This morning I heard a discussion on the radio about what Mom’s find the most difficult (as far as being  a Mother). The top challenge was the feeling that we, as Moms, must be perfect….. in pre-baby shape, home looks great & clean 24/7, kids well-behaved, etc.  And if something wasn’t checked off in that area, we are failing. I want to encourage all mothers that I understand the challenges of being a mom. It’s tough. I remember having our twins as newborns and being incredibly lonely… and exhausted. My husband and my friends (at that time they didn’t have children yet) were at work during the day. My days were filled with feedings, baby schedules, etc. My favorite time was taking them on stroller walks just so that I could get out of the house for a while.

Second difficulty was the thought that our skills are wasted if we are stay-at-home mothers. But, I promise that isn’t the case!

As a mom of 4 (#4 due in a few weeks), my life has obviously changed and I’ve adjusted to the new career of Motherhood. But, there are days I wish my house was cleaner (best purchase ever… Dyson vacuum- kids can push them cause they’re light, ha). Days when I wish the kids would always walk like normal human beings in the grocery store (recalling a recent time when my 6 year old daughter demonstrated her ability to waddle down the aisle like a duck). Days I think about how nice it would be to have dinner prepared (as I’m scrambling to make buttered noodles for dinner… time escaped me). Days when I wish they could always say “okay mom” when I ask them to do something. Days when homeschooling feels like pulling teeth to get them to finish their work (but, then the next day everything ‘clicks’ and they ‘get it’ – THAT is fun!). Days when I wish they would just all stay in their beds at bedtime without walking down the hall to ask a question (they are improving, ha!).

But… I can’t imagine it any other way. What an amazing opportunity to love our growing children. To teach, guide and prepare them for their lives. As far as I’ve heard, they ARE listening to what we say. And those of you with babies, you’ll see that they do. What we DO matters as much as what we say… likely more. For the moms who work outside the home … those hugs and stories matter in the evening (my mom worked outside the home and I promise I love her lots and lots). I think the toughest thing in our mom generation is to turn off facebook, pinterest, smart phones, etc, and engage with our children.

A couple weeks ago my Aunt passed away from cancer. Her grown sons both shared about how important she was in their lives. She loved them. She always had a comforting hug for them. She shared her faith in Jesus with them. She was there when they needed her. It was really encouraging to see.

I  feel I am rambling, but overall, please be encouraged that the love and joy you show your child(ren) matters SO much to them. Please know that the best thing we can do is love them, teach them, allow them to make mistakes, and allow ourselves to make mistakes too. Now as my 3 year old is standing here next to me wondering if I’m done working on the computer, I’m going to sign off.  Know that YOU matter SO much even when it feels like all you are is a cook, chauffeur, maid, diaper-changer/laundry cleaner, doctor, nurse, appointment-maker, ….

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there! May you be blessed in your role as a mom!

If you’re anything like me, you are often the one behind the camera. You are the family photographer because you want to remember these days when your children are growing and changing quickly. With Mother’s Day quickly a little over a month away, I’m offering a special mini session only for mothers and their children. If you’re a Daddy reading this… this is a wonderful gift idea for your wife and honestly, for your children as well. Moms, …. don’t be concerned about how you look or don’t look. That doesn’t matter to your children when they are looking back at photos of their mothers. Seriously, mom’s are the most beautiful women in the world in the eyes of their children. That’s because they see your heart. Your heart is unconditionally loving towards them.. and that’s true beauty. So in honor of the amazing bond between a child and their mother, Mommy & Me mini sessions are being offered.

* session spaces are limited and will fill quickly.

Note… adjustment is being made to the date as May seems to be a better date for most. Please check back soon!  Thank you!

Jill Velicer is a professional photographer specializing in pregnancy, birth, newborn, baby and family photography in the Greater Milwaukee area.