Lifestyle Photographer Columbus Ohio | Baby Milestone Session - James + Jackson

With all of this rainy weather lately, I was SO happy we scheduled this session on a beautiful, sunny evening at Highbanks Metropark. I also took James and Jackson's newborn photos so it was SO amazing to see them again for their six months milestone session! I could not believe how much they have grown!

These two handsome guys stole my heart and I loved getting to cuddle them again! Added bonus: their parents are AWESOME and I always feel more like we are hanging out than having a photo shoot! 

Enjoy the cuteness!

Love and Light, 

Erika

Lifestyle Photographer Columbus Ohio | Family Trip to Newport Aquarium

Our son LOVES fish so we recently took a day trip down to Newport, Kentucky to visit the Newport Aquarium. It was a very exciting place for our almost 2 year old and he had a BLAST to say the least.. I am not sure, however, if he enjoyed the fish or people watching more. 

Lifestyle-Photographer-Columbus-Ohio-Newport-Aquarium-Erika-Venci-Photography

It really is amazing to see how magical everything is through a child's eyes.. it makes me remember my own childhood and what it felt like to have that kind of imagination. I think that is one of the best parts about being a parent: being reminded of your own childhood and seeing your child(ren) enjoying the same things that you used to enjoy. 

Seeing the joy on my son's face is everything to me and it is what I strive to capture in my photos.. the pure joy of everyday moments during his childhood.

 

 

Lifestyle Photographer Columbus Ohio | Fresh 48 Session - Edwin

Those first couple of days.. do you remember what they were like? Every time I am editing a fresh 48 session, I get a bit emotional. Even though these aren't MY babies, I can still remember the way it felt to discover this profound love in this tiny little person.

The exhaustion, the hip/back/lady region/basically ALL OVER pain, counting wet diapers, wearing a diaper yourself, getting a good latch, learning how to hold their bobbly little head, nurses checking on you, newborn cries, postpartum hormone changes.. there are so many hard things about those first couple of days. 

When my clients look at their photos, I hope all that they remember are those little newborn details.. their tiny wrinkled feet, adorable little face, and the way their heart felt when they first met their baby.

Welcome to the world, little Edwin! You are SO adorable and SO loved. 

Being a Mom Is... | Lifestyle Photographer Columbus Ohio - Erika Venci Photography

Many would agree that it is the HARDEST job in the world.. being a mom. No breaks, no down time, on call 100% of the time, learning as you go, etc. Not to mention that most of the time, your "boss" does not appreciate or understand your efforts. Nothing can prepare you for motherhood.. no books, no blogs, no words of advice can prepare you for the exhaustion, beautiful chaos, and intense love that is motherhood.

Ever since Bodhi was born I have kept a list of things I found amusing about motherhood. Most of these remarks were written while I was on maternity leave with him, but I have also added a few since he has entered toddlerhood.

 

To all the moms out there.. this is for you. 

BEING A MOM IS..

Scarfing down cold food

Re-heating your coffee for the fifth.. or tenth time 

Trying to decide if you should sleep when baby sleeps or fold the laundry or just veg out with some shows

Kissing boo boos

Saying "no" ... A lot.

Realizing that babies have their own agenda

Holding your pee

Taking one hour to get out the door 

Being a ninja when they FINALLY fall asleep

Realizing that YOU are superwoman.. 

Forcing smiles when all you want to do is have a meltdown

Laughing at what you thought maternity leave would be like 

Feeling your heart break and melt at the same time 

All the coffee..

Letting go of who you used to be

Realizing that book shelves are overrated

Staring at how many beauty products you USED to use 

Rocking your new mom-do.. whatever that may be

Loving your new mom bod because it created and sustained LIFE

Realizing your past is coming back to haunt you.. like that one time you judged a mom with a screaming toddler at the store (why can't they control their child?! LOL) 

Cooking a nutritious meal that your boss throws on the floor

Negotiating

Having a tiny person follow you around the house and undo all of your cleaning..

Dressing your kid in Baby Gap.. whilst you wear sweatpants.. and haven't bought new clothes since who knows when

Counting down to bedtime but then staring at them while they sleep

..THE MOST REWARDING JOB IN THE WORLD

Photographer-Columbus-Ohio-Erika-Venci-Photography

A Very Happy Mother's day to my friends, family, and clients.. and especially to my mom, who is always there for me.

A few of my favorite motherhood moments..

Love and Light, 

Erika

Photographer-Columbus-Ohio-Erika-Venci-Photography