Just like plants require sunlight and water, dreams take some TLC, too! (Fun fact: while I may not have a green thumb, that doesn’t stop me from filling our home with plants!) I have learned what it takes to keep my dreams alive from this little beauty’s mom! After years of praying and waiting, her wildest dream came true this year when she became a mother! What about you? How long have you been waiting on your dream?
How did you and your spouse meet?
Aaron and I lived in the same apartment building and met when I had accidentally made a huge pot of green curry and invited all the neighbors to help me eat it!
Describe how your life changed once you brought home your newborn baby.
Everything changed instantly. You can’t really describe something so all encompassing. But for every negative there are a thousand positives. Embrace the chaos!
Describe your newborn baby.
Meara is so sweet. She loves to cuddle and eat [just like mommy!] She has her Daddy’s eyes and long eyelashes and my ears, mouth and nose. She does the cutest little things with her hands. I adore everything about her!
What do you enjoy about the Pittsburgh area?
Well, my best friend and her amazing family live in Pittsburgh so I enjoy them the most! But the city itself is great! I love the diversity! There are many little areas with their own vibe. There are so many different kinds of people and the activities, events, food, shopping, art and culture reflect that. Its never boring in Pittsburgh. And pirogies.
What are your family’s favorite things to do in and around Pittsburgh?
We love La Gourmand , The Strip, relaxing in the parks, the Cathedral of Learning at PITT, strolling the endless museums and exploring the cute little neighborhoods with my bestie!
Tell us about your home.
We live in an older neighborhood with lots of young families moving in and our backyard links to the community park. Our place was built in the 40’s so no open floor plan here, but I like every room to have its own atmosphere, so that’s ok. I’d say my style is eclectic you never know what you’ll find. I hope our place is cozy and inviting.
In your opinion, what are the best shops around Pittsburgh to buy decor for your home?
Pittsburgh has great antique stores, flea markets and garage sales! I usually start there when looking for decor. As far as stores go, Roxanne’s and Ikea are my favorite! There are a lot of amazing small design shops near our home but they’re too expensive for me to say I actually shop in them…
Describe a typical day in your life as a new mother with a newborn baby.
A typical day at home with our newborn:
3am feeding, up at 7am.
Nursing every 2 hours with diaper changes and naps sprinkled throughout. I might get dressed, I might not
My husband is home so we take turns caring for and adoring our tiny human.
We eat when we remember.
We go outside whenever we can.
Hard out for all at 9pm and we may sleep 5-8 hrs straight.
Our baby is nice to us.
How did you prepare for your newborn lifestyle session?
Oh my gosh! I didn’t prepare for my lifestyle session! Our baby came early and I was totally sleep deprived! I showered (which was a great accomplishment) and tidied up by throwing stuff in laundry baskets and hiding them in the closet. I didn’t pick out fancy clothes but I did wear something clean. Still, we got wonderful photos!!!
What is your favorite portrait from your lifestyle session?
I think my favorite is of Aaron holding Meara on the couch in our living room. Just because I always dreamed of seeing that and now its real. Its not staged but a beautiful snap of what I get to see everyday now and I want to remember that.
How did you decide to schedule a newborn lifestyle session with Laura Mares Photography?
I’ve known Laura for, let’s just say a long time. I’ve always loved the style and quality of her work, even when they were just Tourist Thursday snaps in Prague! I’ve always planned on marking all of my family’s important events with Laura’s photography! I was gifted a Lifestyle session and I’m so grateful! We struggled for so long to create our family and I love every chance to remember it. I really appreciate the beautiful photos I have of my family who are now gone, the little windows into their lives. I want to make sure my daughter has that.
