Moments of Musing

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Maternity Shoot Thoughts, Part 2

Filed Under: maternity shoot, pregnancy //


Up until pretty recently, I had not really given maternity photos a thought this time around. It’s not so different than last time (I almost skipped them, too) except this time, it’s not for the same reasons. As my pregnancy has progressed, it feels like my to-do list has grown, too. 


Our March is pretty booked up and quite frankly, I know my husband and S don’t want to sit through a photo shoot. So, I’m saving them the “hassle” for our newborn family shoot because I think those are more important to capture. 

Last pregnancy, we took maternity photos but opted to take our own newborn photos. Deep down, I always wished we’d done the opposite so that’s what we have decided to do this time. Ask my husband–I only voiced this to him about 50 times. 

So, I decided to follow my heart and do what I wished I’d done last time. I think you should do the same–do whatever makes you feel most comfortable and beautiful. If that’s a professional photo shoot, great. If that’s a self-captured photo shoot, great. I do still agree with my previous thoughts that this special time ought to be captured.

Yesterday, on a total whim, I took my own maternity photos. They’re a different vibe (more intimate) this time around and honestly, I LOVE how they turned out. As for our newborn family session, we’ve booked a photographer and I couldn’t be more excited for that session!

Here are some (cropped) sneak peeks:

Do Authentic Mom Blogs Still Exist?

Filed Under: mom blog, mom internet, motherhood, social media //

If you’ve followed me for at least a little while, then you know I try to keep it real on here. That means posting about the not-so-good, the really good and everything in between. And while I’ve touched on iffy topics (i.e. my sobriety, the lowest point in my life, the baby blues, and mom guilt, etc.) you will still sense a hint of positivity in each post. 
I include it not to sugar coat anything, though. I do so because being an optimist, albeit a cautious one, is a choice I make. The silver lining, the rainbow … I choose to believe those exist every time. It’s just a part of who I am. 

A recent Washington Post article by Sarah Pulliam Bailey discussed how “the mom internet” has evolved into a less authentic one. She wrote, “During the tough moments, I wanted a mommy blogger’s reassurance: ‘I’ve been there. It’s awful. You will survive.’” 

I believe that the version of the mom internet that she was yearning for still exists. Actually, I know it does because I follow bloggers who give that reassurance and I try to do the same. While I will agree that a lot of social media and blog land is now staged, I think it is important to (1) realize photos are staged because blogs are a business for many bloggers and (2) be conscious about who you are following so that you are still getting glimpses into real life, if that’s what you want/need. I also think it’s important to note that many mom blogs also cover a bunch of other topics (fashion, travel, home decor, etc.)… I think that’s because we can all agree while being a mother is a huge part of one’s identity, it’s not anyone’s sole identity.


I choose to follow those who share some of the nitty gritty not-so-pretty real mom life experiences that make me feel better and connected — a few of my favorite Instagram accounts are @fearless.in.motherhood, @samantha_show_ & @mother.ly — and I try to do the same for my readers and followers. 

That being said, it is never my intention to make others feel lesser than or worse about themselves or their situations. With much talk on Instagram recently about the comparison game and how it’s led to depression and even suicide, I think it’s essential to keep in mind that all aspects of anyone’s life are not portrayed on the internet. (It might seem like we have it all together on the internet but does anyone really??)

I don’t bare it all on the internet or social media and I don’t expect other bloggers to, either. Isn’t that pretty normal, to remain a bit private? Isn’t it also normal to not want to complain all the time? I mean, sure, life and motherhood, especially, has its tough moments but those are so much fewer and far between (for me, at least) than the great, precious, love-filled moments.


Do you agree with the author of the article or do you think mom bloggers still authentically share experiences? Who are some of your favorite mom bloggers? 

5 on Friday: Life Lately via Instagram

Filed Under: 5 on Friday, five on friday //

Happy Friday! The new year has been off to a relatively great start! Here’s a bit of an update via some of my recent Instagram photos:

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Be sure to follow along to stay in the loop! Have a great weekend!

