth the extra investment—and this set absolutely was. For those who don’t need alterations, these pieces should fit beautifully right off the rack.
The Balance Between Life and Style
What strikes me most about this season of life is the balancing act. One moment I’m elbow-deep in toys and baby snacks, the next I’m slipping into a blazer and heels, rediscovering that part of myself that existed before motherhood. Both identities—mom and woman—deserve space, and fashion has been one way for me to bridge the two.
Clothes have always been more than just fabric. They’re a form of self-expression, a small act of creativity, and sometimes even a lifeline on days when I don’t quite feel like myself. Pulling on a crisp blazer or a silky dress doesn’t just change how I look—it changes how I carry myself. And after a year of transformation in nearly every sense, that feels like a gift.
Gratitude, Always
Even now, a year in, I find myself pausing in disbelief. I’m still processing the fact that I’m a mom, still pinching myself that she’s here, still wondering how I got this lucky. The nights were indeed long—but the year? It flew.
So here I am, easing back into writing, into sharing, into creating. I hope this space becomes once again a source of inspiration, calm, and connection. Thank you for sticking with me through the pauses and the pivots. It means more than I can say.
Here’s to long nights, short years, timeless blazers, and silky slip dresses. But most of all—here’s to the moments in between, where life happens and joy quietly unfolds.
