When my baby turned one, I was filled with awe and gratitude reflecting on the past 12 months. Motherhood has been the most glorious, soul-nourishing, life-giving experience I’ve ever known—and also, at times, the most challenging and even terrifying.

Below are 18 insights and simple pleasures that brought me joy and peace during that transformative first year. I’m not just talking about registry must-haves—though I could write a post on that too! These are the words of wisdom, daily habits, and practical comforts that felt like gifts in their own way.

If anything here offers you comfort or encouragement on your own journey, I’m so glad you’re here.

18 Insights and Simple Pleasures I Cherished the Most

1. Words of Wisdom: Every Stage is Fleeting—Cherish It

People told me this often before I had a baby, but it didn’t hit home until I lived it. In the thick of sleepless nights, it can feel hard to believe. I remember wondering if I’d ever sleep through the night again (you will!).

I once read on Reddit: With every stage, there will be a last time—and you probably won’t even know it’s happening when it does. That nearly brought me to tears. The last midnight feeding, the last bottle, the last time in the high chair... the moments quietly pass. This truth helped me savour both the beautiful and the hard moments.

2. Uninterrupted Time to Myself

My husband was my anchor. He regularly encouraged me to take time for myself—whether it was getting my nails done, visiting the farmer’s market, or sipping a coffee in peace. I made Saturday mornings “my time” while he watched Scott. That simple consistency brought a deep sense of peace.

Overnight oats

3. Overnight Oats

This sounds small, but overnight oats were a staple in my year! Breastfeeding and carrying a baby all day made me constantly hungry—especially for carbs and sugar. Overnight oats were a delicious, nutritious solution packed with chia seeds, oats, and Greek yogurt. The variations are endless, and I never got bored.

Check out Clean & Delicious on YouTube for great recipes.

4. Audiobooks

I’ve always loved reading, but it felt impossible until I discovered audiobooks. I listened on stroller walks, during feedings, and while watching my baby play. It was the perfect mental escape that still allowed me to be present.

My favourite? Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.

5. Water Bottle with a Straw

It may seem obvious, but a good water bottle is essential. Between breastfeeding, pumping, and the general chaos, I often forgot to hydrate. Plus, I knocked over way too many open glasses in the middle of the night!

My go-to was a sturdy plastic water bottle with a built-in straw—spill-proof and safe around baby.

6. Dog Park Outings

Babies don’t need much to be entertained. One day, we walked past a dog park, and Scott lit up watching the dogs play. It became a regular outing—his own personal TV show, and I got some sunshine!

7. Exercise Bike

Gym visits weren’t realistic, but my exercise bike was a lifesaver. Even 5–20 minutes helped me feel more energized and mentally strong. I’d place Scott nearby in his playpen or bouncer. Keeping it pressure-free made it sustainable.

8. Supportive Friends and Family

New motherhood can be isolating, and asking for help isn’t always easy. I’m beyond grateful for those who visited, babysat, or simply showed up. When people offer help without hesitation, it makes a world of difference.

Baby development book

9. Baby Development Book

I’m so glad I documented milestones in a baby book. Even now, I forget things I thought I’d remember forever. I wasn’t always consistent, but I treasure what I did capture.

I found a beautiful one on Etsy that I highly recommend.

10. Rocking my baby to sleep and just staying there

I used to rush to put Scott down so I could get things done. But sometimes, I just let him sleep in my arms and stayed still. Those moments were sacred. The chores could wait—this season won’t last forever.

11. Homecooked meals

Homemade meals were such a gift in those chaotic early days. I’m especially grateful to my mom, who nourished me with love and the most incredible food. Thank you, Mom—you were my kitchen angel.

12. Crockpot convenience

Speaking of meals, the crockpot changed my life. Tossing ingredients in the morning and having a warm, hearty meal ready by dinner made me feel like a superhero—with minimal effort.

13. Notebook and daily template

The days can feel repetitive and blur together. Writing out even a simple plan helped me feel grounded. Reflecting at night became a quiet way to celebrate small wins and stay mindful.

14. Local baby drop-in classes

Joining a local mom group made it easy to discover nearby activities. It gave us a change of scenery, helped Scott explore new things, and connected me with other moms in the same stage.

15. Embracing slow living

Our culture loves speed and instant gratification, but life with a baby is the opposite. The slower rhythm can be jarring—but it's also deeply valuable. This year helped me to find beauty in the mundane and peace in the present and connect with God in a way I had never before. 

16. Ending the day watching silly nonsense with my husband

After putting Scott to sleep, my favourite thing was tea, cuddles, and laughing at ridiculous videos with my husband. Parenting is beautiful—but consuming. It's important to laugh and be reminded of life outside of being parents. Even though I might only have 5 minutes before my eyes drift away, it was always worth that time spent together. 

17. My Faith

Parenting humbles you. You realize how significant your role is—and yet how small you feel. I often felt like a baby myself, learning to walk in a new world. But that’s where faith met me. God gently reminded me: You don’t have to do this alone. You were never meant to.

18. There's no such thing as a Perfect Mom 

We carry so much pressure to be “better.” In an age overflowing with advice, it can be overwhelming. But one piece of wisdom I’ll never forget: God isn’t asking you to be the perfect mom. He’s asking you to love perfectly as the mom you are.

The love moving through you won’t look like anyone else’s—because it’s not supposed to. Rest in that truth.

Thank you, Mary Grace at Ascension Presents for this precious advice. 

Find what works for you

Every mother’s journey is different. These reflections are simply what brought me joy, peace, and perspective. I’d love to hear what helped you in your first year of motherhood too.

Wishing you grace, strength, and so much love as you find your own rhythm.

With love,
Natalie Grace xx