On February 29th 2016 Scarlett Neve made me a mommy.

 I didn't expect mommyhood to come as naturally as it has. I have always been extremely independent, I taught myself how to ride a bike with no training wheels, I never got homesick at slumber parties, I made my living from my photography business that somehow I started on my own. 

I always thought being a mommy would be hard for the independent side of me. I've never doubted that I wanted to be a mom, its always been a desire I have had, but I honestly didn't think the transition would go as smoothly as it has. I honestly adore my daughter, I love being with her, I love that she loves being with me, she crawls to me if I am even just 4 feet from her and it melts my heart! All of this to say that as I have been enjoying becoming a mom and learning everyday how to love my little one well, I have discovered a new side of me. One that I am sure has always been there just waiting to come out. I am still me, I still love traveling, I still love being a wedding photographer, I still love being social. 

I never wanted to be the mom that gave up her dreams or passions to be a mom (not that there is anything wrong with that) but I have seen women walk it out so well and it has empowered me to know that you CAN have it all. You CAN be a mom AND a world traveler, you can be a mom AND a business owner, you can be a mom AND still hold onto YOU. It just might be a little bit harder, but that doesn't make it impossible. 

Mommy guilt is real you guys! Sometimes you feel like a bad mommy because you had to leave your daughter for a twelve hour wedding day (just being real here) but you know what? I want Scarlett to look up to me and be empowered as a women. I want her to see her mommy living life passionately, be a business owner while loving her children well and being present. 

I haven't been a mommy for even a year yet, But I once heard a quote that "Powerful women breed powerful women" and I know there have been women in my life that empowered me to know that I could be a mommy without losing myself.

I hope this blog is encouraging, I hope its empowering, I hope it is eye opening or maybe just sparks something in your heart that has always been there.