A Weekend Recap

Somehow, I made it through my first dance season with Charlee. I never thought in a million years that I’d be a dance mom. Yet, here I am. I drop her off at dance practices and navigate the complexities of toddler tutu’s and tap shoe sizes. Sidebar, tap shoe sizing for toddlers is crazy. Either Charlee’s feet have grown overnight, or it’s just inconsistent sizing across the board.

We had a busy lineup last week. Charlee graduated pre-k and had her big dance recital. An unsleepover celebration followed, which really just ended up being a bunch of exhausted kids. The parents hoped the next toddler meltdown would end quickly. In any case, me and my dance mom friends survived the weekend and now summer can officially start.

By the way, in between all this craziness, I shot my first dance video for a friend of mine. I don’t do much videography. I really lean into my comfort zone, which is photography and photography editing. However, this was a much needed confidence booster. I’ve never truly seen myself as a videographer. I went to school for communications. I specifically remember my video production professor saying I was a much better actor. He said that videography wasn’t it for me. That stuck with me. I lost the motivation to learn more about it. I lost the motivation to practice and fine tune my problems areas. All that said, I always end up making videos. These are either for clients or brands I’ve worked with in the past. This has forced me to fine tune those weak areas. I did exactly what my professor advised against. I’ve significantly improved since then. It’s a skill set I’m proud to say I have. Lesson for the day…your purpose will follow you no matter what people say. So you might as well do the thing that you aren’t good at. Especially if it’s your calling. Just because others don’t see it, doesn’t mean you can’t work on it. Another lesson, you’re not always going to be good at it the first time you try. You have to keep working at it. Discipline and consistency breeds results

Anyway, didn’t mean to go off on a rant. At my big age, I’m learning so much more. I actually have time to sit with my thoughts. I have children that hold me accountable and are counting on me. This is my favorite and least favorite thing about parenthood. I love that they look to me as the example, but it’s a lot of pressure.

Keep scrolling for even more pics from last week’s shenanigans.

Enjoy!

Until next time, friends!

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie


Reflecting on Motherhood During Our Beach Adventure

Started off the new year taking a very chilly trip to the beach a few hours away. We love going to the beach this time of year because it’s calm and very few people are there. This was Baby’s Si’s first visit to the beach and was just taking it all in. He was so observant. He stood around and enjoyed the sounds of the waves crashing. He felt the sand seep through his tiny fingers. I have to always remind myself that most experiences my kids have are their first. They haven’t been here long and so I enjoy watching them discover, explore and take everything in. It’s a beautiful thing. My mom use to say, my fun is your fun. Now that I’m a mom, I understand. When I see them learning, growing, and enjoying, I feel that is my learning, growing, and enjoying. Motherhood is a mix of so many emotions I sometimes have a hard time articulating. It’s a bittersweet journey of wanting them to grow-up but not wanting them to grow-up too. I want them to be safe, but I also want them to take risks. I want them to be independent, but I also want them to want me. This journey has ups and downs. I feel guilty yet proud simultaneously. At times, I feel confused but also assured. I feel wanted but also overwhelmed from being wanted so much. Now that I don’t have my mom, I feel a sense of sadness. My kiddos will never experience how truly awesome she was. I’m left to stories and pictures. That’s okay. I mourn what could have been. However, I am hopeful I can effectively communicate what was.

Anyway, enough sadness for today….

Here’s some pics from our first family trip. I hope you enjoy.

Till next time…

Sincerely,

Deidra Marie