Alexis McMullin (@alexismaymcmullin) is a happily married mother of Penny and her newborn August. She loves all things fashion, beauty, interior design, minimalism, and travel. She is constantly on the move but her current principal residences include Hawaii and Chicago.

International Women’s Day is an important day to remember womanhood and what it means to all of us. Every person on earth has benefited from women in many ways. One that is most special for me is the bond between mother and child.

I’ve always had a special bond with my mom as well as with my grandmothers. I remember convincing them to wear wedding dresses and parade around the house. I remember them going on walks with me, teaching me, playing, and having fun together. I remember them making me who I am today.

One of the things they instilled in me was the desire to become a mother myself. There is nothing that has been more special than the moment that I became a mom. I had a C-section, so I was loopy, but my husband held my daughter in front of my face so we could look into each other's eyes and the joy I felt was just starting. It wasn’t long before they laid her onto my bed and she smiled as they put her there. Sometimes I wouldn’t mind her saying “dada” now instead of always saying “mama!” but I’m not sure I’d have it any other way!

I’ve since had a second baby (a little boy), seen many of my friends become moms, and have watched our babies become friends. There is nothing more important to me than my family and being a mother. It’s so important for me to spend time together and make sure they are safe and happy. And it’s so important for me to celebrate this one piece of what makes women special on International Women’s Day today. Being a mom brings me and so many others such great joy, and no one else can do it!