Last year we started a special new project for Mother’s Day, where we invite a bunch of amazing moms to sign up to get their photo taken with their kids. This annual shoot has easily become on of our favorites. This year, we had 12 incredible subjects, from mothers to grandmothers to mothers-in-law. Our idea behind the shoot is to really show to the connection between a mother and her children. And no matter how old your kids are, the bond between you remains. Having became parents ourselves in the last year, we knew this year would be more special than ever. The photos remind us of the power of motherhood. And that it’s true what they say about kids, they grow up so fast…but they’ll always be your baby.
We asked a few of moms what is the best thing about being a mom. Their responses are below.
On Being a Mom
Mother: Lindsay Stark
What is the best thing about being a mom?
The best part of being a mom is the pure, unconditional love. You never know how much love your heart can hold until you have a child. I love that feeling. I love making her smile, watching her grow and develop, and seeing her learn new things. I feel so proud. Like, yes, I made this amazing creature!
What is the hardest thing?
The hardest part right now is sleep! But then, when I’m nursing at 3 am, I rub Penelope’s back and try to savor the moment. She’ll only be this small and wake me up at this time for so long.
The other hard part is the weight of responsibility. I try not to freak out about the fact that I am raising a human and I better not mess this up!
What is one thing you’ve learned from your kid(s)?
Penelope teaches me everything there is to know about perspective. Don’t sweat the small stuff has taken on a whole new meaning.
What is one thing you’ve taught them?
Right now, she’s learning to walk and it’s so fun! And scary because soon we won’t be able to keep up!
On Being a Mom
Mother: Patti Bronk
What is the best thing about being a mom?
The best thing about being a mom is watching my son & daughter grow into amazing, caring and loving people.
What is the hardest thing?
The hardest thing is when they have struggled and there was nothing I could do. But I was always there when they needed me.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your kid(s)?
They have taught me what the meaning of unconditional love is.
What is one thing you’ve taught them?
I hope that I have taught them to be tolerant and never judge others.
On Being a Mom
Mother: Jamie Shyo Dresselhaus
What is the best thing about being a mom?
The best thing about being a mom is having this little person reminding you who you used to be before life got super serious. I mean, being a parent means taking responsibility more seriously with saving for college and life insurance and stuff but you’re suddenly very free because you’re not worried about being cool, you’ll do the Macarena in public if it makes your baby smile!
What is the hardest thing?
It’s funny that everyone tells you how hard being a parent is and when you’re pregnant you’re ready for life to sort of end and never be fun again but so far it’s been easy.
There are tough times with lack of sleep and not knowing what to do but you don’t really care, you know?
I just want to enjoy being with him while he’s little and cute. If I had to say something was hard it would be the knowing he is going to grow up and leave someday!
What is one thing you’ve learned from your kid(s)?
So far, Paxton has taught me how to stop and assess what takes priority. Before I would spin around like a top working in circles to get everything done, but when Paxton yells for attention it’s like “okay, what matters right now is him which means I will be able to get these 2 things done today. Everything else will get done later.”
On Being a Mom
Mother: Susan Bivens
What is the best thing about being a mom?
Right now the best things are giggles and tickle time.
When Max snuggles his head into my neck and when Nedalia hugs me at night and tells me she loves me.
What is the hardest thing?
The hardest part is probably finding my patience. And slowing down.
On Being a Mom
Mother: Lauren Rust
What is the best thing about being a mom?
My favorite part about being a mom so far is seeing the way my son looks at me.
He is now 10 months old and I can see how much he lights up when I walk into a room.
There is so much joy in his eyes which makes me feel more loved then I’ve ever felt before!
What is the hardest thing?
I’d had to say when he is sick or is in any pain. I hate to see him cry!!
What is one thing you’ve learned from your kid(s)?
To slow down and take in each and every moment. Just being present with my son in the moment has helped me slow down a bit.
What is one thing you’ve taught them?
Hmmm…. This is a hard one. Maybe how to dance or move his body to music. We listen to music all the time in our house and he seems to really love it!
On Being a Mom
Mother: Domi Le
What is the best thing about being a mom?
The best thing about being a mom is getting to see the world through your child’s eyes, their wonder and curiosity and pure joy at encountering something novel or funny or learning something new.
What is the hardest thing?
The hardest thing is that helpless, anxious feeling that you won’t be able to protect them 24-7 throughout their lives.
Having to balance that fierce mama-bear instinct to protect with that knowledge that real life happens and your child needs to learn and grow and deal with life’s ups and downs.
Someone once likened having a child is like having your heart go walking around outside your body. I can’t think of a better description.
What is one thing you’ve learned from your kid(s)?
Patience and being more present in each moment.
What is one thing you’ve taught them?
My son is only over a year old, so I’m not sure what I’ve taught him that’s stuck or become apparent, but we’re trying to teach him to be gentle and treat everything and everyone kindly! We’re working on please and thank you’s.
