Let's chat a little about being a mom (or dad). And what that means. First of all, I just want to thank all the powers that be and the Scary Mommy blog in particular for getting with the program. For calling out all the realities of parenting. Let's just say that while there is plenty of magic there are also times as a parent that are truly small (or a large) slice of hell.

I hope that these sessions are a way for every kid to show their own unique self. And prove that there is no one "right way" to dress, act, look, or be. That our job as humans is to accept and love each other. And often that starts with ourselves. 

 "Getting the pictures taken allowed me to forget everything that was going on in my head and just have fun and relax.  It was a lot of fun.  When I actually saw the pictures I couldn't believe it was me.  It was like I was looking at a model and reading what my family had to say about me just made me so happy.  I gained a lot of self confidence from it and can really see the beauty in me both inside and out."

Being a senior is an important time. You are officially going from being considered a kid to a grown up. I remember that feeling well. I think it's a time to celebrate where you are and where you are going. It's a time you will look back on with fondness for the rest of your life. 

Michael called me from Indiana. He said that he and his girlfriend were taking a road trip and he knew he wanted to propose here in Maine. He asked for help figuring out where in the area might be best so, naturally I suggested the Portland Headlight at Ft. Williams in Cape Elizabeth. It's an amazingly beautiful iconic Maine location. One of the top ways to identify the area is the ocean and a lighthouse! 

Ellie came in to have her portrait session after mom saw the invitation for the Little Women sessions on Facebook. These sessions are designed to give girls who are between 10-12 an extra boost of self confidence. Those ages can be especially hard for kids. They aren't little kids anymore, but they aren't yet teenagers either. They have new hormones and feel caught between wanting to be young and play and wanting to feel all grown up and get taken seriously! It can be tough to feel confident too with all the different messages that society gives young girls on how they should look and act. 

This morning I am supposed to be finishing up a presentation for my networking group. A group of people that I have known for over a year now. They aren't my closest friends, but a wonderful group of people that I know pretty well. And they all know me. They are kind and open, and I have presented my photography to them in the past several times. I realize I am terrified to present my new project to them. The one that I am so excited to be creating. 

The goal is to help tweens look and feel beautiful and have unshakable confidence in themselves when they hit junior high. We want to capture the the personality of these girls and record the last stage of their childhood. Imagine the impact a single beautiful image like the one here can do for your tweens self image.

Even though I posed for these photos as a surprise for my husband, these photos are a message to mothers everywhere that your bodies are strong, beautiful, maternal vessels that deserved to be treasured and revered. Mothers should feel proud to feed their children publicly, for this is beautiful process. Thank you, Jen, for helping capture and unify the inner and outer beauty of motherhood through these stunning photographs.

I wonder why I feel compelled to write down what happened today. Then I think about the girls. And the one amazing little boy. I think about the details that maybe they will never know. Unless we grown ups remember and share. So I thought if I could write down a few moments from today they won’t be forgotten. I hope that will be the case. 

It's really wonderful to show someone how beautiful they are. To help them connect the person that they are on the inside with the person they are on the outside. She is lovely in both ways.

I feel so strongly about girls having a real sense of who they are and feeling confident in that person. I know so many women I talk to want the same things for their daughters too. I think it's important to love and be connected to the body you live in. You get it for your whole life. If you can get and stay comfortable in your own skin you have a real advantage in life. Being comfortable and confident gives you the power to face the tough parts of life knowing that you trust yourself. I believe that trusting yourself comes from being at peace with all the pieces of who you are both inside and out. These tween and teen years are when big changes happen. Keeping yourself connected is huge.  

This is what life is all about. The good times. The moments that we can look back on with fondness and realize that the most important thing we can do in life is enjoy it. May these images take you back to something wonderful from your childhood. Or maybe they inspire you to call your friends and do something fabulous. 

These two girls became new best friends instantly. There were several moments as I was shooting that took my breath away. I see my little girl as all these things, silly, sarcastic, witty, funny, serious, and intense. But when I am taking portraits of her she is this other thing entirely. A thing that I can't really describe or grab onto. This magical creature who I have been gifted to hang out with. An old soul looking out at me.