Authentic Magic

First,

I’m a Mom. A Twin Mom

The best and most important thing about me is that I’m a mom to my little baby angels, Prescott & Quinn or P&Q as they are most casually nicknamed. A whole month after our wedding my husband and I conceived twins au natural. I was convinced by week 5 that I was pregnant with double the baby although no one else believed me at the end of week 6 they were confirmed fraternal twins. At week 12 we found out that they were a boy and a girl and at week 12 and 5 minutes I knew we were done having children (insert laugh but being completely serious).

P&Q have been literally the best thing about life since the day they were born. I developed my parenting style on my own terms and we just kind of figured it out as we went. They’ve made being a mom so easy which is another reason they will never have a sibling other than the furry ones.

I’d say my parenting style is the texture of almost done rice. Not crunchy but not quick silky. Just a little hard to chew. I didn’t sleep train, but we never co slept. They were always put to bed drowsy but still awake. I made all of their purees starting at 6 months but they love some good chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese now. I don’t believe in yelling as a form of discipline but they have heard the word “no” a few hundred times.

I personally don’t believe there is a “right way” to be a parent. I think everyone’s way of parenting their own child is their own “right way” and we should all respect that about each other. Every child is different as well as every parent is different and that’s what makes being a parent so fun! Well and having a built in bestie for the rest of your life.

Second.

I’m Outdoor-ish.

Traveling makes me happy. Hiking brings me peace. Disney fills my soul.

No matter how many times I get anxious diarrhea before getting on an airplane I will forever love the freedom in being somewhere else in the world. My husband and I took up hiking when the big ‘Vid took over the world in 2020 and then after having the twins we started enjoying it with them. Last year we decided to take a random trip to Glacier National Park and that is where an obsession began.

There is truly no feeling to compare to seeing the majestic landscapes that God created. Maybe it’s not so majestic to someone that lives around mountainous landscapes, but when Indiana has been your home base for your entire life those views were breathtaking. Now as much as I love hiking no part of me will ever own a tent though. I will be at the park in the morning and stay until the sun goes down, but I will then be returning to a cozy AirBnB with a lock on the door and warm shower.

On the flip side of my love for nature and hiking, Disney World is my happy place. The feeling that you get after passing though the entrance that immediately makes you feel like there isn’t a worry in the world except wait times and where your next snack is coming from. Disney is even more magical (and stressful) with the twins now that they love all things Disney and just about every Disney movie.

And aside from all of that I do love myself a good beach because who doesn’t right.

Third.

I’m a Photographer.

Model Converted to Photographer.

After spending more than 10 years as a model I fell in love with being behind the camera as much as I loved being in front of it. What started as an obsession of just taking pictures of my cute kids turned into a love of taking pictures of everything. I took a leap of faith in early 2024 and decided maybe others would want me to take pictures of them too. I’ve photographed weddings, families, newborns, couples, graduates and all the little moments in between.

I absolutely love capturing authentic happiness in people and I think that is where my love for photography grows from. I also volunteer for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep foundation and photograph still born babies at local hospitals when it’s requested. As heartbreaking as those sessions are I know I’m providing those families lasting memories of their perfect angel that they might otherwise not have.

Fourth.

I’m a Lifeline.

With a bachelors degree in psychology and years of therapy I won’t ever settle for feeling “ok” and neither should you.