Why having a passion, other than motherhood, makes you a better mother

Finding the right balance of work life and home life is a journey every parent must go on, and it isn’t easy. Perhaps you’re planning to continue working full-time after starting a family. Or perhaps you know you’re going to be a stay-at-home mom. There’s so many options and there isn’t a one size that fits all!

One thing you might learn is that staying flexible and open to change will make your life a lot easier. Before starting a family, I thought I would remain at my work full-time.

Soon after my son was born I realized that he had changed everything and I couldn’t imagine working a demanding job while he was at daycare. But was being a stay-at-home mom right for me? Was that lifestyle the right choice for me and my family?

I knew that I couldn't do it.

Photo of me with my firstborn. Photo by Kelly Wilson Photography.

I needed a focus, goals, and purpose other than being a mom. Don’t get me wrong! Being a mom is more than enough! There is no thing as “just a mom”. Parenthood is completely rewarding and a hard job as is!

Let me explain.

All the women in my family, on both sides, have suffered a common fate. They were focused on being stay-at-home moms and nothing else for many, many years. They loved it. They were amazing at it.

But then…..the kids grew up.

Photo of me with my second born. Photo by me.

And when those kids walked out the doors to become adults, they took their mother’s reason for getting up every morning with them.

Every single one of my female family members who did this, suffered serious depression after their kids left.

So I knew, that if I wanted to set myself AND my kids up for success, I needed something else. That’s why I became a photographer. A job that kept me home most days and allowed my children to stay out of daycare while also giving me a passion, a driving force, and goals other than being a good mom.

Photo of my 2 kids after my second was born.

I’m a better mom for it!

My kids get to see me at my best! When I have a win, like when I get an award for one of my photos, I share it with them! They see me edit, and push myself, and try new things. They also see when I struggle. When a photo session is hard or when times are tough. They watch as I overcome that and keep driving towards my passion.

They learn from my example. They learn to follow a passion. To not give up.

Photo of my kids in March 2023

Is this style of motherhood right for everyone? Absolutely not. My hope in sharing this is that you’ll know it’s okay to find and follow what works for you and your family.

After all, when you’re at your best, you’re also their best mom.

The Best Advice for New Moms

Hey there, little mama! As you embark on this incredible journey of motherhood, you might have heard a lot of advice and tips from well-meaning people around you. They can be overwhelming, conflicting, and many times unasked for.

But here's the secret: the best advice for new parents is to do what works for you and your baby's schedule! Every baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. So, let's explore some examples of how you can find your own path when it comes to sleep, feeding, childcare, and anything else.

1. Sleep Schedule:

When it comes to sleep, babies have their own patterns. Some babies might sleep through the night early on, while others may wake up frequently. The key is to find a sleep routine that suits you and your little one. If your baby prefers shorter naps throughout the day, you can adapt by taking short breaks and getting things done during those periods. If they sleep better with a consistent bedtime routine, try establishing one that works for both of you. Keep in mind, your baby will go through growth spurts and will have different needs at different times of their life. Just as soon as you think you have a set schedule in place, they just might change it up.

2. Feeding:

Feeding your baby is an essential part of their growth and development. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, it's important to follow your baby's hunger cues. Some babies may feed more frequently, while others may have longer intervals between feeds. Pay attention to their cues like rooting, sucking motions, or hand-to-mouth movements. Remember, you know your baby best, and following their lead is key. Also, just like with sleeping, they will have growth spurts and frequent changes in their needs. They might have times of cluster feedings where it seems like they never want to stop. Then the following day they are happy and content for hours between feedings. They love to keep us on our toes!

3. Childcare:

As a new mom, you might need to consider childcare options. Whether you decide to go back to work, have a family member help, or hire a caregiver, or utilize a daycare, it's crucial to find a solution that aligns with your baby's needs and your comfort level. Some babies thrive in daycare settings, while others may prefer a more intimate environment. Trust your instincts and choose what feels right for both you and your little one. There is no one way that is best for every baby and every mom.

Conclusion:

New moms, remember that you are the expert when it comes to your baby. Trust your instincts and do what works best for you and your little one. Whether it's finding the right sleep schedule, following feeding cues, choosing childcare options, or anything else, each decision should be tailored to your baby's unique needs and your parenting style. As you embark on this incredible journey, surround yourself with supportive individuals who respect your choices and offer guidance without judgment. Just the fact that you’re worried about wether or not you’re doing the right thing means that you are already a great mom.

Preserving Priceless Memories: The Importance of Professional-Quality Wall Art and Albums for Your Newborn's Portraits

As a professional newborn photographer, I have the privilege of capturing irreplaceable moments at the beginning of a family's journey. From those tiny fingers and toes to the loving gazes and tender embraces, these photos deserve to be cherished and preserved for a lifetime.

In this digital age, it's easy to overlook the significance of printing and displaying professional-quality wall art and albums. However, I firmly believe that nothing can compare to the tangible beauty and emotional impact that physical prints can bring to your newborn's portraits. Here’s a little bit on why it’s so important.