My Pregnancy Emotions Remind me to be Grateful

Filed Under: grateful, motherhood, pregnancy, thankful //

I experienced some intense pregnancy emotions this week… so I’m just trying my best to remain present and grateful, and what better time than Thanksgiving week?

In the midst of my emotions, I’ve been reminded of a few people and things I’m extra thankful for:

  • Crying to your mom will never get old. And she might even cry with you, not necessarily because she’s feeling what you’re feeling but probably because she hates to see you upset. I am so much more grateful for my mom and dad now that I’ve become a parent myself. 

  • Having a village is pretty necessary. To vent to. To laugh with. To get help from… To take photos of you for your blog and Instagram (I’m looking at you, Tim and Lou, my Instagram Husband and Instagram Brother haha!). In all seriousness, I don’t know what I’d do without family and friends. The support does not go unnoticed. 

  • Being married to a husband who empathizes is so important. Someone who’ll hold you and rationalize what you’re feeling because you’re feeling A LOT. Pregnancy hormones are no joke–neither are postpartum ones–but having a loving partner makes navigating pregnancy (and life) so. much. easier. 

  • A toddler who doesn’t necessarily get that you’re tired or feeling sick. Said toddler will want your love and affection when he wants it. And sometimes, the go-go-go will make you feel better. Lighter. And remind you that at the end of the pregnancy experience you get another little, which is pretty darn amazing! Plus, being his mom is the best thing ever so getting off the couch to chase him feels like an honor instead of a hassle. 

  • Life. Life is a gift. Pregnancy is a gift. Everyday is a gift. 

Of course, I’m also thankful for all of you who are reading.:) Wishing you and your family a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving! 


Where I’ve Been & Still Want to Go

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

Me on the Great Wall in Beijing, China. Much of my travels are thanks to my parents. 
I hope my husband and I can afford our kids the same opportunities.

As I was preparing for this vacation that we’re currently on, I thought about all the places I’ve visited and want to visit. I remembered making this post a few years ago and decided to revisit it and track my progress, if you will.

While I was drafting this post and scrolling through photos of my time living in Barcelona, news broke of last week’s terror attack there. My heart sank, because it holds such a special place in my heart. Barcelona is where my love for travel and my wanderlust were truly born. It is where I also believe I truly became the independent woman I am today–I don’t think I ever would have had the guts to move to Chicago alone had I not formerly lived in Barca. I am forever grateful to that city and to its amazing people for the wonderful experiences I had. And my thoughts and prayers are with them, the victims and the victims’ families. 

As for travel, it is one of my most favorite things. I love exploring new parts of the world — and returning to ones that hold fond memories. To me, travel is like getting to live a dream each time you’re doing it because the world really is a beautiful place. The world is also vast and there is so much of it I still want to see. 

Below are the U.S. states and territories and countries I have already visited. *I do not count anywhere I have only passed through on a road trip or layover because to me, travel is about exploring and immersion into different cultures, neither of which–to me, anyway–can truly happen inside an airport or car. 
**New additions since my last post are italicized. 

U.S. States: 
1.      California
2.     Connecticut
3.      Delaware
4.     Florida
5.      Hawaii
6.     Illinois 
7.      Indiana
8.     Michigan
9.     Nevada
10.  New York
11.   New Jersey
12.  North Carolina
13.  Oklahoma
14.  Pennsylvania
15.  South Carolina
16.  Tennessee
17.  Texas
18.  Virginia
19.  Wisconsin
Territories:
1. Washington, DC
2. Puerto Rico 
Countries:
1. U.S.
2. Aruba
3. Bahamas
4. Brazil
5. Canada
6. China
7. Czech Republic
8. Dominican Republic
9. England
10. France
11. Greece
12. Ireland
I3. Italy
14. Mexico
15. Spain

 



















If I did count states/countries I have passed through the list would include (to the best of my memory):
Massachusetts, Ohio, Georgia, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, Vermont, New Hampshire
Next on my list are: 
Louisiana (New Orleans)
Tahiti, Maldives or Bali
Peru
Brazil
S. Africa
Egypt
Seems like I’ve got some traveling to do 🙂