these are the good old days: capturing motherhood in an illustration

One day, while scrolling through my Google Photos, I stumbled upon a picture that instantly pulled at my heartstrings. It was a candid shot of my son, Liam, and me from January 2023—one of those everyday moments that, at the time, might not have seemed extraordinary but, looking back, felt incredibly special.

In the photo, Liam was gazing up at me with pure excitement in his eyes, his tiny hands reaching for balance as he practiced his walking skills. That look of trust, love, and determination was something I never wanted to forget. Motherhood is full of these fleeting moments—ones that seem small at first but later become the ones we treasure the most.

Turning a Moment Into Art

As I sat there reminiscing, a phrase popped into my mind: "These are the good old days." It’s something I’ve heard before but never truly grasped until I became a mother. So often, we look back on moments from the past with nostalgia, wishing we had soaked them in a little more. But what if we recognized right now as part of those "good old days" while we're still living them?

With that thought in mind, I knew I wanted to turn this memory into something lasting—something that could inspire other moms to embrace the beauty of the present. And so, I created an illustration that captures the essence of that moment.

I also added a simple but meaningful phrase to the illustration: "Celebrate every tiny moment." Because in the whirlwind of motherhood—diaper changes, nap schedules, and endless to-do lists—it’s easy to overlook the magic hidden in ordinary days.

A Reminder for Every Mom

This illustration is more than just a personal keepsake; it’s a tribute to the everyday moments that define motherhood. Whether it’s the way your child looks at you when they learn something new, the quiet snuggles before bed, or the laughter that fills your home—it’s all worth celebrating.

I hope that when other moms see this illustration, they feel seen and reminded to pause, breathe, and cherish the little moments. Because one day, we’ll look back and realize that these were the days we’ll miss the most.

So, mama, take that extra second to soak in your little one’s laughter, hold them close a little longer, and snap that picture—even if it’s a messy, chaotic moment. Because these truly are the good old days. 💛