Becoming a mother is one of life’s most transformative experiences. It’s a journey filled with moments of profound joy, unexpected challenges, and the kind of love that reshapes your entire world. As the owner of Casey and Co Photography Studio, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to document the lives and milestones of countless families. Now, I’m experiencing my own life-changing milestone—becoming a new mom.

The Magical Anticipation

The anticipation of welcoming a new life into the world is magical. From the first flutter of kicks to the late-night nursery preparations, each moment is imbued with a sense of wonder. As a photographer, I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of these fleeting moments, and now, I find myself on the other side of the lens, cherishing every heartbeat and ultrasound image.

The Birth Process: A Dance of Strength and Vulnerability

The birth process is a testament to the strength and resilience of women. It’s a dance of strength and vulnerability, a journey that tests your limits and then expands them in ways you never thought possible. As a new mom, I experienced the full spectrum of emotions—anticipation, fear, pain, and ultimately, indescribable joy. Holding my child for the first time was a moment that words can hardly capture. It was a culmination of months of preparation, both physically and emotionally, and the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

I was fortunate to have Lacewood Photography by my side to capture this incredible journey. Their talent and sensitivity in documenting the birth process allowed us to relive those precious moments and see our story unfold through beautiful, heartfelt images. Lacewood Photography captured our journey perfectly, and their work will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Our journey to meet our daughter, Thalia, began a little over 40 weeks into my pregnancy when I was induced. However, my labour didn’t start immediately, leading to a long and challenging process. We returned to the hospital the next morning, Tuesday at 7 AM, and were admitted. The hours that followed were filled with anticipation and intensity. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, it took eight attempts to place the epidural, each try bringing a mix of discomfort and hope for relief.

The labour was long and arduous, spanning over 21 hours. The last two hours were particularly intense, involving a lot of tears and pain as I pushed with all my strength. Despite my efforts, our little one’s head was stuck sideways in my pelvis, making the delivery even more challenging.

A Father’s Love and Dedication

As labour progressed, my husband was my unwavering support, anchoring us through two intense hours of pushing. He was wholeheartedly devoted to being there for both me and our child, channeling every ounce of his strength and love into those moments. His determination and devotion never wavered as he focused on helping me bring our daughter into the world. After a long labour and the realization that our daughter’s head was stuck, the doctors recommended an emergency c-section. In the early hours of Valentine’s Day, at 4:21 AM, our beautiful daughter, Thalia, was born, weighing 7lbs 11oz and measuring 19.5 inches.

Her arrival was a profoundly moving moment, overflowing with tears of joy and an indescribable sense of love. Born on a day dedicated to love, Thalia perfectly symbolizes the deep love that brought her into our lives. Her arrival was a profoundly moving moment, overflowing with tears of joy and an indescribable sense of love.

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Running a large portrait studio while adjusting to the demands of motherhood has been a balancing act like no other. Being self-employed means that the line between personal and professional life often blurs. The struggle to find time for everything is real—navigating sleepless nights, early feedings, and the constant needs of a newborn, all while managing client sessions, editing photos, and maintaining the business.

Returning to work early was a decision driven by passion and necessity. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but there were also moments of triumph. Seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces and knowing that I was capturing memories for them made it all worthwhile. Each photoshoot became a reminder of why I started Casey and Co Photography Studio in the first place—to celebrate life’s beautiful moments.

Finding the Magic in Everyday Moments

Motherhood has taught me to find magic in the everyday moments. The quiet, early mornings spent nursing my baby before the hustle of the workday begins. The way my child’s eyes light up when they see me after a long day at the studio. These small, seemingly mundane moments are the ones that truly matter.

Photography, at its core, is about capturing the essence of these moments. It’s about finding beauty in the ordinary and preserving it for generations to come. As a new mom, this perspective has deepened my connection to my work. Every family I photograph, every newborn session I conduct, feels even more poignant now. I understand the emotions behind the smiles and the significance of each captured glance.

The Support of a Loving Community

I couldn’t do this alone. The support of my family, friends, and clients has been invaluable. From understanding clients who accommodate my new schedule to family members who step in to help with childcare, every bit of support has made a difference. The Casey and Co community has shown me that it’s possible to pursue your passions and dreams while raising a family.

Looking Forward

As I continue to navigate this journey of motherhood and entrepreneurship, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. There will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, but I am ready to face them with the same resilience and determination that has brought me this far. I look forward to capturing more beautiful moments, both for my clients and for my own family.

In the end, it’s the love, struggles, and triumphs that make this journey so magical. Being a new mom has enriched my life in ways I never imagined, and it has brought a new depth to my work at Casey and Co Photography Studio. Here’s to celebrating every moment, big and small, and to embracing the beautiful chaos of life.

With love and gratitude,

Karen

Birth photos done by the fabulous Lacewood studio 

In home newborn session by beautiful Megan Mckinley photography