Seasons of Motherhood~Artifact Motherhood~New Forest Motherhood Photographer
And it is that time again for another entry for Artifact motherhood, a beautiful blog circle which is a collaboration of artists & mothers from around the world sharing stories of the joys and struggles of our journey. These are more than photographs with dates written on the back. These are the artefacts we are leaving behind for children and the generations to come. Please have a look through mine and then check out the next artist in our circle.
This entry is the start of a new series which we've just begun doing called "Seasons of Motherhood" and is meant to be one picture, one caption that represents our current journey/season of motherhood. Here's mine:
At first I wasn't going to use this image, it felt too much like a snapshot but then I changed my mind because this is a really honest depiction of our life at the moment. You, Forrest, attached to my boob and feeling poorly & Nixie, you reaching out wanting to be close & me feeling tired on a level I haven't felt since you Forrest were a newborn. It's been over a month now of not really sleeping all thanks to your molars coming through and this phase of sleep deprivation has been pretty intense at times (although just today I noticed all 4 of your molars have cut though so hopefully we will all catch a break soon!). The feeling of not being able to be and do what I want for you both on some days leaves me feeling really guilty and anxious. I wish someone would have warned me about the mom guilt, especially the mom guilt that comes with having both of you to look after! Also the holes in my trousers is such a great symbol for how I've been feeling overwhelmed with trying to get so many things done this past month but neglecting other parts. Sure these past few weeks have been really tough but they have also been infused with so much inspiration and love, so many lazy days in, all snuggled up close and even through the sleep-deprived fog we have managed to make some beautiful memories. I have learned to accept that even the tough times are OK, they are a part of life, and we will always go through ups and downs. I have also learned to find the blessings in the harder times, there's always a little bit of a silver lining and soon this phase of tiredness will end and a new season will begin, nothing stays the same forever.
And now please check out the next wonderful artist in our Artefact Motherhood blog circle, Caro Cuinet and continue through all the artists until you get back to me!
To learn more about this beautiful project please visit Artefact Motherhood
Comments
Danni
Lovely words, and that photo is absolutely beautiful 💕 I know the exhaustion is so real and raw, but it's honest. And it's important to share those moments as much as the 'perfect' polished ones. Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻 And I hope you get some sleep soon! Xx
Hollie
Ann, your honesty is refreshing. Your words and this moment are all too familiar for me. Mom guilt is a real thing, I've learned the art of giving my imperfections some room in my life as well as mercy for myself. This season IS hard, and I really admire how you have learned to look for the blessings. I can see it written on your heart through this image with your children. You are strong, brave, and I know you'll navigate this season with beauty and grace. You've got this, Momma.
Caro
Oh my word this is art Ann ! The light, the connections. I see your tiredness but I also see content and happiness. And Love. You got this !
cindy knight
Oh Ann.. I feel everything from this beautiful capture. Absolutely reminiscent of this season for you. I hope you catch a "sleep break" soon my friend :)