It’s been a minute since we’ve created space for a mom to speak here on the blog, so I’m thrilled to bring back this series by highlighting the beautiful Nicole. Not only is she a darling mother of two and devoted wife, but she is also an amazing photographer herself. Filled with organic, romantic details and set against a European-inspired backdrop in Alys Beach, our time together was nothing short of timeless and treasured. Here’s a bit of Nicole’s take on motherhood.
Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: I’m Nicole, mama to two sweet little ones. My daughter, Isla, is all things a strong-willed, firstborn girl should be: bold, beautiful, and wonderful (God is teaching me large measures of patience through her, ha!). Pierce, my little man, is a rough and tumble sweetheart of a mama’s boy. My husband and I have been married since 2011, and I’m so grateful that he’s by my side. We call the Florida panhandle home, where I homeschool, serve in various church ministries, and photograph families.
Q: What is motherhood to you?
A: While, of course, it’s the space where we kiss boo-boo’s and tickle tummies, it’s also a ministry. Looking at it through that lens helps me {try to} live out 1 Corinthians 16:14 – “Let all that you do be done in love.”…even when I’m running on 3 hours of sleep, ibuprofen, and a prayer! As with all things, I hope to glorify God through motherhood.
Q: In what ways has motherhood surprised you?
A: In what ways hasn’t it? Ha! From the most trivial things – how I can wipe their noses with my sleeve without flinching but other little ones’ runny noses still make me gag (real life confession) to the shock of the depth of feelings I have for them. I didn’t know it was possible to feel so much worry, pride, or love for someone until I became a mom.
Q: In what ways has motherhood grown you?
A: Motherhood has had a funny way of exposing the selfish, impatient corners of my heart. I’ve been challenged to face my shortcomings and repent daily. I’ve definitely drawn nearer to the Lord through the journey – motherhood is sanctifying!
Q: Describe your journey to motherhood.
A: Oof. We spent a couple of years trying before we saw those two pink lines. I wish I could say that I spent that time gracefully, but that wouldn’t necessarily be honest. More often than not, I was frustrated and fiery over my body’s inability to do what I thought it should (or if we’re really getting to the heart of it… God’s timing). I wanted what I wanted, and I didn’t want to wait. At the time, I wasn’t sure that I would ever have children, and I did not do a good job resting in the unknown. But hindsight is a valuable thing, and looking back I can see so much grace woven through my story, and I’ve gained so much insight from waiting that I might not have otherwise.
Q: What are your best practices for working from home while being a present mom?
A: Again…oof. I’m fully aware that there are times during daily life where I’m split between work, running a household, homeschooling, etc., and am not completely mentally present. To balance, I am mindful to spend time with each of my little ones playing, reading, or conversing without distractions daily. I also schedule one-on-one dates with each little one regularly along with outings all together.
Q: How do your hope your children remember you during these early years?
A: I just hope they can look back and see past my shortcomings (they’re plentiful!) to know just how much I love and cherish each of them!
Xo,
Michela
