Soon after Scarlett was born, a mama-to-be asked me how I found motherhood. It made me really think and realize motherhood found me. To be 100% honest I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but I was also terrified I wouldn’t know what to do. I hadn’t been around newborns much, so I was scared I wouldn’t know how to be a mom. Jake and I took a “newborns 101” class, but it was virtual due to COVID. We practiced with a doll, but we had never changed a dirty diaper on a real baby. We learned how to do that in the hospital. I’ll never forget after Scarlett was born, I sent Jake to go pick up sushi for my first meal after labor. I was terrified to be alone and was praying he would be quick. Within just a day, that fear quickly went away. I feel like motherhood/parenthood is a natural thing that just happens and the best advice I’ve ever been given was “God made you the perfect mama for Scarlett.”
The moment I met Scarlett was one I will never forget. As soon as the doctor handed her to me, she hugged me and it was the most beautiful moment I’ve ever experienced. I exclusively breastfeed (I’ll share more about my journey one day soon), but I’ll never forget how hard it was at first and I felt like I had no clue what I was doing. Scarlett grabbed my hand and in that moment I knew it would be okay. When I look into her eyes I see God’s grace in her tiny face. Motherhood puts things in perspective and has reminded me to not sweat the small stuff. It’s the hardest, but most rewarding, job I’ve ever had. I am on call 24/7 with her, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Other mamas have also been critical in helping me find motherhood. Us mamas are in it together and have to stick together. Being a mom is a bond that I can’t describe. Motherhood has been such an amazing journey; I’ve reunited with old friends through motherhood and it’s bonded us again over our babies. We’re always looking out for each other and sharing what works for us.
Motherhood is hard, but when Scarlett smiles it melts my heart. Every day is truly getting better and God knew I needed her. Scarlett is now 3 months old and I don’t know where the time has gone.
About Our Outfits:
Scarlett is actually wearing one of my Feltman Brothers dresses from my childhood. It’s amazing how well it’s held up. Jake helped us capture these precious photos. I’m wearing a Chicwish dress and absolutely love this one. I’m wearing a small and it was a little tight in my chest, but still worked. I wore pink so much during my pregnancy and am loving blue now. This dress was perfect for our little family picnic photoshoot and would be great at the beach too. It gives me Love Shack Fancy vibes. Although we’re not really going anywhere, I’m finding it important to still get dressed up and document every precious moment.
Shop Our Outfits:
Courtney’s Dress C/O | Scarlett’s Dress | Blanket
This is beautiful! I love your words here and the advice that you are the perfect mother for Scarlett. She is lucky to have you!! This post makes me excited to meet our little one too!
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Aw thank you so much for your kind words, Katherine! You are going to be the best mama ever.
Thank you for sharing and being so honest!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
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Thank you so much for reading. 🙂
Beautiful post, Courtney! So true – it is the hardest, most rewarding job in the world. Congrats again on your little Scarlett, she’s a beauty!
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Aw thank you so much for the kind words, Dina! It really is the best job in the world and I am so thankful to be her mama.
These photos turned out amazing! What a sweet post – she has a wonderful mama!!
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You’re so sweet. Thank you, Jenna.
Thank you for sharing! This was beautiful, and so reassuring. My husband and I haven’t taken any classes due to covid and we hit the halfway point in our pregnancy today (20 weeks). It’s starting to feel more and more real and I keep wondering if I’m ready, since the pandemic means I’ll have less support than a first time mom usually does! I’m glad everything is going so well for you and I hope I have the same good fortune. Oh, and sushi is my first post-delivery meal request, too!! 😛
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Aww thank you so much, Danai! You will do amazing. 🙂 Yes, sushi is a must.
This is so sweet and love your dress too!
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Thanks girl!
She is so precious 🖤
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Aw thank you.
Hi Courtney, when our daughter was born we had never changed a dirty diaper either! If i had 50c for all the diapers we changed since we would be so rich! Scarlett is gorgeous and definitely has God’s grace . I can see how easy it is to melt your heart when you see her! What beautiful Mother Daughter dresses you both have! I really love the chicwish dress on you, so feminine, and Scarlett is very cute in hers , how nice that it was your dress originally! Have a great Sunday with your family, Terri xo.
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Hi Terri! I am so glad to hear we’re not the only ones who hadn’t changed a dirty diaper. Oh yes, you learn fast and go thru many. Aww thank you, we are so in love. 🙂
I love how your dress your little one. That bow is the cutest!
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Thank you so much
I really am grateful for how open and honest you are with your journey, Courtney. Scarlett is just darling. She looks so much like you in these photos!
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Aww thank you, Lindsey.