In case you missed it amidst all the holiday hubbub, something major happened: Our favorite little raspy-voiced toddler turned three! TV personality Jeannie Mai just posted the most creative birthday tribute to her sweet 3-year-old daughter Monaco, and we can’t get over the celebratory photos. On Dec. 30, the proud mom posted a heartfelt tribute from her own Instagram account, but today, “Monaco” posted one. (Read: Mai posted on her daughter’s Instagram account that she manages.)
The opening shot is of Mai and Monaco — who is affectionately known as “Coco” — surrounded by falling confetti. It seems like they just rang in the new year together. Monaco is wearing a festive “Happy New Year” headband, and her mama is decked out in a pink tinsel-like set that nearly matches the confetti. The funniest part is the way Monaco is sticking out her tongue as if the falling confetti is snow that she’s going to catch on her tongue.
Other magical photos from the celebration are then, er, sprinkled throughout the carousel. There is an overhead shot of the mother and daughter looking lovingly at each other as they lay down on the floor, surrounded by all the colorful bits of paper. There’s another where Monaco looks like she is making snow angels while confetti rains down on her. And then there’s another where the duo just snuggles — embracing each other and the moment.
There’s nothing but pure joy, wonder, and love in each shot. It’s very reminiscent of the iconic photo of Patrick Mahomes and Sterling Mahomes after the Kansas City Chiefs won the 2024 Super Bowl. Perhaps confetti is the secret ingredient needed for a priceless photo with kids.
“Wow everyone! Thank you for all the birthday love!!” the toddler wrote on Instagram *wink wink*. “Yup, I’m 3 now … so basically grown.” The little girl — who Mai shares with ex Jeezy — then dove into a recap of her “wild” second year of life.
“I shredded the slopes on my first snowboard, stamped my passport so much it needs a nap, & became a foodie (still deciding on dulce tamarindo.) ANDD I’m offish a diaper-free diva ????”
Way to go, Coco! Saving the best for last, we see. Becoming a “diaper-free diva” is no small feat. Congratulations are in order for you and your mom who made it through the potty training phase.
“Ngl, I was hesitant to leave my life as a baby. Baby life was bomb—naps were non-negotiable,” the caption continued. “Now? I’m out here fightin’ for my right to stay up past bedtime ???? So I get nervous when Mommy teaches me about new experiences but Mommy says being brave means believing in yourself—even when the world feels uncertain.”
And now we’re wondering who started cutting onions in here! Who knew a fake diary entry of sorts could have us all in our feels? But it really has been a big year for this little girl. In 2024, we saw Coco searching for spiders, trying new foods, going to ballet and swim lessons even though she was nervous, and proving that “love and compassion are innate.” We have no doubt Coco will have an equally impressive and epic new year, and she apparently feels the same way.
“So 2025… I’m comin’ in HOT! ????”
Before you go, check out Jeannie Mai’s best quotes about being a mom.
