Cover Baby Aera, with big sister Ellery, mum Rachel Wee and dad Ken Chen (Photo: Ashley Low Photography)

With new additions to the family, Mother’s Day is even more special for Vihari Poddar, Rachel Wee, Kelly Keak and Sabrina Ho, who share with us the joy that their Tatlings bring

With Mother’s Day round the corner, it seemed the perfect time to catch up with some of the mums in our Tatler community who have recently welcomed joyful new additions to their families.

Rachel Wee, Vihari Poddar and Kelly Keak share what it’s been like expanding their families and the lessons learnt, while Sabrina Ho lets us in on how becoming a new mum has changed her life. As with all motherhood journeys, there are ups and downs, but one thing’s for sure–these adorable Tatlings are making Mother’s Day even more special this year.

In case you missed it: How Calista Cuaca and Jamie Chua nail mother-daughter dressing

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Photo 1 of 2 Baby Aera, with big sister Ellery, mum Rachel Wee and dad Ken Chen (Photo: Ashley Low Photography)
Photo 2 of 2 Baby Aera with big sister Ellery (Photo: Ashley Low Photography)

“I like being hands-on as a mum and doing everything myself, but going back to work and having two girls now, I have learned how to let go and ‘outsource’ what I can, in order to spend quality time with them. It’s not about the hours you spend but about being physically present during the precious time spent with them. My favourite part about being a mum is seeing my children grow and develop into their own person, with their own personalities, likes and dislikes. I love learning about them, and being with them 24/7. I don’t get sick of their company!”

— Rachel Wee, Operations manager at Jean Yip Group

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Photo 1 of 2 Baby Veera with mum Vihari Poddar
Photo 2 of 2 Baby Veera, with mum Vihari Poddar, dad Abhishek Poddar, big brother Drissh and big sister Kiara

“Veera has completely changed the dynamic in my house. Her arrival taught my eldest daughter that she’s not the only princess in the house, taught my son that he’s not the baby of the house, gave my husband an ‘ox’ friend since he’s born in the Year of the Ox, too, and made me the juggling queen. Most importantly, being outnumbered with three kids has made me a lot more relaxed about little things that don’t go my way. It has made me more patient and accepting towards things that are beyond my control. It has taught me to choose my battles.”

— Vihari Poddar, Founder of Vihari Jewels

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Photo 1 of 2 Baby Elissa, with mum Kelly Keak, dad Mark Lee, and big brother Ian
Photo 2 of 2 Baby Elissa

“One trait that Elissa and I share is that we like to smile. We live each day with joy. My children have taught me so much. The most important lesson is about selfless love. Being in the beauty industry, we are always reminded to take care of ourselves. But now, my children comes first. It’s only after I have spent time with them and [putting them] to sleep that I start on my beauty regime, and posting my “digital diary” on Instagram stories. They have also taught me what it’s like to be the recipient of wholehearted love. As a baby, all you want is your parents; for them to hold you, love you, comfort you and feed you. Oh, it feels so good to be loved that way. I’ve learned to love others unconditionally, too, and I’ve started appreciating my parents more. I’m much closer to them [now] than I was in my younger days. I would make the effort to spend time with them and celebrate their special days. I now know the joy of being loved unconditionally, so I’m always mindful to do the same for my family.”

— Kelly Keak, Managing director of MTM Labo

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Photo 1 of 2 Baby Ava, with mum Sabrina Ho and dad Kevin Matthews
Photo 2 of 2 Baby Ava

“Having a new baby is definitely a life-changing experience and Ava teaches us about patience, resilience, and unconditional love. Witnessing Ava grow up so quickly has also made us better understand the value of time and the importance of being present in the moment. By cherishing each moment with her and being fully present in her life, we are able to deepen our connection and create lasting memories. Being a mum has also given me something even more meaningful: a greater sense of purpose and direction. Through my work with Half the Sky, I am committed to creating a world where all women and girls have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. As a mother, Ava gives me a daily reminder of why this mission is so important. I want to create a better future for her and for all the daughters of the world, and I know that by working together, we can make this vision a reality.”

— Sabrina Ho, Founder and CEO of Half the Sky

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