Family Photos + Thoughts as a New Mom

Happy Friday, friends! Today I’m excited to share a few family photos that we took a few weeks ago when Porter was just over 4 months old. It’s true what they say, babies don’t keep and change SO much in the first year so I’m all about documenting these moments when I can.

My Thoughts as a First Time Mom

As a first time mom, there were a lot of thoughts running through my head before having my first baby. Would my relationship with my husband stay the same? Would I be sleepless and exhausted all the time? Would I dread going back to work after maternity leave? With all the excitement of having a baby also came a lot of unknowns. It’s no secret that a child adds a different dynamic to your relationship and changes your world forever, but I can honestly say I never thought I could love a little human this much!!

To be honest I’ve never been a huge lover of kids, but it’s true what they say… it’s different when it’s your own. I’m still in amazement that Ryan & I created this little person and I’ve loved seeing him take on the role as dad (and absolutely crush it!). Porter brings me so much joy each and every day and now I see why parents are so obsessed with their kids! I said I’d never be the mom whose Instagram is full of baby pictures… but I eat my words, haha! He’s the best little model and taking photos of him is my favorite. Something as simple as his gummy smile instantly brightens up my day. I look forward to waking him up every morning (and nap time) and seeing his bigggg stretch.

As a new mom breastfeeding can be intimidating, but I went into it with no expectations and I think that’s the best way to go. I knew that I had no desire to breastfeed for as long as a year, but was surprised how much I enjoyed nursing Porter. I couldn’t exclusively nurse because I have a job and I don’t produce enough to give him only breastmilk so we supplement with formula. And that works so well for us! I cringe when I hear of mom-shaming and judging based on how mothers feed their babies and all I can say is fed is best. The most important thing is that baby is getting the right amount of nutrition, end of story.

There’s definitely a learning curve with a baby- feeding, diapers, sleeping, what’s normal and what’s not? Of course you can read baby books and look things up online, but I’ve found leaning on my friends and family has been best- the mom community is strong! And don’t be afraid to ask for help. If grandparents or friends offer to babysit, happily accept and enjoy some one-on-one time with your partner. I think that is SO important because it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the new baby but it’s equally important to keep your marriage strong so make sure to incorporate date nights when you can.

Porter has been so good to us and has been sleeping through the night since 2.5 months old. He might just be a chill baby and sleep like his mom BUT I also have to give credit to the Mom’s on Call schedule (basically feeding every 3 hours). I think it’s important to have a schedule but also allow for flexibility. If we are out and are 30 minutes late feeding Porter, he doesn’t freak out. I don’t know about y’all but I value my nighttime sleep so having a schedule is key!

I always knew I wanted to be a mom but have been pleasantly surprised how much I love this role. I know the infant stage is generally “easier” than the toddler stage so I know a lot of things will change over the next few years, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world!   

His face and those chins… I can’t!!

Photos by Deeana Kourtney Photography