Parenting
The Firsts That One New Mom Is Most Excited About
Plus, how Carter’s makes dressing for these occasions so much easier.
Becoming a mom is an experience unlike any other. Suddenly, life is full of firsts again: the first diaper change, the first day home from the hospital, and oh, that first smile! It feels like every day brings a new adventure, which is right on brand for Dallas-based influencer Hoàng-Kim Cung, who recently welcomed a daughter with husband Johnny Van.
Since launching her popular lifestyle website, Color & Chic, Hoàng-Kim has been a competitive figure skater, a TV news anchor and journalist, and Miss Nebraska USA 2015 (which led her to become the first Vietnamese-American to compete in the national Miss USA pageant). Today, the blog she founded in college has blossomed into a full-time business, a style hub where hundreds of thousands of readers get tips on design, fashion, beauty, and even finance.
And now that Hoàng-Kim can add “mom” to her already-impressive resume, we sat down with her to find out which parenthood firsts she’s most looking forward to, and why she’s turning to Carter’s My First Love collection to style her baby girl.
Keep scrolling for the moments she can’t wait to experience with her little fashionista.
1. The First Time Meeting Family
Watching your extended family first lay eyes on your baby is almost as magical as birth itself (and as a bonus, you’ll probably have had time to change out of your hospital gown by then). But for Hoàng-Kim, it’s even more meaningful thanks to her and Johnny's strong ties to their cultural heritage.
“I’m most excited for baby girl to meet her grandparents, aunt, and uncle,” Hoàng-Kim tells Romper. “In Vietnamese and Taiwanese cultures, there is a lot of emphasis on support for the new parents and respect for the older generation, so for them to meet her is a huge milestone!”
Knowing her mom, we’re betting the baby will be dressed to impress, in something like this Carter’s supersoft jersey bodysuit dress and headwrap.
2. The First Summer Outing
After a few weeks of postpartum hibernation, a baby's first outing into the world is always a special occasion — and one that deserves a photo-worthy outfit! Hoàng-Kim’s daughter will still be in the newborn stage this summer, but with Carter’s breathable 100 percent cotton pieces, keeping her cool will be a breeze.
“The quality of the fabric and making sure it’s something natural (like cotton, bamboo, or linen) comes first to me. I love that many of the pieces in the My First Love collection are OEKO-TEX® certified, so I know they’re safe for my baby,” Hoàng-Kim tells Romper about picking out the perfect wardrobe. “After that, I’m all about zippers and ease of use!” Given the number of diapers a newborn goes through, this adorable floral Sleep & Play set from Carter’s is the perfect pairing of on-trend style and easy access.
3. The First Holiday Traditions
Is there anything cuter than a baby in a pumpkin patch, or decked out in cozy winter bunting? (Answer: No, there is not.) The holiday season may not get too chilly in Dallas, but like any true style maven, Hoàng-Kim knows that her daughter needs classic pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered as the weather changes.
“I like to keep my closet simple and easy — all things I love and can go together,” she notes. “I want the baby’s closet to be the same so we aren’t stressed about putting together an outfit and can focus on time with her!” This beautiful, versatile cardigan is a year-round staple that will look just as perfect for a festive party as it will for some quality mommy-daughter bonding time.
4. The First Pangs of Sweet Nostalgia
New parents often hear the saying, ‘the days are long, but the years are short,’ and Hoàng-Kim is already preparing herself for her daughter’s first 12 months — and her first year of motherhood — to fly by.
“Babies grow so fast,” she muses. “I appreciate how the My First Love collection has pieces that are timeless and classic so they won’t look outdated years from now when we look back on photos.” Case in point: this dreamy bodysuit with snap closures and ruffle details that can be dressed up or down, looks good with everything, and will never go out of style.
