“When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren
VIVIANA TORRES WITH AMY & IAN
Mother’s Day plans this year? I will be meeting with my children (Amy & Ian), my husband (Javi) and some friends and family to celebrate Mother’s Day at the end of this month.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? My mom always told me not to give my kids every material thing they want or ask for just because you want to give them everything that you did not have. Sometimes a little difficulty also brings learning and creativity.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Enjoy your children every minute while they are young. Time goes by very quickly.
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? Every time a teacher tells me that my children are wonderful, smart, talented, kind and behave well. Also, I feel very proud of them when I teach them something that I think is very difficult for them and they understand it easily.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Catherine Zeta-Jones.
MARIA TERESA VILLEGA GARCIA WITH LEONEL AND MARTIN
Mother’s Day plans this year? I plan to enjoy my Mother’s Day by spending time with my family this year.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? To enjoy my life as a mom while it lasts because kids grow up really fast.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? I have two kids, so I would say to have two kids so they can grow up together and make memories together.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? My proudest mom moment would probably be when I held my kids in my arms for the very first time.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Livia Brito
MEGHAN BOLEN RICHARDSON WITH SHANNON & TWINS JONATHAN & OWEN
Plans for Mother’s Day? No real plans, just hoping to relax at home and maybe go kayaking. Champagne will be involved at some point. I also get the treat of Jonathan being home from UF so I’m looking forward to hanging out with him and listening to his stories about freshman year.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? That’s really tough as my kids impress me every day with what awesome people they are. I suppose I’m most proud that we all genuinely like each other and enjoy each other’s company and conversation.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? My dad once told me I am enough. I was having a low mommy moment and feeling anything but sufficient. Sometimes I (and I’m guessing other moms) get so caught up in feeling like we have to be more, do more, have more for our kids. Dad reminded me that I was already enough for my kids just by being a loving mom to them. It was wonderful advice.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Be kind to other mommas. Parenting never gets easier, it just changes and I’m pretty sure most of us are winging it on a daily basis. While we’re doing the best we can, there’s not a lot of time to catch your breath before one phase (that you finally mastered) ends and another (that you have no clue how to handle) begins. So be kind, because while we make it look easy, it’s a tough gig.
STEPHANIE ZAJAC WITH NOAH
Mother’s Day plans this year? The plan is no plan! There’s always a plan and always a schedule. To just have no plan, relax, sit in my giant egg chair with a glass of red wine reading my book sounds like the best plan.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Take a sunset walk with the baby from the moment you are able to walk after giving birth. It gets you out of the house at a very calm and enjoyable time and starts to set a schedule of differentiating between night and day for the baby.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? You’re doing an amazing job.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? It’s crazy to think that all those really simple little things that we do every day are the proudest mom moments. The first time he smiled, laughed, clapped his hands, stuck out his tongue, every moment I cheered like my favorite team won the Super Bowl. But my proudest mom moment has to be him actually using his sign language to communicate.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Cameron Diaz or Christina Applegate
LEANYS CARLSON WITH JACK, LANAYA AND ALANYA
Mother’s Day plans this year? Spend quality time with my babies and go out to have a beautiful dinner together.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Time does go by quickly with them; stop and cherish every moment together.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Make time for your kids, and always show them that they are loved and capable of all things.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? Watching my two girls flourish into wonderful and caring little humans.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Julieta Madrigal
KAREN VERRI WITH AMELIA AND DOMINIC
Plans for Mother’s Day? Relaxing at home by the pool in our backyard.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Enjoy as much time with your kids as possible. It goes by so quickly and before you know it they will be all grown up.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Not to be so hard on yourself. You are doing a great job. Oftentimes we are our own worst critics and positive compliments can mean so much.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? Bringing home my youngest child from the NICU after a two-month stay when he was born.
In a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Mila Kunis.
ERIN MUIR WITH VIOLET, 5, AND CHARLIE, 9 MONTHS AND HUSBAND, SAM
Mother’s Day plans this year? My 5-year-old, Violet, says she’s made plans for us for the day but they’re a secret.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? This too shall pass, or some version of “no kid has ever gone to college (insert challenge such as with a pacifier, wearing pullups, etc. here).”
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Don’t always be the one taking the pictures; make a point to be in the pictures too!
