Dr. Marie Mansaray-Lahai 🇸🇱

This video changed my family’s life… If you’re reading this caption, you were most likely introduced to my little family through this #MirrorMomentsWithMommy video of Linah and me. This one video transformed our lives in ways we never expected, placing us on what felt like a world stage and confirming my God-given purpose of creating safe spaces for young girls to feel empowered and affirmed. Over time, so many of you have shared how these affirmations have helped heal parts of your inner child. Knowing that something as simple as speaking life into my daughters has brought healing to others is beyond touching. This video also led us to our incredible tribe of virtual aunties and uncles. Your love for our family is felt not only through the screen but in person, too. Your warmth, support, and kindness have been such a blessing to us. Never in a million years did I imagine that something as natural and habitual as affirming my girls would have such a profound impact, opening doors to opportunities, friendships, and experiences we never dreamed of ( one of which I’ll share with you all later this evening ). I could go on about the joy of being recognized as Layla and Linah’s mama, but for now, I’ll just say this… Our family may have evolved over the past two years, but we’re still chatting and affirming in front of that mirror. I can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been working on. Thank you for being on this journey with us! Do you remember this video?

Today is National Youth Confidence Day & @fox26houston invited my little family on to highlight the way we instill confidence in our babies… PINCH ME 🥹… #NationalYouthConfidenceDay #AffirmationOfTheDay #SelfLove #BlackFamily #BlackJoy #MilennialParenting

The more I mature, the more I realize motherhood is really just winging it. Hit or miss. Trial and error. And the wildest part? It’s helped me understand my mother so much more. She was just a girl too…figuring it out, giving what she had, and hoping it was enough. Grateful to have shared pieces of my journey with @getparentingtips from the mirror affirmations to the motherhood lessons that humbled me most. I don’t have it all figured out. I’m just doing what works for my family—learning, unlearning, and showing up with love & mothering out loud. If my story helps another mama feel seen, heard, or a little less alone, then I’ve done my part. What has motherhood taught you the most so far? #MomOf4 #TwoUnderTwo #MotheringOutLoud #ModernMotherhood #ParentingWithPurpose #GetParentingTips

My girl had a full blown meltdown in public yesterday… she melted down so hard that another mama had to come hand me one of her shoes from the middle of the parking lot! Toddler mamas unite, IYKYK 😩! Honestly I never experienced these types of outbursts with Layla & Linah so this is all relatively new to me but this time instead of just correcting her, I wanted her to understand something important: Your voice is powerful too. You do not have to explode to be heard. And whew… while writing this caption I’m realizing that I needed this reminder too. Lorie is definitely going to be the one to fight for the family one day so I’m learning to guide that strength instead of breaking it. Sincerely, A mama in the Toddler Trenches ✌🏾 Mamas, how do you handle toddler meltdowns in public?

…to piggyback off that little heads up in my last caption: Everyone in this house did indeed go crazy about me this Mother’s Day. Super grateful & still in awe 🤎

…a quick reminder since Mother’s Day is around the corner: everyone in this house has had their fair share of time inside my body. As crazy as that sounds is exactly how crazy I need everybody to act about me this Mother’s Day. Thanks.

comment BABY for item links …a few things I’d grab if I was visiting a first-time mom for the first time Mamas, I know there’s so much more missing here but any feedback on the items I’ve mentioned here? Which one(s) would you vouch for? #WalmartFinds #FirstTimeMomEssentials #FirstTimeMom #MomOf4 https://liketk.it/6cl1a @walmart @tommeetippeenorthamerica @drbrowns @itzyritzy @munchkininc @babybrezza @boppycompany @always_brand @huggies @pampersus @honest @waterwipes

Thank you all so much for the love, advice, shared experiences, and reassurance after my last video about Lorie. The daycare did some investigating and the teacher involved was terminated. I truly appreciate everyone who reminded me that listening to our babies matters. One thing I never want my children to question is whether or not they can come to me when something feels wrong. So today I’m teaching Lorie to use her voice: “Do not touch me like that. I’m a baby.” Not to make her fearful… but to make her confident enough to speak up for herself early. And to any parent who has experienced something similar… my heart is with you. Parenthood really does require trusting people with pieces of your heart walking outside of your body. I’m learning that protecting our children also means teaching them that their voice matters too. Mamas! Do you actively teach your children to speak up when something feels wrong?

comment BOYS for item links 🔗… I thought finding cute boy clothes was gonna be hard… but Walmart definitely passed the vibe check with these sets Boy moms, what are some of your favorite places to buy clothes for lil’ man? @walmart @modernmomentsbygerber @gerberchildrenswear @gerber @wondernationusa https://liketk.it/6aVaA

Parenthood sometimes forces you to trust people with pieces of your heart that you could never replace. This is Lorie & Levii’s very first daycare experience and it hasn’t even been a full year yet. I truly did my part researching daycare options before enrolling them. For over a year I toured, watched, asked questions, prayed, and tried to make the best decision possible for my babies. But yet and still… one bad apple. After almost losing my life having Lorie, protecting my children is something I do not play about. The moment Lorie told me what happened, I immediately went to the director and that teacher never interacted with her again before eventually being terminated. But idk….I can’t help but still feel like she got away with hurting my child…. Parents… have you ever experienced something like this before? How would you handle it?

No matter where life takes me Sierra Leone will always have a piece of my heart. Becoming Miss Sierra Leone USA deepened my love for a country that already lived inside of me. It exposed me to so much of our beauty, culture, resilience, & beautiful people… I’ve carried that pride with me ever since. From my very Sierra Leonean man to my very Sierra Leonean-cultured children & home… I will continue to proudly represent Sierra Leone in all that I do 🤎

comment SHOP for links to this outfit. I swear seamsteess disappointed needs to be studied… Because what do you mean my outfit STILL isn’t ready yet?? the inly way to appease me at this rate is to take in the waist a little more 😏 Mamas, how do you navigate seamstress disappointment? Outfit @bloombyedzi Bracelets @jariatu.jewels