The year that changed my life.

I think it’s safe to say that 2024 has been the most life-changing year of my life. I’ve had some incredible years, travelled to beautiful places, worked on exciting projects, fallen in love, got married and experienced things I could have only dreamed of when I was younger. But nothing quite compares to becoming a mother.

On the 17th of February 2024, I gave birth to my first son, Weston.

I became a mummy.

Even writing those words feels surreal. I have a son! A beautiful little boy who has completely turned my world upside down, in the most wonderful way imaginable.

Nothing Prepares You

I always knew I wanted children, but I don’t think anyone can truly prepare you for motherhood. People tell you how much your life will change, how little sleep you’ll get and how you’ll never have a moment to yourself again. And they’re right! But what they don’t tell you is how profoundly becoming a mother changes the way you see absolutely everything.

My priorities have shifted in ways I never expected.

Things that once seemed terribly important suddenly don’t matter quite so much. The little things have become the big things, and I’ve found happiness in moments I probably wouldn’t have given a second thought to a few years ago.

A smile, a giggle, a tiny hand holding my finger. Watching my husband become a father. Seeing our little family grow.

It’s quite extraordinary.

What Motherhood Has Taught Me

Motherhood has also taught me a great deal about myself.

I’ve always considered myself a strong, independent and ambitious woman. I’m a creative. I love my career, I love working and I love having something exciting to look forward to. I’ve never been particularly good at sitting still, and I don’t think that’s ever going to change.

But becoming a mother has challenged me in ways that no career, relationship or life experience ever has.

There have been wonderful days and incredibly difficult ones. Days when I’ve felt completely overwhelmed, exhausted and emotional. Days when I’ve questioned whether I’m doing everything right.

And I think it’s important to be honest about that.

We live in a world where motherhood is often presented as this beautiful, perfectly curated experience. The immaculate nursery, the perfectly dressed baby, the glowing mother who somehow manages to look fabulous on three hours of sleep.

Well, let me tell you, that’s not always the reality!

Of course, there are beautiful moments, but there are also sleepless nights, tears, anxiety and the enormous responsibility of knowing that this tiny human being depends entirely on you.

I’ve learned that being a good mother doesn’t mean being a perfect one.

It means showing up, loving unconditionally and doing the very best you can.

My Marriage and My Family

My marriage and family have taken on a whole new meaning this year.

Watching Mark become a father has been one of the most special experiences of my life.

Marriage is a journey in itself, and adding a baby into the equation certainly changes the dynamics! Suddenly, you’re not just husband and wife. You’re mummy and daddy, navigating an entirely new world together.

I think relationships require constant attention, understanding and effort. It’s easy to become so consumed by everyday life that you forget to make time for each other.

That’s something I want to be more conscious of going into 2025.

I want our children to grow up in a home filled with love, laughter, kindness and respect. I want them to see a marriage built on friendship and partnership, and I think that starts with the example we set.

Faith

My faith has also become more important to me than ever.

I’ve spoken before about my relationship with Jesus and how I believe in the importance of prayer, reflection and keeping my spirit aligned with God.

Becoming a mother has strengthened that relationship.

I look at Weston and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I pray for his health, his happiness and his future. I pray that God guides me in raising him to be a kind, compassionate and courageous young man.

I also pray for myself.

For patience, wisdom, understanding and the ability to appreciate the present rather than constantly thinking about what’s next.

Because that’s something I’ve always struggled with.

I’m a planner. A dreamer. Someone who is forever thinking about the next project, the next adventure or the next big thing.

But this year has taught me that sometimes the greatest blessing is simply being exactly where you are.

Career, and Not Losing Her

Career-wise, 2024 has been a very different year for me.

I’ve had to learn that taking time away from work doesn’t mean giving up on my ambitions.

My career has always been a huge part of my identity, whether that’s modelling, filmmaking, fashion or creating content for Luxury Mummy.

And while motherhood has become my greatest priority, I have absolutely no intention of losing the woman I was before becoming a mother.

In fact, I think motherhood has made me even more ambitious.

I want Weston to grow up knowing that his mother worked hard, followed her dreams and wasn’t afraid to take risks.

I want him to understand that women can be wonderful mothers and still have successful careers, businesses and passions of their own.

There is room for both.

I think 2025 will be about finding that balance. Making time for my family while continuing to build the things I’m passionate about.

Protecting Your Peace

Relationships have been another area of reflection for me this year.

I’ve written before about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and I stand by that more than ever.

Having a child makes you incredibly protective of your time and energy.

I simply don’t have the patience for unnecessary drama, selfishness or relationships that constantly take more than they give.

Life is too short.

I want to surround myself with people who genuinely love and support my family, who celebrate our successes and who bring something positive into our lives.

I’ve also learned that not everyone needs access to every part of your life.

Protecting your peace isn’t selfish. It’s necessary.

Looking Towards 2025

As I look towards 2025, I’m feeling incredibly grateful.

Grateful for my husband, my beautiful son, our health, our home and the opportunities we’ve been given.

I’m also excited.

Excited to watch Weston grow, to continue building our family and to return to some of the creative projects I’ve been dreaming about.

I want to work hard, travel, create, give back and continue becoming the best version of myself.

But above everything else, I want to be present.

Because if 2024 has taught me anything, it’s that life can change in an instant, and sometimes the greatest things that happen to us are the ones we could never have planned.

2024, you gave me the greatest gift of my life.

You made me a mother.

And for that, I will be forever grateful.

Luxury Mummy xo