“Just when you think you know love, something little comes along and reminds you just how big it is.”

– Unknown

We catch up with our very close friend, Monika Rad. She is a mother, model and former Miss Universe Australia and discusses the meaning of motherhood, inspirations and how she juggles her career and being a mother.

Her and her husband, Alesandro, have just welcomed baby Luka to the family.

Image: Courtesy of Gregory Jewellers (Featuring Monika, Luka and Alesandro)

How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant? 

I was SO surprised and SO excited! We were very lucky in that we fell pregnant really quickly! I couldn’t quite believe it when I saw the two lines on the pregnancy test and I had butterflies in my stomach for days when I thought about it!

 

Both Alesandro and I were beyond happy.

Did COVID-19 have an impact on you as an expecting mother? 

COVID-19 was actually such a blessing in a sense when it came to my pregnancy because it forced me to take a step back from work and my usually crazy busy schedule!

Instead, I had so much more time to rest my body and relax and mentally prepare for my motherhood journey ahead. I think the slower pace of life had a postive impact on both me and my baby growing inside.

Image: Courtesy of Gregory Jewellers (Featuring Monika and Luka)

What are some of the things you are excited to experience during motherhood? 

I just couldn’t WAIT to meet my little man!

I spent countless days and nights while I was pregnant thinking about what he’d look like, what he’d sound like, what type of personality he would have and what it would be like finally to have him in my arms. It’s been a little over 3 months since Luka was born and I still can’t believe he’s here!

He’s brought so much joy to our lives already and watching him grow and develop a little more everyday makes me so happy.

I couldn’t have even fathomed how much I love him!

Are there any words of wisdom you learn from your mum that you will teach to Luka?

Oh my gosh, my mum is honestly my best friend and such a strong, wise and beautiful woman!

I have learnt so much from her that I incorporate into my life daily.

One piece of advice that she has taught me and completely embodies is that you shouldn’t rely on anybody else to make you happy in life; that has to come from within. She has an inner happiness that she radiates and it is really inspiring. She always says that nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

So brush off the negative comments and remarks from others and always focus on the most important opinion of you; the one you have of yourself!

Do you have a piece of jewellery that represents motherhood?

I received the most beautiful yellow gold and diamond “MAMA” necklace as a 30th birthday gift from my wonderful Gregory Jewellers family while I was pregnant with Luka. It is one of the most special pieces of jewellery I own and I’ll cherish it forever!

It reminds me of both the feminine, nurturing grace a mother possesses as well as her strength and power, and I feel so proud wearing it.

Image: Courtesy of Gregory Jewellers (Featuring Monika and Luka)