I am ever-inspired by mothers and honored to walk alongside so many wonderful ones. Motherhood is beautiful. It’s messy. It’s a blessing. It’s challenging and wonderful, exhausting and life-giving. Every time I have met another mom at a photo session, it’s brought me so much joy to talk and learn from her. Hearing perspectives, experiences, and stories from other women raising up little ones is such a gift, and it’s one I want to share with you.
So I’m starting a new series on the blog, and it’s all about featuring Huntsville moms. Their advice, their must-haves for motherhood, their thoughts on being a mom – it’s all going to be right here.
The first mama in this series is Jana (and technically, she’s now a Birmingham mom – but she lived in Huntsville when I photographed her newborn session), and she is seriously the sweetest. Her heart for her children is incredible, and she’s handling two children under two plus a move to another city beautifully. At her family’s session, I couldn’t stop smiling at how cute she and her husband, Ross, were with each other and their babies. Their whispers to each other about how much they love their son and daughter, the way they just beamed the entire time, and the joy they each exuded were incredible to witness.
Mother, by its very nature, embraces the giving of life to another outside of herself–a real live human being whose life will have implication for all of eternity.
Sally Clarkson
I’m excited to share Jana’s newborn session and her answers to some questions on motherhood with you. Her advice and insight are inspiring, and I hope you enjoy!
How did you feel when you found out you were going to be a mom?
“I was elated. We had experienced a long season of trying with loss, and when we got the news we had a healthy baby on the way, we were overcome with excitement but that still came with a little bit of ‘oh goodness do we have any idea of what we are doing??'”
What was your transition into motherhood like?
“My transition was probably a lot like other moms. It was filled with unknowns and self doubt alongside worry about wanting to make sure I did everything to protect that baby. I quickly learned though that as I was learning how to become a mom, my baby was learning how to be a baby and figuring out this world. Most days weren’t perfect but there is something so beautiful about the chaos and finding grace for yourself in all the unknowns of motherhood.”
What is the best advice you’ve received as a mother?
“Gosh, so much advice is thrown at new moms. Mostly good advice, I’d say. Realizing that every baby is different and needs different things. Your baby won’t follow the textbooks schedules & milestones perfectly, which knowing this brought a big sense of relief. Some practical advice would be after you feel like you’ve tried everything to soothe your baby, a bath or walking around outside with the baby can do miracles to calm them.”
What are three of your favorite must-have items for motherhood?(for yourself or your babies)
“Three must haves for motherhood would be really cozy pjs, a good devotional, and other moms in the same season or a season ahead to pray for you and check in. To add another item, coffee, lots of coffee.”
What’s something about the season of life you’re in that you don’t want to forget?
“I never want to forget the love these babies show me daily no matter what moment we are in. We can be playing and my son will just look over and give me a kiss or hug, almost as if it’s his way of thanking me for playing. On the days where we think we are barely surviving, the screaming and chaos and you get that one smile or babble from your infant.. it recharges so many batteries.”
What advice do you have for a mother/family going through multiple life changes like you have (having a baby and moving – you amaze me!!)?
“We have had a crash course in multiple life changes & trials at once. I think in order to set up your family for success in navigating it all you need to have strong communication with your spouse throughout the changes. Whether that’s a game plan/ schedule, how you are emotionally handling it all, when you need a moment to step away and so on… if you and your spouse aren’t handling it well, we can’t expect our kids to either. Lots of GRACE, especially for the kids. When you have littles that aren’t able to use words to communicate it might come out in other forms and you need to have an open heart to meet them where they are.”
What are one to two super practical pieces of advice for a new mom or a mom getting ready to go from one to two children?
“I am a very task oriented person and constantly feel like I need to accomplish something, but sometimes the babies just need me to stop, snuggle or play way more than they need clean clothes and picked up rooms. Try to remember everything does pass in time, the bad days & the good so soak up each second.. it will all be a distant memory soon.”
Is there anything else you’d like to share with other mamas?
“It is so easy to get caught up in the moment with your children when chaos surrounds you. Try to meet your child’s chaos with your calm instead of meeting their chaos with your chaos. Children sense our stress/ mood and will reflect it. Motherhood is the most beautiful, chaotic, life fulfilling thing ever and it is what you make it. It’s a dream to raise these tiny humans & be called mama.”
Bonus question: What was your favorite part about working with Mallory Bell Photography for your newborn session?
“She is a DREAM. We have never been so comfortable in front of the camera and that had everything to do with who was behind the camera. It truly was like we were hanging out with an old friend. She captured our imperfect family perfectly.”
Isn’t Jana amazing? So many nuggets of wisdom that I really took to heart! My favorite part may have been about meeting their chaos with your calm. When the days feel crazy, it can feel really hard to take a breath and stay in control, but like Jana says, our children reflect our moods. I’m tucking this advice away for when I am sure to need it this week!
Thank you, Jana, for sharing your heart. I’m encouraged by you!
Check back soon for another Huntsville mom feature! Lots more to come!
Scans by PhotoVision
Mallory Bell Photography is a Huntsville, Alabama maternity, newborn, and family photographer creating timeless imagery to document every stage of motherhood and family, from bump to baby and beyond. I capture your family honestly and candidly so you’ll always remember exactly how the little details felt. In the rush of life, it’s easy to overlook the ordinary moments. I aim to document the love between you and your little ones in a joyful, heartfelt way so your legacy will live on for generations to come.
Contact me to inquire about documenting your family’s story.
