These sessions were all about the ladies and were filled with tender moments and belly laughs. Witnessing the bond between moms and daughters is something that will never get old to me, and being a mother to my own mini-me, makes it that much sweeter.
With love, Chels.
NATALIE // Charlotte
“The moment Charlotte came into my world, the world just changed. It was nothing I could prepare for, and I did try! I had read all about the sleep deprivation, the food battles, the nap schedules. What I could not realize at that time, was the overwhelming love, pride and growth that happens. I was not prepared! I was not prepared for that first smile at 4am while she was half asleep at my breast, that first time she reached out for me from her crib, her first word (mama), her first step and the speed demon she became the week after that step. I wasn’t prepared for these moments, they don’t tell you this in the parenting books, but these are the moments, that really define what it is to be Mom. Motherhood is everything and nothing you expect all at once but it’s amazing all the same.”
KATHLEEN // Avery & Alexa
“When I found out I was going to be a mom, I thought I knew what to expect; love, responsibility and sometimes frustration, but what I didn’t realize was how much fun and pure joy you get out of being a parent. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are many tough days, but sooo many more amazing ones. I have a six year girl, who is [truly] a mini-me; we do everything together. I just love watching her grow– who knew watching her activities and peeking in on her while she is quietly playing could be so fulfilling. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I also have a 4 month old, all she has to do is flash that precious little smile and my heart explodes, I can easily spend hours a day just watching and talking to her (even thought I only get mumbles back)”
VANESSA // Zara
“Motherhood is infinite love, empathy, adventure, sleepless nights, always being tired, empowering, endless hugs, kisses, laughs and snuggles. It is being a chef, an artist, a climbing gym and a tissue when you don’t have one. Motherhood has filled my heart like nothing else could, with endless moments where you think you could just burst with amazement and happiness. Being a mom to a little being has made me the best person I can be and my adventure has only just begun.”
“I’ve never been happier, more excited, nervous and terrified in my whole life… and the baby isn’t even here yet! The best part thus far is beginning this new adventure with my best friend, who’s even more excited than I am.
BRITTANIE // Ruby & Ava
“Motherhood to me is the most raw and emotional journey I have ever been on. It has tested me and pushed me in ways that I never thought possible. I have felt emotions so strong and so pure that you never truly understand, until you experience motherhood. It has been the happiest and most challenging time in my life. Nothing else can produce the joys or broken hearts that motherhood allows. I couldn’t imagine going through life without feeling this spectrum of emotion. There are wonderful days; the most wonderful that I have ever experienced. There are days that I want to run away and question every decision I have ever made. Feeling it all; the beautiful, the good, the wonderful, the bad, the sad, gives my life purpose. Ava and Ruby have taught me to be a better person; a more patient, more loving and more appreciative woman. They are the loves of my life; my greatest accomplishment and I cannot wait to go through all the stages of this beautiful life, hand in hand, with my babies.”
ANGELIQUE // Fynn
“Motherhood to me is overwhelming.I am overwhelmed with how much I love this little being.
Sometimes I am so tired that I can’t even form a sentence and I question how I’m going to make it through the day. When my baby wakes up in the morning and his whole face lights up as soon as he sees me, my heart feels like it’s going to explode from all the love.
The first time Fynn hurt himself and I heard him cry out in pain, it felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. Watching my husband transform into his fatherhood role has been surreal and beautiful – the way he looks at our son makes me want to cry (something I do quite often now). It is truly overwhelming, being a mom. But maybe that’s what is so great about it. I could’ve never imagined being so genuinely happy about a burp, poop, or a single smile. While I still think I am the same woman I was 7 months ago, there is no doubt that Fynn has changed the way I look at and experience the world. I am responsible for another human being, and that is amazing and scary and wonderful and something I never want to take for granted.”
MARY // Hansen & Dylan
“As a mom of boys, I am forever reminding myself that my job and responsibility is eternally significant. I find far more joy when I look at mothering as a lifetime adventure rather than a moment by moment experience. Sometimes there are moments that are hard, and those have the tendency to want to leave me defeated and feeling unworthy. But when I refocus and look to the future, I know that there are far more tender, sweet and full moments that are leaving a wonderful mark on my sons. Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts in the history of the world because we are chosen for our sweet babies and graced with the ability to raise them. What an honour and a privilege it is to guide my boys into manhood. Sometimes I may feel overwhelmed with the energy, the loudness, the physicality and the determination of these two, but I am reminded that God gifted them with each special quality because they both have something special to offer the world. So I work each and every day to recognize who they are and embrace their personalities because I strongly desire for them to be the courageous husbands and dads that this broken world needs.
While motherhood is one of those all consuming, ever defining, gut wrenching changes that forever marks your life dividing your memories into before and after, I must say that I truly love the after. Life as I know it, as a mother, is the most incredible thing in the world.”
LISA // Ana
” Being a mother is HARD work. Its about sacrifice and balance and doing the best you can to be the best mother to your child. I also believe its about taking care of yourself and allowing yourself to be the best person you can be. Its about finding that balance everyday and its about survival. Becoming a mother has changed me in so many ways. It has allowed me to love so much stronger then I ever thought possible. It has allowed my husband and I to grow as individuals but also as a couple and as a team. My daughter has brought me so much joy and continuously teaches me everyday to be a better person. I have dreamed of being a mother my whole life and I am thankful everyday for Ana.”
ALANNA // Madi & Elsie
“I am wordless with the love that fills our days and the deepest privilege to have these littles who are instilling in me a kind heart, fierce mind, and brave spirit. Everything I hope to teach them, they are teaching me first. Each day is a beautiful day and a journey of happiness that began the day they were born. They ground me, force me to be strong and steady when I don’t know if I have it in me. I reach for them as they leap into my arms to be held and every embrace I grow. I want them to know that beauty comes from the heart and that there is joy in the simple things. Community and gratefulness builds connection. My husband is my hero and I couldn’t be more grateful to be right where I am in this adventure that brings so much.”