1. Immersive and Tangible Experience:

In a world filled with screens and constant digital distractions, there's something magical about holding a physical print in your hands or admiring a stunning wall art display. Professionally printed wall art and albums offer an immersive experience that invites you to connect with the images on a deeper level. The textures, colors, and fine details come to life, creating an emotional connection and evoking memories that digital images often fail to replicate.

2. Preserving Memories for Generations:

Digital files are convenient for sharing on social media or storing on devices, but they can easily get lost, corrupted, or become obsolete as technology evolves. Do you really think that images you’ve saved on hard drives or in a cloud will be available to your grandchildren after you’re gone?

On the other hand, professionally printed wall art and albums are timeless treasures that can be passed down through generations, becoming family heirlooms. Imagine your child, now grown, flipping through an album of their newborn portraits or proudly displaying a wall art piece from their early days. These physical manifestations of love and cherished memories hold a value that cannot be understated.

3. Enhancing Home Decor and Creating a Focal Point:

Your newborn's portraits are works of art, and they deserve to be showcased as such. Professionally printed wall art elevates the aesthetic appeal of your home decor, adding a personal touch and creating a focal point that draws attention and sparks conversations. Whether it's a captivating canvas, a stunning framed print, or a striking collage, displaying your newborn's portraits on your walls becomes a statement of love, pride, and the beauty of family.

4. Appreciating the Craftsmanship:

Professional-quality wall art and albums are a testament to the skill, expertise, and dedication that goes into creating beautiful photographic prints. Working with a professional photographer ensures that the images are carefully curated, edited, and printed using high-quality materials that preserve their integrity and vibrancy over time. Each print is a piece of art, meticulously crafted to showcase your newborn's portraits in the best possible way. The colors will be true, they quality will last, and your investment will be well worth it.

Investing in professional-quality wall art and albums for your newborn's portraits is a decision that will pay dividends for years to come. These tangible and timeless pieces of art capture the essence of your growing family, preserving the most cherished memories and creating a legacy that can be treasured by future generations. As a dedicated newborn photographer, I encourage you to celebrate the beauty of printed photographs and experience the joy that comes from seeing your newborn's portraits come to life in physical form. Let us work together to create exquisite wall art and albums that will truly stand the test of time.

10 "Squee-Worthy" Nursery Decor Tips Using Your Photos

You love those precious photos that captured your baby when they were just minutes or days old.  

But what will you DO with them?  Canvases?  Prints?  Maybe something more….unique?  

You can use most of these ideas practically anywhere in your home.  No reason to limit those photos to the nursery! 

1. The sleek and modern wall collage

Easily transitioned as the baby gets older, keep the modern look by using large mats and thin frames.  

(Image from: https://www.studio-mcgee.com/studioblog/2015/10/15/make-it-modern-black-white-frames?rq=black%20frame )

2. Whimsical and eclectic collage.  

A fun way to incorporate other wall art, pops of color, and even combine canvases and framed prints

(image from https://projectnursery.com/projects/all-things-pink-and-girly-finally/ )

3. One large canvas

This is a great way to make a big statement with a favorite image.  I especially love this look with a detail shot such as a close up of hands or lips.  Size definitely does matter in this case and the bigger the better.  At a minimum you'd want a 20x30. 

(Image of large canvas by Corrie Graybill Photography on display at Thrive Mama Collective)

4. Hanging

So fun!  This is an inexpensive and creative way to display a few smaller prints.  Great for a woodland themed nursery!  You could also hand from a clothesline, or a wire for modern look.

(image from: https://projectnursery.com/projects/owl-you-need-is-love/#_a5y_p=5300042 )

5. Photo mobile

This one uses embroidery hoops for a unique diy approach to the classic mobile.  

(image from: https://www.buzzfeed.com/malisia/14-creative-ways-to-use-embroidery-hoops-without-h-9zuw?s=mobile )

6. Large framed collage

This look would be great way to show the story of your birth from beginning to end!  Yes, you can display your birth photos too!!!

(image from: https://housetohomeblog.com/2012/01/31/photograph-wall-collage/ )

7. Lattice display

How cute would this be in a garden themed nursery?  Love it! 

(image from: https://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/decorate-and-entertain/lattice-photo-display/project?cm_mmc=email_LowesCreativeIdeas-_-20140808-_-lm_45787-_-ISP2&crlt.pid=camp.JVUlchRavH7G )

8. Photo blocks

Spell out the baby’s name or go with the classic “A, B, C”

(image from: https://craft.ideas2live4.com/2015/05/08/creative-ways-to-display-photos/?utm_content=buffer2edd7&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_campaign=buffer )

9. Clipboards

You could buy some in bright fun colors or use the tutorial in the link below for a rustic, chunky look

(Image and tutorial: http://lovegrowswild.com/2013/08/diy-photo-clipboards/ )

10. Geometric 

Click the link below for the tutorial on this easy diy option.  Another way to add some “print” to your room!

(Image and tutorial from: http://www.thecaldwellproject.com/blog/diy-geometric-photo-display )

With all these options, I hope you have at least some ideas for your nursery project!  And the right photographer can help you plan it all out and get the shots you’re dreaming of!