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? My 9-month-old is hitting milestones left and right, so those are always great moments, and with Violet, I have proud mom moments every day! But one of my recent favorites has to be when she was opening Easter eggs from her school’s egg hunt. One egg didn’t have a treat in it, but instead of getting upset, she explained that it was probably left empty on purpose to remind her of what they learned in the chapel about finding Jesus’ tomb empty because he had “become alive again”.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about their life? Jennifer Garner.
JESSICA LUGO
Mother’s Day plans this year? Hoping for a spa day but definitely brunch with my teenage daughter.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? “You can be a mess and still be a good mom.”
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? “Remember you are the boss, not them!”
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? When my daughter Jayda was about 6, she received an award for basketball. While taking a team picture, she smiled and said, “Mom, I get to take this with me to college.”
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? J-Lo
JAZMIN LOPEZ WITH JULIUS BALTODANO
Mother’s Day plans this year? I’m not sure. My husband just told me to be ready by 9 a.m., but as long as I’m with my son and husband I am happy.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? To be present and enjoy every stage because they don’t last long.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Don’t be too hard on yourself. A child doesn’t need a perfect mom, but they do need a happy mom.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? Watching my baby crawl for the first time. I can’t believe how fast he is growing.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Gal Gadot. She is such a badass. Can I say badass? You can edit that out if I can’t.
ERIN VOELLIGER WITH ZOE AND EMMA
Mother’s Day plans this year? I will be spending the day with my family playing and relaxing at the beach and in the water. Then I’m going home to eat an awesome steak from Fish Tales!
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Choose your battles wisely! For example, all those adorable outfits your child has don’t have to be worn together so they match and look cute … especially if your child is getting themself dressed! (Remember this when you see me in public)
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Stop and smell the roses, literally! And pick up sticks, collect rocks and leaves, watch the lizards run around, and look for shapes in the clouds. Enjoy the little moments because, as the saying goes, the days may be long but the years are oh so short.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? It feels impossible to pick one moment. However, I definitely feel proud when I see my children enjoying each other’s company.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Drew Barrymore
CARROLLYN COX (AND HER THEATER ‘KIDS’)
Mother’s Day plans this year? Talk to my three grown children and my own mother on the phone!
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Do the best you can; kids don’t come with instruction manuals.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Talk less, listen more.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? Other than attending the college graduations of my three children … watching Claire on stage singing, dancing, and acting her heart out in “American Idiot” (pre-pandemic).
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Meryl Streep
BETTE ZIRKELBACH WITH BING AND BELLE
Mother’s Day plans this year? I will be taking a much needed weekend off … dancing and listening to live music at JazzFest in NOLA.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from my Mom: “Don’t let the turkeys get you down.”
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? You got this! You are stronger than you know. Being a Mom brings out your inner strength.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? I am most proud of how both of my children see a world so much bigger than themselves. They are caring and nurturing. I will never forget when they came home to tell me they found an owl on the side of the street that was hurt and may be dead. We gathered up some rescue gear and the “owl” ended up being a common nighthawk in distress. We carefully put the bird in a carrier and took him to the Wild Bird Center, where Kelly walked the kids through examining the injured bird. Most people would never even have noticed the injured bird camouflaged so well with the hardwood hammock ground cover.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Gal Gadot.
STACEY MITCHELL & DAUGHTER DEVIN
Plans for Mother’s Day? I will spend time at Fort Zach, where many a birthday party was held when Devin was growing up. It continues to be our “happy place.”
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Feeding my child the “natural way” and the positive impact of a Montessori education. I was fortunate to have a very healthy baby and I attribute it to the chosen feeding method during the first year, and the Montessori education she received during her primary years continues to have an impact on her approach to learning and growing.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? In addition to the above, I would add for the parent and child to find an activity/routine/tradition that only you and your child share. The memories of that bond will carry into your child’s adulthood. On Sunday afternoons we would go for bike rides to visit her “Meka’s” final resting place in the cemetery, then go have crepes at Le Creperie. Whenever Devin comes home for a visit, we still make time to do this activity.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far?Devin’s first year as a 4th grade teacher in an inner-city elementary school during the height of the pandemic and all learning was remote. Can you imagine? I became HER guidance counselor, and as all moms would say, “I was happy to do so.”
MICHELLE NORWOOD w/KIDS EVA & BILLY
Plans for Mother’s Day? My mom lives in Illinois, but came down for a few days and we’re all going to Benihana for dinner and an onion volcano.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? “Having a kid is like getting a tattoo on your face. You’d better be SURE you want one because once you have it, there’s no changing your mind.”
