Dear Newborn Momma

Dear Newborn Momma,

I see you. Oh, I see you. Especially you, first-time momma. If I could sweep you up in a big hug, bring you coffee, dinner, and a slice of cake, I’d be there in a heartbeat.

Let me tell you something…

You’re doing great. It gets better. And yes, it really is this hard.

Gosh, those words - “You’re doing great” and “It gets better” were lifelines for me in the first few months of motherhood. And I remember I kept thinking, “Ok, is it just me? Or is this newborn thing HARD?”

I still don’t really know how to describe that transition to motherhood other than the feeling like there was this whole other world that I thought I knew a little about, but I didn’t really understand it until I was in it. So if you’re feeling that same, “Why didn’t anyone tell me what it’s really like?” or, “Is it just me?” I feel you. And don’t worry, it’s ok to find yourself missing that pre-baby life (solo Target runs, sleeping in, gym classes whenever you’d like, sleep, the ability to leave the house without a crazy amount of planning… did I say sleep?). I feel you. Your life dramatically changed overnight, so don’t diminish that! Take it all day by day, coffee by coffee, nap by nap.

For those of you who are breastfeeding, HANG IN THERE! It was a very painful first 2 months for me, and then it got better. IT GETS BETTER! I know not everyone can breastfeed, and that’s totally ok. If you can, I hope you try and know that there will be a time that it’s actually enjoyable. And maybe we’ll miss it someday? Probably :)

One day your body will feel like your own again. One day you will sleep longer than 2 hours at a time. One day schedules and routines will come.

For now? Hang in there. Order Postmates. Be kind to yourself. ASK FOR HELP. I think that’s one of the best-kept secrets that I wish wasn’t so secret… no one can do it all. No mom can do it all, so just don’t make yourself feel like you have to, k? Be kind and loving to yourself. You are keeping another human alive and that is freakin’ amazing.

And yes, you’ll probably roll your tired, sleepy eyes when I say this, but try to savor these moments. Savor their teeny tiny bodies, the way they just melt into you, the way they smell, how they just sit there taking in their world (you’ll miss that stationary baby :) ), because soon enough months will go by and you’ll be scrolling back at the thousands of pictures on your phone thinking… how were you that small? Where did my baby go? It goes by in a blink.

Now go take a nap, or strap that baby in the stroller and get some fresh air. I’ll catch ya on the playground soon enough.

xoxo,

8-Month Momma

My baby at 4 weeks. Cue all the tears.

My baby at 4 weeks. Cue all the tears.

Baby Davis | Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park Maternity Session

The fire service brought these sweet friends into our lives a few years ago, and today, I couldn't be more excited that we are both having baby GIRLS about 6 weeks apart! We had a great time at their Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park maternity session, and soaked up the pretty light coming through the trees and big, wide open fields.

Sara and Aaron are the sweetest - both raised in Oregon and now taking root in SoCal, they're like a tall glass of sweet tea with country music and a round of corn hole playing in the background. The kind of goodhearted people who will always be there for you, and are always up for a good time.

Dear friends, your baby girl is one lucky little lady to have you as parents. Can't wait to meet her soon! <3

Interested in having your own maternity session? Get in touch and let's plan the perfect one :)

Wyatt Turns One | 1 Year Cake Smash Session

This little guy was SO smiley this morning! I've known him since he was born, and it's been so amazing to watch him grow over his first year of life. You've got some amazing parents, little dude, and I know you're going to have so much fun in your years ahead. We had a great time with his one year photo session, complete with a cake smash, of course!

Happy happy birthday, Wyatt!

Interested in a cake smash session or celebratory photo session? Get in touch and let's plan the perfect one :)

The Bownes | Claremont Colleges Family Session

"There she is!" I heard.

And then all of the sudden, the cutest little squealing guy dressed in a vest came running up to me with arms wide open. He ran across the grass with his arms up and a big smile on his face, and and then gave me the biggest jump hug! It was THE BEST, and I wish I had recorded that whole welcome because it's definitely the kind of thing you re-watch when you need a pick-me-up! Ahh, Atticus, I hope you keep that spirit and joy with you forever. (can you pick out the little man below? :) )

I admire this family so much. We met about 15 years ago when Kathyrn and I were in National Charity League together, and we've stayed close every since. Their family is full of love, kindness, style, servant hearts, travel bugs, Italy lovers, art history buffs, and lots and lots and lots of laughs. They live in four different states, but they travel often to see each other and never let distance keep them apart. (We also did family photos together 2 years ago - see their first session here)

Love you all so much and so happy we were able to get together over the holidays for your family photo session at Bridges Auditorium!

xoxo

And of course, a little photo of me + Kathryn (who was also the maid of honor in my wedding and college roommate). Love you fry!

Claremont-Colleges-Family-Photos-34_WEB.jpg

Interested in your own family session? Let's plan some photo magic together.