Mom

Images @Brandeelottphotography

Images taken in Senatobia MS. at “Papa’s” place.

 Disclaimer: I am not professional of any sort, I do not give “professional”  or  “medical” advice, my blogs are simply my religious beliefs, biblical devotions, and personal opinions.

“To the world, you are a mother. To your child, you are the world.” - Unknown

It’s not “Mother’s Day” yet… but as a photographer, you’re always thinking ahead.

You’re planning sessions weeks, sometimes months in advance. Thinking about the location. The light. If it’s themed, what props would feel meaningful instead of just “cute.” What can set this session apart. What will make it feel timeless instead of trendy.

And in doing all of that planning for other mamas… it made me stop and think about my own.

How incredible she is.
How selfless she has always been. How growing up, I thought she was what all mothers were like.

And then I got older.

And I realized what I thought was “normal” was actually her going above and beyond in ways I didn’t even recognize at the time. The sacrifices. The late nights. The quiet prayers. The constant choosing of her children over herself. The ways that you can’t understand until you realized there are so many children who didnt have that kind of mom.

I was blessed in ways I didn’t even know to be thankful for. She was incredible. The strongest person I know.

But not only did my mom come to mind… so did all of the sweet mamas I’ve had the honor of photographing over the years.

The ones who carve out time in busy seasons to document the “don’t grow up too fast” moments.
The ones who understand that one day, these babies won’t be babies anymore.
The ones who know that photographs aren’t just pictures, they’re proof of presence.

Last summer, I had a “Mom and Me” session with Averi and Weston.

And it has stuck with me daily ever since. It was so special. Weston didn’t even know the session was for moms’ heart… he was too busy having so much fun. He carried those big dinos like they were his best friend. Roaring just like them and stomping big steps throughout the tall grass at Papa’s place.

I know Averi beyond just my photography career. I know her heart and she certainly has a big one.

She is an “I’m going to make it happen” kind of mom. The kind who knows exactly what her child needs and will move high water to provide it. She is intentional. Present. She’s an all in mom.

She doesn’t just want Weston to have a good life; she wants him to have a life he remembers. She wants it to be more than just routine… she wants it to be special memories. Moments that are incredible to a small boy who sees the world as so big. Magic in his every day.

And that little boy, Weston……

That sweet little loving heart of his loves his mama. Unconditionally.

He loves holding her hand like it’s the safest place in the world. Because it is to him. She is his protector.
He loves being right in the middle of whatever she’s doing, even when life around her feels busy and full.
He doesn’t want the sidelines. He doesn’t want when its convenient… He wants her and she gives him that. Everyday.

He is a mama’s boy in the purest way. Not spoiled. Not clingy. Just secure.

Just certain that his favorite place is next to her…. and that’s exactly the way it should be.

But Averi, she is a boy mom through and through.

She gets down on his level and plays dinosaurs. She fuels his imagination. She makes space for wonder. She listens when he talks about the big things in his little world. She makes ordinary afternoons feel magical.

There’s something so sacred about watching a mother love her son. About seeing a boy who knows he is safe. Who knows he is chosen. Who knows his mama WILL ALWAYS SHOW UP for him no matter what.

And I truly believe she is exactly what God called her to be.

Weston’s mama.

Not by accident. Not by chance. But on purpose.

And one day, when Weston is grown; when he’s bigger than she is and the world feels loud and fast, he will think back to these moments. He will think back on all the moments he’s had with mom.

The dinos. The Super heroes.

Cheese dip covered fingers and milkshake mustaches.
The bedtime snuggles. The T-ball practices. The cookies baked. The Elf on the shelf magic. The sonic runs. Chicken nuggets. The storybooks read. The songs sang together. The afternoons with the windows rolled down. Side by side rides. Disneyworld.
The wishes made.
The way scary things didn’t feel so scary because Mama was there.
The way she always fixed anything that was broken.

The ways she sacrificed for him. How she pushed daily for him. How she cheered him on. How she taught him. How she helped him grow.

He will remember how safe he felt.
He will remember how seen he felt. He will remember how deeply he was loved.

Weston is so blessed to call Averi “Mama.”

Averi is so exceptional at motherhood.

Not because it’s always easy for her. And not because she never gets tired. Motherhood is demanding. It stretches you thin. It humbles you. It asks more of you than you sometimes feel like you have to give.

And yet… she makes it look effortless.

She carries the weight without complaining. She shows up steady. She loves SO big. She leads with patience. Even on the hard days, she chooses him again and again.

That’s her character. That’s who AVERI is.

Thats Westons mom.

And that’s what these sessions are really about to me….

Not the props.
Not the location.
Not the outfits. Its the reason for the pictures. Its the moments capturing them.

They’re about freezing the proof of a mother’s love in this exact season — before little hands get bigger and bedtime snuggles turn into quick hugs.

Motherhood isn’t easy. But when it’s done with the kind of intentional love Averi gives, it is powerful beyond words.

So no, it’s not Mother’s Day yet.

But if you’re a mama who is showing up every day… tired, selfless, intentional, and loving… I hope you know:

One day, your babies will look back and realize what they thought was “normal” was actually extraordinary.

And they will be so thankful you were theirs.

“The love of a mother is the greatest story a child will ever tell.” - Unknown

Year 3!