Wildling Sessions // January ’17

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but these sessions will go down as a particular favourite of mine. I don’t know if it was the sunshine beaming in all morning (Spring is coming, people, I can feel it), or the genuine love and happiness that each family exuded, but it was just an overall really uplifting day for me. Feeling especially honoured to do what I do and I’m hoping these photos are enjoyed by all. Happy Family Day 🙂

With love, Chels.

KELLY / Cooper & Keaton

KELLY // Baby

“Being pregnant and the anticipation of becoming a mom is an experience unlike any other; a whirlwind of ups and downs I wouldn’t trade for anything. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little (or a lot) scared of all the unknowns to come, but the overwhelming excitement of meeting our little babe makes it all worth it. I am already so in love. I can’t imagine how I will feel when he or she is finally here.”

ROSIE // Rachel

“Rachel was born by C-Section, it wasn’t the way I thought she’d be born, but it was the surest way to guarantee her safe delivery, so there was never any question that I would choose otherwise. My body metabolizes some of the drugs administered for anaesthesia very fast, it’s impossible to predict this until it happens. I started to feel great pain just as my little girl was about to enter the world.  The aneaesthetist was wonderful and attentive, spotting right away that I was feeling the procedure in a way that I shouldn’t be. She swiftly & safely worked to relieve my pain, but the quickest way to alleviate this was to administer a general anesthetic. She gave me the choice.
I chose not to be put under. I didn’t want to miss a moment of welcoming my precious daughter into the world, or seeing her meet her Daddy.  This is how I feel about motherhood, I don’t want to miss a second of her life, and I would endure any pain necessary for her.”

EMILY // Liam & Oliver

“Motherhood is ever changing. After I had my first son I was sure I had it all figured out. All of the sappy blurbs about children spoke to me and I felt like I was doing it all right because he was an easy baby. Having my second son,just 16 months later, not only filled our hearts but turned our world upside down. When he came into the world I realized I didn’t have it all figured out. I had more empathy for other mothers and the juggling act that is multiple kids. Then working while raising two little boys was eye opening. A constant struggle to find balance and I always felt like I was letting someone down… And this is where a new part of motherhood really kicked in. The support system of amazing women i have in my life were there to build me up and offer words of encouragement or sympathy when I felt like I was doing it all wrong. There is nothing like another mom who just gets it. We love our kids fiercely but you don’t understand how hard day to day life can be until you live it. I have so much appreciation for the strong women in my life who modelled this role for me. I also have a huge appreciation for the community of moms on social media who share beautiful photos but bare the honest truth in the comments below. Life isn’t perfect. We make mistakes but these beautiful babies are worth every stress. It took years for my boys to become best friends and listening to them laugh together and have their own inside jokes is incredible. Seeing their faces light up when they talk about welcoming a baby sister next month is what I will remember most about this last pregnancy. They are incredible boys who I am incredibly proud of. When I see the little people they are growing in I know I am doing it right. Even if somedays I love them most when they are peacefully sleeping. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to be a mother and to know the ups and downs of the intense love that comes with it.”

KIRA // Noah

“Motherhood has changed my life in so many unimaginable ways and I am forever greatful to have my sweet little boy forever by my side. Looking back I never would have pictured my life this way, but now I wouldn’t change it for the world. Noah is my absolute best friend and the best little sidekick I could ask for. He inspires me daily to work harder than the day before, but to also stop for a moment and cherish the little things in life, which are often most important. Single motherhood is the hardest thing I have ever gone through, it challenges me daily and has the best payoff. It means endless days of messy buns, rocking leggings on the daily, finding banana stickers on my shirt hours after I’ve left home, wearing muddy shoes around from never saying no to jumping in puddles, and ensuring I shape him into the little gentleman I will be proud of! He teaches me more lessons than I teach him, and I am thankful each and every day that I’m his mom.”