Best advice you would offer other mothers? In the event of a meltdown, just add water. Put the baby in the bath, let the toddler splash in the tub, or throw the bigger kids into the closest pool. Water makes most things better.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? Seeing them take care of their younger cousins and interacting with younger kids. You can tell a lot about a kid by the way they treat littler kids. (Just not their younger brothers).
In a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Jennifer Lawrence, but add a few years, a few pounds and Andie MacDowell’s hair.
LEE REKAS & DAUGHTER MADDIE
What are your plans this Mother’s Day? Having a lazy Sunday together, brunch, hanging by the pool and a bike ride.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten regarding motherhood? Trust your motherly instinct. And take that nap
Best motherhood advice you can give? Find your tribe. It really does take a village. Connecting with other families, especially those you can lean on, will make life so much easier (and more fun).
Proudest mom moment so far? I’m proud to be Maddie’s mom every moment.Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Blake Lively
LAUREN MONGELLI w/SONS DAMIAN & DASH RATCLIFF
Plans for Mother’s Day? Spend the day at Marvin Key with the boys.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Cherish every moment because they grow fast.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Your kids won’t remember if the house was clean or the laundry was done, but they will remember the times you got dirty and played.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? When my kids display kindness to others.
JULIA KALETOVA w/DAUGHTER EMILIA “EMI” SARISSKY
Plans for Mother’s Day? Pool time
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Everything is a phase.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Everything is a phase.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? Every day, how kind Emi is.
In a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Lily James
CANDICE MCCARTHY WITH JACOB, LILLY AND OLLIE
Mother’s Day plans this year? Jon and the kids (Jacob, Lilly & Ollie) will start by making me a late morning breakfast, and then it’s a “my choice” kind of day. Wahoo! So far, I’m planning an afternoon of sailing the JY followed by kayaking and a bonfire at the beach. Most likely a seafood dinner and sunset drinks. The perfect Keys Sunday Funday!
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? In lieu of arguing with my children, my dear friend, Debbie, taught me to respond with, “I love you too much to argue.” I love this one! It really helps me slow the discussion and gives us all time to think about the subject and address it at a later time with less “excitement.”
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Give the children choices instead of just saying “no.” I’ve found this helps time and time again. If I give Jacob or Lilly a few choices, and allow them the time to think about whatever it may be, the outcome is usually a happier one, and they were given the opportunity to be a part of the decision.
Proudest “mom moment” so far? When I see all three of my children playing well together, I’m proud. I’m even more proud when I see them playing with other kids and being kind. I feel a great sense of peace when I see them spreading kindness to others and I hear from other moms how kind they are. It melts my heart. I must have whispered in their ears a thousand times, “You’re big, you’re brave, you’re strong … you’re wicked handsome, and always always be kind.”
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Can I give two? Toss up between Katherine Heigl and Cameron Diaz. I just think they’re both crazy funny in their roles and amazing moms.
JESSICA CRANNEY – EXPECTING 1ST CHILD IN SEPTEMBER
Plans for Mother’s Day, even though it’s a bit early for you? That’s the day Josh and I will do the big gender reveal during a family poolside barbecue. We’ll learn the gender on Cinco de Mayo, which is ironic because my go-to food these days is a tasty chicken quesadilla. Then we’ll tell everyone on Mother’s Day.
Any names you want to share, or is that a secret? Josh and I are going to keep this one a secret. But we will say, if it’s a girl, her middle name will be Carol, which was my late grandmother’s name. She was a very special woman in my life. Our family is just finding this out as they read this piece — SMILE!
Any pregnancy advice you’d pass on to other expectant, new moms? Take it in. … Everything moves so quickly. Days, hours and minutes keep moving forward. Keep a journal, document your memories, take tons of pictures, and try to live in each day to remember the journey. These will all become very special moments and memories for yourself and the little baby.
How does it feel to be an expectant mother in your 40s? I feel healthy and amazing! Having a baby in your 40s is a miracle and very special for moms-to-be. Due to advances in technology surrounding fertility, pregnancy and delivery, it is possible to safely have a baby at age 40, or older. Try to stay in shape, eat healthy and keep moving!
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Get off Google. You will drive yourself absolutely crazy with wanting to know and learn every single thing that happens. Know that you are doing an amazing job and lean on your family and friends for support when needed.
