TRIBUTES TO KEYS MOMS

KEYS WEEKLY CELEBRATES KEYS MOMS

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 moth-

ers? 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 innercity 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.”

LAUREN MONGELLI WITH SONS DAMIAN & DASH RATCLIFF

Plans for Mother’s Day? Spend the day at Marvin Key with the boys.

Best advice you’ve received about moth-

erhood? Cherish every moment because they grow fast.

Best advice you would offer other moth-

ers? 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.

MICHELLE NORWOOD WITH 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 moth-

erhood? “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.

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 moth-

erhood? 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 moth-

ers? 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.)

JULIA KALETOVA WITH DAUGHTER EMILIA “EMI” SARISSKY

Plans for Mother’s Day? Pool time.

Best advice you’ve received about moth-

erhood? Everything is a phase.

Best advice you would offer other moth-

ers? 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.

DEBI HINDSLEY WITH 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 moth-

erhood? Never shake a baby.

Best advice you would offer other moth-

ers? 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.

KAREN VERRI WITH AMELIA AND DOMINIC

Plans for Mothers Day? Relaxing at home by the pool in our backyard.

Best advice you’ve received about moth-

erhood? 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 moth-

ers? 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.

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 goto 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 moth-

erhood? 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.

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 moth-

erhood? My dad once told me I am enough. I was having a low mommy moment and feeling anything but sufficiency. 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.