As I sit down to write this, I’m surrounded by the joyful whirlwind of my two little ones—one is riding the scooter around the house and the other is sneaking play-do into her mouth while learning to give her first steps. The vibrant "mess" of motherhood is my daily reality, and it’s a journey that has shaped not only my life and my family's but also my two ventures, especially TravelTod, inspired by both Mother Nature and the beautiful unpredictability of parenting.
The Challenge of Two Under Two
When we first found out I was expecting our second child just as my first was still a baby (8 months), I experienced a whirlwind of emotions: mainly excitement, possibly anxiety and a hint of disbelief. How would I manage two tiny humans who both demanded my attention and love while trying to still have a life of my own? The reality of parenting two kids under two years old has been nothing short of challenging.
In those early days, I often felt overwhelmed. Sleepless nights blurred into exhausting days, and moments of self-doubt crept in. I questioned if I could juggle it all: nursing, diaper changes, toddler tantrums, and finding a moment for myself. It wasn’t uncommon to hear me whispering to myself, “You’ve got this,” while navigating the unpredictable world of baby and toddlerhood.
Yet, amid the challenges, there was always immense joy. Watching my children grow together has been a treasure. Time has flown by, and before I knew it, the stage of "two under two" was slipping away. I vividly remember the day my youngest started crawling, holding hands with her brother, their laughter now filling the room as they play together. Those moments of pure joy, when they share a smile or a silly game, remind me that even in the hectic times, there is beauty and companionship in their bond. That from a very young age, we've given them the biggest gift we could: to have a sibling to grow with, bond with, to be friends with.
Each day, they bring light to my life, and I’m grateful for the joy they give me, both individually and as a pair.
The Learning Curve
Throughout the rollercoaster, I’ve learned (and continue learning) invaluable lessons. Motherhood has taught me the importance of patience—not just with my children, but also with myself. Each day brings new challenges, and I’ve discovered that flexibility is my greatest ally. Sometimes, plans go awry; nap times clash, and tantrums strike at the most inconvenient moments. Instead of seeing these as setbacks, I’ve learned to embrace the spontaneity that comes with having little ones, be a bit more relaxed and "go with the flow".
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from this journey is the power of connection. My children, despite their 15 month difference, are deeply intertwined in their experiences. I’ve seen how they learn from each other, how they copy each other ( the good and the bad), how laughter and joy can fill our home even during the toughest of days. Their bond inspires me, reminding me that family is not just about blood but about nurturing and supporting one another through thick and thin. My husband and I learn from them every single day and we cherish precious "no screen" moments, sustainable activities, story-telling, among others.
The Rewards of Motherhood
Despite the challenges, the rewards of raising my children are immeasurable. Each milestone— first words, first meals, first crawls, first steps, shared giggles—fills my heart with a warmth that no material possession could ever provide. There’s something magical about watching them explore the world with such wonder. They remind me daily of the beauty in simplicity, whether it’s a leaf falling from a tree or a puddle waiting to be splashed in.
This journey has also deepened my commitment to sustainability. I want to create a world for my children that is rich in nature and kindness. As a mother and founder of a sustainable children’s brand, I’m driven by the belief that we can nurture our little ones while also nurturing our planet. Each product I create is infused with love and respect for Mother Nature, aiming to foster a sense of responsibility in my children as they grow.
The Balance of Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
Juggling motherhood with entrepreneurship is a dance that requires rhythm and grace. Some days I feel like I’m mastering the steps, while other days it feels like I’m stumbling through. I’ve learned to celebrate the small victories—whether it’s completing a project or simply making it through a day without losing my mind. It’s a reminder that every effort counts, no matter how small.
My passion for hospitality, coupled with my background in the industry, creates a perfect mix for my entrepreneurial journey. The importance of customer service resonates deeply with me, as I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to make someone’s day a little brighter. This dedication extends to my other venture, where I've founded and manage a hospitality company that also prioritises sustainable principles and crafts experiences for travellers of all kinds. In both endeavors, I strive to create welcoming spaces that reflect my values while ensuring that my customers feel valued and cared for.
In building TravelTod, I’ve made it a priority to incorporate sustainable practices, from sourcing materials to reducing waste to the logistics and more. Each product represents not only my passion for creating eco-friendly children’s items but also my commitment to leaving a better world for my kids. This mission has become a beautiful extension of my motherhood journey, as I strive to raise mindful, compassionate little ones.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Every Step
As I navigate the ups and downs of raising our two little ones, (two and a half and 14 months today), I am continuously reminded that this journey is a profound gift. The challenges have shaped me, the lessons have enriched me, and the rewards have filled my heart with joy.
To all the parents out there, know that you’re not alone in this whirlwind of emotions, exhaustion, and exhilaration. Each day brings its own set of challenges, but the love we cultivate makes it all worthwhile. Here’s to embracing the unpredictability and nurturing our little ones—because in this wild adventure of motherhood, every moment is precious, and every step is a testament to our resilience and love.
I hope that TravelTod not only offers you a delightful range of products but also provides a space to reflect on the world we live in and the environment we are creating for our children.
With love,
Giselle
Founder of TravelTod