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18 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2025 Motherhood isn't always grand gestures or perfect Pinterest moments — often, it's the quiet triumphs in everyday life that shine the brightest. It's the car rides filled with deep conversations, the lunchbox notes, the loud cheers from the sidelines, and the hugs after a hard day. This Mother's Day, we're celebrating six local moms— women who are raising remarkable kids while finding mean- ing, humor, and strength in the beautiful chaos of life. 6 Local Moms Share What Motherhood Means to Them! Meet Bailey! She and her husband Cody are raising their sweet, spirited 3-year-old son, Stellan, in Fredericksburg. For Bailey, motherhood has been a beautiful blend of humbling moments and joyful victories. She's learning and growing right alongside her little one, embracing the daily chaos with love and patience. Her advice to fellow moms? "Some days will feel like a win, others are pure survival. Give yourself grace and know that you're doing great... and that snacks solve most problems!" Samantha Henry, Fredericksburg Meet Samantha! She's been happily married to her hus- band Stanley for 15 years, and together they're raising their 11-year-old son, Kobyn. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, they moved to Fredericksburg in 2021 and got to experience the excitement of watching their home being built from the ground up. Motherhood is everything to Samantha, bringing her immense joy to know that she's raising him with the same strong values her mom instilled in her. This season of motherhood is especially meaningful as she watches Kobyn grow, discovering what he loves and having deep, thoughtful conversa- tions with him. Her advice for fellow moms? "Spend time with your kids. Like real time. Time moves so fast. You will never get these moments back, they will only be memories." Venise Lewis, Spotsylvania Meet Venise! She and her husband, Karim (who's originally from Casablanca, Morocco), live in Spotsylvania but spend most of their time in Fredericksburg with their energetic 14-year-old son, Ramsey. Ramsey is an athletic and adventurous spirit who keeps his parents on their toes with his passion for football, basketball, and cul- tural activities. From attending the Marquis de Lafayette gala to taking Regency period dance lessons, Venise is making precious memories with Ramsey as he grows. For Venise, motherhood has been about being there for her son through all the stages — from fun childhood adventures to the excitement of sporting events and future college tours. Her advice to fellow moms? "As much as you prepare for it, you are never ready. There is always something unexpected or something you should have learned more about that will pop up. Just do your best and don't worry about being the perfect mother, it will all work out in the end." WRITTEN BY AMANDA DANAHER Exceptional Mothers in Everyday Life Bailey DeCarli, Fredericksburg Exceptional Mothers Bailey DeCarli, Fredericksburg Exceptional Mothers