February’s Wildling Sessions were all about the boys! I didn’t realize until I wrapped with my last mama of the day that every session involved just boys (even our mama-to-be is expecting a little fella).
So, in keeping with this, I asked each of them to describe what it’s like raising their little gentlemen. Here are some of my favourite images and their beautiful words that are all too familiar to my own heart.
With love, Chels.
*Makeup by Chelsea Cusack, flower crowns by LSP Designs
WHITNEY // carter & smith
“Being a mother of boys is beautiful, exhausting, hilarious, messy and perfect all at the same time. Raising my boys has made me tough, playtime is serious and physical, and there is no stillness [ever]. But I’ve also softened in surprising ways as a little boy’s heart and feelings are beautifully sensitive. It’s a tough balancing act, and though I get pangs for nail polish and dresses, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
JESSIE // lucas
“My world has completely changed since the arrival of my perfect little boy. My heart aches with happiness every time I look into his mischievous little eyes, and I have such a sense of peace and accomplishment. At ten weeks old I can already see his personality and sense of adventure developing, and I am soaking in every quiet cuddle as I’m sure before I know it I will be chasing him around. It is so amazing to see so much of my husband in him at some moments, and so much of me at others. He really is a miracle that I thank God for every day.”
MEGAN // ayden
“Raising a little boy, so far, has been our greatest adventure. It’s been so many things all at once; sweet and innocent, messy and chaotic, exhilarating yet exhausting… but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My first thought when we found out we were having a boy was ‘how lucky the world is going to be getting another version of my husband’ – and that he is. He is curious and playful and always on the go. When I look at our son, I see pieces of myself and pieces of my husband combined into one sweet little package. His big brown eyes make my heart melt and his little voice is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard. Every night we find ourselves dreaming of all the adventures we will have in raising a little boy, and for that, we couldn’t be more excited for the future or more thankful for what we have been blessed with.”
BRITTANY // arlo & ronan
“There’s something foreign, exciting and special about little boys, and I can’t believe that Im going to get to raise one. I look forward to the adventure, even if I’m learning as I go. And let’s be honest, everyone always says little boys adore their mamas, so I can’t wait!”
Hillary: “Motherhood is the infinite love for your child, even though he’s been screaming for the past 45 minutes, the impartial feeling when there’s baby vomit on your last pair of clean leggings, rocking the messy bun look for too many days to count and the excitement of knowing at the end of the day you get to do it all over again tomorrow. Motherhood didn’t come as easy to me as I thought, I always wanted to be a mother, but I didn’t expect I would be a single mother at the age of 23. But I am thankful every day that get to spend my days with this little man, and his giant personality! He has made me a better person and realize that to be a mom I don’t need someone else by my side. I just need him, my son.”
Alyson: “You think you know what to expect, when you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of your first born. Time and time again, I always say, you never know- till you know. You never quite understand the emotions, the love, the exhaustion and how becoming a mom changes you. Motherhood to me, is completely not what I expected at all. It’s tough to explain how there can be one thing in your life that can be so incredibly difficult, and so incredibly wonderful at the same time. I have had many days where I never had a second of silence, time to eat or shower, and count the minutes until bedtime. I have put the baby down in a safe space, and walked away. I have handed her off to her dad and mentally “checked-out”. It sounds cliche, but true, that I would never trade a single second of it. Motherhood to me, is growing with my child. Motherhood to me, is creating this deep bond with her dad and becoming a family. Motherhood to me, is whole-heartedly giving everything I have to someone, just to see them smile. There is nothing in the world that makes your heart feel as full, as being a mama.”
Maureen: “Motherhood to me means sharing in the responsibility of the upbringing on a new life. Giving guidance when needed, showing my children right from wrong, all the while allowing them to test boundaries and take risks in everything they do. Motherhood is loving my husband and showing it daily so that my children can be witness to the qualities and characters of a strong marriage. Motherhood is patience, recognizing that everything is new to my children and they are learning and discovering things for the first time. It is careful consideration into everything I say and continually questioning whether I am acting in love, with kisses and hugs or a firm word when needed. Motherhood is a constant state of learning, for me and my child, with my husband by my side.” 
