It’s Mother’s Day!

Prince Harry said it best at the birth announcement of his son: “How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension.” So, now that you’ve joined the ranks of supermom (yes, we’re all super!) you get to celebrate that extra special day with all the feels: Mother’s Day. Whether you choose to go big or keep it low key, here are some ideas to help you make the day count.

Start a journal

What better way to celebrate becoming a mother than to start filling in your baby book while reminiscing about all the first milestones you’ve witnessed so far? An occasion is usually the best incentive to begin a task, so get to it. (tissue box not included)

Create a family photo book

Online resources like Shutterfly and Mixbook have made it super simple to preserve special memories with your family. All you have to do is upload your favourite pictures, pick a template for your book and send your order. You might want to date the images and write up personalized headlines—anything that will make you remember the sweetness of your first year with them (it’ll come in handy during those tumultuous teenage years when you need a reminder of why you love them so much).

Take some time for yourself

Maybe what you need the most is some quiet time to yourself (Amen!) so draw up a bath, grab a glass of wine, put on some soft music (or a tune that makes you feel less like a mom) and enjoy! Balance is a very difficult thing to achieve during parenthood, but on special days like these, you need to shed any mommy guilt and indulge. You might just want to take a morning or an afternoon and spend the rest of the day with your loved ones, either way make a plan that includes all of the things that will make you happy and fulfilled.

Do some crafts

There is a number of crafty activities that can commemorate your first Mother’s Day. Although your little one might not live up to master art potential yet, a well-placed handprint or footprint or a smile for a photo that you can glue on to a drawing can add that special personalized touch. You can also date it Mother’s Day 2019 and you might want to frame it or keep it in your journal.

Enjoy Spring

Spring is finally here! Take advantage of the pleasant weather and get outdoors. Take a stroll to the park, have a picnic and spend some quality time with your number one. It’s also the time of year when neighbourhood activity calendars are full. Pick up your local paper or do a quick search online.

Pick your meal

Whether you prefer to be woken up with breakfast in bed, would rather try the new local hotspot, or bask in the comfort of your regular joint, remember this holiday means no cooking, no dishes and no clean-up for all moms. Let everyone around you show you just how much they appreciate all that you do. You deserve it.

Don’t forget about grandma

There has never been a truer statement than becoming a mom makes you appreciate your own mom that much more. So, don’t forget to carve out a moment to shower her with love and attention, too. Make Mother’s Day cards from you and your munchkin, because that relationship is as valuable as any other.

Drop some hints for presents

Men are from Mars and women are from Venus indeed, especially when it comes to sentimental gifts. Don’t be subtle and hope for the best. If you’ve been eyeing that custom initial necklace that will forever announce your mommy status to the world, or you’ve always wanted a World’s Best Mom mug, then just ask for it. Or leave a page open on the family computer with your item in cart. Yes, they really do need it spelled out like that.

Pamper yourself

Did anyone say spa day? If what you need to feel extra special is a massage, a mani/pedi and a blow out, then by all means. Being a mom is not always glamorous (ok, never) but it also doesn’t mean you’re not still a woman. A little pampering can go a long way in making you feel extra valued.

Tailor expectations

Sometimes when we actually take a step back from the chaos of everyday life, we just want to do the opposite of any routine. Especially in this digital age of show me yours, I’ll show you mine, it’s hard to live up to expectations. Editor’s tip: put down the phones, turn off the internet and take advantage of actual quality time. If all you want to do is stay home and play board games, then so be it.