A Mother’s Love {Montana Portrait Photographer}

In honor of mother’s day weekend, I thought I would blog about my personal life.

I want to share more of my life with you, because I think it is important for you to get to know me.

Photo Credit: Rockhill Photo Traverse City, MI 2017

I started my motherhood journey at the age of 26, then quickly turned 27.

Which, in some people’s plans, would be late, but for me, it worked.

Shaw is a joy. He loves with his whole heart and is super smart. Sometimes, ok, most of the time, smarter than me. But don’t tell him I said that! He will never let me live it down.

He was a surprise baby, which worked for us. His name comes from my mother-in-law’s maiden name. I heard it in a country song when I was pregnant, and thought Shaw would be a cool name. Ultimately it was up to my husband. We didn’t find out the sex of either child before birth, so I told him if the baby was a boy he could name him, and girl it was my call.

When he was born Matt looked at him and said, “he’s a Shaw.” And he certainly is.

For the first four years of his life, it was just the three of us. Mostly he and I, as my husband was a ranch hand and worked most days. He was my little sidekick.

Then we had Carlyn. She was planned. I wanted two children so they could have each other when we pass away. I always wanted a boy and a girl, but knew that God had His plan.

Apparently, he liked my idea 😉 She is a mini me through and through. Her name comes from my mom’s side. My mother’s name Carla comes from my grandpa’s name Carlis. Carlyn fit within the formula and I loved the name. Fun Fact (as my children would say) the doctor that delivered her was named Karlyn.

She loves animals, loves to laugh, and has the biggest heart.

They are my joy. My heart. My life. I am truly blessed by these tiny humans.

Photo credit: Brittany Maasch Photography Sioux Falls, SD 2018

Before we moved from MN, I had a mommy and me session done. Because I am usually the one behind the camera, I treasure photos of my children and I.

It can be hard for us moms to get in front of the camera. We are self conscious as women and tend to get fearful when a camera comes out.

Please, don’t be.

Our children are growing so quickly. Just looking at these photos from September, my kids have changed. Shaw has grown at least two inches. Carlyn’s hair is shorter and she looks almost grown up.

I don’t look at myself and cringe, I look at the joy in my children’s faces. How much fun they are having and the love I have for them.

When they are older and showing photos to their kids, they want photos of us together, or photos of me. They don’t want a bunch of photos of just them. I want them to see the love as well.

So this mother’s day, ask your hubby or significant other to take a photo of you and your kids. Even if it is with your phone. Record these moments while they are little (or grown!). Look what you made. Feel the love.

Happy Mother’s Day friends.