motherhood Archives - Page 15 of 33

You Are My Sonshine — Summer 2019 Sunflowers

Filed Under: mommy and me, motherhood, sunflowers // August 12, 2019

I can’t believe it’s been a whole year since last sunflower season. I can see just how much the boys have grown when looking back the photos of our sunflower mommy and me session last year.

Last week was full of bad news — from mass shootings and immigration raids to my friend and co-worker suffering extreme postpartum complications — so I have been trying to put positive thoughts and energy into the world. And I’ve also leaned on the bright spots on my life to help carry those thought any energy.

The boys are that for me. They cheer me up and cheer me on without even knowing it. They are my light and my love, and my greatest reminder of the good that exists.

On this day, it was just us three so I brought my new and under-$25 tripod, headed to Waterdrinker Family Farm (where we took our tulip photos) and ta-da! They might not be looking in every/any night photos but this is them at the stages they’re in! I wouldn’t change a thing.

sunflowers, son, sons, mommy and me, photo session, family photos, summer 2019, summer, sunflowers near me, summer flowers, mommy blogger, best mom blog, best mom blogs

Scary Water Incident + Water Safety Tips

Filed Under: motherhood, water safety // August 6, 2019

swim safety, water with kids, beach with kids, pool safety, water safety

Recently, R tripped and fell over when in water. I wasn’t the one to see the trip and wasn’t the one to pick him up.

When I saw his face in the water, the seconds felt like minutes and I swear time stood still.

I couldn’t shake my nerves for a little and was internally freaking the F out. I watched him like a hawk for days afterward… I still feel guilty about it all, and annoyed/upset at myself because I had JUST read + listened to the story of Desiree Fortin AKA The Perfect Mom about her daughter’s near-drowning incident.

So here’s my reminder to all of you:

ALWAYS PRACTICE WATER SAFETY when with your babies, no matter the body of water (bath tub, ocean, lake, big pool, baby pool, etc.). This includes floats/ life vests, and emptying water from buckets once done playing.

BE VIGILANT. Put down your phone and if you have to be on it or want to take a photo, hold your babies while doing so or ask another adult to watch your baby who is not distracted.

ENROLL YOUR KIDS IN SWIM LESSONS. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its recommendations to prevent drowning in children. It now informs parents that swim lessons can be beneficial to children starting around age 1.

I feel a little better now, only because he’s okay… but I know how quickly things can not be okay.

I didn’t want to share this initially because I was ashamed of myself (still am a little to be honest — not looking for pity) but I also think there can never be too many water safety reminders so here I am telling you.

If this reminds even just one parent to practice water safety, then it’s worth it.

Wanting the best for our kids + Exciting News

Filed Under: business school, exciting news, family, life, motherhood // July 15, 2019

Photos by Lily Raya Photography

As parents, we want to give our children the world. Though that might not be possible, giving them more than we had is. I’d say that’s the driving factor in most of my and my husband’s decisions.

We think about where we are in life, and where we want to be. When I first met Tim, he was pretty set on making a career of the military and retiring from it. As a lawyer, however, the prospect of moving often (common in the military) did not seem feasible for me. And he did not desire a career of countdowns, especially when it would mean time away from our future kids.

He explored his options. We each made decisions that would make our future —together and individually— better.

At each juncture of our relationship, we’ve done the same evaluation, and it’s what led my husband to his next and newest endeavor… business school!

I am so excited and proud to announce that he has been accepted into an Executive MBA program in NYC and begins classes soon!

Summer 2019 Golden Hour Family Photos

Filed Under: family, family of 4, family photos, motherhood // July 10, 2019

family, family of 4, family photos, motherhood, family photography,family photo shoot

Photo by Lily Raya Photography

When Tim was in the Navy stationed, and then deployed, thousands of miles away, he was my anchor.

He’d remind me that the time would pass and that one day we’d be together just as we’d planned. So, some days I still find myself wanting to pinch myself / tell younger me that he’s right and that these days will be worth all that distance… and more.

Our life wasn’t easy then and it’s not 100% easy now (hello marriage as parents is challenging.. and we could use a million dollars haha)… but it is 100% my dream come true.

When Lily of Lily Raya Photography reached out to work together, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to capture our little family at this time in our lives. Both boys are walking and talking — well, R’s only sentence currently is “I want milk” but still 🙂

Lily was great to work with. She was very understanding when we had to reschedule due to Tim’s recent back injury. She is friendly, scoped out locations prior, and was so good with the boys. Perhaps most impressive of all is that she managed to capture these beautifully photos just 5 minutes after the boys woke from naps during our 45 minute drive! Definitely contact her for your photography needs!!

Be Present This Summer

Filed Under: be present, motherhood, summer 2019 // July 8, 2019

NYC skyline, downtown Brooklyn, New York City, nyc, New York skyline, sunrise, sunset, summer, be present

Hi this is a friendly reminder to get outside. Enjoy the fresh air. Make memories with your kids + loved ones. Do what brings you the most joy. Take care of yourself.

Take a dip in the ocean. Wear the swim suit, C-section/postpartum pouch and all. Step away from negativity— both your own thoughts and of others.

And put a limit on your time spent on your phone and social media. (I’ve recently set my daily Instagram limit to 1 hr. 5 min. and though I usually go a bit over, it certainly keeps me in check.)

It might seem counterintuitive coming from a blogger/ “influencer” but I don’t want you to lose out on everyday, real life moments because you’re too wrapped up in your phone. Heck, I refuse to miss out on real life moments because I am too wrapped up on it.

What good would my messages of positivity be if they are causing that kind of negativity?

So, be present this summer. Enjoy your summer and each other. I’ll still be here, as will the rest of Instagram and social media when you get on it.