Biggest wish for your newborn? To be a healthy, loved and happy little baby.
Biggest fear about being a mom? Failure is a very hard thing and word, but that is my fear. Josh and I want to give this little baby the world and more.
Any bizarre pregnancy cravings? In these past four months, my body has definitely wanted more food. Topping the list would have to be Cool Ranch Doritos and a sausage, egg & cheese croissant from Dunkin Donuts.
DENISE CHELEKIS & SON MATTHEW
Plans for Mother’s Day? I’m gonna work so another mom can spend the day with her kids.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Both my parents passed away when I was a teenager, so I had to wing it. But it looks like I did a good job.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Keep kids in sports.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? He constantly surprises me by doing little things to show he loves me. (And not just on Mother’s Day.)
DEBI HINDSLEY w/DAUGHTER CHARLEE STAR MCCONNELL
Plans for Mother’s Day? Hopefully, a surprise breakfast in bed and a magical foot rub.
Best advice you’ve received about motherhood? Never shake a baby.
Best advice you would offer other mothers? Don’t rush it. I love all the small moments we have together.
Proudest “Mom moment” so far? Each and every new word she says. Everything is “heavy” lately, even when it’s a paper bag.In a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? Kate Hudson
SARA HAMILTON WITH CONOR, 5 (TURNS 6 IN JULY) AND CAROLYN, 3 (TURNS 4 IN JUNE)
Mother’s Day plans this year? Depending on the weather, I will likely spend the day on the boat or exploring the hammocks with my family.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? My mom always told me to just relax. Show your kids love and everything will work out.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Hug your kids as much as possible. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most of all, enjoy your family.
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? I have only been a mom for six years, and there have already been too many to list. But I still beam every time I see my kids laughing and playing together; siblings are the absolute best.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about their life? Oh I have no clue! It would have to be someone pretty interesting to make my normal life worth watching.
SAMANTHA ARCE WITH ADDISON 16, JOEY 12, MARLEY 10
Mother’s Day plans this year? Husband and kids, along with another family, are making us brunch and having a pool day.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? To take it as it comes. It gets easier and harder everyday, but enjoy all the moments you can!
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? It’s OK to cry in the closet with a bottle of wine.
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? When Addison went to the Junior Miss Orange bowl pageant and gave the most moving answer to a question about what “strength” meant to her. She got a standing ovation and had me in tears.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about their life? Amy Schumer seems like the most accurate choice!
JEN WHITE WITH KATIE
Mother’s Day plans this year? My Mother’s Day plan is to relax with my family. My husband, Kevin, can griddle up amazing pancakes; it has become a tradition.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Best advice is from my own mother, “bloom where you are planted.” She taught us in your job or where you live to live your best life, as she did herself.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Trust you Mama gut. You know your child best.
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? My proudest Mom moment is the amazing teacher my daughter Katie has become and the way she loves her class of 1st graders.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about their life? Mandy Moore!
ISIS WRIGHT WITH SIENA, 10
Mother’s Day plans this year? No concrete plans. The idea of floating/reading a book while my family is nearby being busy bees sounds perfect.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Our kids will do what we do. I felt the responsibility of doing the things I hoped my daughter would do as a young lady and blossoming young adult.
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? Fill your vessel. Moms are in a constant state of giving. Find the things or morsels of time that fill your soul bucket. Happy Mom, happy home.
Proudest “mom moment” thus far? I am guilty of hoarding just about everything she makes or does. I am grateful and proud all the time. Every year she raises her own bar, so I think I’ll be a silly emotional mom for years to come.
Who would you want to play you in a movie about their life? I had to think about this one. Maybe Sandra Bullock. Love so many of her movies. There is a quirky strong vibe about her.
GLORIA WALTERS WITH RACHEL AND MICHAELA
Mother’s Day plans this year? Church on Sunday morning, brunch and a boat ride after…and grilling out for dinner!
Best advice you’ve ever gotten from any mom? Best advice was to always listen to my children, never judge and ALWAYS LOVE AND SUPPORT my children!
Best advice you’d give to other mothers? ENJOY every moment of every day you have with your children for the rest of your life, as it will go fast and you must embrace the good times and the challenging times!
Proudest “mom moment” so far? My most proud moment with all four of my children was watching them become genuinely interested in helping others first in everything they do!
Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? I would absolutely love for my mother to play me in a movie about my life. She is my role model and truly the best mom ever!
