It’s that time of year again—time for bouquets and breakfasts in bed, pedicures and pampering and cards made with love. Yes, Mother’s Day has arrived, and we’re celebrating with a Mom-themed Shortbread Session. We sat down over some tea and shortbread with Kate and her nine-year-old stepson Zian, to talk about what makes their relationship special.

What’s something special that you and your son do together?

We like spending time together and our favourite hobby is planting new plants. This year, we’re growing watermelons. That’s what Zian chose.

It started because we went easter egg hunting, and Zian ended up with a small carrot plant. And it went well—we kept moving it to bigger and bigger pots. In the fall, we pulled it out and ate it. It was delicious.

Was there a time when you sat back and thought, “All of this is worth it.” ?

It’s been so many moments like that.

I think the first was when we first met. Zian was six at the time, and he decided it was a good idea to climb a tree when his dad went to the parking lot to get the car. I said, “Zian, be careful, don’t fall!” And he replied, “Or what, my dad’s going to get mad?” And I’m like, “Yeah, I think so.” And his response was, “Don’t worry, he’s not your boss, he’s just your boyfriend.” So I already knew that it was going to be fun.

It’s been hard work sometimes—we had a rough start. Zian was jealous sometimes that he had to share his dad with me, but we get along perfectly right now.

The first time he made me cry (in a good way) was after our first trip to Poland, where we met my family. He started calling me Mama, which is Polish for Mom. And he decided that—nobody forced him.

He also made a song for me. Once, I was going out for a coffee with my friend. I had a travel mug that said, “I’m a beast without my coffee.” So when I came back, they showed me the song that Zian made for me. His dad was playing the guitar and he just freestyled the song. It’s called “Love Beast” and he was singing that he loves me like mushrooms, and..

Zian chimes in:

“Dad will protect you and he will still love you even if you’re old.”

Have you gained something from motherhood that you didn’t expect?

I didn’t expect that you can fall in love with a little guy like that. And he makes me feel proud, like when we go out and he’s behaving well, or when people come over and he’s like, “Let me take your coat because you’re the guest.” I remember I taught him that, and it’s really sweet and makes me really proud.

What are your plans for Mother’s Day?

We’re just going to celebrate on Saturday, and have a breakfast together on Sunday, then on Sunday he goes back to his other mom. He makes me breakfast in bed. And he makes a card for me. And last year, he planted some flowers for me too.

Zian, what’s the best thing about your mom?

We travel and have fun together. And she goes on scary rides. Even though she’s scared, she still goes on so we can have fun together. And she teaches me how to plant and cook and cut stuff.

And also, she teaches me, “Karaluchy pod poduchy,” which is, in Polish, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.” And she teaches me, “Kocham Cię,” which means “I love you,” and “dobranoc,” which means “good night.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there from Rose and Rose’s Shortbread team! It’s not too late to spoil your mom with our best shortbread selection.