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The New Dad's Guide to Celebrating Mother's Day

POSTED ON APRIL 11, 2023 BY LEANNE GUENTHER

Hey there, new dads! It's almost Mother's Day, and it's a special one because it's a new adventure for you.

I remember my first Mother's Day like it was yesterday. My husband, Darren, had been out all night at his best friend's bachelor party. He didn't even get a wink of sleep, but he still managed to whip up some pancakes for me the next day. It was such a sweet gesture that I'll never forget. So, as a mom who's been there, I wanted to share some suggestions to help you make your partner's first Mother's Day an unforgettable experience.

1. Handwritten Letter: Write a heartfelt letter expressing your love and appreciation for the new mom in your life. Share your admiration for her strength, dedication, and the joy she brings to your family. It's a keepsake she'll cherish forever.
2. Custom Playlist: Create a personalized playlist featuring songs that remind you of her or your journey together. Include tunes from your dating days, your wedding, or even lullabies you sing to your baby. This thoughtful gift will be a soundtrack of your love story.
3. Breakfast in Bed: Surprise her with breakfast in bed, complete with her favorite foods and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It's a simple yet thoughtful way to start her day on a positive note.
4. Custom Jewelry: Commemorate her first Mother's Day with a custom piece of jewelry, such as a necklace with the baby's initials, a bracelet with the baby's birthstone, or a ring engraved with a special message.
5. Offer a Day of Pampering: Arrange for a day of pampering, including a massage, facial, or mani-pedi. She'll appreciate the opportunity to relax and recharge.
6. Coordinate a Family Photoshoot: Capture the love and happiness of your new family with a professional photoshoot. Choose a scenic location and work with a photographer to create lasting memories that can be displayed in your home.
7. Plan a Romantic Date Night: Organize a special date night at home or her favorite restaurant. If you choose to stay in, cook her favorite meal, set the table with candles and flowers, and spend quality time together.
8. DIY Handprint or Footprint Art: Create a unique piece of art using your baby's handprint or footprint. This could be a framed canvas, a ceramic keepsake, or even a piece of jewelry. It's a sweet reminder of how tiny your little one once was.
9. Personalized Storybook: Create a personalized storybook featuring your child's name and the story of your family. It's a beautiful way to celebrate your love and the beginning of your parenting journey.
10. A Day Off: Give her the gift of time. Take care of all the baby duties and household chores for the day, allowing her to rest and enjoy some well-deserved me-time.

As you prepare to celebrate her first Mother's Day, remember that it's not about how much money you spend or how extravagant the gift is; it's about being there for her, supporting her, and making her feel loved and appreciated. Sometimes, the best memories we create with our loved ones aren't the result of grand gestures or elaborate plans. Often, it's the simple act of showing up for each other that leaves the deepest impressions on our hearts.

Darren's simple yet thoughtful pancake gesture on my first Mother's Day has turned into a beloved family tradition. Every year since then, he has continued to make me pancakes, and I must say, he's become quite skilled at it. That very first Mother's Day, after he had cleaned the kitchen and put our daughter Tasha down for her nap, Darren finally gave in to his exhaustion. He collapsed into bed, looking absolutely adorable despite his snores that seemed to shake the entire house. This moment became one of my most cherished memories.

Sometimes, the best memories we create with our loved ones aren't the result of grand gestures or elaborate plans. Often, it's the simple act of showing up for each other that leaves the deepest impressions on our hearts. So, as you prepare to celebrate her first Mother's Day, remember that it's not about how much money you spend or how extravagant the gift is; it's about being there for her, supporting her, and making her feel loved and appreciated.

As the years go by, your family will continue to grow and evolve, and new traditions will take shape. Embrace these moments, and don't forget to show up for each other, no matter how big or small the occasion may be. After all, it's these seemingly ordinary moments – like pancake breakfasts and house-shaking snores – that often turn into the most extraordinary memories.

To all the new dads out there, I wish you a heartfelt and memorable first Mother's Day celebration with your partner. May your love continue to grow as you journey through parenthood together, creating beautiful memories every step of the way!

29 years of pancakes and still going strong.

You've got this!
Leanne