"Motherhood is Tough...but so am I"....the final results....

When I posted about this project awhile ago I really couldn't expect the response to be what it was. I had sooo many women jump at the appointments and so many message me when they were all taken. So many that wanted to participate. So many Mommas that wanted to show their children to love their bodies no matter how they look....just like their Mom's do (or want to do!).

During each session I took a close up of everyone's belly. Most of the women didn't know I was doing it until they received their galleries to look at. But, I wanted to show them that no matter how flat or stretched marked it was.....it was so similar to so many other Mom's out there. Every photo here is perfectly imperfect. We cringe at seeing our own selves, but someone else out there is wishing and working for YOUR body.

I also took each Mom with flowers. Something kind of silly I guess...but most of the photos were so strong and fierce...I wanted to break that up with something softer and feminine.

I had 16 Moms that came to participate. They were all so different! The ages of all the children, the ages of the moms themselves, how they mother, how their bodies have adjusted to pregnancy and motherhood stress, even how they prepared for the session. Some went all out and got hair and make up done...some were all natural and came as is....their everyday simplicity.

I learned a few things along my couple week journey doing these......

Those babies don't care how you look. Those teenagers are embarrassed of you no matter if your 100 pounds or 300 pounds..LOL. And those adult big kids are proud of you...no matter what.

Our bodies go through pure hell with pregnancy, delivery and the everyday trials of the Mom Life. Some of us take it in stride and go with the flow, some work really hard to get to a place they are comfortable with and some just come to the realization (Like ME!) that they will probably never look the same as they did before that first miracle came to rest in our arms. And that's okay......

Another thing I leaned during this process is how some of these women were going through some really tough times during this shoot. From infertility to personal relationship trials to dealing with the same babies that stole our hearts leaving and learning to fly on their own. Our body issues really are the least of our problems sometimes. Sometimes life just stinks. And that's okay. Because tomorrow isn't promised to be better, but it sure could be! So, we have to just hold on and wait out that storm.

Some of these ladies were able to bring their kiddos with them for some photos too. All of them were so very sweet and accommodating! The older kids had a few complaints but for the most part, everyone was so awesome and I am so glad these big kid moms had the opportunity to get photos with them!

I got to meet some really great ladies and many of them stuck around afterwards for some great conversation. I always love meeting new people...especially ones so great as these ladies were!

With all of these sessions I came to the realization that I needed to do this too. I NEEDED to get over my whole hate my belly issue. The whole process has been a bit therapeutic for me. It's no big secret my life and mothering role is changing big time the past few years with all my kiddos leaving for school and getting married. It's rough. It's tough.....it plain out sucks. I came to realize that during all the sweet moments I had with them as babies, and the fun times we will have in the future I never think about my stretch marks or weight gain during those times. Those memories are not dependent on how I look or how perfect my belly is. They happen regardless. I need to concentrate on life. On making those memories. On being grateful that I have those marks. It means I have created, raised and loved some very incredible humans.

A huge thank you to my friend Mandy over at Everly Eileen Photography for taking these for me. For putting up with my complaints and resistance. She's pretty awesome all around! So, here I am.....belly exposed and hating every second of it. But, also realizing I gotta get over my crap and just deal. What a great new motto for me: "Get over the crap and just deal." I'm going to really try and implement that from now on!

A thank you will never be enough to the following ladies for coming and being a part of this! For showing the world. For "getting over the crap and just dealing with it". Your all awesome Momma's and I am so glad to be sharing the journey of motherhood with you <3 <3 <3

THANKS AND HUGS AND KISSES FOR MY PARTICIPANTS:

Eliza

Aimee

Jen C

Ashley

Karli

Meghan

Stephanie

Stacy

Chrysa

Katie H.

Dawn