It’s been such a long time since I’ve sat down to write a blog post for TravelTod. Life has been beautifully full — and somehow, as we approach the end of the year, I find myself wondering where all the months have gone.
This year truly felt like a flash. I blinked, and suddenly my newborn — the same little one whose first birthday we were just celebrating — is now a two-year toddler. A curious, funny, determined little person who challenges me daily and has become the best buddy to her big brother. She’s now fully potty trained!
It’s incredible how different every child is. Our son was also trained at this age — both were very genuine and "effortless" but in their own ways. On this matter, if you need any help, Angela from Upchild is your go to- a TravelTod Partner. Our daughter, is the classic second child: she learns everything faster, speaks with such surprising clarity, and is so observant that it's dangerous!— and yes, occasionally manipulative. We’re navigating tantrums we never had to experience with him, but at the same time, she fills our home with so much laughter, attitude, and personality.
As November arrives and festive decorations begin to light up the streets, I always feel a wave of reflection wash over me. It’s the time I pause and think about everything — our year, our parenthood, our children, our work, and our life as a family. And this 2025, it feels like everything has changed so much.
Motherhood, I’ve learned, is a constant journey of discovery — not only about our little ones, but about ourselves. It’s the small, unexpected moments that shape us: watching a baby take their first crawl, then their first step, then suddenly running and talking back; realizing you’ve learned how to raise little humans from scratch while trying to keep up with the pace of it all.
Time passes fast, and these early years are fleeting. So I’m reminding myself — and all of you reading this — to slow down, to cherish the tiny moments, to laugh through the chaos, and to be present. Because one day, we’ll look back and realize these days — the sleepless nights, the messy meals, the endless questions, the cuddles, and even the tantrums — were the best chapters of our story.
Feeling lost sometimes in the journey? You’re not alone. No one really talks enough about the challenges that come with motherhood — going back to work, trying to embrace a new version of yourself, or building a business in search of the flexibility to be there for your kids. It’s a lot. I’ve lived through it in my way.. two kids, two businesses — and I understand you all. With TravelTod, it has always been about passion: for being sustainable, for embracing parenthood, for keeping ourselves healthy and grounded amid the whirlwind. I love meeting moms along the way, dads, parents-to-be — connecting, chatting, supporting each other in every way we can. So don't hesitate in reaching out for either help on TravelTod or just because of something across your motherhood or career journey.
Here’s to the final stretch of the year — to reflection, gratitude, and all the beautiful, messy, heart-full parts of raising little humans.
With love,
Giselle
Founder of TravelTod