My Journey into Motherhood
I became a first-time mom at a young age—22. It was no surprise to anyone who knew me, as being a mom and a photographer was all I ever wanted. As early as elementary school, I told my mom, “I want to be a mom, and I want to take pictures for a living. That way I can work for myself and won’t miss out on anything in my kids’ lives.” Regardless of how much I wanted it, nothing could’ve prepared me for my first year of motherhood.
Growing up in a large family as the youngest of five siblings, my mother was always present for both the big and little moments. Her unwavering presence inspired me to be the kind of mom she was—and still is.
The first person I told about the pregnancy was my older brother, who’s always been my best friend. When I sent him an ultrasound photo, his response was, “Congrats! We all knew it was a matter of time. I’m not surprised lol.” That text came just seven months after my wedding!
The Joys and Challenges of the Newborn Phase
I’ve often reflected on my first pregnancy and newborn experience, thinking, “Being a young mom was hard. Maybe I should have waited a couple more years.” But now, with two more children, I’ve realized it doesn’t matter when you start—it’s hard regardless of age. My husband and I both agree: it doesn’t matter how old you are or how ready you think you are—newborns will rock your world in ways you didn’t anticipate.
Our experience with Addison’s birth was a whirlwind. My type 1 diabetes made the pregnancy and delivery more challenging, culminating in an emergency c-section at 35 weeks due to severe pre-eclampsia. Addison struggled with low blood sugar, required special care, and had to be transferred an hour away to the NICU.
Eleven days after her birth, we finally brought her home. I rode in the back seat with her, thinking, “I never realized he was such a terrible driver!” Once home, adjusting to life with a newborn was daunting. I never knew love could be so overwhelming, nor did I realize how much becoming her mama would transform me.
The Impact of Motherhood on My Photography
Becoming a mama challenged me and changed me in ways I never imagined. It made me reevaluate my life decisions and taught me to cherish every moment. I wanted to capture everything—mom and me pictures, build albums, and create memorabilia. My deep desire to preserve these moments is what shaped me into the motherhood photographer I am today.
The first year of a baby’s life is monumental and unforgettable, but those moments aren’t part of the child’s memory unless documented. I believe in the importance of preserving these milestones through photographs, as they allow families to relive and cherish their special moments.
Addison hasn’t stopped changing me since her first year, and now at 6, along with her two younger sisters, they inspire me daily. They challenge me to grow, push me to be my best, and remind me of life’s beauty. This passion for capturing fleeting moments is why I began photographing motherhood portraits.
I could write countless stories about Addison’s early years, but I’ll save those for future blogs. For now, visit my website to learn more about me and my work. You can explore my portfolio, discover how I can help document your family session, and connect with me directly.
I’m excited to hear about your journey into motherhood. Don’t forget to say hello while you’re there. I hope you’re capturing every precious moment of your journey, and I look forward to helping you preserve those memories for years to come.
Useful Links:
- Learn about Motherhood Sessions with Molly here.
