I DID IT. I survived maternity leave and now my newborn isn’t so new anymore! I cannot possibly take any credit for him thriving today as it has certainly taken a village to get us through. My husband has truly been a rock and made parenting look easy at times. He has been the calm to my storm and the diaper pail to Rhett’s dirty diapers! He has been such a natural amazing father and is chomping at the bit to turn this little guy into his best friend (and hunting partner, of course).
My dearest mom who was equivalent to my life raft over the last three months. She would already be on my doorstep with all of the essentials I would need (i.e. a gallon of chicken salad to feed me for a week, the softest nursing pajamas, the opportunity to take a nap or go to Target, or sometimes just an extra set of hands to bring me a glass of water) before I even knew I needed them. No way could I have gotten through without her help.
My sweet mother-in-law has also been so good to us and welcomed our new family member with lots of warm squeezes, casseroles and took over many feedings during her visits! She even babysat while I went to get a massage. If that’s not what the doctor ordered, I don’t know what is. It was instant refreshment!
Our friends and families have already shown us and little baby Rhett so much love and I am so proud to be introducing him into such a strong and loving network. He is just the luckiest little guy to have all of them (you!) in his life.
Reflecting on the last three months has given me so much more passion for photography. I am constantly asked for pictures of “mama and baby!” to which I send 29572947 iPhone pictures of Rhett and none of myself. I continue to be the one behind the camera- which works out great because I haven’t exactly been photo ready during my maternity leave (pics for proof to follow). Between being covered in the baby’s spit up, his pee and poop, and my own breastmilk, add in no time to sleep, brush teeth, hair or bathe, I wouldn’t be caught dead in a picture for the public to see.* This is so unfortunate because I want the pictures of this sweet time with my baby boy. I want to be able to hang them on our gallery wall, show them to his middle school friends to embarrass him and during his wedding slide show. I want to remember this season and the seasons to come.
*Side note, I’m also in awe at all of my HillyLily moms who have booked newborn sessions with me and answered the door completely made up and looking gorgeous. There was not a chance I would have been able to get out of my bathrobe and comb my hair during that time, let alone look as fabulous as these ladies. SO impressed by each of you.
Me on Maternity Leave
HillyLily Moms on Maternity Leave
Mark my words. I have vowed that I will be making family pictures a priority because pretty soon, I’ll be boxing up his room and sending him off to college with the last 18 years a blur, wondering how on earth did time go by so fast. No matter if I’ve gained a couple pounds, one of the dogs is missing fur on her butt (true story), Rhett has severely loose front teeth, WHATEVER, we WILL be getting our pictures taken and they will forever be cherished.
The good, the bad and the ugly.
A huge thank you to our entire village for all of their help caring for Rhett over the last few months and into the future. I can honestly say we could not have done it without you and we are bursting with love and gratitude for this life we have been given.
Are you ready to get in front of the camera with your beautiful family? If so, book your Fall Mini Session or Christmas Tree Farm Mini Session now!
The things you do for love - enter deer antlers.
Behind the Scenes
