Motherhood is a constant evolution, isn’t it? Just when you think you’ve figured things out, life throws you a curveball. That was 2024 for me—a year full of surprises, lessons, and moments of growth, both as a mother and as a woman. Whether you’re a seasoned mom or just embarking on this beautiful, messy, rewarding adventure, there’s always something to learn from the shared experiences of others. Here are some of my biggest takeaways from the year, from growing our family to navigating childcare, managing a career, and dreaming about the future.

Growing Our Family—How Do You Know If You're Done or Not?

If you’ve wrestled with questions about the size of your family, believe me, you’re not alone. How do you know when you’re done having kids, or whether you want just one more? For so long, I thought I was done. After having my third child and weaning my then two-year-old, it felt like my family was complete. Or so I thought.

But something shifted when I turned 40. Call it a yearning, a “last try,” or simply a feeling of unfinished business—I knew I wanted to give it one more shot. It wasn’t just one crystal-clear “aha” moment for me; it was a series of thoughts and emotions. I’d find myself imagining what the holidays would look like 20 years from now. Would I regret stopping at two, or would our family memories feel whole without another little one in the picture?

Candice, 40 & expecting 🌈 baby

My decision was grounded in both reality and hope. I told myself that if getting pregnant at 40 proved to be a challenge, that would be my sign that our family was, indeed, complete. For me, it was about allowing space for exploration—not rushing to close a chapter when I wasn’t absolutely sure.

Takeaway

For those in this stage of indecision, I encourage you to give yourself permission to sit with those feelings. There’s no right or wrong answer—only what feels true to you and your family. Dream of the future and make those big, bold decisions with love.

Childcare in 2024—Navigating the Au Pair Route

Here’s the thing about childcare in the United States—it’s hard. For working moms, it can feel almost impossible to find an option that’s both affordable and reliable. This year, we decided to go the au pair route, and wow, did we learn a lot!

For larger families (especially those with more than two kids) and flexible work schedules, an au pair can be an incredibly affordable and practical option. Beyond childcare, we found that having someone help with household duties related to the children—like cooking their meals or tidying their play areas—was a game-changer. But it's not without its challenges.

When you host an au pair, you're essentially inviting a college-aged person to live with you. Picture all the quirks and adjustments of sharing your home with a young adult—cultural differences, boundaries that need setting, and the patience required to foster open communication. It can be fun, but it certainly demands adaptability. Clear guidelines and a deep commitment to communication are non-negotiables.

Takeaway

If you have a larger family and enjoy the idea of cultural exchange, an au pair might be the perfect solution. But it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. If you can handle the boundary-setting and host-parent responsibilities, it’s an option that can bring tremendous value and support to your household.

Career and Family—Dispelling the Myth of "Doing It All"

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned this year—and I suspect many moms feel the same—is that “doing it all” is a myth. If anyone tries to convince you otherwise, they’re probably selling something.

Balancing a fulfilling career, little ones at home, and finding time for yourself is not about achieving some perfect equilibrium. That idea of balance is beautifully unrealistic. Instead, I’ve come to view it as integration. It’s about weaving together the parts of your life that light you up, and letting go of the guilt for the things that don’t.

Candice with her three girls at an OAO + Mightly Spring 2024 photoshoot

For me, that looked like prioritizing my career while making sure my family felt my presence in meaningful ways, and in fact join me on the journey. The girls join me for photoshoots, have helped me pack orders, run to the UPS/FedEx/Post Office and love helping me create content for Mightly and our NEW OAO Home Collection. It also means carving out moments that were just for them, and just for me—whether that was sipping coffee in miraculous silence at preschool pick-up or taking a fleeting trip to Target without tiny humans in tow.

My work doesn’t detract from my motherhood, and my motherhood doesn’t diminish my professional growth. They coexist, not perfectly, but in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. I am able to attend the school programs, volunteer for my kids' classrooms, attend doctors' and dentist appointments, make home cooked melas - all because I have the flexibility and integration between career and motherhood that I need. 

Takeaway

Forget balance and aim for integration. Pursue the parts of motherhood, career, and selfhood that align with your values, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system. We’re not meant to do this alone.

Looking Ahead—Hopes for 2025

If 2024 has taught me anything, it’s that the motherhood journey is always evolving. Looking ahead to 2025, I can’t help but hold onto a sense of hope—not just for myself, but for all the incredible women stepping into or continuing this beautiful role. My hopes for the year ahead?

More peace, safety, and security: Especially for mothers and children around the globe.

Self-love and preservation: For new moms just beginning their walk into motherhood, and for those of us continuing to grow and adapt.

Grace and compassion: For ourselves and for each other as we juggle all the things, one step at a time.

Ringing in the New Year sick, but with my cozy girls

Motherhood looks different for everyone, and I believe there’s room for every story, every version of what this ride can be. 2024 showed me that it’s not about perfection—it’s about the small, intentional choices we make for the people we love, including ourselves.

Reflecting on Your Journey

Motherhood is an incredible adventure that’s equal parts joyful, challenging, and completely unpredictable. Whether you're navigating questions about growing your family, adjusting to childcare options, or merging your career and motherhood, know this—you’re not alone.

Hit the comments and share your biggest lessons from 2024 or your hopes for 2025. After all, this isn’t just my story; it’s ours. Cheers to 2025 ✨

xx, 

Candice - Mama & Of an Origin Co-founder