Jen K Hawkins

Last Friday was their last day of second grade.
I don’t post as much about them as I used to, I feel like they’re getting older and want them to have privacy about certain things if they want it. But I started out posting about them and their growth to give other families in the NICU some hope, and the big milestones still feel SO important.
Remember when their doctor said “nobody ever started kindergarten in the NICU”? He was right about that, and now those tiny babies are finishing second grade, the tallest in their class, getting awards for citizenship and academics, reading so well and doing math. They’re kind and funny and navigating a lot I wish they didn’t have to, and I’m so so proud of them.

1 Ask these two to hug or kiss in a photo and they melt into each other every time (It was pajama day, so of course they took that opportunity to wear animal onesies.)
2 Piper is such a bright light, I’m in awe.
3 Romy has so much depth, I’m in awe (also, does not love photos/videos so it was sweet of her to take this for me. I missed our “first day” photo, so I’m proud of letting that go and not forcing it and also proud of making this one happen!)
4 Piper’s wink! And that reading level…they have both learned and grown SO much this year.
5 Walking up the stairs to their last day of second grade…I had a good cry as I pulled away.
6 I want to say that I’m convinced that I literally prayed this teacher into existence for these girls, but I can’t even take that credit. He is the kind of teacher ANY parent would pray for their kids to have, but the kind you are surprised actually exists in this world. Before this school year started, I prayed the girls would have the best teacher for them. He far exceeded my expectations - he SEES them, cares, taught them so much while making them laugh, knows what they need and how to manage it along with the needs of the entire class, goes above and beyond for the school and the community. He’s the kind of teacher that made my girls wish summer wasn’t here, and the one they will remember forever. We will miss him SO much next year - the peace I was able to feel each day meant the world. (Cont. in comments)

“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
I believe the true measure of a life is not just in what we build and learn for ourselves, but in the love, safety, and presence we create for our children. When children feel prioritized, they grow up knowing they are worthy of love, and that becomes the foundation for everything else. This night brings up so many emotions for me, but the biggest are gratitude for the beautiful girls I have, and determination to give them the best life possible while teaching them to also have that gratitude, turn around, and help the next little ones in line. Forever grateful to Cary Hyden and the amazing work he does with and for CHOC/Rady. Also grateful for my plus one, - the most generous friend and mother to every kid she comes in contact with.

Every time I look up at the stars, my eyes go straight to Orion’s Belt. Maybe because it’s one of the easiest constellations to spot, or maybe because Men in Black wired every 90s kid to think the entire galaxy might be hanging off it. But in the past few years, I’ve started to think it reminds me of me and the girls, the three of us, always together. Two different healers I’ve worked with told me that the girls and I have had multiple lives together. One said that we are soul mates, and we always find a way to get here together. She told stories of a life where we were all sisters, this time I’m the mother. The first time I heard it, I dismissed it. Multiple lives feels like an overwhelming belief to have, can’t God teach us enough lessons in one? 🙏🏼But when the second person said it, even used the same words to describe it and told the same story of a past life, I started to feel it. Maybe in another life, we did look up at Orion’s Belt together, just like we do now from our little house. I looked up the meanings/cultural significance attached to the constellation over the years, and here’s what I loved:
Other names include the Three Kings, and the Three Sisters 🥹
In Portugal (where my mom’s family is from) it’s referred to as As Três Marias, representing the three Marys.
Spiritually, it’s often associated with the “dark night of the soul” or a doorway to higher consciousness.
Because it sits on the celestial equator, it is visible from almost everywhere on Earth, making it essential for navigation. It has played a central role in for people finding their way in the Northern hemisphere since prehistoric times.

You might read this and think it’s all silly, maybe it is. But I believe God made the stars, and I believe in finding meaning in whatever brings us…meaning.

Is anyone still reading? Is this a good time to tell you that I’m finally getting around to posting some of our favorite summer pieces from , which is actually just fine because they’re still in stock and actually on sale for Mother’s Day? Comment for links/20% off for the next two days when you join the Collective.
First photos 🫶🏼

Things I been a wearin’ lately….a lot. With photo evidence. (Links in stories)

**GIVEAWAY** 🫶🏼 One of our (mine AND the girls’) favorite kid brands is , and it’s extra special knowing it’s run by a local mama and good friend of mine 🤍

The girls LIVE in their swimsuits every year (I’d say summer but they’re always swimming). They fit my girls so well and last sooo long. When we finally grow out of them they still look brand new, even after a million washes/swims/sunny days. No stretching, fading, or pilling, which is so rare to find.

We also love their clothes - so comfy and always just so COOL. Romy’s obsessed with the one piece suits and their hoodies. Piper dies over the two piece suits and the knit dresses/matching sets. And I’m so happy this sweatshirt came in my size, perfect for cooler beach days and I’m actually wearing it right now, as I type…ha! Comes in kid AND adult sizes 😉.

NOW FOR THE FUN PART - in honor of mother’s day being so close, we’re gifting one lucky mama:
🎁 a $250 Seaesta Surf gift card to treat the whole family
💛 a Mother’s Day necklace just for her

To enter: follow + and tag your favorite mamas in the comments below! Each tag counts as an entry👇 (Winner will be picked/notified this Sunday morning!)

No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents 18+. Giveaway ends April 25th, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST. Winner will be selected at random and notified via DM within 48 hours.
Odds of winning depend on number of entries.
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By entering, you agree to release Instagram from any responsibility.